Frequently Asked Questions
The Hotel
Check-in is at 15:00 (3 pm) and check-out is at 12:00 noon.
Yes, we have anti-allergy pillows and duvets. Please send an email to hotelranga@hotelranga.is with your request before arrival.
No, we do not offer a shuttle service. However, we can arrange a private transfer to and/or from Hotel Rangá at a cost. There is also public transportation, but the connections are few and far between and therefore need to be well-planned.
We do not have a swimming pool or a spa. We do, however, have three hot tubs outside the hotel – perfect for watching the northern lights or the midnight sun. There are public swimming pools and gyms in the nearby villages of Hella and Hvolsvöllur.
Icelandic weather changes all the time – you can expect anything from 18 degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celsius. The wind can be strong and cold, and you are almost sure to get a bit of rain, hail or snow, no matter what time of year. It is better to be safe than sorry, so pack like you are going on a winter vacation. It is always easier to take off an extra layer rather than being cold and poorly dressed. Good hiking shoes/boots that are waterproof are recommended – many tourist sites have dirt tracks that easily get muddy and slippery. We suggest bringing warm clothes (sweaters or thermal layers), waterproof outer layers (pants and coat), and a hat and gloves.
We have ten charging stations for European electric cars, type A. Free to use for all our guests.
Northern Lights & Stargazing
In Iceland, the Northern lights season (also known as the Aurora Borealis) runs from late August through mid-April. These are the nights with enough darkness to see the lights. The peak hours are between 23:00 (11pm) and 02:00 (2am), but as long as the sky is clear, there is always a chance. We have seen the Northern Lights at Hotel Rangá as early as 18:00 (6 pm) and as late as 09:00 (9 am). Press here for further information.
Northern Lights can be seen with your bare eyes. The camera tends to enhance their color and intensity, especially when the Northern Lights are weaker. When there is a strong show, the sight is bright and vivid even without a camera.
The observatory is open every clear night, and there is always an expert astronomer present to guide you on a tour of the night sky. If you wish to see the observatory outside of opening hours, we are happy to show it to you (however, no telescopes can be used).
Places Of Interest
You can see various beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, and other sights along the South Coast (Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Eyjafjallajökull, Seljavallalaug, Skógar Museum and Waterfall, Mýrdalsjökull, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara and Vík). It takes approximately 80 minutes to drive to Vík from Hotel Rangá. If you stop to take a look at the above-mentioned sights, it could very well turn into a day trip.
The geothermal wonder Geysir, the waterfall Gullfoss, and the national park Þingvellir are the three breathtaking sites that make up the famous Golden Circle. Traveling between each site will take the better part of a day – at least 4-5 hours, often more, depending on how long you spend at each site. Along the way, you can also stop at places like Friðheimar, the Secret Lagoon, Efstidalur Farm, Fontana Spa and Kerið Crater. You can see the distance between sites on the map below. It is also a good idea to check the following links concerning road conditions and weather in Iceland: road.is and safetravel.is
It takes approximately 3.5 hours one way to drive to the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Road conditions can vary frequently, so it is best to ask in the reception before you start your trip. You can check these links concerning road conditions and weather in Iceland: road.is and safetravel.is
The Diamond Beach and the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon are approximately 3.5 hours from Hotel Rangá.
South of Iceland:
- Stakkholtsgjá a canyon located close to the entrance to Þórsmörk (Canyon where they catch Wight S07 E06)
- Þórsmörk (Thor’s woods) natural reserve is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland. It is a valley and mountain range located between the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. (North of the wall S07 E06)
- Reynisfjara black sand beach near Vík in the south of Iceland. (Eastwatch by the sea S07 E05 and S07 E06)
- Dyrhólaey a 120 meter high promontory, not far from the town of Vík. (Eastwatch by the sea S07 E05 and S07 E06)
- Stöng í Þjórsárdal a reconstruction based on the excavated farmhouse Stöng from the Commonwealth Era in Iceland. (Village where Olly lived S04 E03)
- Nesjavellir a geothermal area in Southwest Iceland where you can find the second largest geothermal power station. Short drive from Þingvellir national park. (The Vale S04 E10)
- Þingvellir national park in the south of Iceland, UNESCO world heritage site, a site of historical, cultural and geological significance. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge passes right through the national park and separates the Eurasian and North-American tectonic plates. (Entrance to the Eyrie S01 E05, S04 E05 and S04 E08)
- Þórufoss an 18 meter high waterfall located near Þingvellir. (Dragon eats the farmer´s goat S04 E06)
- Vatnajökull the largest glacier in Iceland and one of the largest in Europe. (North of the Wall S02 E06, S02 E07, S02 E08 and S02 E10)
- Svínafellsjökull an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull glacier in the South of Iceland (North of the Wall S02 E06, S02 E07, S02 E08 and S02 E10)
Activities In Our Area
Super Jeep tours, snowmobiling, buggy tours, horseback riding and glacier hikes are always popular. We can book many different activities for you, and there is something for everyone – check out our activities page here.
We can help you plan activities tailored to children of all ages. From taking a self-drive tour down the South Coast with your toddler to saddling up and riding a horse with your middle-grade child, or even sitting beside your teenager as they drive a buggy on a black sand beach – we have plenty of options for kids.
You can read more about what is available in this blog post.
Yes, you can experience snow and ice year-round on one of Iceland´s many glaciers. You might even be able to visit an ice cave if weather conditions are right.
