Hotel Rangá is a timber lodge on Iceland's south coast, just off the main ring road between Hella and Hvolsvöllur, about an hour and a half from Reykjavík. The Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes are in view, and the restaurant looks out over the river. Its 51 rooms run from standard rooms to junior and master suites, with wood-panelled walls, hand-painted murals and small comforts such as bathrobes and slippers. The hotel is known above all for the northern lights. Its open position on the south coast makes it one of the strongest places in the country to watch for the aurora, and an on-site observatory with good telescopes brings the night sky into the programme. Rangá Restaurant serves Nordic cooking with seasonal Icelandic ingredients. The team books adventure tours across the region, and Super Jeeps, drivers and helicopters can be arranged. The hotel runs on green and renewable energy and is part of the Small Luxury Hotels Considerate Collection.
- Nearest airport
- Keflavík International Airport, 87 Miles / 140 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 51 rooms and suites
Insider tip There is no scheduled shuttle from Keflavík, so hire a car at the airport or ask the hotel to send a driver; the drive takes about two hours.
Why I choose it Its open position on the south coast and its own observatory make it a strong choice for the northern lights, within easy reach of Reykjavík.
