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, 1,934 reviews
Exceptional · 1,934 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, 1,025 reviews
Superb · 1,025 reviews
Nordic Hostel is well located in Reykjavík, and features a shared lounge, free WiFi and a bar. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,016 reviews
Superb · 1,016 reviews
Hotel Stafholt has a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Varmaland. The hotel offers both free WiFi and free private parking. The hotel offers a buffet or continental breakfast.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,078 reviews
Superb · 1,078 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, 1,002 reviews
Superb · 1,002 reviews
Boasting garden views, Landbrot Guesthouse is situated in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, 25 km from Fagrifoss. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are accessible at the guest house free of charge.
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
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 location and the view of the city are just perfect. The staff is amazing.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 356 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
Location was amazing. The place was pure luxury, from the beautiful crockery to the soft bedding. Warm and comfy. Staff/Owners were respectful and there if you needed anything at all.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 121 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
A charming hotel with character. Great location !
We loved the fact that the staff took great pride in their hotel.
Easily one of the best properties we stayed in during our travels on the Ring Road Iceland.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,215 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
Great place hosted by a nice family, with a spa and sauna. Superb breakfast and dinner! Nice rooms and staff is very helpful
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 337 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
This place is brand new and amazing.
The hot tubs and sauna that overlook the glacier are definitely the highlight.
If you get lucky (like me) you might even get to see the aurora while sipping an excellent cocktail in the hot tub.
Other than that all the staff were very kind and professional.
The hotel's restaurant is great and offers amazing food made with local ingredients.
Also their signature cocktails were delicious.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 1,934 reviews
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