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At Hotel Ranga in Iceland, we’re calling all photographers to apply to become our first official ‘northern lights catcher’. We’re looking for a full-time photographer who can spend a month capturing the aurora borealis in Iceland. We’ll provide the room and board, access to our world-class Ranga Observatory, and flights to and from Iceland.
We’re looking for someone to come during peak northern lights season, between September and October. We frequently post northern lights photos on our Instagram (@hotelranga) and are looking to fill our inventory of images.
Hotel Ranga is the perfect place to view the northern lights because of our remote location, which is away from the light pollution of the city lights increasing your chance to see the Aurora.
We offer northern lights hotel services that include opting-in to a wake-up call when the lights are spotted, warm snowsuits to borrow, cozy lookouts. As well as the Hotel Ranga Observatory with expert astronomers on staff to guide you to the best views, and instruct you on our solar system.
In fact, Forbes named Hotel Ranga one of the 22 best places to see the northern lights in the world. We also have luxury rooms and dining available.
Check out our blog post about photographing the northern lights.
Apply to be our First Northern Lights Catcher
Apply now to be our professional northern lights catcher. You’ll need to provide your social media presence, photography experience and tell us why you think you would be a good lights catcher.
Check out some of the amazing aurora shots photographers have captured from Hotel Ranga; yours could be next.
20th of August 2021 we closed for applications. Thank you for the interest.
When can I see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
You can see the northern lights in Iceland anytime between late August and early April. There isn’t one best time or month to catch the northern lights. Although, the best time of day is between 6 pm and 4 am.
However, there is no guarantee exactly when the lights will appear – sometimes the sky just surprises us! But, there are aurora forecasts to help predict when the northern lights might appear, like the Icelandic Vedur Weather Forecast and Aurora Forecast Service.
What are the Northern Lights
The northern lights, visible in the northern hemisphere, are a natural phenomenon when electrically charged particles from the sun collide into the earth’s atmosphere. The scientific name for northern lights is Aurora Borealis, which comes from the Roman goddess ‘Aurora’ who would announce the coming of the sun.
A common myth is that it has to be cold to view the northern lights, but the main requirement to see the northern lights is darkness and a clear sky. They actually would be visible year-round if there was more darkness year-round.
In what countries can I see the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis?
There are several places that you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights, but Hotel Ranga in Iceland offers a unique experience because it has virtually no light pollution, allowing you to see 2500 stars with the naked eye, and hosts Iceland’s only public observatory within walking distance.
Our concierges are happy to help you plan your trip to Iceland. After booking your stay at Hotel Rangá don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions regarding the northern lights, unique adventure tours in South Iceland, or any other questions regarding visiting Iceland.
What are the COVID restrictions to travel to Iceland?
Iceland‘s borders are open to most countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Asia. Current travel restrictions do require visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have evidence of a previous infection. Starting July 27th, 2021, visitors must also present a negative PCR test before boarding any flight or boat to Iceland.
Due to these restrictions, we will be accessing vaccination status in the Lights Catcher application, which will weigh into our decision.
News about the light catcher opportunity
Good Morning America: Iceland hotel seeks photographer to capture northern lights
DIYPhotography.net: Iceland Hotel Wants Your Aurora Photos In Exchange For A Free Month’s Stay
Matadornetwork: Win a free month at this luxury hotel in Iceland if you shoot the northern lights
