When we booked our road trip with Hey Iceland, we were given several accommodation options that would best maximise our chances of seeing the Northern Lights; off-the-beaten-track, with no surrounding light pollution. And because we didn’t want to drive too far from Reykjavík, and still be able to explore around the Golden Circle, we opted for a country farmhouse about an hour and 30 minutes from Iceland’s capital.
Our Iceland accommodation – Hótel Lækur – we decided, fit the bill perfectly.
About Hótel Lækur
Hótel Lækur is a family-run establishment housed in a converted old barn, located 10km outside the small farming town of Hella. And when I say it’s in the middle of nowhere – it really is…
After driving from Reykjavík, we struggled to find our Iceland accommodation, thinking it was situated in Hella itself. After some clear instructions from Gunnar – the hotel manager – we eventually found the signposts and the long track leading to our home for the next three days.
This charming boutique country hotel sits on an Icelandic horse farm between the Golden Circle and the south coast, making it an ideal base for exploring South Iceland’s natural wonders while offering excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
Location of Hótel Lækur
Hótel Lækur is located in Hróarslækur and is perfectly positioned for exploring South Iceland. We actually completed the Golden Circle, finishing at Gullfoss before arriving, and it took us just over an hour to get there – not bad considering the weather conditions and the distance travelled, some 56 miles.
The hotel sits close to the southern edge of a great lava field created by frequent eruptions from Mt. Hekla, which towers majestically in the background. It’s breathtaking. We trudged through the powdery snow before breakfast daily and enjoyed the peacefulness and the sounds of the flowing creek. The scenery was made even more magical by the blanket of brilliant white snow.
Key distances from Hótel Lækur:
- Reykjavík: 100km (62 miles)
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: 25 minutes’ drive
- Skógafoss Waterfall: 45 minutes’ drive
- Gullfoss Waterfall: 1-hour drive
- Geysir: 1 hour drive
- Vík: 45 minutes’ drive
The rooms at Hótel Lækur
Our Iceland accommodation features 25 bright, modern rooms across two main buildings and four additional cottages. The hotel has expanded since our visit, offering various room types from single rooms to cottage suites that can accommodate families of up to six people.
We had a family room, and not only was it spacious but clean and tastefully decorated. The bathroom was small but adequate with a shower cubicle, while there was plenty of space for suitcases – no wardrobes but some hanging rails. It also had a flat-screen TV, perfect for keeping our son entertained before heading out to dinner.
Room features include:
- Heated wooden floors (a godsend in winter!)
- Private bathrooms with a shower
- Flat-screen TV
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Coffee and tea-making facilities
- Some rooms with terraces or balconies
- Beautiful views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes
There were also nice touches such as chocolates on the pillow, fluffy white towels and toiletries provided. And, even though it was freezing cold outside, the heating in the room meant we were warm and snug throughout the night.
Food at Hótel Lækur
All food is served in the main dining area, which can seat up to 70 people. Breakfast is continental buffet style, including bread, cereals, cold meats, cheese and boiled eggs. The pancakes were our son’s favourite with a big squeeze of maple syrup. Variety of fruit was on the scarce side, while tea and coffee, fruit juices and milk were readily available.
Dinner experience
Dinner is served at a set time each evening with a daily set menu consisting of a main course and dessert. There is no choice in what you eat, although the chef provided a pizza for our son on the only night we chose to dine at the hotel.
Current dining options:
- Summer: Simple à la carte menu available in the restaurant
- Winter: Set meals available (must be ordered in advance)
- Continental breakfast buffet: 8:00-10:00 AM (additional charge)
- Bar/lounge with drinks available throughout the day
- Restaurant capacity: Up to 70 guests
Amenities at Hótel Lækur
Hótel Lækur has a geothermal hot tub which is perfect to relax in – but not so much in the winter! I was impressed when I saw a couple running into it while it was snowing. Our son was determined to do the same thing – but we managed to conveniently forget about it each time he mentioned it…
The hotel also has a comfortable lounge with large sofas and a fantastic viewing window where you can try to spot the Northern Lights as well as admire the surrounding countryside. Alcoholic drinks and other beverages are served throughout the day, as well as complimentary tea and coffee. Meanwhile, there is free Wi-Fi in all areas including the rooms.
