Riverside stargazing outpost
Thick pine-log walls, terracotta floors, and a ten-foot polar bear greet travelers escaping the windswept southern Icelandic plain.
“the property truly embraces the themed style of each suite, packing in authentic and hand-crafted goods from each destination…”
What it’s good at
Notable
Northern lights wake-up calls, custom road trip itineraries, and dedicated stargazing sessions with visiting astronomers.
Notable
Local salmon and mountain lamb dining, native Angan toiletries, and riverbank views framing Mount Hekla.
Listed
An on-site observatory with computerized telescopes, loaner snowsuits, and three geothermally heated riverside soaking tubs.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
The guest quarters are largely wood-paneled, some of the rooms tucked up under the eaves, with views over the spectacularly bleak Icelandic landscape.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Fast-flowing salmon waters run past the grounds, with the snow-capped peak of Mount Hekla rising across the surrounding volcanic landscape.
The rooms
Wood-paneled guest rooms overlook the tundra, while seven continent-themed suites feature curated artifacts like tatami mats and hand-carved furnishings.
The hot tubs
Three outdoor tubs are heated geothermally on the riverbank, looking out toward Mount Hekla and the volcanic plains.
Rangá Restaurant
Wraparound windows face the river plain, and the kitchen prepares modern Nordic dishes using local salmon and wild mushrooms.
Built in a log-cabin style, the country lodge embraces its surroundings with neutral color schemes, comfy leather sofas, and natural textiles.
At the table
The lounge bar pours Icelandic beers and cocktails beside a fireplace, lined with carved wooden leg barstools.
How it began
Built in 1999 as a countryside retreat for equestrian enthusiasts, the lodge later expanded into a dedicated dark-sky destination.
Good to know
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Hotel Rangá
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Hella
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.