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When people ask me where to base themselves for exploring South Iceland, I’ve got a pretty good answer these days: Landhotel, just outside Hella.

I’ve partnered with Landhotel because it genuinely solves a problem many Iceland travelers face – finding quality accommodation that’s both comfortable enough to relax in after a full day of adventures and strategically located for exploring the region’s incredible attractions.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall in South Iceland viewed from behind the cascade with tourists silhouetted against moss-covered cave opening"
Seljalandsfoss is about 30 minutes from Landhotel – one of those waterfalls you can actually walk behind. This perspective from inside the cave shows why it’s such a popular stop on the South Coast route. When you’re basing yourself at Landhotel, attractions like this become easy morning or afternoon visits rather than rushed stops on a packed itinerary. Photo Credit: @mapsoficeland

Why Landhotel Works as a South Iceland Base

Landhotel sits about 10 minutes off Ring Road 1 on Route 26, putting you within easy striking distance of most of South Iceland’s heavyweight attractions. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Sólheimajökull glacier – they’re all manageable day trips from here.

Book a hotel and a flight to Iceland

What I particularly appreciate is that you’re not paying for the tourist-trap location tax. The hotel is close enough to everything that matters but far enough from the busiest spots to provide actual peace and quiet at night.

The location also delivers something you can’t fake: direct views of Hekla volcano, Eyjafjallajökull (yes, that one from 2010), and the Tindfjöll mountain range. These aren’t “if you crane your neck from the bathroom window” views – they’re right there from your room.

Northern Lights aurora borealis dancing over Landhotel in South Iceland with green aurora curtains illuminating night sky near Hella
This is what Landhotel’s Northern Lights wake-up call gets you. When the aurora shows up, they’ll let you know, and you just step outside. No fumbling with car keys at midnight, no wondering if you’re in the right spot – you’re already there. The minimal light pollution and open countryside views mean you’re getting the full show.

The Northern Lights Advantage

Here’s where Landhotel really distinguishes itself. The hotel has installed Northern Lights webcams and offers wake-up calls when the aurora appears. You don’t have to set midnight alarms or anxiously check aurora forecasts – if the Northern Lights show up, they’ll let you know.

The location helps too. You’re in a rural area with minimal light pollution, and you can step outside your room to watch the show. No driving to remote spots in the middle of the night, no wondering if you’re missing it while you sleep.

Aerial view of outdoor jacuzzi hot tub with blue lighting at Landhotel spa facilities in South Iceland near Hella
Landhotel’s outdoor jacuzzi from above. After you’ve spent the day hiking glaciers or scrambling around waterfalls in South Iceland, this isn’t just a luxury amenity – it’s a genuinely useful recovery tool. The combination of the hot water and the cold Icelandic air is something you don’t fully appreciate until you’re actually in it.

What You’re Actually Getting

Landhotel offers 69 rooms across standard, superior, and family categories. All rooms come with Marriott Standard beds, which means you’re getting proper quality mattresses and bedding – the kind where you actually wake up feeling rested rather than wondering why your back hurts.

The rooms are equipped with coffee makers, smart TVs, and proper WiFi. Nothing fancy or unnecessary, just what you need to be comfortable.

The breakfast buffet is substantial, featuring fresh pastries, fruit, pancakes, and hearty, healthy options. It’s the kind of breakfast that sets you up for a day of hiking or driving without needing to stop for food an hour later.

For dinner, they operate an à la carte restaurant focused on local ingredients from nearby farms. The emphasis is on regional flavors executed well, rather than on trying to be something they’re not.

Northern Lights aurora borealis over Landhotel front entrance in South Iceland with green aurora dancing above illuminated hotel building
Another angle of the Northern Lights over Landhotel. The hotel’s location in open countryside with minimal surrounding development means you get unobstructed views in every direction. When the aurora shows up strong like this, you don’t need special equipment or a car – just step outside your room and look up.

The Facilities

Beyond the rooms and restaurant, Landhotel offers a sauna, spa, jacuzzi, gym, and even a playroom for kids. There’s free parking (including EV charging stations), which matters when you’re road-tripping around Iceland.

These aren’t resort-style facilities trying to keep you entertained all day – they’re recovery amenities. After you’ve spent hours hiking on glaciers or scrambling around waterfalls, the sauna and jacuzzi become genuinely useful rather than just nice-to-haves.

The Sustainability Angle

Landhotel has made genuine commitments to sustainability, sourcing from local producers and managing their environmental impact. This isn’t just marketing language – using local ingredients and supporting regional farms is built into how they operate their restaurant.

How to Book (And Save 15%)

This is where being a Stuck in Iceland newsletter subscriber pays off directly. Sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll receive a discount code that gets you 15% off your accommodation at Landhotel.

That’s not a trivial amount – on a three-night stay, you’re looking at real savings that could cover a glacier hike or whale watching tour elsewhere on your trip.

Sign up for the newsletter here to get your discount code.

Plated dinner main course at Landhotel restaurant in South Iceland featuring local ingredients with sauce being poured over potato gratin and meat
Dinner at Landhotel’s restaurant. They focus on local ingredients from nearby farms and present them well without getting unnecessarily fancy about it. After a full day exploring South Iceland, you want food that’s actually satisfying rather than just photogenic – this delivers on both counts.

Who Does This Hotel Suit

Landhotel is well-suited for travelers who want to explore South Iceland without constantly packing and unpacking. You can base yourself here for 3-4 nights and day-trip to most of the region’s major attractions.

It’s particularly good for people who value quality sleep and comfort. If you’re the type who needs a decent bed and a quiet room to properly recharge, the premium mattresses and countryside location deliver.

The Northern Lights infrastructure also makes it ideal for winter visitors who want to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora without the stress of constantly monitoring conditions.

Families benefit from the playroom facilities and family room options, while couples will appreciate the superior rooms and spa facilities.

The Practical Details

  • Location: Route 26, near Hella (about 10 minutes from Ring Road 1)
  • Location on: Google Maps
  • Website: landhotel.is
  • Rooms: 60 Standard (25 sqm), 6 Superior (27 sqm), 3 Family (30 sqm)
  • Remember: Sign up for the Stuck in Iceland newsletter to receive your 15% discount code.

Final Thoughts

I partner with hotels and tour operators when I genuinely think they’re solving real problems for Iceland travelers. Landhotel hits that mark – it’s positioned right for South Iceland exploration, maintains quality standards that justify the price, and offers specific advantages like the Northern Lights wake-up service that make a practical difference to your trip.

The 15% newsletter discount makes this partnership particularly useful. You’re getting quality accommodation at a price that makes it competitive with less well-located or lower-standard alternatives.

If you’re planning an itinerary for South Iceland and want a reliable base that won’t disappoint, Landhotel deserves serious consideration.