The Northern Lights are one of Iceland’s most remarkable natural wonders. On dark, clear nights, the sky can suddenly come alive with sweeping ribbons of green, purple, and pink light, shifting and changing shape as if in motion.
No two displays are ever the same. Sometimes the aurora glows softly on the horizon; other times it bursts into waves that stretch from one end of the sky to the other. This unpredictability is part of its charm, making every sighting feel unique and unforgettable — a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Iceland’s Northern Lights season returns from September to April. The Reykjavik EDITION as an exceptional base for aurora-related travel features. With its harbourside setting, panoramic views, and curated excursions, the hotel offers one of the most stylish and seamless ways to experience this natural spectacle.
Overlooking Reykjavik’s Old Harbour with unobstructed views of Mount Esja and the North Atlantic, The Reykjavik EDITION offers a prime position for aurora sightings within the city limits. Its waterfront setting places guests just far enough from the central glow to experience the Northern Lights when conditions allow, while remaining close to the capital’s cultural and culinary offerings.
The concierge team can arrange guided excursions beyond the city - by jeep, yacht or helicopter - for those seeking darker skies and more remote vantage points.
Guestrooms designed for the night sky
Many of the hotel’s 253 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing the harbour, mountains or city skyline - offering potential for in-room aurora sightings on clear nights. The interiors draw on Iceland’s palette of stone, wood and muted tones to create a calm, understated retreat after a night out in the elements.
The sixth-floor Penthouse Suite includes a fireplace, spa-style bathroom and a private terrace for outdoor viewing.
Food and Drink with a View
Dining at the hotel is led by Icelandic chef Gunnar Karl Gíslason. The signature restaurant, TIDES, offers seasonal, fire-led menus featuring local ingredients - served in a space with expansive harbour-facing windows, ideal for watching the sky.
Spa and wellness
The EDITION Spa reinterprets wellness through a Nordic lens. Facilities include a hammam, steam room, sauna, plunge pool, and three treatment rooms. The spa also functions as a social space, with a lounge-style refreshment bar offering teas, infusions and light snacks between treatments.
Signature offerings include the Uruz Ritual, which combines salt scrubs, marine mud, hot stones and chilled marble massage in a nod to traditional hot-cold therapies. Skincare treatments are delivered in partnership with BIOEFFECT, using Icelandic-grown biotechnology.
Access to the landscape
The hotel’s concierge team works closely with local guides to coordinate aurora tours suited to different interests and conditions. Options include off-road Super Jeep journeys into the wilderness, boat charters, or longer day trips combining natural landmarks like Þingvellir National Park or the Blue Lagoon with aurora viewing opportunities.
With Reykjavik’s compact size and excellent transport links, The Reykjavik EDITION offers access not only to the natural world, but also to the city’s cultural scene—ideal for travellers looking to balance adventure and comfort. -TradeArabia News Service