Hotel Ranga
Hunting-lodge-meets-luxury in a genuine wilderness setting. Warm honey-colored timber walls, brown leather chairs, hand-painted saga-inspired murals in nearly every room, and over 200 original pieces from local Icelandic artists. A 10-foot taxidermic polar bear named Hrammur greets you in the lobby. The continent-themed suites (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, Europe, plus an Icelandic suite) are genuinely wild concept rooms that divide opinion — outsiders sometimes find them kitschy, locals love the novelty.
Request a river-facing room at booking — river-side rooms also have the easiest access to the outdoor hot tubs, and avoid views of the parking lot
Why It Matters
The only publicly accessible observatory in Iceland with a resident astronomer, combined with one of the country's best positions for Northern Lights viewing. Rang á pioneered the now-famous aurora wake-up call service back in 2005. The hotel runs entirely on renewable energy, has 10 complimentary EV charging stations, and donates all staff tips to local Search and Rescue teams. It earned 1 MICHELIN Key and has SLH Considerate Collection status for its sustainability credentials.
Hotel Rangá is a log cabin-style luxury resort sitting on the banks of the East Rangá salmon river in South Iceland, about 96 km east of Reykjavik. Built in 1999 from imported New Brunswick cedar and expanded to its current 52 rooms in 2007, it's family-owned and run by hotelier Friðrik Pálsson, who you'll likely find sharing a shot of Brennivín with guests most evenings. The hotel holds 1 MICHELIN Key and belongs to Small Luxury Hotels of the World's Considerate Collection.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Deluxe Room
From EUR582 / nightInspired by Icelandic culture, Deluxe rooms feature hand-painted saga-themed wall murals and wooden furniture. Slightly larger than Standard, sleeping up to 3 guests. Same core amenities as Standard rooms with the added Icelandic decor layer.
Deluxe Superior Room
From EUR729 / nightRenovated in 2018, these six rooms are the family-friendly pick. Each has a built-in wall bed alongside king or twin beds, accessible walk-in bathtubs, and a unique wall mural. Good value for families or guests wanting extra space without jumping to suite pricing.
Junior Suite
From EUR951 / nightThe seven continent-themed Junior Suites are located on the second floor. Each is decked out with authentic materials, art, and furnishings sourced from that specific continent — the South America suite has Yellowheart and Purpleheart wooden panels from Peru; the Asia suite has a Japanese-style tatami feel; the Africa suite is straight-up safari lodge. Ranges from 42 to 77 sqm. Sleeps up to 3 guests (king bed). Genuinely one-of-a-kind rooms.
42 sqmMaster Suite
From EUR1,314 / nightThe largest and most dramatic rooms in the hotel. The same seven-continent theme concept plus the Icelandic Suite and Royal Master Suite. The Antarctica Master Suite has windows on three sides and two balconies overlooking the river and Mt. Hekla. The Icelandic Suite has hand-carved furniture by local artisan Ólafur in Forsæti, a soaking tub designed by owner Friðrik, and what might be the largest hand-knitted Icelandic lopapeysa sweater ever made draped over the bed. The Royal Master Suite has direct Rangá River and Eyjafjallajökull glacier views. At 42–77 sqm, these sleep up to 4 guests.
77 sqmStandard Room
From EUR414 / nightThe entry-level rooms have hand-painted wall murals by local Icelandic artists — each one unique to the room. Flat-screen TV, electric kettle, minibar, safe, bathrobes and slippers are standard. Most rooms have hot tubs in the bathrooms. Note: 18 of the 24 Standard rooms have twin beds that can be pushed together, so couples should request a king setup at booking. Some bathrooms are showing their age and could use updating.
The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Range of buggy tours ranging from 1-hour local rides (from ~17,000 ISK) to full-day excursions to Þórsmörk or Landmannalaugar (from ~135,000 ISK). Booked via the hotel concierge with local operators.
Multiple helicopter tour options from the Waterfalls & Valleys tour (~70,000 ISK) up to the Full Monty private expedition (~2,290,000 ISK). Glacier landings available.
Private Super Jeep excursions to Þórsmörk, Fjallabak, and the Golden Circle. Multi-hour highland adventures. From 248,000 ISK for private full-day tours.
Exclusive Viking-style candlelit dinner inside the historic Caves of Hella. Must be arranged by email before arrival. Seasonal offering.
Guided tour of the ancient Caves of Hella, a short distance from the hotel. From 6,950 ISK.
Guests can do a cold plunge in the Rangá River directly from the hotel property, sometimes in bathrobes.
A striking game room with an antler chandelier, an elegant wood billiards table, polar-bear-skin wall hanging, puzzles, and card games. Windows extend into the ceiling.
Guided glacier hike on Sólheimajökull. From approximately 15,000 ISK per person. Bookable via the hotel concierge.
No gym on site. Instead, guests can borrow portable workout equipment sets and exercise in total privacy on their own patio or terrace.
Multiple horseback riding options in the area, from 1-hour river rides (~11,000 ISK) to multi-hour countryside and black beach tours (~25,000 ISK).
Seasonal curated cultural events complimentary for guests. Past events have included visits from Icelandic horses, traditional national costume demonstrations, local whisky tastings (Flóki Whisky), and author readings. Date-specific; check the hotel website for current schedule.
Hotel staff monitor aurora activity overnight and phone guests' rooms the moment the Northern Lights appear. One of Iceland's first hotels to offer this service, running since 2005. Warm snowsuits, blankets, and custom outdoor benches are provided for aurora watching.
Three outdoor hot tubs heated with naturally occurring geothermal water. Positioned riverside with views toward the Rangá River and Mt. Hekla. Ideal for Northern Lights watching on cold winter nights.
The only publicly accessible observatory in Iceland, built in 2014 with resident astronomer Sævar Helgi Bragason. Features a 14-inch Celestron Edge HD Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector and a TEC 160ED APO refractor on an Astrophysics 900 mount. Expert-guided tours of the night sky including constellations, planets, and galaxies. Open September–April on clear nights; conditions confirmed daily by 5pm at reception. Open to non-guests with advance booking.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
One room is equipped with walk-in shower and all necessary equipment for disabled guests.
Two upstairs meeting rooms available for events, conferences, and private dining.
The hotel operates entirely on green and renewable energy, including hydroelectric electricity and geothermal heating from a nearby natural hot spring source. Building insulates up to 50% better than average Icelandic new builds.
10 electric vehicle charging stations installed on site. Complimentary for guests.
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