Iceland, with its stunning landscapes and clear night skies, is one of the best places in the world to witness the ethereal beauty of the northern lights. The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are a captivating natural phenomenon that has enchanted observers for centuries. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best spots in Iceland to experience this magical display, provide tips for optimal viewing, and highlight some recommended tours that can enhance your adventure.
Why Iceland is perfect for northern lights viewing
Geographic and climatic advantages
Iceland’s location in the center of the Aurora Belt and just below the Arctic Circle makes it an ideal destination for northern lights viewing. The country’s long, dark winters and accessibility provide prime conditions for spotting the aurora. Additionally, Iceland’s East/West split in the weather system offers plenty of opportunities for clear skies if you are willing to give the trip a few hours.
Best spots for northern lights in Iceland
There are three “Must have” and some “Nice to have” according to taste.
Must have
- Good visibility to the North Horizon – The Northern Lights will, most of the times, start appearing low on the North Horizon
- Safe parking in an area where you can move freely and safely and away from traffic – Waiting for the lights to appear might take a few hours
- No direct light between you and the stars – Direct light will ruin your night vision and limit your chances at seeing the full color of the lights (think, street lamps, car lights, cameras and mobile phones)
Nice to Have
- Shelter from the cold while you are waiting for the Aurora to appear – The Sub-Arctic climate offers limited comfort
- Guidance from on what to look for- It can be hard to look for something that you have never seen (in real life) before and Instagram might not be the best reference.
- Privacy without the risk of getting lost in the dark. – There is plenty of space and available parking all around in Iceland but some are better suited than others.
Reykjavik and surrounding areas
While the center of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, offers some viewing opportunities, light pollution can be an issue. However, there are excellent nearby locations such as:
- Aurora Basecamp: Located in the Outskirt of the capital area, this is the only purpose built Northern Lights Observatory in Iceland checking all the boxes of must haves and nice to haves and then some.
- The Sun Voyager: A long time favorite for those that don’t want to move far as it is only a walking distance from most of the City Center restaurants and hotels.
- Grótta Lighthouse: Located on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, this spot is just a short drive from Reykjavik and provides a great vantage point with minimal light interference.
North Iceland
The northern regions of Iceland are renowned for their clear skies and frequent aurora sightings. Key locations include:
- Akureyri: Iceland’s second-largest city, offers urban amenities with nearby rural areas perfect for northern lights viewing.
- Húsavík: Known for whale watching and Geothermal bathing, this town also provides excellent aurora viewing opportunities, especially along its coastal areas.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
This peninsula is often referred to as “Iceland in Miniature” because of its diverse landscapes, which also make it a fantastic spot for northern lights.
- Kirkjufell Mountain: One of Iceland’s most iconic mountains, Kirkjufell, offers a picturesque backdrop for the northern lights.
- Grundarfjörður, Ólafsvík and Stykkishólmur: These small fishing villages have some hidden treasures in the range of nice restaurants, hotels and an open view to the North.
Westfjords
The Westfjords are one of the most remote and pristine areas in Iceland, offering perfect conditions for aurora spotting.
- Ísafjörður: This town, located just North of 66°N, is surrounded by dramatic mountains and fjords but this location, close to the Arctic Circle, provides an excellent base for exploring the northern lights. Don’t forget to visit the neighboring small fishing villages, Flateyri, Þingeyri and Suðureyri.
South Coast
The South Coast is famous for its stunning natural landmarks, which enhance the northern lights viewing experience.
- Hvolsvöllur: Home to the Lava Center and close to Iceland’s top Northern Lights hotel Rangá, Hvolsvöllur will have everything needed for a good Northern Lights – Night Out. Open view to the North plenty of restaurants and wide open spaces to wander about in.
- Kirkjubæjarklaustur: Perfect stop on your way from Jökulsárlón, Kirkjubæjarklaustur has all the facilities you need to support your Northern Lights expedition. Beautiful waterfalls, great food and accommodations.
- Höfn: It doesn’t get more picturesque than Vestrahorn Mountain combined with the Northern lights. Höfn has a great open view to the North, plenty of good food and access to parking and the necessary facilities.
East Iceland
Often overlooked, East Iceland is less crowded but equally rewarding for aurora hunters as it also offers a different weather system from the South West.
- Seyðisfjörður: This picturesque town, set in a fjord, offers tranquil and scenic conditions for northern lights viewing.
- Egilsstaðir: With a direct flight from Reykjavik, this place should be the back-up of every Northern Lights enthusiast traveling to Reykjavik. When the weather in the South West of Iceland offers no comfort. Nice hotels, food and car rentals opens the door to a new adventure in the North East of Iceland.
The Highlands
The Icelandic highlands in winter are only accessible to the best equipped trucks and drivers Iceland has grown so famous for.
- Kerlingafjöll: The Highland Base in Kerlingafjöll is located in the heart of the geothermal area in the Highlands and is a favorite Off-The-Beaten-Track location of the locals during summer. There is nothing else like this on planet earth and getting there in winter is a mission on a different level
Tips for choosing the best viewing locations
- Monitor weather and road conditions: Clear skies and good driving conditions are essential. Check local weather forecasts and be prepared to travel to find clear skies.
- Use aurora forecasts: Tools like the Aurora Forecast can provide real-time updates on aurora activity and visibility.
Recommended northern lights tours
Guided tours can significantly enhance your northern lights experience by providing expert guidance and optimal viewing locations. Here are some highly recommended tours by Aurora Forecast:
- Northern Lights Tour in Iceland: This tour takes you to some of the best spots in Iceland for viewing the aurora, with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation. Ask for tailored tours that focus on maximizing your chances of seeing the northern lights, often including photography tips and local insights.
