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, 1,875 reviews
Exceptional · 1,875 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, 1,062 reviews
Superb · 1,062 reviews
Set in Höfn in the South Iceland region, REY Stays - House features a garden. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,171 reviews
Superb · 1,171 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.
Freya Farm is located in Steinsholt and features a garden. There is a terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV.
Guest review
The host is very nice and the breakfast is delicious. We had a wonderful day.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 34 reviews
Soti Lodge has a shared lounge, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Fljot. Featuring a concierge service, this property also provides guests with a children's playground.
Guest review
Nice and cozy lodge
Friendly host
Fine food and drinks for affordable prices
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 56 reviews
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
The room service breakfast and fantastic view
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 361 reviews
Hofsstadir - Country Hotel has a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Hofstaðir. The hotel features both free WiFi and free private parking.
Guest review
I liked the room, which is spacious enough and very well organized. I liked the breakfast with local products. The view is beautiful. A very tranquil place.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 648 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
It's a beautiful aesthetic property. Clean and accommodating with all facilities available for us. The views are amazing, and you are living inside a natures playground.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 110 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
What's not to like, it's a top tier hotel without being generic and bland like most of the classic intercontinental brands.
Attention to detail, comfort, and good taste are the first things that come to mind when entering and leaving the hotel.
Overall amazing experience. Make sure you book for a heliski tour, I found out about it too late.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,206 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
Beautiful place and perfect to discover the area or stay on the way farther South. The main building has a very cozy lounge and bar area. The employees were very kind and helpful. The breakfast was delicious but the best part were the outdoor hot tubs. With a perfect view over the valley to watch northern lights. All in all i would recommend this to anyone.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 885 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
Absolutely incredible people. Have rarely met so lovely, accommodating and genuinely kind people - even at other 5* hotels. Always with a smile and ready to help. Rooms are fantastic with great views of the horse stables and endless greenery. Very comfortable beds with down pillows/duvets in elegantly decorated rooms. The food was outstanding - we had 2 lunches and 2 dinners there. Highly recommend!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 343 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
One of the best hotels I've ever had the pleasure of staying. Gorgeous architecture combined with a beautiful view from all the rooms. Amazing facilities both in the room as well as in the hotel. Wonderful hot tubs with an amazing outside sauna. Had the luck to see the northern lights as well. Very kind and helpful staff and comfy beds. A bit pricey, but definitely worth every penny.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 1,875 reviews
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