Where To Stay Near Reykjavik To See Bright Northern Lights
If seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of your Iceland bucket list, you’re not alone. But here’s something many travellers don’t realise: Reykjavik might not be the best base for aurora chasing.
Between light pollution and unpredictable weather, your chances are way better just outside the city in areas like Vogar, Hella or Hrosshagi. This is especially true if you’re visiting in March, when sightings are still frequent but crowds are lighter.
After multiple short trips to Iceland (including one where I watched the lights dance above me from a hot tub!), I’ve found the sweet spots that balance convenience with awe-inspiring views.
This guide covers exactly where to stay near Reykjavik to see bright Northern Lights and tips on how to maximise your chances of seeing them, like using aurora apps, and how to capture them using just your phone’s camera.
Let’s find your perfect place to stay so you can actually see the Northern Lights, not just book a tour and cross your fingers.
Why Reykjavik isn’t ideal for northern light sightings
Iceland’s capital city is fun, vibrant and conveniently located for the international airport – especially if you’re not hiring a car. And every visit to the country should include a stop here.
But while staying in Reykjavik has its advantages – more choice of hotels, close to bars and restaurants, and convenient for sightseeing and tours – it’s not ideal for seeing the Northern Lights due to light pollution.
The city’s bright lights make it harder to spot the aurora borealis in the night sky, especially if they aren’t shining too brightly. You can of course book a tour, but booking for the best night before they sell out can be tricky.
Best locations near Reykjavik for watching Northern Lights on a short trip
If you’re able to, I highly recommend staying outside of Reykjavik for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights from your accommodation.
If you’re on a short trip, you won’t want to stray too far or you’ll spend too much of your break driving.
With this in mind, the best locations close to Reykjavik but away from its light pollution include Vogar, Hrosshagi and Hella.
Vogar
Vogar is situated about half way between Keflavik airport and Reykjavik, making it super convenient for sightseeing in the south-west. Its coastline faces north, which gives it an advantage.
Hrosshagi
A secluded area in the middle of the Golden Circle route, and home to the Buubble Hotel with its famous bubble/igloo bedrooms.
Hella & Hvolsvöllur
Hella is about mid-way between Reykjavik and Vik, so can also be combined with Golden Circle sightseeing and the famous ‘diamond beach’, if that’s on your Iceland bucket list. Nearby hotels include the luxury countryside lodge Hotel Rangá.
Thingvellir National Park
Another Golden Circle and prime Northern Lights viewing spot, this area offers dark skies and hotels like the ION Adventure Hotel.
Grindavik
A countryside location close to the Blue Lagoon is another great area to book accommodation if you want a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The Northern Light Inn is a popular base for this exact purpose.
Find your perfect accommodation using the interactive map below, or read on for my top recommendations.
Best Northern Lights accommodation near Reykjavik for aurora viewing
If you’re keen to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your accommodation, here’s my top recommended stay. Here you’ll have a better chance at seeing the aurora, especially if they stay hidden until the early hours.
Ocean Front Villa, Vogar
I had the absolute pleasure of staying in this wonderful villa during my last visit to Iceland, and it’s no surprise to see it has gained many more perfect reviews since.
This spacious one-bedroom ground-floor apartment not only provided a kitchen for us to prepare meals and hot drinks for our days sightseeing, but offered a bubbling hot tub for us to warm up in at night.
Its countryside and coastal surroundings and lack of external lights also made it the perfect place to watch the Northern Lights burn brightly overhead.
My favourite memory was watching the green light trails dancing above us from the comfort and warmth of the jacuzzi. It was just magical. We got to see full-on aurora shows on two of our three nights there.
With friendly, helpful hosts, off-road car parking and all the home comforts you could need, it was the perfect base for our short south-west Iceland trip in March. It was also perfectly located for a scenic walk along the icy beach to the nearby Narfakot lighthouse. Just make sure you wrap up warm!
We had a fantastic stay at Ocean Front Villa. It was so tranquil, so beautiful, and those golden sunsets? Wow!
Fancy being a guest here?
Book Ocean Front Villa Now
and watch the Northern Lights from your private hot tub
Tips for booking accommodation near Reykjavik for Northern Lights spotting
Avoid city lights
It’s simple, but one of the most important tips for seeing those lights is to get away from the city and anywhere with bright lights. Check the map and reviews before you book.
