Best Hotels In Iceland for Northern Lights for Families
Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights in Iceland with kids? Don’t just book any hotel.
You need one in the right location, far from light pollution, with comfy family rooms, and ideally, a hot tub under the stars.
We learned that the hard way and traveled back to Iceland in October, coming prepared. We stayed away from city lights and at areas known by aurora hunters as top places. And now I’m here to share our knowledge with you in hopes your family will be lucky enough to spot the Aurora Borealis yourselves!
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights for families. Each one picked for its kid-friendliness, excellent aurora views, and access to family tours.
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Why are these hotels your family’s best options?
All these hotels are located in prime Northern Lights regions. And most offer wake-up calls, child-friendly amenities, and cozy family suites.
We opted for a tour while on a family trip in Reykjavik and had no luck. We went back to Iceland in October a few years later and opted for accommodations in areas known as best places to spot the Northern Lights.
You’ll find options for all budgets: budget, mid-range and luxury so you can either mix it up, or pic the price range best fit for your family.
Almost all of the hotels offer excursions. Tours are available directly and with no or minimal age restrictions.
I broke it up into 2 sections. I’ll start by listing the top hotels for Northern Lights in Iceland South and West.
The second half of this article lists the best hotels for Northern Lights in Iceland North, East and the Highlands.
Family friendly hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights in South & West
Hotel Rangá *****
Price: €€€ | Area: Hella, South Iceland | Check Ratings
This is Iceland’s most famous Northern Lights hotel. And for good reason.
Located in Hella, far from any light pollution, Hotel Rangá has its own onsite observatory and offers aurora wake-up calls.
There’s plenty for families here too. Outdoor hot tubs, a game room, and spacious suites that fit the whole crew.
Guided Northern Lights tours leave right from the hotel, and they’re typically suitable for all ages.
No strict age limits, but always double-check the tour operator if you’re traveling with toddlers.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon ****
Price: €€ | Area: Near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon | Check Ratings
Tucked between Skaftafell National Park and the magical glacier lagoon, Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon has the perfect mix of location and comfort.
The remote location means almost no light pollution, so if the skies are clear, you’ve got a solid chance of seeing the aurora right outside your window.
The hotel offers Northern Lights excursions, often including super jeep or bus options that are family-friendly.
Age limits vary by tour, some have a 6+ or 8+ restriction, so check ahead.
Rooms are cozy but modern, and the restaurant has kid-friendly options.
Hotel Husafell ****
Price: €€€ | Area: West Iceland | Check Ratings
Set deep in West Iceland’s wild beauty, this sustainable hotel is a dream base for Northern Lights hunters with kids.
The location is prime. Dark skies, open views, and a mild microclimate that makes clear nights more likely.
There’s an onsite geothermal pool perfect for stargazing and aurora spotting at Hotel Husafell.
For families, they offer suites with bunk beds, kid meals, and free breakfast.
Several local tour operators offer aurora jeep tours from the hotel, with no minimum age.
Pro tip: staff will even alert you if the lights appear while you’re sleeping.
Umi Hotel ****
Price: €€€ | Area: South Coast | Check Ratings
Umi Hotel is a sleek, stylish hotel in the middle of nowhere, making this a great pick when your road tripping through Iceland.
Surrounded by volcanoes and glaciers, this place feels remote, which is exactly what you want for Northern Lights viewing.
The hotel has large windows in every room so you can enjoy the show without stepping outside.
Kids are welcome, and while there’s no playground, the wild open space is fun for mini explorers.
You can book aurora excursions, glacier hikes, and waterfall tours from the front desk.
Most activities are suitable for kids aged 6 and up.
Hotel Kría ***
Price: €€ | Area: Vik | Check Ratings
Affordable, cozy, and located in Vik, Hotel Kría is a great family base near Reynisfjara beach and Dyrhólaey cliffs.
It’s far enough from major towns to give you clear night skies and great Northern Lights potential.
Rooms are modern, and there’s an onsite bar and restaurant with a kids’ menu.
Guided aurora tours are available nearby, and some include visits to ice caves or glaciers.
Families with young kids should check for age restrictions. Some winter tours require kids to be 8 or older.
Still, if you’re just here for the sky show, you’ll see plenty from outside the hotel.
Family friendly hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights in North, East & Highlands
Berjaya Myvatn Hotel ***
Price: €€ | Area: Lake Mývatn | Check Ratings
Lake Mývatn is one of the best spots in North Iceland to catch the Northern Lights, and the Mývatn – Berjaya Iceland Hotels puts you right in the middle of it.
It’s modern, clean, and has big rooms that work great for families. We loved our spacious family room and the bathroom was so big we could hand wash and hang our laundry in there easily (hotels love it when we do that, right 😉 ).
