Volcanoes, ice caves, hot springs, Northern Lights, waterfalls, glaciers, spouting geysers. It's hard to imagine all these natural wonders on one island with a population of around 300,000. Iceland's otherworldly landscape is a fitting setting for the Vikings who once inhabited the 'land of ice and fire'. Take a drive around Iceland's ring road in a 4x4 and you'll feel like you're on another planet. One minute you'll be cruising past the tumbling waters of Gullfoss and the next you'll be alongside the eerily beautiful black-sand beach of Vik. Don't leave without taking a dip in a hot spring. If you want to avoid the crowds of the Blue Lagoon, other options include Mývatn in the north and the hot streams of the Reykjadalur valley. The elusive Northern Lights feature on many a bucket list. There's no sure way to see them but it’s more likely during the winter months between September and April. Although it’s a lively city, you can see most of Reykjavik in a couple of days, and it’s secondary to the natural wonders the rest of the island has to offer. Main sights include the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church and the National Museum exhibiting the country's compelling history and culture. As the capital, Reykjavik offers the biggest choice of accommodation with a variety of hostels, hotels and apartments. A number of cosy guesthouses are dotted along the ring road but note that many are closed during the winter months.
Top picks for hotels in Iceland
Try one of these popular and highly-rated Iceland hotels
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 1,758 reviews
Exceptional · 1,758 reviews
Set in Jökulsárlón, 11 km from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,141 reviews
Superb · 1,141 reviews
Set 27 km from Hella and 12 km from Laugaland, Landhotel features a garden, bar and free WiFi. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,242 reviews
Superb · 1,242 reviews
Bjork Guesthouse, a property with a garden, is located in Laugarvatn, 25 km from Thingvellir National Park, 29 km from Geysir, as well as 39 km from Gullfoss Waterfall.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,674 reviews
Superb · 1,674 reviews
Vík Apartments enjoys a location in Vík, just 300 metres from Black Sand Beach and 34 km from Skogafoss Waterfall. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and parking on-site.
Located on the 20th floor of a contemporary glass tower, these stylish penthouse suites are in central Reykjavik and feature panoramic views of the city or sea. Free WiFi is included.
Guest review
Everything was perfect! Very helpful staff, wonderful view, big and comfortable apartment. Good embankment for walking.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 367 reviews
Located in Iðunnarstaðir, 43 km from Thingvellir National Park, Basalt Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar.
Guest review
Everything was perfect and beyond our expectation. Love the super large window everywhere which let you see aurora so easily. Abundant breakfast buffet and tasty burger for dinner menu. Staff super kind. Room is nicely designed and bed super comfy. Bathroom is also elegant and clean.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 980 reviews
ÖÖD Hekla Horizon - Mirror Houses is situated in Hella. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub.
Guest review
Location was amazing. The place was pure luxury, from the beautiful crockery to the soft bedding. Warm and comfy. Staff/Owners were respectful and there if you needed anything at all.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 87 reviews
Siglo Hotel by Keahotels in Siglufjörður has 4-star accommodation with a terrace and a bar. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a shared lounge, as well as a sauna and a hot tub.
Guest review
One of my favorite location in the world. And as guide, I travel a lot. Superlative for everything: location, staff, food, breakfast.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,212 reviews
Located in Hvolsvöllur, 16 km from Seljalandsfoss, Skálakot Manor Hotel provides accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Guest review
We had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. The breakfast was absolutely delicious and varied; the grandma's pancakes are a must-try! We were also lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights during our visit, which was an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this hotel – you won't be disappointed!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 350 reviews
Welcome to Aurora Lodge Hotel, where adventure awaits! Our complex of 8 charming buildings sits right on the banks of the East Rangá River, just a stone's throw from the Icelandic Route 1 (Ring Road)...
Guest review
People service, hot tub, breakfast
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 994 reviews
Set in Jökulsárlón, 11 km from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Guest review
This is the best hotel I have ever stayed in! Everything is perfect. Higher recommended!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 1,758 reviews
Set in Geysir, 100 metres from Geysir, Hotel Geysir offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Guest review
The hotel is beautiful. It is well maintained, clean and in a perfect location. The breakfast buffet is amazing, there are even mimosas. Lots of space to lounge in the lobby and have fun. It is also quiet and the hallways and rooms are spacious. Lovely stay! The restaurant for dinner was also amazing.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,791 reviews
Luxury beds and power showers are offered at Hótel Egilsen. Baldur Ferry Terminal and boats to the West Fjords and Flatey island are 300 metres away. Wi-Fi is free.
Guest review
The staff and their welcome were beyond wonderful!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 714 reviews
Offering natural hot springs, free Wi-Fi and an in-house restaurant, this farmhouse hotel is in Iceland’s wild Westfjords. Súdavík village is within a 1-hour drive.
Guest review
I loved it.
Raw and unapologetic, authentic and real.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 718 reviews
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