Best Aurora Stays in Hella for Northern Lights Viewing
Hella, a small town in South Iceland, is strategically positioned along Route 1, making it an excellent base for exploring the region and, crucially, for chasing the Northern Lights. The area around Hella offers wide-open skies and minimal light pollution, providing optimal conditions for aurora viewing during the darker months. Travelers staying here will find accommodations designed to enhance their experience, often featuring amenities that cater specifically to those hoping to witness this natural phenomenon. Its proximity to major natural attractions also means that daytime adventures are easily accessible, complementing the nocturnal spectacle.
Hella embodies the quiet, functional character of a South Icelandic service town. It is not a bustling tourist hub but rather a practical waypoint for travelers exploring the Golden Circle and the South Coast. Its personality is defined by its accessibility and its role as a gateway to natural wonders. The town offers a sense of calm and remoteness, which is precisely what makes it so appealing for activities like aurora hunting, where tranquility and dark skies are paramount. It provides a genuine Icelandic experience, focused on nature and practicality.
Where to stay
Stays in Hella
Hella's location in the southern lowlands, away from the brighter lights of larger towns, makes it a prime spot for aurora hunters. The flat, expansive landscape ensures an unobstructed view of the horizon, which is vital for catching the Northern Lights as they dance across the sky. Accommodations in Hella often leverage this advantage, providing guests with comfortable and convenient bases from which to observe the celestial display. The town serves as a practical stopover for those touring the South Coast, offering essential services and a peaceful environment.
Located directly on Route 1, Hella offers easy access to the main road network, making it simple to reach from Reykjavík or to continue further east along the South Coast. The town is approximately 90 kilometers from the capital, a drive of about 1.5 hours. This strategic position means that after a day of exploring nearby waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, which is 32 km away, guests can return to a comfortable base. The area's low light pollution is a significant draw, providing clear, dark skies essential for observing the Northern Lights without interference.
The accommodations in Hella, such as Aurora Sky, are often designed with guest comfort in mind, featuring modern amenities like free WiFi and fully equipped kitchens. Having a kitchen is particularly beneficial for travelers, allowing for self-catering and flexibility, especially during the off-season when local dining options might be limited. The presence of a terrace or balcony in properties like Aurora Sky also offers a private outdoor space, ideal for stepping out to scan the skies for aurora activity directly from the comfort of your lodging.
Hella provides a practical and serene environment for those prioritizing aurora viewing. The flat terrain surrounding the town ensures an expansive view of the night sky, unobstructed by hills or mountains. Guests benefit from private parking, which is crucial for those traveling by rental car, and express check-in/check-out services for a hassle-free experience. The focus here is on providing a comfortable, functional base that maximizes the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, making it an ideal choice for dedicated aurora chasers.
While not explicitly mentioned as having hot tubs, the focus on comfort and outdoor access in properties like Aurora Sky, with its balcony and terrace, suggests an appreciation for outdoor enjoyment. The region's geothermal activity means that many local accommodations tap into natural hot water for heating. The ability to step outside directly from your accommodation into a dark, open space is a key advantage for aurora viewing, allowing for spontaneous observation whenever the lights appear, without needing to travel far from your base.
A traveler's takeTravelers arriving in Hella will find a practical and quiet town, perfectly situated for exploring South Iceland and, more importantly, for Northern Lights hunting. The town is easily accessible via Route 1, making it a convenient stop for those on a road trip. Accommodations typically offer essential comforts like kitchens and private parking, catering to independent travelers. The best time for aurora viewing is during the darker months, from September to April, when the nights are long and clear skies are more frequent. Hella provides a no-frills, effective base for experiencing Iceland's natural wonders.
Local tips
- 1Always check the aurora forecast (vedur.is) and cloud cover before heading out for a night of aurora hunting.
- 2Dress in warm layers, even if you're just stepping outside your accommodation; Icelandic nights can be very cold.
- 3Consider bringing a tripod and a camera with manual settings to capture the best photos of the Northern Lights.
- 4Drive carefully on Icelandic roads, especially at night and during winter; conditions can change rapidly.
- 5Utilize the fully equipped kitchen in your accommodation to prepare meals, offering flexibility and cost savings.