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Imagine waking up to an uninterrupted panorama of Iceland’s rugged landscapes. Picture: snow-capped mountains, sprawling lava fields, and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky. It sounds like a dream, but that’s exactly what staying in a glass cottage in Iceland feels like.
During our 6 day Iceland road trip, we decided to splurge on one night at a glass cottage near Hella, Iceland. As a couple celebrating the final year before our wedding, we wanted a unique experience that combined adventure, comfort, and the chance to cross a major bucket-list item off our list: seeing the Northern Lights.
If you’re considering booking a stay at the Glass Cottage Iceland, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Quick Summary: Glass Cottage Iceland
- Location: Near Hella, Iceland
- Distance from Reykjavik: Approximately 2 hours by car
- Best for: Northern Lights viewing
- Includes: Private hot tub, kitchen, glass walls
- Ideal Length of Stay: 1–2 nights
- Worth it? Yes, for couples and special occasions
Why We Chose a Glass Cottage in Iceland
This is in no way sponsored; this was a personal splurge.
When planning our Iceland trip to celebrate our one-year wedding countdown, my now-husband and I wanted to include at least one unforgettable accommodation. We have very different comfort levels when it comes to adrenaline-filled travel, so Iceland felt like the perfect compromise: adventurous without being extreme.
At the top of both of our bucket lists was seeing the Northern Lights. While there are several incredible destinations to view the aurora borealis, Iceland stood out because of its dramatic landscapes, accessibility, and endless opportunities to experience nature.
After booking our flights, we built our itinerary around exploring as much of Iceland as possible, with one special night reserved for the Glass Cottage. Our hope? Falling asleep beneath the Northern Lights.
How to get to the Glass Cottage in Iceland
Starting from Keflavik International Airport
Most international travelers will arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF), located just outside Reykjavik.
While public transportation is available in Iceland, I highly recommend renting a car. Not only will you need one to reach the Glass Cottage, but having your own vehicle allows you to explore waterfalls, national parks, hot springs, and scenic viewpoints throughout the country at your own pace.
The Drive to the Glass Cottage
The Glass Cottage is located approximately two hours from Keflavik Airport, depending on road conditions and your route.
If you’re visiting Iceland for the first time, I recommend spending a night or two in Reykjavik before heading toward the countryside. If your schedule allows, stop at the Blue Lagoon directly after your flight before making your way into the city.
From Reykjavik, the drive to the cottage takes you through portions of the famous Golden Circle route, making it easy to incorporate several iconic Iceland attractions into your itinerary.
Some of our favorite stops along the way included:
- Bruarfoss Waterfall
- Thingvellir National Park
- Scenic viewpoints throughout the Golden Circle
The drive itself is part of the experience, with stunning landscapes around nearly every turn.
Stop in Hella Before Check-In
The closest town to the Glass Cottage is Hella, making it the perfect place to stock up on groceries and essentials before arriving.
The cottage hosts provide pasta and marinara sauce for guests, but you’ll likely want additional snacks, breakfast items, and beverages for your stay.
We found both a grocery store and liquor store conveniently located near the town’s roundabout. Keep in mind that stores in Iceland often close earlier than you may be used to, so it’s best to arrive before dinner time.
What It’s Like Staying at the Glass Cottage
A Sustainable Escape
One aspect I loved about the Glass Cottage is the thoughtful attention to sustainability.
The family-owned property was designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing guests’ connection to nature. The cottages use solar heating and fresh water from a private well, making them nearly self-sustaining.
Even the smaller details feel intentional. Many of the cushions are hand-knitted using wool sourced from rescue sheep, adding a cozy and authentic Icelandic touch to the space.
For travelers looking to support responsible tourism, the Glass Cottage is an excellent option.
Amenities and Layout
Iceland offers no shortage of unique accommodations, from luxury hotels to glass igloos and remote cabins. After researching several options, we chose the Glass Cottage because it offered one of the best combinations of privacy, affordability, and amenities.
The biggest selling point for us was the private outdoor hot tub.
The cottage itself is designed like an open-concept studio with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow you to take in the surrounding landscape from nearly every angle. A fully equipped kitchen makes it easy to prepare your own meals, while the secluded setting creates a peaceful retreat away from crowds.
One of the greatest advantages of staying here is the complete lack of light pollution. With no neighboring buildings nearby, the cottage provides excellent conditions for Northern Lights viewing on clear nights.
For dinner, we chose to drive to Ingólfsskáli Restaurant, which offered a unique Viking-inspired dining experience and was one of the highlights of our trip.
Watching the Northern Lights
One of the main reasons travelers book a glass cottage in Iceland is for the opportunity to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of their accommodation.
While sightings can never be guaranteed, the remote location of the Glass Cottage significantly improves your chances compared to staying in Reykjavik or other populated areas.
Being able to relax in the hot tub while watching the sky for aurora activity was one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip.
FAQs About the Glass Cottage in Iceland
Can you see the Northern Lights from the Glass Cottage?
Yes, one of the biggest advantages of staying at the Glass Cottage is the lack of light pollution. During our stay, the secluded location provided ideal viewing conditions.
How far is the Glass Cottage from Reykjavik?
The Glass Cottage is approximately two hours from Reykjavik by car.
Does the Glass Cottage have a private hot tub?
Yes, each cottage includes a private outdoor hot tub.
Is a rental car required?
Yes. The cottage is located in a remote area, and renting a car is the easiest way to access it
Final Thoughts: Is the Glass Cottage in Iceland Worth It?
In my opinion, yes.
If you’re searching for a unique Northern Lights accommodation in Iceland, a romantic getaway, or a memorable place to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, or special occasion, the Glass Cottage is worth the splurge.
The combination of privacy, breathtaking scenery, sustainable design, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights from your bed creates an experience that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else.
While there are less expensive places to stay in Iceland, few offer the same level of seclusion and connection to nature.
