Best hotels in Southern Iceland for Northern Lights viewing
Ideal for aurora chasers who want to combine dramatic Icelandic landscapes with comfortable, well-positioned bases across the South Coast and Golden Circle. These hotels span key dark-sky corridors from Hveragerði to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, offering geothermal pools, glacier views, and minimal light pollution right outside the door.
Asborgir,
Asborgir, 30
Outdoor hot tubs in the Golden Circle region offer an ideal vantage point for watching the aurora overhead
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Klausturvegur 6
Set in Kirkjubæjarklaustur amid lava fields and canyon country, an hour from Skaftafell under famously dark skies
Hnappavellir,
Hnappavellir
Positioned near Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in a remote stretch of the south coast, one of Iceland's darkest aurora corridors
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Tunga
Nordic-designed rooms with views across lava fields and Vatnajökull Glacier make aurora spotting effortless from Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Hveragerdi,
Hverhamar
Geothermal hot tubs and an outdoor pool in Hveragerði let guests soak while scanning clear winter skies for the lights
Hella,
Rangarflatir 4
Situated on the Ring Road in Hella with jacuzzi access and open horizons across the southern interior plains
Hofn,
Hornafjordur
Views of Europe's largest glacier frame the property near Höfn, where low light pollution enhances aurora visibility on clear nights
Fludir,
Vesturbrun 1
Jacuzzi facilities and a quiet South Iceland village setting at Flúðir, midway along the Golden Circle aurora belt
Vik i Myrdal,
Slettuvegur 12-14
Steps from Vík's black sand beaches with open coastal skies that frame the northern lights over the Atlantic
Cabins and lodges along the South Iceland Ring Road
Ideal for road-trippers who want self-catering comfort with direct access to South Iceland's most dramatic scenery. These cabins and lodges are spread across the Ring Road corridor from Hvolsvöllur to Höfn, offering mountain and glacier views, fully equipped kitchens, and easy access to waterfalls, national parks, and black-sand beaches.
Hvolsvollur,
Eystra-Seljaland
Just 1.7 km from Seljalandsfoss with mountain views, garden terrace, and family-friendly lodge rooms
Steinar,
Nupakot
Perched 10 km from Skógafoss with sea and mountain views, fully equipped kitchen, and terrace
Vik i Myrdal,
Skammidalur 2 871 Vik
Self-contained cottages near Vík with lake and mountain views, 26 km from Skógafoss Waterfall
Vik i Myrdal,
Goetur
River-view cottages in Vík with a mountain-facing terrace and stovetop kitchen, 28 km from Skógafoss
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Efri-Vik
Private bungalows near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, 6 km from Systrafoss and close to Skaftafell National Park
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Holaskjol Halendismithstoeth Fjallabaksleith Nyrthri
Highland cabin base in Kirkjubæjarklaustur with mountain views, full kitchen, and hiking access
Hofn,
Lambleiksstathir
Glacier-facing cabins in Höfn, 49 km from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with fully equipped kitchenettes
Laugarvatn,
Eyvindartunga
Farm lodge with garden, terrace, and hiking and fishing access near Þingvellir National Park
Hvolsvollur,
Voellur 2
Mountain-view cabins in Hvolsvöllur with BBQ facilities and Seljalandsfoss reachable within 28 km
Hvolsvollur,
Hverfisvegur
Private lodge cabin in Hvolsvöllur with a hot tub, mountain views, and full kitchen, 16 km from Seljalandsfoss
Romantic hotels in Southern Iceland for couples
Southern Iceland is a natural backdrop for couples seeking dramatic scenery, seclusion, and intimate stays. These hotels span the region from the Golden Circle to the South Coast, offering Northern Lights experiences, hot tubs, spa retreats, riverside settings, and volcano views.
