The little riverside town of Hella in south Iceland isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have dramatic sea cliffs or a glacier looming in the distance. But what it does have is space, peace, and wide open dark skies. In other words, it’s an aurora chaser’s sweet spot.
So if you’re planning to spend a night in Hella or nearby, let me walk you through everything you need to know: where to go, when to go, where to stay, and how to maximize your chances of seeing the colorful aurora borealis from this quiet corner of the south.
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Map of Hella and Northern Light Viewpoints
Why Hella Is a Great Spot for Northern Lights Watching
Let’s start with the obvious: Hella is small, which means very little light pollution. That’s a huge bonus when you’re trying to catch the aurora. And while it may not look like much as you drive through — it’s basically a gas station, a bridge, and a few buildings — you’re actually surrounded by wide open sky in every direction. That makes it perfect for skywatching without having to go far from your accommodation.
It also sits in a relatively flat part of Iceland’s south coast, so you won’t have hills or mountains blocking your view of the horizon. If the aurora kicks off and starts moving across the sky, you’ll be able to see it from end to end.
The weather in this part of Iceland tends to be slightly more stable than along the southern coastline closer to Vík, which gives you a bit of an edge when it comes to clear skies. It’s still Iceland, so don’t get too cocky, but compared to more coastal locations, Hella’s inland position can work in your favor.
Best Places in Hella to See the Northern Lights
Here’s where to go when the KP index is looking good and the clouds decide to give you a break.
1. The Riverside Behind Stracta Hotel
If you're staying at or near Stracta Hotel (which I recommend), walk down toward the river behind the hotel. The path gives you unobstructed views to the north, east, and west, and there’s very little artificial light once you get away from the road. The reflection on the water when the lights are strong? Absolutely worth the wait.
2. Skeiða- og Hrunamannavegur Roadside Pull-Offs
Head just a few minutes out of town on Route 30 (Skeiða- og Hrunamannavegur), and you’ll find small pull-off areas with views across the flat countryside. These are great if you’ve got a car and want to get into total darkness without driving far. Just make sure you’re pulled over safely — ideally on a gravel shoulder or a farm driveway with permission.
3. Hella Airport
Just a few minutes east of town, Hella Airport is a small, quiet airstrip with big-sky views and barely any light pollution. The surrounding area is flat and open—ideal for aurora viewing without needing to drive far or hike in the dark. There’s no airport activity at night, so you’ll usually have the place to yourself (just be respectful and stay clear of the runway and other closed off areas). It’s one of those easy-access local spots where the northern lights can really stretch across the horizon.
4. The Countryside Near Ægissíða
Just west of town along the river, the countryside near Ægissíða farm is another great spot. You’re surrounded by fields, farms, and sky. On calm nights with little wind, it’s one of my favorite places to set up a tripod and wait.
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Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Hella
The northern lights are visible in Hella from late August through mid-April, with the best viewing northern light months between October and March. The skies are longest and darkest during this period, and solar activity tends to be stronger in mid-winter.
The best time of night is usually between 10 PM and 2 AM, though auroras have been known to show up earlier (and later) if the conditions are right. Don’t be surprised if you step out at 8:30 and catch a few green streaks starting to stretch across the sky.
A few tips from me:
- Check Vedur.is for cloud cover and aurora forecasts before heading out
- Use an app like “My Aurora Forecast” for live alerts
- Bring layers — it gets cold standing still outside at midnight, even in town
You can find more about what causes the aurora borealis in Iceland.
What to Do Near Hella While Waiting for the Lights
Even though chasing the northern lights is all about patience, that doesn’t mean you have to spend your whole day staring at the sky. Hella might be quiet, but there are some great stops nearby to fill your daylight hours before the aurora hunt begins.
1. Explore the Caves of Hella
Right in town, The Caves of Hella are one of Iceland’s more mysterious and lesser-known attractions. These man-made sandstone caves are believed to pre-date the Viking settlement, and stepping inside them feels like entering a completely different world. The guided tours are short but full of fascinating stories — from ancient shelter use to folklore — and it's a great way to add a little culture and curiosity to your day. Plus, it's just a few minutes from most accommodations in town.
2. Take a Soak at the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir
About 40 minutes northeast of Hella, the Secret Lagoon is a geothermal gem tucked into a tiny village. The setting is rustic and natural, with steaming vents and bubbling springs surrounding a warm, mineral-rich pool. It’s open year-round, so you can spend your afternoon floating under the clouds—and if you’re lucky, under the first hint of aurora later that night.
3. Visit Ægissíðufoss Waterfall
Just a five-minute drive from Hella, Ægissíðufoss is a wide, peaceful waterfall on the Ytri-Rangá river, framed by farmland and low hills. It doesn’t get the crowds that bigger falls like Seljalandsfoss do, but that’s part of the charm — it’s calm, scenic, and completely photogenic. In winter, the frozen edges and soft mist give it a quiet, magical vibe. It’s a lovely sunset stop before heading back into town to watch the skies.
4. Visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur
Just 15 minutes east of Hella is one of the best science museums in Iceland — the Lava Centre. It’s packed with interactive exhibits that dive into Iceland’s volcanoes, earthquakes, and tectonic drama. The real bonus? The top-floor viewing deck gives you panoramic views of the region — ideal for catching golden hour light before the sun dips.
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Where to Stay in Hella for Easy Aurora Access
You don’t need to sleep in a cabin in the middle of nowhere to get a great aurora view in Hella. These places keep you close to the action without sacrificing a warm bed or hot shower.
1. Stracta Hotel
Just outside the center of Hella, this modern hotel has a peaceful setting, open views, and even a few rooms with hot tubs outside. If you're the kind of person who wants to soak while skywatching, this is your place. The northern lights over the hotel’s outdoor hot pots? It’s a whole vibe.
2. Aurora Igloo
For something a little more special (and way cozier), the Aurora Igloos offer a front-row seat to the night sky — without leaving your bed. These glass-domed pods are located just 15 minutes west of Hella and come with panoramic views, warm duvets, and a peaceful countryside setting that’s perfect for northern lights watching. If you want to stargaze in comfort from your bed and wake up to snowy fields all around you, this is your spot.
3. Riverfront Guesthouse & Cabins
There are several private rentals and guesthouses along the riverbank west of town. These are ideal for couples or small groups who want a bit more privacy and a direct view of the sky — without any other buildings around.
4. Landhotel - Remote location 25 min away
Located about 25 minutes east of Hella, Landhotel, a 4 star hotel, sits on the edge of vast farmland with nothing but sky and silence around it. The rooms are spacious and modern, with huge windows designed for skywatching. It’s also one of the few places in the area with 360° visibility and very little ambient light, making it a fantastic base if aurora chasing is high on your list.
Landhótel is also one of the best northern lights hotels in Iceland.
Chase the Northern Lights with Travel Reykjavík
Here’s the thing — there aren’t many guided aurora tours that start from Hella. But if you’re traveling from Reykjavík (or starting your journey there), Travel Reykjavík has you covered with some truly fantastic options that explore the south coast — including areas near Hella and as far the Diamond Beach, a good northern light spot.
You can choose from 3- or 5-day northern lights hunts, combine your aurora adventure with ice cave explorations and the glacier lagoon, or go fully private with a driver-guide who’ll tailor the route to the forecast each night. It’s an easy way to make the most of your time in Iceland if seeing the lights is high on your list.
- 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt
- 4-Day Ice Cave & Aurora Adventure
- Private 4x4 Northern Lights Hunt
- Private Golden Circle & Aurora Tour
Final Thoughts: Is Hella Worth It for Northern Lights?
Hella may not be flashy, but when it comes to northern lights viewing, that’s exactly the point. It’s quiet, convenient, and surrounded by sky. You’re not battling crowds. You’re not navigating steep mountain roads in the dark. You’re just stepping outside, looking up, and hoping the sky gives you that once-in-a-lifetime glow.
FAQs
Can You See the Northern Lights in Hella?
The town of Hella in south Iceland is surrounded by open countryside with minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for viewing the northern lights. Its flat landscape and dark skies provide excellent visibility when aurora activity is present, especially during the winter months between October and March. Just a short walk or drive outside the town center offers wide, unobstructed views — perfect for spotting the aurora borealis on a clear night.
Can I See the Northern Lights in Hella in October?
The northern lights are visible in Hella in October, as this marks the beginning of Iceland’s true aurora season. Nights are long enough for full darkness, and solar activity tends to pick up during this period. If the skies are clear and you’re in a dark area — like the riverside behind Hótel Hella or the quiet countryside nearby — you’ll have a good chance of seeing the aurora, especially between 10 PM and 2 AM.
Where Is the Best Place in Hella to See the Aurora Borealis?
One of the best places to see the aurora in Hella is the riverside path behind Stracta Hotel or the fields near Ægissíða farm. From there, you get wide, unobstructed views of the northern sky with very little light pollution.
Is It Better to Stay in Hella or Hvolsvöllur for the Northern Lights?
Both Hella and Hvolsvöllur are small towns with low light pollution and easy access to dark skies, making them ideal for aurora sightings. Hella has the benefit of nearby riverside views and accommodations with great sky visibility, while Hvolsvöllur offers slightly higher elevation and proximity to the Lava Centre, which doubles as a scenic lookout. In the end, both towns give you great odds — as long as the skies are clear and the aurora forecast is looking good.
The Magic Awaits!
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