Northern Lights & Hot Tubs | Save 10% at Hotel Hamar

At Hotel Hamar, a winter evening can be as simple as stepping outside and looking up. With the quiet countryside around Borgarnes and a warm room close by, there’s no need to hurry. Let your eyes settle into the darkness, and let the sky set the pace.

Save 10% at All KNOX Hotels

Enjoy 10% off your stay at Hotel Hamar and all other KNOX Hotels with code AURORA. Both the booking date and all stay dates must fall between 1 November and 20 December 2026.

Ready to plan your stay? Explore all KNOX Hotels and enter AURORA when booking.

When to look up

Aurora season runs from late August to mid-April. September through March offers long, dark evenings for watching the sky.

Clear, dark skies give you the best chance of spotting the aurora, but sightings are never guaranteed. Some nights offer a slow green ribbon. Others are simply quiet nights beneath the stars.

Reading the sky like a local

Before heading out, check the Icelandic aurora forecast for clear skies and expected activity. Give the clouds as much attention as the aurora forecast; even an active sky needs a clear window.

A darker moon can help fainter displays stand out, but you don’t need a moonless night. Clear skies matter more.

A little closer to the sky

Hamar’s peaceful surroundings and limited light pollution make it a lovely place to watch for the northern lights. On a clear evening, you may not need to go any further than the hotel grounds.

Our outdoor hot tubs offer another way to slow down beneath the winter sky. Settle into the warmth, feel the cold air on your face, and leave a little room in the evening for whatever appears overhead.

If you want to wander a little further

For a change of scene, ask our team for local recommendations around Borgarnes. A clear patch of sky is worth more than a long drive, and some evenings the best choice is to stay close to Hamar.

Check road conditions and the weather forecast before leaving, use designated parking, and stay on marked paths—especially after dark. Never stop on the road to watch the lights, and let the weather decide how far you go.

A few field notes

Dress warmer than you think, let your eyes adjust, and keep your phone away for a while. For photos, use a steady surface, a few seconds’ exposure, and no flash.

The aurora arrives in its own time. With open skies, warm water, and a comfortable bed nearby, Hotel Hamar is an easy place to wait for it.

Plan your stay with KNOX Hotels and enter AURORA when booking.