the AURORA LODGE HOTEL
The Aurora Lodge Hotel is East Ranga’s fantastic fishing lodge that operates as a small hotel outside of the fishing season. Why is it popular outside of the fishing season? Because iT enjoys a spectacular location within Iceland and even more spectacular views.
THE “AURORA LODGE HOTEL”.
The lodge sits above the middle part (Beats 5 & 4) of the East Ranga River, its elevated position offering a panoramic view of the river and the stunning snow-capped Mount Hekla. To the east of the lodge sits the Eyjarfjallajokull glacier and volcano, infamous for its 2010 eruption, and to the west the river plains reach out to the mountain range (and Reykjavik beyond.)
The lodge complex is comprised of 10 buildings, all linked by a wooden walkway and veranda, pair of hot tubs and a small sauna.
Guests are accommodated in fully furnished rooms each with either twin or double bed and private bathroom.
The main lodge building houses three elements. Firstly the kitchen and spacious dining area where superb meals are served. Secondly the living room filled with comfy leather chairs and sofas, and a full service bar. Thirdly the central hall, with tackle shop, reception, quieter seating and at the end a double height glazed wall with fire and armchairs and a perfect view of the river and mountain vista.
There is also a heated drying room for waders and coats etc, a full service fish cleaning and storage facility, a barbecue area, and a fishing office where rods and guides meet before each fishing session.
The east ranga.
The East Ranga is one of the most productive Atlantic salmon rivers in the world. The season runs for just 120 days, from mid June to early October, but with an average annual catch of over 3,000 salmon the river is quite extraordinary, even by high Icelandic standards.
The Fishing.
The East Ranga is often referred to as being the “perfect size”. This means large enough to be interesting and keep some of its secrets, but small enough to cover most holding spots well with a 12-14ft double handed rod or indeed a switch or single handed rod in many cases.
