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141 km
About 2 h 15 min
Car 1–4 · Van 5–7
Free cancellation 24 h
South coast · from KEF
About Hótel Rangá and the drive
Hótel Rangá is a country hotel beside the Eystri-Rangá river, just off Route 1 between Hella and Hvolsvöllur. With little light pollution around it and wide views across the plains, it is a well-known place to stay for travellers hoping to see the northern lights, and in summer the river is known for salmon fishing.
The location also works well for sightseeing: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and the black beaches near Vík lie further east along the coast, Hekla rises to the north-east, and the Golden Circle can be reached in a day trip. Hvolsvöllur, a few minutes away, has a supermarket and the Lava Centre, an exhibition about Iceland's volcanoes and earthquakes.
The transfer from Keflavík Airport is a simple drive on main roads. Your driver goes around Reykjavík, crosses Hellisheiði on Route 1, passes Hveragerði and Selfoss and continues east over the Þjórsá river and through Hella before turning off to the hotel. After a long night flight you can simply sit back; if you would rather break the journey for food or a look at the Ölfusá river in Selfoss, say so when you book and we will agree the stop with you.
Seasons and roads
Northern lights season runs roughly from September to April, and sightings are never guaranteed. In winter Route 1 stays open, but Hellisheiði can close temporarily in storms, and the driver will choose the best road on the day.
