Northern Lights in Iceland - When & Where To See the Aurora

What Are the Northern Lights?

Dancing in the skies above the land of ice and fire, these striking green lights are a true natural wonder. Yet, many don’t know what they are.

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are the visible result of solar particles entering the Earth’s magnetic field and ionizing high in the atmosphere. The ionization gives them their colors, usually green, but occasionally purple, red, pink, orange, and blue.

However, solar activity isn’t reliable and can be sporadic. So, even during a dark, clear night, Iceland might not have any northern lights. On the flip side, northern lights can occur in the atmosphere on a midsummer day, but the sun’s brightness prevents you from viewing them.

• Discover the Best Times to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

The auroras only appear near the Earth’s magnetic poles. They’re usually visible above a latitude of 60 degrees north and below 60 degrees south, with the "southern lights" being called the aurora australis.

Iceland sits at a latitude of approximately 64 degrees north, making it the perfect place to see the northern lights.

Before science could explain the source of the dancing lights in the sky, different people told many stories about their origins.

Strangely, there is a lack of folklore about the aurora in Iceland. Modern scholars have theorized that the Old Norse people might have thought the northern lights were the glinting of the shields and armors of the Valkyries. The Valkyries were female figures who guided warriors who died in battle to Valhalla. However, there are no mentions of the northern lights in the old Icelandic sagas, so these are just speculations.

In Finnish, the word for northern lights is "revontulet" which translates to "firefox." The Sami people of Finnish Lapland thought that the lights resulted from the firefox running across the snow so quickly that his tail threw sparks into the sky.

The auroras have also been considered omens. After Christianization in Medieval Europe, people saw them as a warning for dark times ahead.

Today, we understand the northern lights as a beautiful result of natural forces at play between the sun and Earth's magnetic field. However, their mesmerizing glow continues to inspire awe and wonder, just as they did centuries ago.

• Learn more: FAQ About the Northern Lights in Iceland | Science & Mythology

When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between September and April. While you can occasionally see them towards the end of August, the lingering sunlight makes them very faint.

The general rule is that the darker it is, the better for seeing the vibrant colors of the aurora. Iceland is very dark in the winter, reaching up to twenty hours of darkness during and around the winter solstice, which occurs on December 21st each year.

You also need to check the Icelandic aurora forecast. They’re measured on a scale of one to nine, and anything above three is worth setting out for, but a two is usually visible. It also describes the cloud cover around the country so you can know where the skies are clear.

How To See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Now that we know when to catch the northern lights, the next thing to do is find the best ways to see the aurora borealis in Iceland. There are four common ways to see the northern lights in Iceland:

1. Take a guided tour, such as this budget-friendly northern lights bus tour.

2. Go out of town and search for them by renting an affordable car.

3. Hunt for them in the town where you’re staying.

4. Set off into the ocean on a boat tour, such as this fantastic two-hour northern lights boat tour.

We’ll cover each of them below, starting with the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

“Where can I see the northern lights in Iceland?” is a common question by travelers when planning their trip. If the conditions are favorable, you can see the northern lights anywhere in Iceland, but it’s easier and more scenic in some places than others.

It’s worth examining where you’ll stay in Iceland if you want to hunt for the auroras. Ideally, you’ll want to find a place with as little light pollution and cloud coverage as possible.

Many of Iceland’s most stunning natural sites are popular places to see aurora borealis. Some examples include Thingvellir National Park in Southwest Iceland, the Asbyrgi Canyon in North Iceland, and the Kirkjufell Mountain on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.

Read on for some of the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland.

Northern Lights in North Iceland

Photo from Northern Lights Hunt from Akureyri

North Iceland has longer hours of darkness and typically less cloud cover than other areas, making it the ideal region for watching the aurora borealis. 

The only exception is Akureyri because it’s the second-largest city in Iceland. Although it is possible to see the northern lights in Akureyri, the light pollution makes it less ideal to view them. You can, however, take this northern lights hunt tour from Akureyri, which brings you away from the town's light pollution to good viewing spots!

• Discover the 11 Must-See Destinations in North Iceland
• See also: 13 Best Things to Do in Akureyri (and Nearby)

Northern Lights in South Iceland

The many beautiful locations along Iceland's South Coast also present great opportunities to see the northern lights. The best place to see the northern lights in Iceland is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which lies by the Vatnajokull glacier.

You can drive to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon along the Ring Road from Vik or find one of the black sand beaches of south Iceland to enjoy the view of the lights dancing across the sky.

• Discover the Northern Lights at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Camping in Iceland to See the Northern Lights

The best places in Iceland to see the northern lights without paying extra are campgrounds and glamping experiences. However, it’s only recommended to camp in Iceland between April and September because of the cold winter. It's possible to go in the fall and early spring if you're traveling with a rental campervan with heating, but avoid the height of winter.

