Thingvellir National Park in Iceland was founded in 1930 and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis. For after-dark activities, they have campsites established in the wintertime for those who want to increase their chances of seeing the lights.
The park is a great hotspot for an emerging trend called “noctourism” or nocturnal tourism, which focuses on the beauty of the night sky and activities done in low light or dark conditions. To help skywatchers, Iceland even has aurora forecasts that keep track of solar activity and the Earth’s weather.
Before you go aurora hunting, check out our list of the best Airbnbs near Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, so you can pick the best accommodation for your after-dark adventures.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Property | After-Dark Experiences | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeview cabin | Walk to the nearby lake for nighttime photography or wait for the aurora on the hot tub | from USD 286 |
| Scenic hill cottage | Night hike in Thingvellir National Park | from USD 500 |
| Barn apartment near the river | Nighttime nature walks or night picnic by the waterfall | from USD 172 |
| Romantic cottage for two | Hang out at Hafravatn, a scenic lake just 6 minutes away from the property | from USD 220 |
| Traditional cottage near Laugarvatn | Lake Laugarvatn is 6 minutes away and is a good spot for night swimming | from USD 177 |
| Stylish lake cabin | Night swimming at Lake Apavatn | from USD 189 |
1. Lakeview cabin (from USD 900)
Wide open spaces and proximity to a lake? It’ll be easy to see the aurora borealis from here, and that’s why we put it pretty high up on our list.
Bonus amenities include a hot tub and sauna, which are great ways to pass the time or stay warm while skywatching.
Features & amenities: Furnished deck with firepit, private sauna with windows, open-air hot tub After-hours adventures: Fill up the hot tub and enjoy a nighttime soak while watching the stars and waiting for the Aurora.
Selfoss, IcelandAccommodates: 4
2. Scenic hill cottage (from USD 2307)
If you’re looking for a spot with good vantage, I recommend this home situated on a hill.
Speaking of vantage, you won’t even have to leave the property since you can stargaze on the deck or while taking a dip in the hot tub.
Features & amenities: Living room with bright glass panels, furnished lounge deck, open-air hot tub After-hours adventures: I’d fix a pot of hot soup in the kitchen and savor it while sitting on the deck and waiting for the lights. More adventurous travelers can go for a night hike in Thingvellir National Park.
Selfoss, IcelandSuperhost
Accommodates: 5
3. Barn apartment near the river (from USD 1039)
We’re dripping with envy seeing all the beautiful scenery nearby. If you’re up for it, you could even pitch a tent outside and just camp under the stars.
If you’d rather stay warm indoors, the bedroom’s living area is nice and cozy, and you’ll still be able to see the northern lights from the windows.
Features & amenities: Living area with viewing windows, wide-open yard After-hours adventures: I would pack some gear for a nighttime nature walk or have a night picnic by the waterfall.
Mosfellsdalur, Mosfellsbær, IcelandAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
disa is a wonderful host and we loved meeting herdisa and bjarni were fantastic hosts and lovely peopledísa and bjarni were both amazing hosts and were very reachable and communicativegreat views and a wonderful host disa was an amazing hostbjarni and disa were excellent hosts the barn was absolutely beautiful and gave you the true sense of icelandLocation:
a stylish place is a beautiful locationa truly remarkable location surrounded by natural beauty and amazing peoplethe location is amazing with stunning mountain viewsCleanliness:
the apartment is very clean and beautiful designedthe apartment is very spacious and cleanit’s brand new and ultra cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
good shower good bed ok internet ok kitchen facilitiesamazing place in the countryside magical space and a comfortable bed with a view of the mountainsand that's only the view from the bed the rest of the windows do not disappointthe old barn is cozy and tastefully decorated with amazing views on all sidesthe starry sky at night is just stunning and visible from the bed
4. Romantic cottage for two (from USD 996)
Why not relive your honeymoon at this cozy cottage? You’ll have plenty of privacy out here.
Turn off the lights and watch as the sky fills up with stars. If the weather is perfect, you’ll have a good chance of catching the aurora borealis as well.
Features & amenities: Outdoor hot tub After-hours adventures: Head to Hafravatn, a scenic lake just 6 minutes away from the property, for some nighttime photography.
Mosfellsbær, IcelandAccommodates: 2
5. Traditional cottage near Laugarvatn (from USD 536)
Situated at the foot of a mountain, this property is a fantastic base for hiking or lake swimming excursions.
While a few trees might get in the way, you can still get a really good view of the northern lights from the deck or while in the hot tub.
Features & amenities: Furnished deck, open-air hot tub After-hours adventures: If you’re feeling up for it, go for a night swim at Lake Laugarvatn. In case the weather’s not suitable, you can’t go wrong with a midnight dip in the hot tub.
Laugarvatn, Bláskógabyggð, IcelandAccommodates: 4
6. Stylish lake cabin (from USD 913)
Simple yet scenic, this is a great Airbnb for a quiet and romantic retreat next to Apavatn. There’s plenty to do, including picnicking or swimming in the lake.
Take it slow and easy here. Just while away the time admiring the sky and keeping warm with some hot cider or chocolate.
Features & amenities: Deck, lake access to Apavatn After-hours adventures: This close to the lake, I’d be comfortable enough to try a bit of open-water swimming, especially if it’s a bright aurora-lit night.
IcelandAccommodates: 2
Follow the glow of the Valkyrie
The old Norse believed that the northern lights were the gleaming arms and raiments of the Valkyrie, come to take the spirits of fallen warriors. Although science has long since explained the actual phenomenon, you can still come to Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park and chase after the myths and legends. Before your trip, be sure to book one of these Airbnbs to enjoy the best of noctourism near the park.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data