Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a completely particular expertise you’ll be able to’t miss. For this reason I’m sharing the most effective locations and methods to maximise your probabilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
If you happen to’re something like me, and I’m certain you might be, you need to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland whenever you go to. From discovering all of the finest locations to see, unimaginable hikes, lovely waterfalls, and, in fact, experiencing the finest spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for selection of issues to do and see whenever you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Properly, the straightforward reply can be to say ‘wherever’. In idea, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that it is advisable take into account if you end up recognizing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Seeing the Northern Lights In Iceland from Reykjavik
One of many key issues to recollect concerning the Northern Lights in Iceland is that they are often current and dancing away, however you may not see them as a consequence of clouds and even gentle air pollution in cities like Reykjavik. This isn’t at all times the case; you may be fortunate and spot the Northern Lights whereas visiting Reykjavik, but it surely’s definitely just a little more difficult.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that can assist you maximise your probabilities, it’s finest to drive your self or e-book this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The good thing about reserving this tour is that you just don’t need to stress about driving or discovering secure 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 good thing about driving to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is that you just’ll get to manage the place and when to truly exit Northern Mild looking. This implies you’ll be able to adapt your plans to suit round clear skies quite than staying with a inflexible tour time. If you happen to can, we’d say drive; it’s at all times the higher possibility. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they offer you a lifetime assure to affix one other tour free of charge in the event you don’t see them.
Better of all, when driving, you solely have to drive round 20 minutes from the centre of Reykjavik, and also you’ll be in full darkness. It’s essentially the most cost-effective technique to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We suggest heading wherever on the highway in direction of Leirvogsvatn (under), which we’ve added under. The highway 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 be certain to park up safely and off the principle highway. At all times make sure you’re parked in a layby or small parking areas they’ve alongside the highway itself. Oh, and take a sizzling tea of espresso with you – it’s very nice as you’ll be able to simply sit within the automobile, within the heat, till the Northern Lights seem.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Keflavik Airport
If you happen to’re nearer to Keflavik Airport, drive for about 10-Quarter-hour to close by Gunnuhver Sizzling Springs (under). The beauty of shifting to see the Northern Lights in Gunnuhver, Iceland, is that there’s parking out there, which makes it really easy to cease.
Plus, dealing with 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 (under). It’s so shut, and you may rapidly drive additional down the roads to seek out the proper place to identify the Northern Lights within the sky.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland from different components of the nation
You may see the Northern Lights in Iceland from wherever that’s darkish and with a transparent evening. So, in the event you’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply be certain to seek out secure parking spots in your native space.
Methods 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 instrument considerably when travelling in Iceland. In addition they be aware all of the cloud cowl you would possibly encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply make sure to be aware 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 few of the most spectacular shows in Iceland whereas the forecast was solely three (which is ‘lively’).
Oh, and for the Iceland climate forecast, you’ll be able to see their maps right here.
Bear in mind, you’re seeking to see that the Aurora Forecast quantity is increased than zero and that there’s no cloud cowl in your space.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Iceland