Many campsites are rural, meaning the light pollution will be minimal. During the beginning of April and end of August, travelers may see the northern lights. However, the rest of the camping season is typically too bright for them to appear.

Of course, there’s always a slight chance that you still might not see them even if you take every opportunity. You might also see them on the plane over to Iceland or on the drive from Keflavik Airport. Keep in mind that luck is always a factor when hunting the aurora in Iceland.

• Learn about Camping in Iceland

How to See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik

Even if you’re only visiting the capital, you still have a chance to see the northern lights in Reykjavik.

The best way to see the northern lights in Reykjavik is the same way as anywhere else in Iceland. You need to find the darkest place possible and fully clear skies, then wait until your eyes have adjusted. 

Reykjavik has many parks where you can minimize light pollution and maximize your chances of spotting the northern lights. Read on for the best places to see the aurora borealis in Reykjavik.

• For more: Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik

Seltjarnarnes Peninsula

Seltjarnarnes peninsula is the northwesternmost point of the capital region. There’s minimal light pollution along this stretch. You have a great shot at spotting them on clear nights with a good forecast. One of Reykjavik's best backdrops for the northern lights is at the Grotta lighthouse.

There’s also a little geothermal tub on the peninsula called Kvika Foot Bath, where you can warm up your feet while waiting for them to show.

• Find the 30 Best Hot Springs and Geothermal Pools in Iceland

Oskjuhlid Hill

Oskjuhlid hill is another excellent place to hunt the aurora borealis in Iceland. The forest that surrounds the Perlan Museum is very dark, so observing the sky from one of its clearings often achieves excellent results.

Public Parks in Reykjavik

You can find relatively dark areas in some of the parks in Reykjavik. Popular options include Klambratun, Hljomskalagardur, or the larger Ellidaardalur. The first two are within walking distance of the city center, but Ellidaardalur is best reached by rental car.

Down Side of Northern Lights Hunting in Reykjavik

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by sergejf. No edits made. Northern lights over Reykjavik.

Unfortunately, trying to see the aurora borealis in Iceland in urban areas has several disadvantages:

• There will always be more light pollution in towns and cities than in the untouched landscapes of Iceland’s countryside.

• If there is a cloud blocking the best view of the auroras, you can’t reposition yourself for an optimal viewing experience.

When the auroras are incredibly vibrant, you might see them from urban areas, even with light pollution, such as from a garden, Reykjavik hotels, or just from the street. But the darker your surroundings, the more intense the colors will be.

To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland, we always recommend a guided tour that brings you straight to the best viewing spots.

Can You See the Northern Lights From the Blue Lagoon?

Yes, you may be able to see the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon. Much like trying to spot aurora borealis anywhere else in Iceland, it depends on the weather conditions and solar activity.

Since the Blue Lagoon is away from the city, there’s less light pollution than in Reykjavik. But being a very popular attraction, you must book your Blue Lagoon tickets with good notice. These advanced bookings mean it’s unlikely that you will be able to adjust your visit if the weather conditions are not optimal for the northern lights to be visible.

So the chance of seeing the aurora borealis while you’re soaking in the mineral water there depends highly on luck. Consider visiting a few of the different geothermal pools and hot springs around Iceland to enjoy both the Icelandic bathing culture and, possibly, the northern lights.

• Learn about Iceland's Blue Lagoon: The Ultimate Travel Guide
• See also: Blue Lagoon vs. Sky Lagoon: Which One Should You Visit?

Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Photographing the northern lights can be tricky. Most phones won't capture the magic of the lights, and most of the photographs shown here were captured with professional cameras. If you want a go at photographing them yourself, here’s a quick summary:

• Use a DSLR or full-frame camera with ISO capabilities. A mirrorless camera works, too, but it’s not as ideal.

• Use a wide-angle (or even ultra-wide-angle) lens as well.

• Use a tripod and a shuttle release to keep your camera steady, too.

• Set the ISO around 1,600 and an aperture of f/2.8 or lower.

Photography is an art, and these settings are just a guideline. If you’re unsure, you can go on a special northern lights tour with a photographer, where you can get the best photos of the aurora borealis and Iceland’s beauty in the winter.

• Learn all about How to Photograph the Northern Lights

Best Apps to Photograph the Northern Lights With a Smartphone

Usually, you won't be able to get high-quality photos of the northern lights with your phone, but you don't need to stress if you don't have a proper camera. Mobile phone cameras are getting better every day, and while they can’t compete with the capabilities of DSLR cameras, here are some apps that can help you get a few decent shots:

• Northern Lights Photo Taker

• NightCap Pro

• ProCam X - Lite

These apps either lower the shutter speed or compile a series of photos together to create one shot. We recommend you read the reviews and decide which one is best for you.