Hella,
Sudurlandsvegur
A riverside luxury retreat in Hella with a stargazing observatory and Northern Lights wake-up calls for couples
Nesjavellir,
Nesjavellir 801
Set on Mount Hengill near Thingvellir, this Design Hotels member pairs panoramic Nordic dining with spa and jacuzzi facilities
Selfoss,
Eyravegur 2
Beside River Ölfus, this spa hotel offers couples a sauna, steam room, and hot tub in a central South Iceland setting
Skogar (South Iceland),
Leirnavegur
At the foot of Eyjafjallajökull with sea views, a private beach area, and a terrace perfect for two
Vik i Myrdal,
Brekkur
Sweeping views of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and the Atlantic Ocean make this South Coast hotel a scenic couples retreat
Vik i Myrdal,
Hofdabrekka Road 1, Approx. 5 Km East Of Vik
Near Vik on the dramatic South Coast, with a free outdoor hot tub, sauna, and stunning volcanic landscape surroundings
Skogar (South Iceland),
Skogar
Positioned directly beside the iconic Skogafoss Waterfall, offering couples an unforgettable natural backdrop steps from their room
Hveragerdi,
Vellir
An eco-certified horse farm hotel near Reykjavik with a private outdoor hot tub and Icelandic horse riding for two
Hvolsvollur,
Eystri Ranga
Eight charming riverside buildings on the East Rangá near Hvolsvöllur, with jacuzzi access and a complimentary breakfast buffet
Haukadalur,
Brattholt
Just 3 km from Gullfoss Waterfall on the Hvíta River, with traditional Icelandic lamb and seafood dining and jacuzzi access
Best family friendly hotels in Southern Iceland - top picks across the region
Southern Iceland is an ideal destination for families seeking a mix of glacier views, waterfalls, and wide-open landscapes with comfortable places to stay. These hotels and guesthouses span the region from the Golden Circle to the South Coast, offering family rooms, free parking, hot tubs, playgrounds, and hearty breakfasts.
Hveragerdi,
Breidumork 1C
Outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna in Hveragerdi, just 45 km from Reykjavik with family rooms
Leirubakki,
Leirubakki
Outdoor swimming pool, children's playground and concierge service on a 4-star property in Hella
Eyvindarholar,
Lambafell, South Iceland
Log cabin-style family rooms at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull with an outdoor hot tub and glacier views
Laugarvatn,
Efstidalur 2
Family-run farm hotel on the Golden Circle with horse riding, traditional cooking and a geothermal hot tub
Holt (South Iceland),
Moldnupur 2
Family rooms and a hot tub in Holt, just 15 km from Seljalandsfoss with a full restaurant and terrace
Hella,
Hroarslaekur
Family-owned horse farm between the Golden Circle and South Coast with bright modern rooms and a sun terrace
Hvolsvollur,
Dufþaksbraut 14
Family-friendly base camp in Hvolsvöllur with a sauna, hot tub, restaurant and easy access to Seljalandsfoss
Gerdi,
Hali 2, Vatnajokull, Reynivellir, Is
Family rooms along the Ring Road with Vatnajökull Glacier and Atlantic Ocean views, 12 km from Jökulsárlón
Selfoss,
Lambastadir
Working farm guesthouse near Selfoss with free sauna, outdoor hot tub and a superb farm-fresh breakfast
Hofn,
Brunnholl
Family-run working dairy farm near Höfn serving homemade ice cream, with glacier and mountain views from every room
Best hotels near Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss in Southern Iceland
Ideal for travelers who want to explore Southern Iceland's most iconic waterfalls without long daily drives, this selection puts you within easy reach of both Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Properties range from a manor hotel with spa facilities to charming countryside stays, all offering free parking, free Wi-Fi, and hearty Icelandic breakfasts.
Skogar (South Iceland),
Skogarfoss
A 5-minute walk from Skógafoss, set at the foot of Eyjafjallajökull glacier in Skogar
Hvolsvollur,
Hlitharvegur 7-11
Sits in Hvolsvöllur with Seljalandsfoss just down the road, offering a full restaurant and family rooms
Hvolsvollur,
Skalakot
A 4-star manor with spa and terrace, 16 km from Seljalandsfoss in the Hvolsvöllur countryside
Skogar (South Iceland),
Drangshlid 1
Located in Skogar, 3.8 km from Skógafoss and 27 km from Seljalandsfoss, with a shared lounge and terrace
Hvolsvollur,
Dimonarvegur
Set just 7.7 km from Seljalandsfoss in Hvolsvöllur, with a garden restaurant and allergy-free rooms
Hvolsvollur,
Hellisholar
Quiet countryside hotel 17 minutes from Hella featuring a restaurant, bar, and an on-site children's playground
Hellisholar,
Smaratun
A sustainability-certified horse farm hotel with Eyjafjallajökull views and free Wi-Fi, 13 km from Hvolsvöllur
Hvolsvollur,
Rangarvallavegur
Boutique 4-star retreat in Hvolsvöllur with mountain views, a private sauna, and hot tub in each unit
Thykkvibaer,
Northur-Nyjabae Þykkvabae
Features Icelandic horses on site near Þykkvibær, with a spa, jacuzzi, and terrace overlooking the garden
Best budget hotels and hostels across Southern Iceland
Ideal for budget-conscious travellers exploring Iceland's dramatic south coast, Golden Circle, and glacier landscapes without overspending. These hostels and guesthouses offer free WiFi, free parking, shared kitchens, and easy access to landmarks like Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Geysir, and Vatnajökull Glacier.