There’s a geothermal nature bath just a few minutes away, and the aurora often dances above the lake.
Guided Northern Lights tours leave from the hotel or nearby, and most are suitable for kids aged 6 and up.
The hotel offers a wake-up service, so you don’t miss a thing. When exploring the Diamond Circle with your family this hotel is a top tip!
Fosshotel Eastfjords ***
Price: € | Area: East Iceland | Check Ratings
This charming hotel is in a restored French hospital building, yes, really, and it overlooks a peaceful fjord.
It’s quiet, remote, and has very little light pollution, making it a perfect place to see the Northern Lights.
The surrounding area is safe and walkable for families, and the hotel’s restaurant serves local Icelandic comfort food.
While there aren’t in-house excursions, nearby tour operators offer aurora safaris suitable for children 5+.
The staff of Fosshotel Eastfjords are happy to help organize pickups and even provide blankets for watching outside.
Hótel Laxá ***
Price: €€ | Area: Near Lake Mývatn | Check Ratings
Another gem near Mývatn, this hotel is surrounded by lava fields and volcanoes, super cool for kids.
It’s also in a prime viewing location with zero city lights around.
Hótel Laxá offers family rooms and have Northern Lights wake-up calls during the season.
Some rooms even have floor-to-ceiling windows to view the aurora from bed.
Local excursions can be arranged at reception, including family-friendly tours to Dimmuborgir and geothermal caves.
Age restrictions vary depending on the tour, so it’s best to ask in advance.
Hotel Búðir ***
Price: €€ | Area: Snæfellsnes Peninsula | Check Ratings
This place is a dream. Our 1,5 year old was absolutely mesmerized by all the taxidermy animals. Many types of birds and even an arctic fox.
A classic countryside hotel with a clear view of the famous black church of Búðir, it offers sweeping views of the ocean, lava fields, and aurora overhead.
Families love the cozy fireplaces, onsite gourmet restaurant (with kids’ meals!), and spacious rooms.
Tours to see the lights or visit nearby glaciers can be booked at Hotel Búðir its front desk.
Age limits for most are 6+, but some private tours are flexible.
It’s remote but very accessible—perfect for one last luxury stop on your Northern Lights road trip.
Sigló Hotel by Keahotels ****
Price: €€€ | Area: Siglufjörður | Check Ratings
This might be one of the most beautiful hotels in North Iceland.
Located right on a harbor in a tiny fjord town, Sigló Hotel offers luxury, spa access, and amazing views of the Northern Lights, sometimes even reflecting off the water.
Families love the warm indoor pool and the cozy fireplace lounge.
You can book Northern Lights snowmobile or jeep tours directly through local operators.
Minimum age for most tours is 6 years old, but there are flexible options for younger kids too.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and a serious step up in comfort.
Snæfell – Hotel by Aldan ***
Price: €€ | Area: Seyðisfjörður | Check Ratings
This quirky hotel in a colorful East Iceland fishing village is perfect for artsy families who want nature and character.
Seyðisfjörður is surrounded by snowy mountains and is known for its clear skies in winter. Great conditions for Northern Lights chasing.
Hotel Snæfell has suites for families and offers simple Nordic meals in their cafe.
Northern Lights tours can be arranged through regional providers in Egilsstaðir.
Most will allow kids 5 and up.
There’s also great hiking around town if your crew wants daytime adventure.
Hótel Egilsen ***
Price: € | Area: Stykkishólmur, Snæfellsnes | Check Ratings
This boutique hotel is set in a historic red house right on the harbor in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
The location is ideal for seeing the lights, especially in the fall and winter months when the skies are clearest.
Hótel Egilsen is small, charming, and run by friendly staff who can help you plan excursions.
You won’t find big tour buses here. Just local guides offering intimate family-friendly adventures under the stars.
Tours vary in age limit, but private trips are usually open to all.
That was it, the last of this list of hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights for families.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s a perfect place for your family to stay and chase the Northern Lights in Iceland.
From mountain lodges to fjord-side retreats, the 12 hotels on this list offer the right mix of nature, comfort, and kid-friendly vibes to make your aurora adventure unforgettable.
Did you enjoy the best family friendly hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights?
If so, read more about Iceland family travel:
- Epic 3-Week Iceland Family Road Trip Itinerary (+ Shorter Routes If You’re Short On Time)
- Iceland’s Golden Circle with Kids
- Iceland’s Diamond Circle with Kids
- Iceland in October with Kids: Things to Do & Things to Know Before You Go
- Planning a Family Trip to Reykjavik: Things to Know Before You Go
- 24 Best Things to Do In Reykjavik with Kids
- 39 Iceland Fun Facts for Kids
- 10 Best Waterfalls in Iceland with Family: The Beautiful Ones You Shouldn’t Skip
- Best hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights for families
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