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Where is the best place to stay in Iceland for northern lights?
We believe that Hotel Rangá is the best hotel in Iceland to see the northern lights. In fact, our luxury property is conveniently located in the heart of south Iceland. Hotel Rangá is just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Reykjavík and 2 hours from Keflavík International Airport. Furthermore, our property is easily accessible–we are located just off road 1 between the towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur.
Even better, Hotel Rangá is located in the countryside away from light pollution. Without excess light pollution, it is much easier to watch the northern lights should they appear. Hotel Rangá offers luxury accommodation, gourmet dining and excellent service. Our staff go above and beyond to ensure that your stay is not only comfortable but outstanding.
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Iceland?
In Iceland, the northern lights are visible from September to March. Due to several factors, it is hard to predict which month is the best month to see the northern lights. In order to see the northern lights, we need clear, dark skies and solar activity.
We can’t predict the weather or the level of solar activity with 100% accuracy. Even if the weather forecast looks completely cloudy, there is always a chance that the clouds could clear. In fact, we would say that the unpredictability of the northern lights makes them that much more magical.
Can you see the northern lights even when it is cloudy?
It depends on several factors. Sometimes the sky can appear quite clear–yet in reality, there is a high level of cloud cover barely visible to the human eye. In this instance, we would not be able to see the northern lights.
However, sometimes we can experience a very clear sky with a few small patches of low lying clouds. In this example, we would still be able to see the northern lights “around” the clouds. In general, there is a better chance of seeing the northern lights when there is no cloud cover whatsoever.
Is it worth booking a northern lights tour in Iceland?
If you stay at Hotel Rangá, it is not necessary to book a northern lights tour. Our secluded property is located in the Icelandic countryside, far from any light pollution. Should the aurora appear, we offer guests an excellent spot to watch the show in luxury and comfort. What’s more, we offer incredible amenities to enjoy while you wait for the northern lights.
Indulge in a gourmet meal at the Hotel Rangá restaurant. Our chefs cook with the freshest ingredients, focusing on local Icelandic cuisine with a modern twist. Fancy a glass of wine with your meal? Our extensive wine list features delicious bottles from around the world.
Relax in one of Hotel Rangá’s geothermal hot tubs with a freshly made cocktail from the Rangá Bar. Feeling like a game night? Hotel Rangá’s game room has a pool table, chess set and plenty of board games.
Worried about missing the northern lights while you are having fun? The Hotel Rangá staff will notify you if the aurora begins to dance–at anytime of day or night. Yes, we even offer a special aurora wake-up call for all of our guests. Make sure to be prepared with your camera, coat, hat and gloves. We never know how long the aurora will stay after it is sighted.
A northern lights tour will take you out into the countryside to look for the lights. However, it is not guaranteed that you will see the northern lights on these tours–they are subject to the same weather conditions and solar activity as all of south Iceland. Usually, a northern lights tour will cost at minimum 30.000 ISK per person.
How long should I stay in Iceland to see the Northern Lights?
We recommend that Hotel Rangá guests stay at our luxury property for 4 to 5 nights. This gives you a better chance to see the northern lights. Iceland is notorious for its unpredictable weather. This can of course affect our chances of seeing the northern lights. There is also the factor of solar activity–we cannot fully predict when solar storms will be the strongest.
We created Hotel Rangá’s Age of Aurora package for guests hoping to see the aurora. This four-night package is available from October to April and offers savings of 25%. Enjoy accommodation for four consecutive nights, breakfast and a welcome drink upon arrival. You can also enjoy our Hotel Rangá observatory and geothermal hot tubs.
How do I plan a trip to see the northern lights in Iceland?
If you want to plan a trip to see the northern lights in Iceland, you will first need to decide which month you want to visit Iceland. You can choose any month from September to March. Every month offers a chance to see the northern lights.
The fall is a lovely time to experience Iceland. Leaves change colors, Icelanders go berry picking and the sunrises and sunsets are epic. Winter is also a great season to visit Iceland. The days grow shorter until late December, offering more chances to see the northern lights. What’s more, there is a chance of a snowy winter wonderland.
If you are able to book on short notice, that could be a good idea. We are able to see the aurora forecast up to one week in advance. Do be aware that the aurora forecast is never 100% accurate. However, a last minute booking can give you a better chance to see the aurora.
How often can you see the northern lights?
On average, we see the northern lights 10 – 15 times per month at Hotel Rangá. This number can be more or less depending on the weather and the solar activity.
We believe that Hotel Rangá is the best hotel to see the northern lights in Iceland. We look forward to welcoming you to our luxury property. Book your northern lights stay in Iceland today.
