We know how much our winter guests dream of seeing the Northern Lights. This magical show of green and purple lights dancing across the dark sky is simply unforgettable. Sightings cannot be guaranteed as the Northern Lights are a fickle phenomenon. Sometimes they’ll make only a fleeting appearance; other times they’ll dance across the night sky for hours.
After solar activity and clear skies, one of the most important factors to think about is location. While it can be fun to embark on a Northern Lights chase, it’s also an indulgent treat to view the aurora from where you are staying. You’ll ideally need to select somewhere rural, though if you prefer to be based in a built-up area, there are plenty of smaller settlements where light pollution shouldn’t be a problem.
It’s worth mentioning that some hotels offer wake-up calls so that guests can sleep soundly, safe in the knowledge that if the aurora shows up, they won’t miss a thing. Others have oversized picture windows to maximise the view, so you won’t need to step outside into the cold, or private terraces from which you can duck inside whenever you wish. Many have hot tubs that are located in just the right place for bathers to enjoy the Northern Lights overhead as they relax and unwind in the warm water.
With all this in mind, if you’re looking for luxury hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights viewing, then we’d recommend taking a look at this list of tried and tested properties. Each offers a luxurious setting where quality, comfort, and service combine to ensure a memorable stay. Our Iceland Northern Lights journeys are fully customizable, but for inspiration, let’s take a look at some of our favorite places to stay.