If You Want The Best View Of The Northern Lights, This Hotel Has You Covered

Depending on where you live, your social media feed might have been overwhelmed by posts depicting the aurora borealis, which has been visible across more of the planet than usual this year. But no matter how great your Facebook friends’ photos were, a trip to Hotel Ranga could’ve made them better.

The Aurora Wake-Up

Iceland boasts unparalleled views of the northern lights due to its position on the globe, which means it tops the list of destinations for many aurora-seeking tourists. And Hotel Ranga understands the assignment.

Staff at the hotel have a full range of features designed to ensure that guests don’t miss the stunning celestial show.

“If a guest does not pick up the phone for the wake-up call, we do go and knock on the door to make sure they do not miss the lights,” explained hotel marketing manager Eyrun Anita Gylfadottir.

Timing is crucial, Gylfadottir said, adding: “Sometimes it’s a matter of seconds, sometimes minutes, sometimes hours. We never know for how long they are going to be visible.”

A firsthand account

Wired writer Jaclyn Greenberg stayed at the Hotel Ranga and recounted her experience. Although the lights were initially difficult to see with the naked eye, she said that pointing her phone to the clouds soon revealed a stunning display of colors.

After a short while, she said her eyes had adjusted to the backdrop and could see the lights clearly without using her phone.

The experience helped foster a connection with some other Americans, a family visiting Iceland from Connecticut to view the auroras.

“The five of us spent the next couple of hours taking photos and waiting for the clouds to shift for even better viewing,” Greenberg recalled.

Winter room rates exceed $400 per night with special aurora packages available for additional fees.

Chris Agee October 23rd, 2024

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