Best places to see northern lights in iceland

Witnessing the northern lights, or aurora borealis, is a bucket-list item for many travelers. The celestial dance of lights is nothing short of magical, and few places on Earth offer a better vantage point than Iceland. The combination of clear skies, minimal light pollution, and strategic positioning near the Arctic Circle makes Iceland an ideal destination for this natural phenomenon. Here’s an in-depth look at the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland.

Reykjavik and Surrounding Areas

Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, might not seem like an ideal spot due to light pollution, but think again. The city has some excellent vantage points and tour options to escape urban lighting. If you’re in Reykjavik, here are a few areas to consider:

Grótta Lighthouse – Situated on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula at the northwesternmost point of Reykjavik, Grótta Lighthouse offers an excellent escape from the city’s lights. It is easily accessible and provides stunning views of the aurora reflecting off the ocean.

Öskjuhlíð Hill – This forested hill is in the heart of Reykjavik and is less affected by light pollution. Perched atop the hill is the Perlan museum, whose observation deck is a popular spot for northern lights viewing.

For those willing to venture a bit further, there are plenty of tours that take you out of the city limits to darker regions, offering a higher likelihood of seeing the auroras.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik. Known for its geological, historical, and cultural significance, it’s also a fantastic location for northern lights. The park’s vast, dark skies offer prime viewing conditions.

The park’s serene lake, Þingvallavatn, can provide a stunning backdrop for the dancing lights. Reflecting off the water, the auroras here create an almost otherworldly scene. The open landscapes and minimal light pollution make Thingvellir a reliable choice for aurora chasers.

Vik and the South Coast

The village of Vik along Iceland’s south coast is another excellent location for northern lights enthusiasts. What Vik offers in spades are dramatic landscapes, which turn even more stunning when illuminated by the aurora borealis.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – This famous black sand beach with its basalt columns offers a unique setting for the lights. The contrast between the dark sands and the vibrant auroras makes for mesmerizing photographs.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula – Providing panoramic views of the coastline, this area offers a high vantage point to see the northern lights dancing over the Atlantic Ocean.

One of my most memorable experiences was watching the northern lights while standing on the black sands of Reynisfjara. The auroras seemed to dance in sync with the crashing waves, creating a sensory symphony of light and sound.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

For those prepared to travel further afield, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on the east coast is an unmissable spot. This glacial lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that glow eerily under the northern lights.

Watching the auroras reflect off the icebergs and the still waters of the lagoon creates an ethereal and unforgettable scene. The lagoon’s remote location ensures minimal light pollution, providing some of the clearest skies for aurora viewing.

Eastfjords

Iceland’s eastern fjords, often less visited by tourists, offer a tranquil and serene setting for northern lights. The fjords themselves are a labyrinth of steep cliffs and narrow inlets, creating dramatic landscapes for the auroras to illuminate.

Stöðvarfjörður – This village in the Eastfjords is surrounded by mountains, providing shelter from the elements and a darker sky for aurora viewing.

Fáskrúðsfjörður – Known for its French heritage and history, this idyllic fjord town is another excellent spot for witnessing the northern lights.

I found the Eastfjords to be some of the most peaceful places in Iceland, and observing the northern lights from these secluded locations felt like a rare privilege.

Westfjords

The remote Westfjords offer some of Iceland’s most unspoiled and pristine environments. The isolation and limited infrastructure mean less light pollution, providing some of the darkest skies in the country.

Ísafjörður – Although the largest town in the Westfjords, Ísafjörður has minimal light pollution compared to Reykjavik. The surrounding fjords and mountains create perfect natural amphitheaters for the auroras.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve – Accessible by boat or hiking, this reserve is for the truly adventurous. Its remoteness guarantees complete darkness, ideal for aurora observations.

The Westfjords offer a level of tranquility and isolation that makes the aurora viewing experience even more special. There is something profoundly moving about watching the lights in such a raw, untouched environment.

Northern Iceland

Northern Iceland is one of the most reliable regions for northern lights due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. The region’s low population density means that light pollution is minimal, ensuring clear views.

Akureyri – Known as the capital of Northern Iceland, Akureyri offers good access to aurora sightings. The town itself has attractions and amenities, making it a convenient base.

Lake Mývatn – This geothermal area is known for its beautiful landscapes. Additionally, the auroras reflecting off the lake’s surface create dazzling displays of light.

Goðafoss Waterfall – Known as the « Waterfall of the Gods, » Goðafoss is spectacular under the northern lights. The sight of the auroras illuminating the cascade is nothing short of magical.

On my visit to northern Iceland, I was fortunate to witness a particularly intense display of the northern lights over Lake Mývatn. The experience was surreal; the lights seemed to ripple in the sky and reflect off the lake’s surface, creating a double spectacle.

Tips for Viewing Northern Lights

Here are some tips to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights during your trip to Iceland:

Check the Weather Forecast – Clear skies are crucial for seeing the auroras. Websites and apps provide cloud cover forecasts specific to northern lights viewing.

Aurora Forecasts – Websites and apps like the Icelandic Met Office can predict aurora activity levels, helping you plan your outings.

Stay Warm – Icelandic nights can be extremely cold, especially in winter. Dress in layers and bring hot beverages to stay warm during long periods outside.

Be Patient – The northern lights are elusive. Sometimes you may have to wait several hours, and sometimes they don’t appear at all. Patience and persistence are key.

Though there’s no guarantee you’ll see the northern lights, the journey and the landscapes of Iceland make the adventure worthwhile. Each of these locations offers not only a chance to witness this celestial marvel but also to experience the natural beauty and unique culture of Iceland.