Roam Glade Editorial · Updated November 2026
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Outside Reykjavík most accommodation in Iceland is rural: farm stays, cabins and small hotels with open views, and some cabins are designed for watching the sky from bed.
Here is where to base yourself for the easy walks of the Golden Circle and South Coast, and the types of nature stay to look for.
Where to Base Yourself
Golden Circle (Selfoss, Flúðir, Laugarvatn)
An hour from Reykjavík, close to Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Lots of countryside cabins with hot tubs.
Places to stay in Golden Circle (Selfoss, Flúðir, Laugarvatn)
South Coast (Hella, Hvolsvöllur, Vík)
Between the big waterfalls and the black-sand beaches. Farm stays and cabins with open views of the volcano Eyjafjallajökull and the coast.
Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón area
Remote, close to the Skaftafell walks and the glacier lagoon. Few options, so book early.
Types of Nature Stays
Glass cabins and glass-roofed lodges
Small cabins with a glass wall or roof for watching the sky. They are scattered around the country; Panorama Glass Lodge is one operator, so check which location you are booking. Expect high prices and minimum stays in winter.
Bubble domes
Transparent bubble tents in private woodland, such as the Buubble ("5 Million Star Hotel") near the Golden Circle. Simple facilities, shared bathrooms, and, on a clear night, the whole sky overhead.
Countryside cabins and summer houses
The most common nature stay in Iceland: wooden cabins with a kitchen and, often, a hot tub. Good value for families and groups.
Eco and design hotels
Hotels in remote landscapes, some powered by geothermal energy, for example ION Adventure Hotel near Thingvellir. Comfortable bases for aurora watching away from city light.
Booking Tips
- Summer (June–August) and the aurora months (September to mid-April) both sell out; book 3–6 months ahead for unusual stays.
- Check the kitchen situation: restaurants in rural Iceland can be far apart and close early.
- In winter, choose stays on or near Route 1 and check road.is for closures.
- Read the bathroom details for bubbles and glass cabins: some share facilities in a separate building.
Search for a stay
Questions People Ask
Can you see the northern lights from a glass cabin in Iceland?
You can, if the sky is clear and aurora activity is high, between roughly September and mid-April. A glass roof doesn't guarantee a sighting, but it means you can watch the sky from bed instead of standing outside in the cold.
Where should I stay for Iceland's waterfalls?
Hella, Hvolsvöllur and Vík on the South Coast are well placed for Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and the coast. Selfoss and the area around Flúðir suit the Golden Circle.