A Dream Come True: First Time in Iceland with My Mom

There are some trips that change your life—and visiting Iceland with my mom was one of those rare adventures.

I’d always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights with my own eyes, wrapped in layers of warmth under a shimmering, starlit sky. My mom? She couldn’t wait to float in the steamy, otherworldly waters of the Blue Lagoon. So we planned a trip for early September, not too cold, not too crowded, and just enough daylight to explore while still catching the mystical auroras.

But the big question was: Where should we stay to see both the Northern Lights and the Blue Lagoon?

We weren’t looking for luxury or fame—we were looking for comfort, local charm, good food, dark skies, and that magical Icelandic vibe.

Here’s everything we learned, experienced, and would recommend if you’re planning the same unforgettable journey.

Reykjavik or Countryside? Choosing the Right Base

When I first started researching, everyone seemed torn between staying in Reykjavik (with easy tour options) and staying outside the city for better sky visibility.

So we split the difference.

Reykjavik: Perfect for First-Timers

We spent our first two nights in Reykjavik at the Fosshotel Reykjavik, located right in the heart of the city. It’s modern, clean, and comfortable—with stunning breakfast views over the rooftops. From there, we could easily hop on Northern Lights tours and stroll to restaurants.

Tip: If it’s your first visit to Iceland and you’re not comfortable driving, Reykjavik is ideal. Tour buses will pick you up right at the hotel.

But… Reykjavik has light pollution, and our first two nights were cloudy. So while we saw a faint glow during our guided Northern Lights tour, it was nothing like what we’d experience later.

Driving in Iceland: Should You Rent a Car?

I was nervous at first, but after talking to other travelers and seeing the flexible forecast-based planning required for aurora chasing, we decided to rent a car for the second half of the trip.

And I’m so glad we did.

Having a car gave us the freedom to check the aurora forecast (https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/) and chase clear skies. One night, we even drove 45 minutes out to Grotta Lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, where the sky opened up like a velvet curtain and revealed swirling ribbons of green.

Tip: Drive only if you’re confident on narrow, dark roads. Icelandic weather changes fast. Always check road conditions before heading out.

Where We Actually Saw the Northern Lights (3 Magical Nights)

Hotel Rangá – Hella

This was the true highlight of our stay.

We booked Hotel Rangá, located about 90 minutes southeast of Reykjavik in the small town of Hella. Not only is it perfectly positioned away from light pollution, but the hotel offers Northern Lights wake-up calls and even makes announcements at dinner if auroras are visible.

Imagine soaking in an outdoor hot tub with your mom and watching green waves dance across the sky. That’s exactly what we experienced—three nights in a row!

And even better? We didn’t have to drive anywhere. We could enjoy the show right from the hotel grounds.

Why we loved Hotel Rangá:

• Cozy log cabin-style lodge with an Icelandic flair

• Incredible food (don’t skip the langoustine soup!)

• Star observatory on-site

• Friendly staff who genuinely care about your aurora experience

Other Great Places to Stay for the Northern Lights

While we didn’t stay in these spots, we met fellow travelers who did—and their stories inspired us to list them here.

🏔 Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – South Coast

Nestled between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, this is a remote, modern hotel with panoramic views and an aurora wake-up service.

Pros: Stunning isolation, perfect dark skies, great stop on a South Coast itinerary
Cons: Weather is unpredictable; long drive if you’re based in Reykjavik

🛖 The Bubble Hotel (Famous “Igloo” Pods)

If you’ve seen those viral Instagram posts of people sleeping under the stars in glass bubbles—that’s the Bubble Hotel, located in multiple remote forest locations in Iceland.

Pros: Full sky visibility from your bed
Cons: Expensive, and if it’s cloudy, you’ll be staring into fog

The Blue Lagoon: Tips for a Perfect Visit

The Blue Lagoon was our reward after chasing lights and hiking volcanic trails.

Located in Grindavík, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik and just 20 minutes from the airport, the Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa famous for its milky blue waters rich in silica.

We stayed the night at The Silica Hotel, which gives you private access to a smaller, serene lagoon that felt like our own secret spa.

Tips for Visiting the Blue Lagoon:

• Book tickets in advance (especially for September weekends)

• Choose the first slot of the day for the least crowd

• Don’t wear silver jewelry—it gets tarnished

• Lather your hair with conditioner before entering (the water is drying!)

Floating in warm waters surrounded by black lava rocks, mist curling around us, it felt like we’d landed on the moon—or maybe another planet entirely.

Best Time to Visit for Northern Lights and Blue Lagoon

We traveled in early September, and it was the sweet spot.

• Weather: Still mild enough to explore without full winter gear

• Daylight: Around 13–14 hours, enough for sightseeing

• Aurora: Dark skies start around 10 PM, aurora visibility begins to rise

But again, aurora sightings are never guaranteed. Cloud cover plays a bigger role than location or even solar activity. That’s why we loved having a flexible itinerary.

Northern Lights: What No One Tells You

Before our trip, I expected to just “see them”—like fireworks, ready to explode as soon as the sun set.

Reality? It’s more mysterious.

Here’s what we learned:

• Use Aurora apps like My Aurora Forecast or check Iceland’s weather page: https://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/

• Be patient—you might wait hours for just a few minutes of brilliance

• Bring a camera with manual settings (your eyes may not see what your lens can)

• Avoid cities and street lights—even Reykjavik can be too bright

Still, nothing compares to the moment the sky comes alive. It’s like nature is whispering a secret that only the sky can tell.

Activities You’ll Love in Early September

Aside from aurora chasing and soaking in hot springs, here’s what we did—and what we recommend:

Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Spring River

Just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, you hike for about an hour through steaming valleys and end in a naturally warm river. Bathing in that wild river, surrounded by mist and sheep, was surreal.

 Whale Watching in Husavik

The town of Husavik is considered the whale watching capital of Iceland. We saw humpbacks leaping from the water like something from a dream.

Explore Þingvellir and the Golden Circle

Don’t skip this classic route—geysers, waterfalls, and where the tectonic plates meet.

 Visit an Ice Cave (with a guide)

Some are open in late September. Check conditions, but if you can get in—do it. You’ll be walking through frozen blue tunnels that look like another dimension.

What to Pack for Iceland in September

Here’s a quick list of what saved us:

• Waterproof outer layer (jacket & pants)

• Warm base layers (wool or thermal)

• Swimsuit and flip flops for hot springs

• Gloves, beanie, scarf

• Reusable water bottle (Iceland’s tap water is the best I’ve tasted!)

• Camera with tripod

• Portable power bank

And don’t forget: a sense of wonder. Iceland will ask for it—and reward you tenfold.

Stay Flexible, Stay Amazed

Our journey to Iceland wasn’t just about ticking off bucket list items. It was about reconnecting—with nature, with stillness, and with each other.

Seeing the Northern Lights with my mom was one of the most emotional travel moments of my life. And while the auroras are fleeting, the memories? They’ll glow forever.

So whether you choose a cozy countryside lodge like Hotel Rangá, or decide to base in Reykjavik and take tours, remember: the magic of Iceland is in its unpredictability.

Just let go, look up, and be ready for the sky to dance.