Iceland is one of the best places on earth for stargazing and chasing the northern lights. With vast open skies, low light pollution, and dramatic landscapes, the west of Iceland offers unforgettable nights under the stars. Whether you’re staying at Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, or Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords, Ourhotels.is puts you right where the sky is at its most magical.
To make the most of your star-filled nights in Iceland, timing is everything. The best stargazing season runs from late August to mid-April, when the nights are dark enough to reveal both the Milky Way and, with a bit of luck, the aurora borealis. In summer, Iceland’s midnight sun keeps the sky bright all night, which is beautiful in its own way, but not ideal for seeing stars. If your main goal is stargazing or northern lights hunting, plan your trip for autumn, winter, or early spring.
Clear, dark skies are essential. Before you head out, check the cloud cover and aurora forecast. The Icelandic Meteorological Office provides detailed maps showing where the sky is clearest and how strong the aurora activity might be. Even on nights with moderate aurora forecasts, you can still experience impressive displays if the sky is clear and you’re away from city lights. That’s where staying with Ourhotels.is really helps: all three inns are located in areas with minimal light pollution and easy access to open viewpoints.
Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður is a fantastic base for stargazing in West Iceland. Just a short drive from Borgarnes, it sits in a peaceful rural setting with wide horizons and very little artificial light. Step outside the inn and you’re immediately in prime stargazing territory. On clear nights, you can often see the Milky Way stretching over the surrounding mountains and river valleys. If the northern lights appear, the open fields around Hvítá Inn give you unobstructed views in almost every direction, perfect for photography or simply lying back and watching the sky dance.
On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Stykkishólmur Inn offers a different kind of night-sky experience. The charming harbor town of Stykkishólmur is small enough that you can quickly escape any lights and find dark viewpoints along the coastline or nearby hills. The reflections of the stars and aurora on the sea can be spectacular here, especially on calm nights. From Stykkishólmur Inn, you can easily drive a short distance out of town, turn off the car lights, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Within 15–20 minutes, you’ll start to see more and more stars, and if the aurora is active, it can stretch across the entire bay.
Farther north and west, Ísafjörður Inn places you in the heart of the Westfjords, one of the most remote and dramatic regions in Iceland. The deep fjords and high mountains create a stunning frame for the night sky. Because the Westfjords are sparsely populated, light pollution is extremely low, making this area ideal for serious stargazers and photographers. From Ísafjörður Inn, you can explore nearby viewpoints along the fjord or drive to slightly higher ground for even clearer horizons. On a crisp winter night, the combination of snow-covered peaks, still fjord waters, and shimmering aurora is unforgettable.
To fully enjoy stargazing in Iceland, dress warmly and in layers. Even in early autumn and late spring, nights can be cold, and standing still while watching the sky will cool you down quickly. Thermal base layers, a good insulating mid-layer, a windproof and waterproof outer layer, warm hat, gloves, and thick socks are essential. If you plan to stay out for a long time, consider bringing a thermos with hot tea or chocolate, and maybe a blanket or sleeping bag to keep you comfortable while you wait for the lights to appear.
Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. It can take 15–30 minutes for your night vision to fully develop, so avoid looking at bright screens or car headlights. If you need a light, use a red-light setting on your headlamp or phone, as red light is less disruptive to night vision. This simple tip can make a big difference in how many stars you see and how clearly you can enjoy the Milky Way and faint aurora arcs.
If you’re interested in photographing the night sky, Iceland is a dream location. Bring a tripod, a camera with manual settings, and a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or lower is ideal). Start with settings like ISO 1600–3200, an exposure time of 5–15 seconds, and the widest aperture your lens allows. At Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn, you’ll find plenty of foreground interest—mountains, rivers, coastline, and traditional Icelandic buildings—to create striking compositions. Ask the staff at Ourhotels.is properties for local tips on nearby viewpoints; they often know quiet spots that are perfect for night photography.
Safety is important when heading out at night, especially in winter. Stick to known roads and marked paths, and be cautious of icy surfaces and changing weather. In rural areas, avoid walking on unfamiliar terrain in complete darkness, particularly near cliffs, rivers, or the shoreline. One advantage of staying at Ourhotels.is locations is that you often don’t need to go far: many guests simply step outside the inn or walk a short distance to enjoy excellent views, reducing the need for long night drives.
For the best chance of seeing the northern lights, be patient and flexible. Auroras can appear and disappear quickly, and some of the most beautiful displays happen in short bursts. Plan to spend at least a few nights in each region if possible, increasing your odds of catching clear skies and active aurora. Many guests choose to combine stays at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn in one trip, creating a scenic road journey through West Iceland and the Westfjords with multiple opportunities for stargazing along the way.
Even on nights when the aurora is quiet, the starry skies over Iceland are worth the wait. The lack of light pollution around Ourhotels.is properties means you can see constellations, planets, and the Milky Way far more clearly than in most urban areas. Lying back outside Hvítá Inn listening to the river, watching stars over the harbor from Stykkishólmur Inn, or gazing up between the mountains near Ísafjörður Inn are experiences many travelers remember just as vividly as the northern lights themselves.
By choosing to stay with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland and the Westfjords, you place yourself in some of the country’s best natural observatories. With a bit of planning, warm clothing, and a willingness to step outside into the dark, you can turn your Iceland trip into a series of unforgettable nights under the stars.