Vik i Myrdal,
Northurfoss
A hostel near Vík set between Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and Iceland's southern coastline, with a bar on site
Skogar (South Iceland),
Vistarvegur 1
Steps from Skógafoss Waterfall and 30 km from Seljalandsfoss, with free WiFi and included bed linen
Hella,
Dynskalar
Based in Hella with an on-site restaurant, free parking, and a concierge to help plan day trips
Selfoss,
Austurvegur 28
Centrally located on Route 1 in Selfoss, offering simply furnished rooms and free parking for road-trippers
Hofn,
Hvannabraut 3
Overlooking Höfn Harbour and Vatnajökull Glacier, with staff who can arrange glacier tours and snowmobile trips
Fludir,
Efra-Sel Hostel
A garden hostel in Flúðir just 25 km from Geysir, with a shared kitchen and terrace for self-caterers
Hrifunes,
Hrifunesvegur
A remote mountain-view hostel in Hrífunes, 47 km from Fagrifoss, with free WiFi and private parking
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Hvoll Road 201
Set in South Iceland near Kirkjubæjarklaustur with mountain views, a shared kitchen, and BBQ facilities
Laugarvatn,
Heradsskoli
A converted 1920s school on the Golden Circle overlooking Lake Laugarvatn, with a bistro, bar, and tour desk
Haukadalur,
Kjoastathir 2
An Icelandic horse farm in Haukadalur Valley overlooking Geysir, offering horse riding tours and a guest lounge
Spa hotels and geothermal retreats across Southern Iceland
Ideal for travelers seeking rest and thermal relaxation amid Iceland's dramatic southern landscapes, this selection covers properties from the Westman Islands to the Selfoss corridor. Each hotel offers spa facilities, jacuzzi access, and free Wi-Fi, with several adding saunas, fitness centers, and full-service restaurants.
Hella,
Landborgir
A four-star retreat near Hella with spa, jacuzzi, garden, and a 24-hour front desk
Selfoss,
11 Eyravegur
Selfoss base with a dedicated spa centre, sauna, fitness room, and city-view rooms
Vestmannaeyjar,
Vestmannabraut 28
Central Vestmannaeyjar property offering free sauna access and jacuzzi on the Westman Islands
Best vacation rentals and holiday homes across Southern Iceland
Ideal for independent travelers and families who want the freedom of a fully equipped home base while exploring Southern Iceland's dramatic landscapes. Options span the South Coast near Vík and Skógafoss, the Golden Circle corridor, the Höfn area near Jökulsárlón, and the Vestmannaeyjar Islands, with self-catering kitchens, private parking, and scenic rural or coastal settings throughout.
