It’s possible to see the northern lights throughout Iceland, but good visibility depends on factors such as weather conditions and the light pollution of bigger cities. If you want to avoid light pollution without sacrificing amenities, one great viewing base is Selfoss in southern Iceland. The largest town in southern Iceland, Selfoss is about 30 miles east of Reykjavik and 30 miles south of Thingvellir National Park, one of the most popular places to see the northern lights. But if you get Airbnb in Selfoss, you won’t have to drive that far — or anywhere at all.
Several Selfoss Airbnbs advertise the northern lights as a main reason to book, but you’ll also get access to nearby waterfalls and hot springs, cultural experiences like museums and art galleries, and a variety of restaurants in town to make your adventure comfortably rustic.
We hope you love these Selfoss Airbnbs! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
@epic.stays 📍Lucky Guesthouse in Selfoss #Iceland on #airbnb 🎥 @vincentledvina #airbnbfinds #icelandtravel #traveltiktok #hotelguide #northernlights #auroraborealis ♬ Monastery of Sound Hibell Edit – Aaron Hibell
This tiny home located 11 minutes from the town of Selfoss is everything you’d want in a cozy cabin, with a partially enclosed terrace that’s perfect for northern lights viewing. It has an adorable bed alcove that can sleep two and a small kitchen unit.
Price per night: $138
EYVÍK is one of three cottages located on the host’s land. The view from the deck is spectacular — you can admire the Hekla Volcano by day and see the northern lights by night. Best of all, the cottage comes with its very own hot tub. The one-bedroom rental can accommodate up to four guests between the bedroom and a sleeper sofa.
Price per night: $244
If you’re coming with a bigger group, this two-bedroom motorhome in Selfoss can sleep up to six people between the master bedroom, a smaller room with two twin beds, and the pull-out bed in the living room. In the winter, the land on which the property sits becomes a snowy wonderland, and the fully equipped kitchen means you can keep yourself comfortable while camping out all night waiting for the northern lights to appear.
Price per night: $85 