Current amenities include:
- Outdoor geothermal hot tub
- Sauna facilities
- Guest lounge with Northern Lights viewing area
- Sun terrace and garden
- Free parking
- 18-hole disc golf course on the property
- Icelandic horses on-site
- River walks along the property
Seasonal activities
During the summer months, Hótel Lækur operates horse riding tours and guided hikes to places such as Mt. Þríhyrningur, one of the most popular hiking routes in the region. The hotel also offers various outdoor activities year-round, taking advantage of its beautiful natural setting.
Northern Lights at Hótel Lækur
One of the main reasons we chose Hótel Lækur was for Northern Lights viewing, and we weren’t disappointed. The hotel’s remote location means minimal light pollution, making it an excellent spot for aurora hunting.
The hotel even offers a special “Northern Lights wake-up service” – if the aurora appears during the night, staff will contact guests who have requested to be woken up. This service proved invaluable during our stay when we were woken in the middle night for a stunning lightshow of greens and purples dancing in the sky.
Northern Lights viewing tips:
- Best viewing season: October to March
- Clear, dark nights offer the best opportunities
- The hotel’s lounge has large windows perfect for aurora watching
- Staff are knowledgeable about local conditions and forecasts
- Wake-up service available upon request
What to expect during your stay
Check-in/Check-out:
- Check-in: 2:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Check-out: Until 11:00 AM
- Front desk has limited hours – contact the property in advance if arriving outside these times
Family-friendly features:
- Children of all ages welcome
- Family rooms available
- Cots available (subject to availability)
- Safe, rural environment perfect for children
- Farm animals on-site for children to interact with
Our verdict on Hótel Lækur
Hótel Lækur is in a great location. We found it an excellent base to drive out to different parts of Southern Iceland, including Vík and the Golden Circle. But more than that – it was fantastic staying in an isolated spot which allowed us to appreciate the Icelandic countryside.
More along the lines of a high-standard B&B than a traditional hotel, Hótel Lækur may not have the bells and whistles of fancier establishments, but this didn’t matter. Being able to chill out with an Einstock ale in the comfortable lounge and just take in the scenery was incredibly relaxing.
The staff make the difference
Owner Gunnar and his family are welcoming and hospitable, more than happy to chat and give excellent advice about what to see and do in the area. We spent many occasions standing by the huge map of Iceland in the reception area listening to Gunnar’s knowledgeable insights. Our son was totally enamoured with him.
And if it wasn’t for Gunnar and his tenacity to come and search us out, we would have missed the aurora borealis – we were too busy lounging in our room! His passion for sharing Iceland’s natural wonders with guests really makes Hótel Lækur special.
Current pricing and booking information
Based on 2025 rates, expect to pay from around £120-180 per night for a double room including breakfast, though prices vary significantly by season and room type. The new cottages and suites command higher rates but offer more space and privacy.
Booking tips:
- Book well in advance, especially for Northern Lights season (October-March)
- Consider the cottage options for families or longer stays
- Summer months offer different activities but higher prices
- Winter stays include potential Northern Lights viewing
- All rates are charged in ISK according to daily exchange rates
Getting to Hótel Lækur
From Keflavík Airport: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes drive From Reykjavík: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes drive From Ring Road (Route 1): 10km off the main road
The hotel provides detailed directions upon booking, which is essential as it can be tricky to find on your first visit. Look for the signposts and the long track leading to the property.
What makes Hótel Lækur special
This isn’t just accommodation – it’s an authentic Icelandic farm experience. The combination of stunning natural surroundings, genuine Icelandic hospitality, and excellent location for both sightseeing and Northern Lights viewing makes Hótel Lækur a memorable choice.
The hotel successfully balances rustic charm with modern comforts, offering guests a taste of rural Icelandic life without sacrificing convenience. It’s particularly suited to travellers who appreciate authentic experiences over luxury amenities.
Final thoughts
Hótel Lækur is a home away from home, and we had a comfortable and pleasant stay there – made all the more memorable by seeing the Northern Lights not just once, but twice! Thanks to Gunnar and his family, we’ll never forget our time at this special place.
For families seeking an authentic Icelandic experience with excellent access to South Iceland’s attractions and genuine Northern Lights viewing opportunities, Hótel Lækur offers exactly what you’re looking for. Just don’t expect fine dining – but do expect warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Hótel Lækur
Hróarslækur, 851 Hella, Iceland
Rooms from £120-180 per night including breakfast
We were invited as guests of Hey Iceland and Hótel Lækur, but as always, our opinions are entirely our own.
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