Asolfsskali,
Asolfsskali
Farm cottages with hot tubs, BBQ terraces, and views of Eyjafjöll Mountain near the Ring Road
Vik i Myrdal,
Slettuvegur 4-8
Self-catering apartments just 300 metres from Vík's Black Sand Beach with a 24-hour front desk
Vestmannaeyjar,
Buhamar 2
Spacious hot-tub villas on Vestmannaeyjar with sea-view terraces and accessible facilities
Reykholt (Southern Iceland),
Eiriksbraut
Private villa with hot tub and sauna within 22 km of Geysir on the Golden Circle route
Hofn,
Reynivellir II
Chalets near Höfn with mountain-view terraces and fully equipped kitchens, only 12 km from Jökulsárlón
Selfoss,
Thoristun 1
Central Selfoss self-catering apartments with well-equipped kitchens, a 30-minute drive from Þingvellir
Selfoss,
Urrithafossvegur
River-view lodges with balconies, hot tub access, and mountain terraces near Urriðafoss Waterfall
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Fossar
Air-conditioned villa in Kirkjubæjarklaustur with a private garden, patio, and family rooms
Hvolsvollur,
Holmabaejarvegur 251, Midey Spilda 1
Allergy-free villa in Hvolsvöllur with sea and mountain views, 12 km from Seljalandsfoss
Selfoss,
Gunnarsbraut 7
Three-bedroom chalet with a private hot tub just 15 km from Geysir on the Golden Circle
Best hotels near Vatnajökull glacier in Southern Iceland
Ideal for adventurers and nature enthusiasts drawn to Europe's largest glacier, these hotels provide direct access to ice climbing, snowmobile trips, glacier lagoons, and Skaftafell National Park. Properties span the south-east corridor from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Höfn, offering panoramic glacier views, on-site restaurants with local cuisine, and strong amenity packages.
Skaftafell,
Freysnesi
Panoramic views of Vatnajökull and Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur, from the property
Nesjum,
Nesjum
Located along Route 1 just 5 minutes from Höfn, with direct proximity to Vatnajökull glacier
Hofn,
Ranarslo 3
Harbour-side setting in Höfn with glacier trips, ice climbing, and snowmobile excursions on the doorstep
Hofn,
Arnanes Ferdathjonusta
Family-run countryside hotel near Höfn offering family rooms, a restaurant, and bed bug-safe certified comfort
Kalfafell,
Nupar
Off Route 1 with sweeping views of Vatnajökull's lava fields, mountains, and glaciers; Skaftafell 45 km away
Gerdi,
Reynivellir
Positioned just 11 km from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with a fitness centre, restaurant, and concierge service
Skalafell,
Smyrlabjoerg
Farm hotel on the Ring Road near Höfn with Atlantic Ocean views and Hoffell Hot Springs 25 km away
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Efri-Vik
Hillside family-run hotel 6 km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, one hour's drive from Skaftafell National Park
Hofn,
Vikurbraut 20
Coastal Höfn hotel serving local cuisine with modern en-suite rooms and free parking in south-east Iceland
Farm stays and guesthouses across rural Southern Iceland
Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Icelandic experience away from the crowds, this selection covers guesthouses and rural retreats spread across Southern Iceland's most scenic corridors. From glacier-view farms near Vatnajökull to riverside guesthouses by Seljalandsfoss and highland hideaways close to Landmannalaugar, these properties offer genuine countryside character, home-cooked breakfasts, and direct access to Iceland's iconic landscapes.
Skalafell,
Skalafelli Ll
Set on an old farm just 600 metres from Vatnajökull National Park with marked hiking trails on-site
Skalafell,
Skalafell
A family-owned farm guesthouse beside Vatnajökull National Park with mountain views and an on-site restaurant
Sprengisandur,
Road No. 26
Basic highland accommodation near Mount Hekla and Landmannalaugar hiking trails, with a free sauna included
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Hunkuboekkum, Kirkjubaejarklaustur
Family-run rural guesthouse 8 km from Kirkjubæjarklaustur village, offering brightly decorated rooms and a restaurant
Solheimar,
Solheimar
Part of Sólheimar Eco-Village with mountain views and Thingvellir National Park just a 30-minute drive away
Skalatjorn,
Skalatjoern
Located on a working goat farm 20 km from Selfoss, offering homestay rooms and self-catering apartment options
Eyvindarholar,
Lambafell
Rural guesthouse 10 minutes from Seljalandsfoss Waterfall with Eyjafjöll Mountain views and extra-long beds as standard
Hlitharendi,
Fljotshlid
Countryside guesthouse in Hlíðarendi with a garden and sun terrace, 31 km from Seljalandsfoss
Kirkjubaejarklaustur,
Klausturvegur 1-5
Located next to the Ring Road in Kirkjubæjarklaustur with views of natural surroundings and a garden on-site
Borgarhofn,
Vagnsstathir
Beachfront rural guesthouse with pet horses on-site, 20 minutes from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon