Glass Hotels in Iceland (and Other Unique Stays You Need to See)
LOOKING FOR GLASS HOTELS IN ICELAND SO YOU CAN SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FROM BED?
I read your mind because I did the same thing! I spent two weeks driving around the Ring Road in Iceland. I stayed in several special places; the coolest place I stayed was a glass box, and the most romantic was a private farm.
I will never understand anyone who says “The hotel doesn’t matter, we’ll barely be in the room anyway”. UMMM, the accommodations are a huge part of the experience for me.
I like to stay in places that match and enhance the trip. Exhibit A: if I’m going to Iceland, I want a glass roof and a geothermal tub. 💁🏻♀️
MY TOP 2 GLASS HOTELS IN ICELAND
Glass Hotels in Iceland
If seeing the northern lights is important to you, glass hotels in Iceland will increase your chances of seeing them.
Often, the best time to see the lights is in the middle of the night, so you have to continue to get up to check outside at all hours. But if your room is glass, you don’t need to leave the bed at all 🙂 Here are the best ones!
1. ÖÖD Hekla Horizon Mirror Houses
The ÖÖD Hekla Horizon Mirror Houses are STUNNING! When I stayed in a mirror house in Iceland, it was pretty novel, but now they are popping up more places and I am NOT complaining!! 3 glass walls to view the northern lights and views!
Located about an hour and a half from Reykjavik, these glass houses are easily accessible yet feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere. They are beautifully designed and decorated with luxury finishes and to-die-for views.
Choose between a standard, superior, or family bungalow. The Superior bungalows have private hot tubs and saunas (!!!). In the winter, you can just lie in the snow for your “cold plunge”.
2. Buubble Hotel – Ölvisholt
This hotel’s slogan is “the 5 million-star hotel.” This struck me because when I was in Nepal, I was sleeping on the ground in a village in the mountains, and someone from the village said, “Welcome to the 5 million-star hotel.”
So when I saw this hotel when I was booking accommodations for our Iceland trip it made me smile.
While this isn’t exactlyyy glass (there are no glass igloos in Iceland) it is a fully transparent bubble tent. Buubble Hotel has two bubble tents – one in Olvisholt and one in Hrosshagi (see #5 below).
The Ölvisholt bubble is near Selfoss, just over an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. Recharge in its serene forest setting, sleep under a star-lit sky, and witness the dance of the northern lights from your private bubble. There is no Wi-Fi in this bubble.
3. Glacial Glass Cabin
Glacial Glass Cabin is located just 30 minutes from Hella and about an hour and a half from Reykjavik. It offers total seclusion with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and views of mountains, a peaceful river, and the Hekla volcano.
Enjoy a luxurious bed, heated floors, a well-equipped kitchen, and an outdoor hot tub—all in Iceland’s dramatic landscapes! Watch the Northern Lights from your hot tub or bed, and go hiking right on the property!
4. Hvanneyri Mirror House
This mirror house is a new tiny home located in Hvanneyri in West Iceland. We stayed here for a couple of nights in September. We were the first people to book this place after it was posted to Airbnb.
The whole house is mirrored glass so you can see out, but you can also see the reflections of the mountains on the inside – it’s very cool. We were hoping to see the northern lights, but unfortunately, it was a little cloudy when we were there! It was still a great experience.
The interior is beautiful and well thought out and there is a small deck with a hot tub. We watched the sunset from the hot tub both nights and it was so serene and beautiful.
5. Aurora Igloo
Aurora Igloo in Hella, Iceland offers a unique and romantic getaway in a 15-square-meter transparent geodesic dome.
There are two booking options: standard and private. The standard igloo is only a bedroom, and the bathroom is shared. The private igloo has a private bathroom next to the igloo. All igloos have privacy walls between them and curtains that you can close.
Designed for two guests, the dome provides an immersive experience under the stars, surrounded by Iceland’s incredible natural landscapes. Perfect for couples seeking a magical and intimate retreat!
6. ION Adventure Hotel
Located on Mount Hengill, ION Adventure Hotel is about 11 miles from Thingvellir National Park (the only UNESCO World Heritage Site on mainland Iceland). The park is part of the famous Golden Circle and has historical and geological significance in Iceland.
Not only does this hotel provide easy access to several essential attractions, but it’s also beautiful, sustainably run, has a great restaurant, and of course a spa and sauna.
I included it in the best glass hotels in Iceland because it’s situated in one of the best places in the country to see the northern lights and features what they call a “northern lights bar”. It’s a large glass room like a sunroom, but for viewing the northern lights.