• See also: Top 10 Apps for Traveling in Iceland

Hunting the Northern Lights on a Guided Tour in Iceland

The most common way to hunt for the aurora borealis in Iceland is by taking a northern lights minibus tour from Reykjavik. The mobility and affordability make this the best way to see the northern lights in Iceland.

These tours run regularly from September to April, whenever the northern lights are visible. If the outings are canceled or unsuccessful, the tour company usually offers you a second opportunity to see them for free.

Advantages of choosing northern lights tours:

• You’ll be under the guidance of an aurora expert.

• You’ll be mobile enough to move to where the forecast is most favorable, and the cloud cover is minimal.

• You won’t need to worry about driving in Iceland’s winter conditions.

• As a bonus, they take you to places and landscapes you might never see otherwise.

If you want a full winter adventure, this 3-day trip in Iceland, in addition to a northern lights hunt, includes the South Coast in winter and the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the famous Golden Circle, and engaging in an adventurous glacier hike.

Those on a budget will appreciate joining a northern lights bus tour from Reykjavik, which takes you to the most promising locations without breaking the bank. You can book tours like this in Akureyri as well, like this northern lights tour near Lake Myvatn.

Photo from Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with a Professional Photographer & Pick-Up in Reykjavik

Those less worried about the cost—or just keen for a more personal, immersive experience—can elect to take a private northern lights tour from Reykjavik that includes a comfortable vehicle and private driver. 

By being in much smaller groups, you have more opportunities to speak with your guide and fewer people around you while you’re watching the northern lights. You’ll also be able to reach places larger buses can’t go and get to the most remote viewing locations.

Combining a guided northern lights tour with other experiences is also magical, such as with this northern lights and Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik.

If you’re not a fan of group tours, we recommend you go on your own one-week self-drive northern lights hunting tour so you can go aurora hunting at your own pace. Just be mindful that you'll have to drive in frosty and likely snowy conditions.

Hunting the Northern Lights with a Rental Car in Iceland

If you have a valid driver’s license in the Latin alphabet, you can easily hunt for the northern lights yourself by renting a car. When driving in Iceland in winter, it's best to rent a 4x4 vehicle, as conditions can be challenging.

This means no other group members will be distracting you on your tour, there are no time limitations, and you can choose where to look for the aurora borealis in Iceland yourself.

Before choosing to head on winter self-drive tours, it’s essential to be aware that driving in Iceland can be tricky during winter. Here are a few things to remember:

• While the roads are mostly ice-free in September, October, and April, they can be harder to drive from November to March.

• All rental cars in Iceland have studded tires during the winter. Even if you feel comfortable driving, renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle is still recommended.

• You should also check the road conditions and the weather forecast before departing to ensure that your intended destination is accessible.

• If you have little experience driving in snowy conditions and rural areas, you may feel more comfortable on a guided tour.

It's best to evaluate your driving capabilities realistically, as you don't want to take unnecessary risks.

• For more, check out Driving in Iceland: The Ultimate Guide to Road Trips
• See also: Best Advice For Renting a Car in Iceland

Hunting the Northern Lights by Boat in Iceland

Photo from Comfortable 2-Hour Northern Lights Boat Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Finally, a fantastic way to enjoy the incredible phenomenon of the aurora borealis in Iceland is with this northern lights boat cruise from Reykjavik.

Boat tours like that one take you out to sea, far from any light pollution, and offer you a fantastic opportunity for a sighting. They are very convenient and head straight out to Faxafloi Bay from the Reykjavik harbor. 

You won’t have to travel far from the port to be clear of city lights and catch a sighting. While you won’t have the same mobility as a standard bus or super jeep tour, you’ll have a more unique experience.

Photo from Amazing 2-Hour Northern Lights Cruise with Pick-Up from Reykjavik

However, a boat trip’s primary advantage is not the hunt for the northern lights. Instead, it’s about enjoying being out on the sea, surrounded by beautiful landscapes while floating under a canopy of stars.

If there’s no aurora to be enjoyed, most tours will offer you a complimentary second chance.

A northern lights cruise in Faxafloi Bay could also result in a bonus whale-watching experience with this whale-watching and northern lights tour from Reykjavik or this combination tour from Akureyri.

After all, whales are common along Iceland’s shores, and both bodies of water are home to resident white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. Minke whales are more commonly spotted from Reykjavik, while Humpbacks are regular visitors to the northern waters, though you’ll usually see these in the summer.