Stay multiple nights
Staying just one night really narrows your chances of seeing the aurora borealis. If you can stay more, do. We stayed in Vogar for three nights, and caught a glimpse of them on the first night, then got a full on light show on the second and third nights.
Book accommodation in advance
The best accommodation books up early, so get your reservation made as far in advance as possible. As soon as you know your flight dates, sort out a place to stay.
Check the weather forecast for clear skies
Keep a close eye on the weather forecast for a clear sky. If it’s overcast, it’s much harder to spot the northern lights, although it’s still possible to see them between gaps in the clouds.
Use aurora apps
You’ll only see the Northern Lights when the aurora activity levels are high. The best way to check this is to use apps and websites like My Aurora Forecast and Glendale app. The Aurorasaurus website also shows reported sightings close to you, so you know when to head outdoors.
Let your eyes adjust
It’s no good peering through a window and hoping you’ll see the Northern Lights. You’ll stand a much better chance if you stay outside in the dark for a little while and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. The colours will appear brighter, and more vivid too. Just be sure to wrap up warm, with touchscreen compatible gloves to protect your hands from wind-burn.
How to capture Northern Lights with a phone camera
You don’t need an expensive camera to capture some amazing photos and video of the Northern Lights.
I actually captured this photo from my back garden using only my phone – no tripod, no bluetooth button, nothing, because I didn’t have these easily available at the time. But if you have these items to hand, you can get better shots and pictures with you in them.
In Iceland, I used a tripod to set up this shot of me (it’s better if you can weigh the tripod down with a bag to stabilise it from the wind). Then I used a bluetooth button to start the shot.
If you have an iPhone, it should automatically set itself to night mode. And if the phone is perfectly still, you can get up to 30 seconds exposure. I find that a little long, so try manually setting to 15 and see how it looks.
Then use either the timer to start the shot, a bluetooth button, a pair of wired headphones or the accessibility voice commands to begin the exposure. Stand very still until you know it’s finished!
I explain the process in more detail in this Instagram reel:
FAQ
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is magical, but it can also raise a lot of questions. From when to go to where to stay, travellers often want practical tips before booking. These FAQs cover the essentials so you can plan with confidence.
Where is the best place to stay in South West Iceland to see the Northern Lights?
Remote countryside hotels and cabins away from light pollution, especially near Thingvellir, Hella, and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik?
Yes sometimes, but the bright city lights make it harder. Staying just outside the city gives you a much better chance.
What months are best for Northern Lights in Iceland?
From late September to early April, when nights are long and skies are darker. My post on the best month to visit Iceland can help you decide when’s best to visit.
Do I need to stay up all night to see the aurora?
Not always. Peak times are usually between 9pm and 2am, but it can happen anytime in darkness depending on cloud cover and aurora activity.
Do hotels in Iceland offer Northern Lights wake-up calls?
Yes, many countryside hotels – including Hotel Rangá – provide wake-up calls if the lights appear during the night.
What should I wear to watch the Northern Lights?
Dress in warm layers, with thermal base layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof outerwear – it gets cold waiting outside. Read my Iceland packing list post for tips.
How can I improve my chances of seeing the lights?
Stay multiple nights, go to dark areas, check aurora forecasts, and be patient – sometimes it takes hours.
Can I see the Northern Lights if it’s cloudy?
No. Clear skies are essential, so checking the cloud forecast is just as important as the aurora forecast.
Do I need a car to chase the Northern Lights?
A car helps to escape well-lit areas, but if you’re staying in the countryside, you can often see them from your hotel. Check out my guide to hiring a car in Iceland and enjoy your trip on your own timetable.
Can I photograph the Northern Lights with a phone?
Yes, newer smartphones work well with night mode, but use a tripod and night mode for for the best results.
So if you’re hoping to catch the aurora from a bubbling hot tub or wake up to the lights dancing outside your window, these stays near Reykjavik give you the best possible chance without venturing too far from the city.
Don’t wait until everything’s booked out; Northern Lights season is popular for a reason! Secure your dream stay today, then make sure you’re prepared for those chilly Icelandic nights by checking out my ultimate Iceland packing list. You’ll be glad you did when the skies light up and you’re ready to enjoy every second.
