Iceland is a dream destination for aurora hunters. Somewhere between a hot spring swim and guided glacier hike, you’ll witness the sky dance in shades of green, purple, pink and red.
But with so many incredible hotels in Iceland, from city escapes to countryside botholes, it can feel overwhelming to know the best place to book for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
In search of nature’s most spectacular light show, I checked into the ION Adventure Hotel — one of Iceland’s most famous hotels with a reputation for Northern Light displays. And, it’s safe to say, I was not disappointed.
Jutting out from a set of rugged cliffs in the Southwest of Iceland in Nesjavellir, near the Golden Circle route, it boasts a stilted modernist structure, sustainable design, luxury rooms, and prime celestial offerings. The hotel is perhaps best known for its Northern Lights Bar, with large windows to watch the aurora over a tipple.
Having first opened in 2013, ION is the brainchild of Sigurlaug Sverrisdóttir, who saw potential in an abandoned building that was once a workers’ residence at a geothermal plant.
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Now recognised as one of the most standout design hotels in the world, ION prides itself on natural materials, sustainable ethos, innovative materials, field-to-fork dining, Icelandic practices, and starry dark skies that pave the way for Northern Light displays.
ION Adventure Hotel: checking in
Fire meets ice outside the ION Adventure Hotel, which is tucked away remotely next to the dormant volcano Mount Hengill and the Nesjavellir geothermal complex. The folkloric journey to ION from Reykjavik — taking in sights like Helgufoss waterfall and Hengil Volcano — sets the scene for what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for any guest.
Lisa Joyner
Famed for its modern, eco-conscious design, guests can experience luxury and adventure in the heart of Iceland’s wilderness (including Icelandic sheep peering through the window). It boasts 24 well-considered new rooms and suites, as well as wellness offerings such as a Lava Spa and outdoor geothermal pool overlooking the spectacular landscape.
The rooms melt into the natural landscape. We stayed in the Adventure Deluxe Room, which takes its name from the surroundings and view. Design highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the lava fields, organic linens draped over the king-size bed, Nespresso coffee machine for morning pick-me-ups, and Icelandic body essentials in the bathroom.
ION Adventure
Elsewhere around the hotel, every corner delights with its carefully-considered touches. Try Icelandic cuisine at the Silfra Restaurant, unwind in the Lava Spa, marvel at the magnificent landscape that stretches out to the horizon wherever you look, or sip on a cocktail at the Northern Lights Bar. Our glass of fizz was interrupted by the aurora borealis outside, but it’s all part of the experience.
ION Adventure Hotel
What to do during your stay
Epic road trips, swims in natural springs, hikes through rugged landscapes: you’re never short of an adventure in Iceland.
For adventure seekers: Book an Amazing Tours experience for an excursion you’ll never forget. Whether snowmobiling across the Golden Circle or revving up for a thrilling buggy adventure, they handle all the details so you can enjoy the ride. We spent an afternoon zipping along the famous black sand beach, Reynisdrangar, in a 4×4, and would go back in a heartbeat.
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For an afternoon of relaxation: Sidestep the busy crowds at the Blue Lagoon and book yourself a swim at Hvammsvík Hot Springs, situated in a historic and remote fjord in southwest Iceland. Get ready for an authentic Icelandic nature experience as you recharge in the eight natural pools, stay hydrated at the swim-up bar, and soak up incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For an authentic Icelandic experience: Lace up your walking boots and hike the craggy hills with a local. Iceland offers ample tours run by locals, and they’re your best chance at learning about the country’s life and culture. From mountain peaks to glacier trails, the best hikes include the Laugavegur Trail, the famous Fimmvörduháls hike, and a walk around Nesjavellir — the countryside surrounding the Ion Adventure Hotel. It’s worth downloading All Trails to map your route before you begin.
Nesjavellir
For Northern Light chasers: Head to a spot away from light pollution (which is why the ION Adventure Hotel is so brilliant). The best time of year to see the Northern Lights is during September and April, when the nights are long and dark.
Remember, even if you head to remote Iceland, they’re not always guaranteed — but don’t let that stop you. We first saw them at Hotel Budir, but the sky was covered in fog. A clearer night at ION paved the way for a stellar display that was worth standing in the cold for.
Other places to stay in Iceland
If the ION Adventure is fully booked or you’d like to tag somewhere else on your stay, try Hotel Budir, situated on the edge of Snaefellsjokull National Park in a lava field. Formerly a 17th-century trading post, it is situated next to the most photographed church in Iceland: Búðakirkja.
Step inside and you’ll find 28 elegant rooms with heated hardwood floors, minimalist decor, cosy furnishings, and large windows for views of the glacier and breathtaking landscape.
For a central Rejkavik hotel, book the ION City. Boasting 18 rooms, Icelandic materials and meticulous attention to detail, you will forget you’re in the heart of bustling Reykjavik. Lovely touches include all staff wearing uniform and jewellery made by local designers to promote local Icelandic artisans. The hotel is well positioned for buzzy bars, shops, and restaurants including Sumac.
The only problem? You’ll want to return every year.
The view from ION City, Iceland
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.