Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a very particular expertise you’ll be able to’t miss. That is why I’m sharing the very best locations and methods to maximise your possibilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
In case you’re something like me, and I’m positive you’re, you wish to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland once you go to. From discovering all of the greatest locations to see, unimaginable hikes, stunning waterfalls, and, after all, experiencing the greatest spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for selection 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 straightforward reply can be to say ‘wherever’. In idea, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that that you must contemplate 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 resulting from clouds and even mild air pollution in cities like Reykjavik. This isn’t all the time the case; you may be fortunate and spot the Northern Lights whereas visiting Reykjavik, however it’s definitely a bit of tougher.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that can assist you maximise your probabilities, it’s greatest to drive your self or e book this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The advantage of reserving this tour is that you simply 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 laborious 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 manage the place and when to really exit Northern Gentle searching. 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 all the time the higher possibility. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they offer you a lifetime assure to hitch one other tour without cost 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 probably the most cost-effective option to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We advocate heading wherever on the street in direction of Leirvogsvatn (beneath), which we’ve added beneath. The street is a bit of quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less mild air pollution. That’s only a private desire.
Simply ensure 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 scorching tea of espresso with you – it’s very nice as you’ll be able to simply sit within the automotive, 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 accessible, which makes it really easy to cease.
Plus, dealing with south provides 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 right place to identify the Northern Lights within the sky.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland from different elements of the nation
You’ll be able to 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 ensure to search out secure parking spots in your native space.
How you can 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 note the Northern Lights in Iceland. We use this device considerably when travelling in Iceland. Additionally they notice all of the cloud cowl you may encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply be sure you notice 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.
Keep in mind, you’re trying to see that the Aurora Forecast quantity is greater than zero and that there’s no cloud cowl in your space.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Iceland