Experience Iceland’s Top Hotel with Northern Lights Waking Calls, Outdoor Hot Tubs & Private Observatory

Hotel Rangá is nestled on Iceland’s popular South Coast and offers quirky décor, incredible dining, and endless adventure.

For more than 10 years, guests at Iceland’s Hotel Rangá have been greeted by a 10-foot tall, quiet, selfie-loving doorman. Hrammur, the hotel’s resident taxidermy polar bear, adds a quirky touch to the decor, blending seamlessly with hundreds of unique pieces of art throughout the property. An arctic fox perched on a wooden cupboard across the front desk accompanies him, while a stunning nine-by-seven-foot quilt made from 3,008 patches of 164 different fabrics showcases the hotel’s commitment to character and individuality.

The hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, topped the World’s Best Awards list of the best resorts in Iceland in 2022. Throughout its more than 20-year history, it has become a go-to retreat for world travelers, adventurers, and celebrities seeking a luxurious yet quirky hideaway on Iceland’s scenic South Coast.

Located on the banks of the Rangá River in the small town of Hella, approximately 60 miles southeast of Reykjavik, Hotel Rangá was initially built as a countryside retreat featuring 21 rooms crafted from imported cedar. In 2003, Friðrik Pálsson, a former fishing industry executive, transformed this property into the luxurious Hotel Rangá we see today.

Unlike the ultra-modern and sleek Scandi-chic hotels that have emerged in downtown Reykjavik, Hotel Rangá offers a unique experience rooted in Pálsson’s passion for sustainability, culinary excellence, and impeccable service. The hotel features 51 guest rooms, each equipped with comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms with hot tubs, and private patios. Additionally, public spaces include a versatile game room and various lounges throughout the property.

The hotel has gained popularity for its unique seven suites inspired by the seven continents, each adorned with eclectic decor. The most impressive suite, dedicated to Iceland, features a giant Icelandic sweater as a bed cover and handmade wooden furniture. Guests will find a stunning soaking bathtub surrounded by basalt columns and pebbles, plus a rotating floor in the living area that offers breathtaking river views from multiple angles.

In 2005, Hotel Rangá became one of the first hotels in Iceland to provide guests with an aurora borealis wake-up call, taking advantage of its location away from light pollution. Visitors can often witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon in winter. Pálsson has thoughtfully installed several lie-down benches for guests to marvel at the northern lights. If the lights are shy, the hotel features a private observatory equipped with high-tech telescopes for stargazing.

The hotel’s restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows that immerse diners in stunning views of the Icelandic wilderness and the nearby Mount Hekla volcano. The culinary offerings curated by Pálsson and chef Péter Jón focus on Nordic-inspired dishes crafted from local ingredients. Patrons highly recommend the wild mushroom soup, a staple on the menu for 19 years, as well as the reindeer carpaccio, smoked puffin, and pan-fried Icelandic cod.

While Iceland’s infamous fermented shark is not typically served, Pálsson is willing to arrange a traditional Icelandic dining experience in the hotel’s inviting private dining room upon request. Additionally, guests can enjoy two bars stocked with local and international beverages and handcrafted cocktails, ideally paired with a soak in one of the three outdoor geothermal hot tubs overlooking the serene river.

Moreover, a stay at Hotel Rangá transcends traditional accommodations.

Pálsson has partnered with top regional tour operator Southcoast Adventure to provide personalized tours and activities. Guests can trek through glacial ice caves, chase waterfalls, or drive through Þórsmörk, a remote mountain ridge surrounded by glaciers and mossy lava fields that resemble a fairytale scene. For those looking for a unique arrival experience, helicopter transportation from Reykjavik can be arranged. Additionally, Pálsson recently introduced Iceland’s first fully certified electric aircraft, a two-seater capable of flying about 60 miles on a single charge, available for Hotel Rangá guests upon prior request.

“We want to ensure that when our guests leave, they have a memorable story to tell,” Pálsson stated.