• Learn more with the Best Guide to Whale Watching in Iceland

What to Wear for a Northern Lights Hunt in Iceland

When preparing to hunt for the northern lights in Iceland, dressing appropriately is essential due to the country's unpredictable and often cold weather. You'll likely be standing outside for long periods of time, so it's better to over-prepare!

Opting for layers is key; start with thermal base layers to retain body heat, followed by insulating middle layers, like a fleece or down jacket, to trap warmth. A waterproof and windproof outer layer is crucial to shield you from the elements, ensuring comfort as you gaze at the night sky.

Footwear should also be a top consideration. Wear insulated, waterproof boots that offer both warmth and traction to navigate icy or snowy terrains safely. Don’t forget accessories such as warm wool socks, gloves, and a good hat to minimize heat loss through extremities. It's also a good idea to bring a thermos with a hot drink to help warm you up from the inside out!

Always check the weather forecast and be prepared to adapt your attire to the conditions of the night, ensuring a memorable and comfortable northern lights experience.

• See also: What To Pack for Iceland for All Seasons

Are Northern Lights Guaranteed in Iceland?

To witness the aurora borealis in Iceland, you need patience, luck, and the following conditions:

• You must visit between September and April. While you can occasionally see them towards the end of August, the lingering sunlight makes them very faint.

• The night must be as dark as possible. For example, a fuller moon will dim the aurora.

• There should be as little unnatural light as possible (avoid watching under artificial lights).

• There should be as little cloud cover as possible, as northern lights occur much higher in the earth's atmosphere than clouds.

• There must be enough solar activity. The aurora forecast is measured on a scale of 0-9 Kp-index, with anything above two usually promising for visibility at Iceland’s latitude.

You can research these last two conditions before looking for the lights by referencing the cloud cover forecast and the aurora forecast in Iceland. However, it’s impossible to know the forecasts more than a few days in advance. 

Contrary to popular belief, colder weather does not affect whether the northern lights in Iceland will appear.

Even if all the conditions listed above seem perfect, nature can be fickle, and the northern lights still may not show. It’s a probability game, so the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis in Iceland is to stay longer. Keep this in mind when you book a vacation in Iceland.

Top Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland

Photo from ION Adventure Hotel

The best northern lights hotels are in remote locations with no light pollution. Many hotels offer northern lights wake-up service during the winter season, so guests don’t miss out on the spectacular aurora.

Some hotels in Iceland have geared themselves towards watching the northern lights in comfort, and here are our top picks:

ION Adventure Hotel

The ION Adventure Hotel sits on a dormant volcano surrounded by lava fields near the Thingvellir National Park. It also has natural hot springs nearby, making it a good base for soaking in geothermal water as well.

Hofsstadir Country Hotel

The Hofsstadir Country Hotel in the Skagafjordur fjord in North Iceland has wide windows to take in the sweeping views of lava fields and fjords. They serve excellent food, so you can enjoy a meal while waiting for the elusive northern lights.

Hotel Ranga

Hotel Ranga in Hella is 60 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Reykjavik. It has an observatory and wake-up service for the aurora, ensuring that guests won’t miss the aurora if it happens during their stay.

Magma Hotel

Magma Hotel is a 12-room hotel in South Iceland surrounded by the Eldhraun lava fields. Its remote location means many guests see the northern lights during the winter.

Reykjavik Domes

Reykjavik Domes is one of the only glass-dome-like accommodations in Iceland. Since it’s not in the downtown area, there’s still an excellent chance to see the northern lights if you stay long enough.

• Find the best accommodation in Iceland for the best prices!

Booking Northern Lights Vacations in Iceland

If you want to focus your holiday to Iceland on seeing the lights first-hand, there are plenty of self-drive winter vacations and package holidays that will make this possible.

These packages may even suit those only in the country for a limited time, such as this three-day self-drive to the Jokulsarlon lagoon with an ice caves visit and this five-day winter package with ice caving and the Blue Lagoon.

As mentioned above, the longer you stay, the better your chances are of seeing an awe-inspiring display of the northern lights.

Coming for a week's trip to Iceland would present far more opportunities. You might want to consider this eight-day Ring Road of Iceland package in a small group, where you can admire the country’s beautiful landscapes in the daytime and search the skies for the aurora borealis at night without having to drive yourself.

This holiday also allows you to see the auroras over the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a mesmerizing experience where the lights can often reflect in the icebergs below.

You can also fully encircle the country and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, hunting for them each night on this twelve-day winter self-drive vacation. However, this option should only be considered by those who are very confident driving on winter roads.

We hope our ultimate guide to the northern lights in Iceland has provided you with the knowledge and courage to seek out the aurora borealis. Is there anything we missed? Have you visited Iceland before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!