Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a very particular expertise you may’t miss. This is the reason I’m sharing the perfect locations and methods to maximise your probabilities 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, unbelievable hikes, lovely 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? Nicely, the straightforward reply could be to say ‘wherever’. In idea, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that it’s essential to take into account when you find yourself 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 won’t 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 somewhat tougher.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that can assist you maximise your possibilities, it’s greatest to drive your self or e book this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The good thing about reserving this tour is that you simply don’t must 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 good thing about driving to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is that you simply’ll get to regulate the place and when to really exit Northern Gentle looking. This implies you may 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 possibility. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they provide you a lifetime assure to hitch one other tour free of charge if you happen to 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 solution 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 somewhat quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less mild air pollution. That’s only a private choice.
Simply ensure 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 scorching tea of espresso with you – it’s very nice as you may 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 Sizzling Springs (beneath). The wonderful thing about transferring 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 shortly 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 elements of the nation
You’ll be able to see the Northern Lights in Iceland from wherever that’s darkish and with a transparent night time. So, if you happen to’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply ensure that to seek out secure parking spots in your native space.
The way to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland
Probably the greatest 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 device considerably when travelling in Iceland. In addition they word all of the cloud cowl you may encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply you should definitely word the quantity from zero to 9. The upper the quantity, the extra intense the Northern Lights in Iceland. Don’t simply suppose 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 may see their maps right here.
Bear in mind, you’re trying 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