7. Buubble Hotel – Hrosshagi
This bubble is located near Reykholt on the Golden Circle route. It offers a serene escape in a forest setting and is about 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Reykjavik.
Reconnect with nature here as you sleep under the stars and witness the northern lights from a transparent globe in the middle of the forest. While it’s a tranquil retreat designed to provide a break from the outside world, this bubble does have wifi.
This unique place to stay in Iceland is deal for nature lovers, the place combines comfort with panoramic views, offering a tranquil escape and a one-of-a-kind stay.
8. Panorama Glass Lodge Iceland
The Panorama Glass Lodges are private luxury Scandinavian glass cabins located in Hella, South Iceland. You can take in the stunning panoramic views right from bed – including the aurora borealis.
Just two hours from Reykjavik, but far enough out to feel remote and get away from any light pollution. If the northern lights are showing off you’re sure to see them here.
Each cabin has a private hot tub and shares a sauna with one other cabin. If you want to stay here, book 7-9 months ahead of time, or keep an eye out for cancellations.
9. The Greenhouse Hotel
The Greenhouse Hotel is located in Hveragerði, near Selfoss, only about 40 minutes from Reykjavik. This hotel has super tall floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby making it look like a greenhouse.
It’s filled with tons of plants, has a food hall with seven restaurants and a bar, and has a balcony facing over the food hall for sitting back and watching the sky or enjoying occasional live music.
They also act as an adventure hub and will facilitate any type of tour or activity from buggy tours, to glacier hiking, to geothermal bathing.
10. Glass Roof Lodge
This vacation rental in Iceland is a cabin with an all-glass roof – perfect for viewing the northern lights. It’s located near Reykholt, about an hour and a half north of Reykjavik.
There are two, and each has its own private geothermal hot pool. The modern interior and sweeping views make this a great choice for a private stay in Iceland.
Don’t forget travel insurance on your Iceland adventure! I always go with Safety Wing! They even have an adventure sports add-on which is perfect for Iceland.
11. Glass Cottages
These are two identical cottages surrounded by about 1200 acres of black lava sand, looking out at a stream, volcanoes, and a vast landscape. Located in Hella, these cottages are still close to many of the top things to do and see in south Iceland.
Each cottage has a private hot tub and parking space. No TVs here, but you will find great wifi, fully equipped kitchens, and super comfortable beds.
The cottages were made with sustainability in mind – they used materials found on the land and worked with producers who strive for a small footprint.
12. The Reykjavik Domes
Located on the water in Reykjavik, the famous Reykjavik Domes are luxury geodome tents with full bathrooms, fireplaces, and private hot tubs, and some even have multiple beds and full kitchens.
The property has a large garden, barbecue facilities, wi-fi, a shared kitchen, and a fire pit. Mingle with others or enjoy endless views from your private deck.
TIP: This is a great summer location because you can rent jet skis right out your front door.
13. Golden Circle Domes
About one hour from Reykjavik, just outside of Selfoss you will find the Golden Circle Domes. There are three luxury geodome glamping tents with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, fireplaces, views of the mountains, and wifi.
There is an onsite restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a community firepit and sitting area.
For me, this place is missing a sauna or hot tub but if heat therapy isn’t a priority for you then this a a very cool place to stay in Iceland.
Other Cool + Unique Places to Stay in Iceland
Glass hotels with unobstructed views of the northern lights from bed aren’t the only cool places to stay in Iceland. With its rugged terrain, Scandinavian style, Viking history, and abundant geothermal activity tons of places have something unique to offer.
From adventure and wellness-focused hotels to themed rooms and rooftop observatories, Iceland has some of the coolest hotels anywhere.
14. Eleven Deplar Farm – adventure and wellness retreat
If you’re looking for luxury off the grid, then THIS is your place. Staying at Deplar Farm in the winter is on my bucket list. I only learned about this hotel on our drive around Iceland. We took a detour (about 2 hours) off of the ring road up to the tippy top of one of the northern fjords – to Ólafsfjörður.
Deplar Farm is an all-inclusive hotel that was named one of 2023’s “Best Hotels in the World” on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List. Its location provides easy access to endless adventure, and the hotel itself delivers all you need for a personal wellness retreat.
Go sea kayaking, horseback riding, skiing, or spend your day in the full-service spa. Get a massage, admire the landscape in the geothermal heated indoor/outdoor pool, melt away stress in the sensory deprivation tank, or sweat out your toxins in the outdoor Viking sauna.
It is so remote that there is almost no light pollution, making it an incredible place to view the northern lights – even from the pool.
The farm also has a 24-hour gym, a yoga studio and classes, 2 bars, fine dining, hot tubs, and a steam room. With only thirteen suites, this is sure to feel like a magical private getaway.
Thinking about renting a car? Driving in Iceland is super easy and fun! We rented a car for our entire two weeks which gave us so much freedom. As always, we booked through Discover Cars.
15. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
If you are planning on visiting Iceland, you have heard of the Blue Lagoon, but did you know that you can stay there… and get your own private lagoon area?
The Retreat is a luxury hotel with a Michelin-star restaurant, yoga studio, spa, and private lagoon. You can opt to sign up for an adventure with the concierge, but with unlimited access to the Retreat lagoon and spa, you don’t need to leave at all.
Treat yourself to one (or several) spa treatments, wade through the mineral-rich blue water bound by lava canyon walls, or maybe even sign up for a full personalized private wellness experience.
This is the ultimate rest and recoup hotel in Iceland. Check it out if you want a unique experience at the most well-known destination in Iceland.
16. Lakeview House
This stunning lakehouse blends traditional Icelandic-style housing with modern luxury. It could technically fall under glass houses in Iceland because both of the facades on the A-frame are floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Look out at nothing but untouched landscape and a huge lake. While it may feel like you are the only one on the planet at this lakehouse, you are not far from Selfoss and all of the wonders of the Golden Circle.
Admire the views or watch the northern lights from inside by the fire, or outside inyour own private geothermal pool. This Airbnb is truly a unique place to stay in Iceland – a gem if you will.
17. Aska modern cabin
If you’re looking for unique stays in Iceland then look no further than this stunning, ultra-modern cabin located in the North of Iceland just off the Ring Road. It’s only 3 miles from the Myvatn Nature Baths (which you know I love) and several other top natural attractions (like Godafoss Falls).
You will be surrounded by lava fields and only see a few houses in the distance, and the occasional herd of sheep meandering around. In the summer, you can enjoy the deck and barbecue facilities.
The area is popular with cyclists, and you can rent bikes from the apartment. There is a fully equipped kitchenette, a super comfortable bed, and high-quality, sustainable materials
18. Hotel Ranga
Hotel Ranga is one of the more popular unique hotels in Iceland. The most notable feature is their rooftop observatory for stargazing and watching the northern lights.
Located about 30 miles outside of Selfoss, Hotel Ranga is close to lots of popular things to do in Iceland. They are also well-positioned to see the northern lights, which they take seriously. The hotel will even give you a wake-up call in the night when the northern lights are out if you request it.
The rooms are themed and each one is decorated eclectically. Of course, there is a geothermal hot tub, a restaurant, and never-ending views of volcanoes and rivers.
19. Frost and Fire Hotel
Frost and Fire Hotel is located in Hveragerdi, which translates to “the town of hot springs”. It’s about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik and 15 minutes from Selfoss.
The hotel is nice but the most attractive thing about it is its amenities (outdoor geothermal hot tubs and a pool and a sauna) and its location (right on the River Varma and a 5-minute drive from the hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River).
The hotel rooms are modern and spacious and Restaurant Varmá, located on-site, serves Icelandic fine dining cuisine slow-cooked in the hot springs.
Hotel Frost and Fire is conveniently located for lots of outdoor adventuring and hot spring hunting in Iceland.
20. Torfhús Retreat
Torfhús Retreat, located in Selfoss, is a stunning hotel in a tranquil setting. It may feel serene and secluded but it’s in close proximity to Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfall, and other destinations of interest.
A geothermal hot spring bath adds to the luxury, and visitors can engage in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. With a garden, terrace, and a restaurant on-site, Torfhús Retreat caters to both relaxation and adventure seekers.
Wrap-Up: Glass Hotels in Iceland (and Other Unique Stays You Need to See)
Glass hotels in Iceland offer not just a stay, but an immersive experience that combines luxury, nature, and adventure.
The unique stays in Iceland featured in this post provide breathtaking views of the northern lights from the comfort of your room and serve as gateways to unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Whether it’s stargazing under the midnight sun, exploring picturesque landscapes, or indulging in wellness activities surrounded by Iceland’s natural beauty, each stay promises a perfect blend of tranquility and stimulation.
For those seeking a truly extraordinary escape, these predominantly glass cabins and other unique stays redefine the way we experience both the magic of Iceland and the wonders of the great outdoors.
