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It’s not just about keeping one’s eyes peeled.
Iceland’s Natural Light Show
The enchanting Land of Fire and Ice is a dream destination for many explorers. Its natural wonders are truly unparalleled, but one spectacle steals the limelight in Iceland – the aurora borealis. Chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland is an adventure that requires some preparation, especially when you have to take into account that there are ideal times and places to see them.
The allure of the Northern Lights lies in their unpredictable nature. In fact, their elusiveness has led many northern societies to associate the phenomenon with luck and prosperity. Other cultures even believe that children born during an aurora display are destined for intelligence, beauty, and affluence!
With our guide, you will be guaranteed such luck! We will go over the best locations and ideal times to boost your odds of seeing Iceland’s Northern Lights. So gear up in your coziest jacket and remember to pack an extra battery for your camera – here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Iceland’s natural light show!
Best Time to See Iceland’s Northern Lights
To up your chances of seeing the aurora borealis, it’s important to know the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. This part of our guide will talk about the ideal season and conditions for an unforgettable light spectacle:
- SEASON: The peak period for witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland stretches through the winter season. From the tail end of September until the start of April, the nights are longer than the days and the skies are dark enough to accentuate the vibrant colors of the aurora.
- WEATHER: Cloud coverage can hinder any Northern Lights viewing adventure. Stay updated with the weather predictions and be ready to adjust your itinerary at a moment’s notice. Thankfully, there are always other activities you can enjoy in Iceland if your plan to watch the sky falls through.
- SOLAR ACTIVITY: The brilliance and intensity of the aurora borealis are dependent on solar activity. Monitor the aurora predictions on the Icelandic Meteorological Office website during your stay.
- MOON PHASE: While some argue that a full moon doesn’t diminish the vividness of the Northern Lights in Iceland, the full moon still emanates a considerable amount of light. Ordinarily, we wouldn’t call our natural satellite a light pollutant, but when it comes to aurora chasing, we don’t have much choice! To ensure an unimpeded aurora borealis spectacle, schedule your visit a week before the new moon!
Where to Watch the Northern Lights in Iceland
In addition to knowing the best times to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you also have to know the prime viewing locations across the country. Here are the top destinations with a high likelihood of Northern Lights sightings:
Reykjavik
Despite city lights potentially obstructing the view, Reykjavik has a handful of excellent spots where the aurora can be observed, including Grotta Lighthouse, Perlan, and Öskjuhlíð Hill.
South Coast
The scenic South Coast boasts numerous breathtaking locations for aurora viewing, including Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. If you’re drawn to ocean vistas, the South Coast is an exceptional choice to behold the Northern Lights performing their celestial ballet above the waters.
Golden Circle
This frequented tourist trail presents an outstanding opportunity for Northern Lights encounters, with Thingvellir National Park and Geysir Hot Springs Area as two key sites.
Take note that opting for a Golden Circle road trip is highly encouraged if your Iceland visit is primarily for the aurora borealis. Renting your own vehicle lets you have the freedom to embark on your adventure at your own pace and on your own terms! With you at the helm, you can customize your itinerary and navigate toward the Northern Lights viewing spots.
Tips for Viewing Iceland’s Northern Lights
Beyond identifying where and when to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, here are additional tips to make your aurora borealis experience more memorable:
- Layer Up: Icelandic winter temperatures can be harsh, so don multiple layers, a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy boots. Ensuring you’re warm and cozy during your aurora quest guarantees that nothing – not even the biting cold – takes away from this extraordinary experience.
- Pack A Quality Camera: An intense aurora will exhibit a rich spectrum of color, but a faint aurora can easily be mistaken for nebulous night clouds. Capturing the complete color range is best achieved using your camera. You could utilize a DSLR or your phone’s camera (provided it has wide to ultra-wide-angle features). If you’re using your phone, consider installing dedicated Northern Lights photography apps instead of relying solely on your built-in camera.
- Invest in a Tripod: A tripod is crucial to stabilize your camera and facilitate longer exposure times. Plus, you can simply position your camera and leave it by itself while you savor the lights show with your loved ones!
- Exercise Patience: The Northern Lights in Iceland can be unpredictable, so keep an open mind and be prepared to wait. Be well-rested before nightfall, stay hydrated, or indulge in a hot tub or hot spring soak while awaiting the aurora. We promise you that the spectacle will be well worth the wait!
Best Places to Stay (and See The Northern Lights) in Iceland
Now that you know where and when to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, it’s time to find out where you can set up camp. Ideally, you should stay somewhere near the Northern Lights viewing points. Consider these locations when looking for a vacation rental:
1. SELFÓSS
Nestled near the Golden Circle, Selfoss presents diverse dining options, such as Tryggvaskáli Restaurant and Kaffi Krús. The town’s proximity to the Kerið Crater, an extraordinary geological marvel, is a bonus!
2. HVOLSVÖLLUR
This quaint town near the South Coast offers homely accommodations and several local eateries like Gamla Fjósið. Hvolsvöllur serves as an excellent launching point for exploring the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls.
3. REYKJAVIK
The capital city brims with a wide array of cafes, boutiques, and top-rated restaurants like Grillmarkaðurinn and Sjávargrillið. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit the famed Hallgrímskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall.
4. VÍK
As the doorway to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Vík provides visitors the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights against a striking coastal backdrop. Visit Sudur-Vík Restaurant for a meal and discover the nearby Dyrhólaey Peninsula.
5. HÖFN
Positioned near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Höfn is renowned for its array of local seafood restaurants like Pakkhús and Hafnarbúðin. It’s also a convenient starting point for venturing into Vatnajökull National Park and the adjacent Diamond Beach.
6. AKUREYRI
Dubbed the “Capital of North Iceland,” Akureyri boasts numerous attractions, including the Akureyri Botanical Garden and the Akureyri Church. Savor a meal at Rub 23 or Strikið, and seize the chance to visit the nearby Goðafoss waterfall.
Bottom Line: Awaken with The Aurora in Iceland
Experiencing Iceland’s Northern Lights is an otherworldly spectacle, especially with strategic timing and thorough preparation. Don’t forgo the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in Iceland by arranging your itinerary around the best time and spots for viewing.
Of course, while this adventure can be the highlight of your trip, there is plenty more to see and do in Iceland! Get inspired and plan your visit with Hotala. Apart from listing thousands of lodging options, we also regularly publish travel guides to help you become a fully independent globetrotter. Embrace the enchantment of the northern lights and craft timeless memories with us today!
TLDR
This guide tells you all you need to know about how, where, and when to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. In a nutshell, the optimal time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland falls during the winter months, spanning late September to early April. Key viewing locales include Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and the South Coast. Consider accommodations in nearby cities or towns such as Selfoss, Hvolsvöllur, Vík, Höfn, and Akureyri, all offering various attractions, culinary options, and amenities. Dress in warm layers, carry a quality camera or install specialized photography apps, bring along a tripod, and exercise patience during your aurora pursuit. Plan the perfect getaway with Hotala for a truly unforgettable Icelandic vacation.
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