Hotel Ranga offers a warm welcome, delicious gourmet food and wine, and the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of this remarkable part of the country. Its location means there is good chance of catching sight of the Northern Lights.
Unique wilderness location ideal for Northern Lights viewing
Fantastic restaurant ideal for sampling Icelandic gastronomic specialities with glass walls overlooking the river Ranga
Interesting décor for the adventurous in the 'World Pavillion' Suites
Friendly and attentive hospitality
Hotel Ranga is the only 4 star luxury country resort in Iceland. Located approximately 60 miles southeast of Reykjavik (an hour's drive more or less) in an isolated spot next to a river, also called Ranga, this is an idyllic base to explore Southern Iceland.
The hotel's remote location means that nothing disturbs the peace and quiet of this starkly beautiful spot. The picturesque surroundings include glaciers, mountains, and the nearby volcano at Hekla. The lack of light pollution also means that this is one of the best places in Iceland for viewing the famous Aurora Borealis. You can enjoy the view from the glass-walled restaurant, the balcony of your room or suite, or even from one of the geothermically powered hot tubs between the hotel and the river Ranga. The best time to view the Northern Lights is during the longer winter nights. The hotel keeps guests updated with forecasts of the sunspot activity which leads to this phenomenon, and if you request it, can even wake you if an occurrence begins while you are sleeping.
The hotel is well situated for trips into the volcanic areas of the south of Iceland, including the infamous Eyjafjallajökull crater and the scenic Thorsmork national park, as well as the sights of the best known tourist route of the island, the 'Golden Circle'.
Ranga's decor features natural woods and terracotta. The service is attentive and professional yet informal and friendly. There are some characteristic touches like the oft-photographed Hrammur, a 10 foot tall stuffed polar bear that dominates the reception area. The panoramic glass-walled restaurant serves beautifully prepared Icelandic and Nordic specialities, and the wine cellar is one of the best stocked in the country. The bar has a huge selection of single malt whiskies to warm guests on long winter nights.
There is a good range of accommodation options, from the comfortable but simple standard double rooms to the large and luxurious 'Master Royal Suite'. For those looking for something different the 'World Pavilion' features seven suites themed on the continents of the world and carefully decorated with typical works of art from each specific geographical area.
The newest addition at Ranga is their Astronomical Observatory, ideal for some stargazing! The roll-off roof observatory has room for up to 30 people and is equipped with two high quality 11-inch computerized telescopes, making it the most advanced observatory in Iceland. The observatory is located about 150 metres north of the hotel's main building to minimize light pollution. Scopes can be turned towards the stars to view amazing detail on Jupiter, see Cassini's Division in the rings of Saturn, and resolve details on the surface of Mars. Even the distant Uranus and Neptune are within your reach.
When to visit
Cosy up in one of the hotels many lounge spaces for a night of board games, chatting and northern lights spotting.
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Located about an hour from Reykjavík between the towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur, Hotel Ranga lies just off the main road right in the middle of South Iceland’s panoramic scenery. It provides stunning picturesque surroundings, such as the famous volcano Mt. Hekla, several glaciers and the Westman Islands.
Epic Iceland
Let us take you on this epic adventure through some of the most world’s dramatic landscapes. You will experience only the best, from picture perfect landscapes and iconic landmarks to thrilling experiences. Top it all off with the chance to witness one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders - the Northern Lights, all from the comfort of your suite balcony. With glacier snowmobiling and super jeep tours this is nothing short of a sublime adventure.
ATV tour in the Reykjanes peninsula
Explore the Reykjanes peninsula on an exhilarating ATV experience, driving across stunning black sand beaches and through dramatic scenery. Start on the easy terrain of the beaches as you get to grips with your ATV before exploring rugged landscapes.
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon
One of the world's most unique spas, Iceland's Blue Lagoon is an outdoor, geo-thermally heated spa providing an amazing experience that cannot be missed when visiting Iceland.
Blue Dragon Ice Cave by helicopter
Embark on an exhilarating scenic helicopter flight over Skeiðarárjökull glacier, taking in panoramic views of Vatnajökull National Park’s sprawling network of glaciers.
Borgarfjordur and into the glacier
Explore the beautiful west coast of Iceland, discovering its incredible scenery, impressive waterfalls and the breathtaking Langjokull glacier. Venture deep into the glacier itself, walking through fascinating ice caves, for a truly unique experience.
Buggy and ice cave adventure
Discover the dramatic scenery of southern Iceland on an exhilarating tour with your private guide. Begin with a hike across a glacier, followed by a visit into an ice cave, before driving a buggy across one of the south coast's black sand beaches.
Giljabod canyon baths
Explore the beauty of western Iceland with a gentle hike through Husafell canyon, passing by incredible scenery before reaching the Giljabod pools, hidden in the canyon, to enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermally-heated water.
Glacier hiking
If adventure is high on your holiday checklist, hiking on one of Iceland's monumental glaciers is a must. An immense wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses await discovery!
Glacier snowmobiling
Langjokull is Iceland's second biggest glacier with several enormous ice filled volcanic craters, encircled by imposing volcanoes. Exploring by snowmobile is an adrenaline-fuelled way to experience the breathtaking landscape of this region of Iceland.
Inside the Volcano
This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore the heart of a volcano. Thrihnukagigur is a unique natural phenomenon and the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.
Jökulsárlón private tour
Visit the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and witness bright blue icebergs floating across the lagoon's glassy surface, with the Vatnajökull glacier towering in the background. A magnificent sight, this makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Lava tunnel caving
Witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption; walking in the path of 5,000 year-old lava, for a truly unique experience.
Northern Lights Hunt
Venture out in search of the elusive Northern Lights, with your private guide leading the way and using expert knowledge to give you the best chance of finding them. Head away from the artificial lights of Reykjavik and discover this wonderful phenomenon.
Private Superjeep Tour to Thorsmork
Explore volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and more on this amazing volcano safari super jeep tour to the dramatic landscapes of Thorsmork. Your expert private guide will take you to places very few people get to experience up close and personal.
Snorkelling between Tectonic Plates
Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Iceland's Silfra fissure and discover the secret underwater canyon located between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Snowmobiling on langjokull
Meaning 'the long glacier', Langjökull makes for a thrilling snowmobile experience. Join your private guide as you ride across the surface of the glacier and take in the incredible views of Iceland's south coast.
South Shore safari
On this amazing guided safari you will see the South Shore’s most treasured natural sights, including impressive waterfalls, epic landscapes, as well as its black lava sand beaches and dunes.
The Golden Circle
Iceland's ruggedly beautiful and tectonically active landscape offers some amazing natural attractions, known as the "Golden Circle". These include the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
Visit the Westman Islands
Head away from mainland Iceland to discover the fascinating Westman Islands, located just off the country's south coast. Take the ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago, and explore its dramatic landscape with your private guide.
