Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a very particular expertise you possibly can’t miss. Because of this I’m sharing the very best locations and methods to maximise your probabilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
For those who’re something like me, and I’m certain you might be, you wish to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland while you go to. From discovering all of the finest locations to see, unbelievable hikes, stunning waterfalls, and, in fact, experiencing the finest spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for selection of issues to do and see while you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Nicely, the simple reply can be to say ‘anyplace’. In concept, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that you must contemplate when you’re recognizing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Seeing the Northern Lights In Iceland from Reykjavik


One of many key issues to recollect in regards to the Northern Lights in Iceland is that they are often current and dancing away, however you may not see them because of clouds and even gentle air pollution in cities like Reykjavik. This isn’t all the time the case; you could be fortunate and spot the Northern Lights whereas visiting Reykjavik, however it’s actually just a little more difficult.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that will help you maximise your probabilities, it’s finest to drive your self or ebook this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The advantage of reserving this tour is that you simply don’t should stress about driving or discovering protected parking locations. The draw back is that the excursions run even on cloudy days, which makes it very arduous to identify the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Reykjavik


The advantage of driving to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is that you simply’ll get to regulate the place and when to really exit Northern Mild searching. This implies you possibly can adapt your plans to suit round clear skies quite than staying with a inflexible tour time. For those who can, we’d say drive; it’s all the time the higher choice. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they offer you a lifetime assure to hitch one other tour at no cost should you don’t see them.
Better of all, when driving, you solely must drive round 20 minutes from the centre of Reykjavik, and also you’ll be in full darkness. It’s probably the most cost-effective option to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We suggest heading anyplace on the street in the direction of Leirvogsvatn (beneath), which we’ve added beneath. The street is just a little quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less gentle air pollution. That’s only a private desire.
Simply make sure that to park up safely and off the principle street. All the time make sure you’re parked in a layby or small parking areas they’ve alongside the street itself. Oh, and take a sizzling tea of espresso with you – it’s very nice as you possibly can simply sit within the automobile, within the heat, till the Northern Lights seem.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Keflavik Airport
For those who’re nearer to Keflavik Airport, drive for about 10-Quarter-hour to close by Gunnuhver Sizzling Springs (beneath). The wonderful thing about transferring to see the Northern Lights in Gunnuhver, Iceland, is that there’s parking accessible, which makes it really easy to cease.
Plus, going through south offers you an uninterrupted view and minimal gentle air pollution.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Selfoss
Travelling close to Selfoss? Then, head to the coast by routes 33 and 34 close to Eyrarbakki (beneath). It’s so shut, and you may shortly drive additional down the roads to seek out the right place to identify the Northern Lights within the sky.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland from different elements of the nation
You possibly can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from anyplace that’s darkish and with a transparent night time. So, should you’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply make sure that to seek out protected parking spots in your native space.
Find out how to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland
Among the best instruments for the Northern Lights forecast is right here.
It’s the Icelandic Met Workplace, which particulars when and the place you will notice the Northern Lights in Iceland. We use this software considerably when travelling in Iceland. In addition they word all of the cloud cowl you would possibly encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply you’ll want to word the quantity from zero to 9. The upper the quantity, the extra intense the Northern Lights in Iceland. Don’t simply assume you want a excessive quantity—we’ve seen a number of the most spectacular shows in Iceland whereas the forecast was solely three (which is ‘lively’).


Oh, and for the Iceland climate forecast, you possibly can see their maps right here.
Keep in mind, you’re seeking to see that the Aurora Forecast quantity is larger than zero and that there’s no cloud cowl in your space.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Iceland