Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a very particular expertise you’ll be able to’t miss. For this reason I’m sharing the very best locations and methods to maximise your probabilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
In case you’re something like me, and I’m certain you might be, you wish to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland once you go to. From discovering all the very best locations to see, unimaginable hikes, lovely waterfalls, and, after all, experiencing the very best spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for alternative of issues to do and see once you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Properly, the simple reply could be to say ‘anyplace’. In principle, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that you could think about 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 on account of clouds and even mild air pollution in cities like Reykjavik. This isn’t at all times the case; you will be fortunate and spot the Northern Lights whereas visiting Reykjavik, but it surely’s definitely slightly tougher.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that can assist you maximise your probabilities, it’s greatest to drive your self or guide this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The good thing about reserving this tour is that you just don’t should stress about driving or discovering secure parking locations. The draw back is that the excursions run even on cloudy days, which makes it very onerous 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 regulate the place and when to really exit Northern Gentle looking. This implies you’ll be able to adapt your plans to suit round clear skies moderately than staying with a inflexible tour time. In case you can, we’d say drive; it’s at all times the higher choice. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they provide you a lifetime assure to affix one other tour without cost in the event 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 technique to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We advocate heading anyplace on the street in the direction of Leirvogsvatn (beneath), which we’ve added beneath. The street is slightly quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less mild air pollution. That’s only a private desire.
Simply make certain to park up safely and off the principle street. At all times 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’ll be able to simply sit within the automobile, within the heat, till the Northern Lights seem.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Keflavik Airport
In case you’re nearer to Keflavik Airport, drive for about 10-Quarter-hour to close by Gunnuhver Scorching Springs (beneath). The beauty of shifting to see the Northern Lights in Gunnuhver, Iceland, is that there’s parking obtainable, which makes it really easy to cease.
Plus, going through south offers you an uninterrupted view and minimal mild 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’ll rapidly drive additional down the roads to search out the proper 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, in the event you’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply make certain to search out secure parking spots in your native space.
The right way to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland
The most effective 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. Additionally they word all of the cloud cowl you may encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply be sure you 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 among 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.
Keep 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
22 Very Finest Issues To Do In Iceland