There are many lovely walking paths and more strenuous trails near Hotel Rangá. You are always welcome to walk beside the beautiful Rangá River that flows beside Hotel Rangá. There are also easier paths in the nearby towns of Hella and Hvolsvöllur. If you would like to try something more adventurous, why not hike up the nearby mountain Þríhyrningur – only a 20 minute drive from Hotel Rangá. There are also options for tougher hikes that we recommend you take only with a guide. Email us at hotelranga@hotelranga.is for more information.
Almost all of our activities are available year-round. From Super Jeep tours, to glacier exploration, to snowmobiling or buggy rides – there is plenty to do. If you do visit in the winter, be sure to bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes.
Not necessarily. You are welcome to book with us when you arrive, and there is a very good chance that there will be availability. It is also possible to book in advance; however, it is important to note that weather can be a big determinant regarding tours. The local tour companies that we work with always go out of their way to ensure that you get a chance to take your tour even in the case of bad weather. It is always possible to reschedule and tours canceled due to weather will be refunded in full.
Rangá Restaurant
Yes, certainly. We recommend making a reservation in advance by either calling us at +354 487-5700 or sending an email to hotelranga@hotelranga.is.
Our chefs are happy to accommodate all your needs and requests. We have vegan/vegetarian options for all meals and are used to catering for most types of allergies (gluten, nuts, dairy, etc.). It is important that you inform us of any dietary requirements by sending an email to hotelranga@hotelranga.is in advance of your stay. If you are staying for more than one night and plan to have dinner with us multiple nights, please notify the waiters so that we can prepare various options for you.
All proteins on the menu are local. We aim to get as many local products as possible.
Yes, we do. In Iceland, the Puffin is not on a list of endangered species. Of course, all species which are hunted in Iceland are closely monitored. Here in Iceland we are well aware of global warming and we follow responsible practices in both fishing and hunting.
Skyr is an Icelandic cultured dairy product. It has the consistency of strained yoghurt but has a much milder flavor. Skyr is technically classified as cheese, although it is widely regarded as yogurt. It has been a part of Icelandic cuisine for over a thousand years. Our restaurant offers skyr both at breakfast and as a dessert on our a la carte menu.
Getting Married In Iceland
In Iceland, marriage is legal between any two consenting adults, regardless of gender. In order to get married legally in Iceland you will need to gather several documents. You also need to meet with the District Commissioner prior to your wedding day. The District Commissioner´s office is only open Monday through Friday between 9:00 and 3:00. You can learn more in this blog post.
Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. There is even an Icelandic saying that goes, “If you don´t like the weather, just wait five minutes.” No matter the season, you should be prepared for any type of weather – from sunny skies, to rain, sleet and wind.
Anywhere your hearts desire (within certain reason) as long as the weather permits and the wedding officiant is willing to travel to the location. Your wedding can take place at Hotel Rangá, in an old Icelandic country church or in an ancient cave lit up with candlelight. Say yes on top of a volcano, on a glacier, a black sand beach, next to a waterfall or a geyser. We recommend that you go off the beaten track for your wedding ceremony, and we have a list of great ideas ready in case you need some inspiration.
There are four options:
- A Priest can conduct Christian ceremonies in a local country church.
- A wedding celebrant conducts humanist, non-religious ceremonies. These ceremonies have an atmosphere of dignity, joy and personal experience and allow the wedding couple the chance to exchange personalized vows.
- The District Commissioner conducts legal, non-religious ceremonies. These ceremonies are the shortest option and do not require couples to exchange personalized vows.
- The Ásatrúargoði conducts pagan ceremonies based on descriptions from the Sagas and ancient manuscripts of old Norse traditions, before the time of Christianity in Iceland. In a pagan wedding ceremony, the couple recites personalized oaths much like the vows a couple prepares for many North American ceremonies.
Questions About Iceland
Whenever you like – Iceland offers just as many fantastic activities in the winter as it does in the summer.
It is good to point out that the sun barely sets during the Icelandic summer – which means more time to explore and go on adventures. In the wintertime, the days are shorter; however, then you have the chance to spot the magical Aurora Borealis.
You can take many of the same tours – Super Jeep tours, glacier hikes, snowmobiling, buggy tours – in both winter and summer.
We recommend that you rent a car – having your own vehicle gives your flexibility to take self-drive tours in the area around Hotel Rangá. Most popular tourists sites are located close to the main road and are easily accessible.
If you want to visit sites that are off the beaten path, we recommend that you rent a 4×4 vehicle. These vehicles are best for traversing dirt roads, and some roads are only open to 4×4 vehicles.
If you prefer not to drive, we can arrange for a transfer service to pick you up from the airport at a cost. We can also arrange for guided tours to pick you up from Hotel Rangá. See her for more information about the cost of transfer services.
Iceland´s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it´s a good idea to pack for every season. Bring layers, including a waterproof outer layer and waterproof shoes or boots. A warm sweater, hat and gloves are always a good idea. And don´t forget your bathing suit to soak in Hotel Rangá´s geothermally heated hot tubs.
On average, a volcanic eruption occurs in Iceland every four to five years. There are over 150 volcanoes in Iceland, some more accessible and others in very remote areas. But do not worry – all seismic activity is closely monitored and studied so that scientists can have as much information as possible. Our country has many years of experience in keeping its citizens and visitors safe.
The only native land mammal in Iceland is the Arctic Fox. Mink and reindeer were also imported to Iceland and now have entered the ecosystem. There is also amazing birdlife and sealife in Iceland – from the golden plover, to the arctic swan, to seals and even whales, there are some wonderful creatures that you can discover.
