Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a completely particular expertise you may’t miss. Because of this I’m sharing the most effective 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 if you go to. From discovering all of the greatest locations to see, unbelievable hikes, lovely waterfalls, and, in fact, experiencing the greatest spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for selection of issues to do and see if you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Nicely, the straightforward reply can be to say ‘anyplace’. In concept, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that you’ll want to contemplate if you find yourself 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 won’t see them as a result 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, nevertheless it’s actually a bit more difficult.
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 advantage of reserving this tour is that you just don’t need to stress about driving or discovering protected parking locations. The draw back is that the excursions run even on cloudy days, which makes it very exhausting 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 just’ll get to manage the place and when to really exit Northern Mild searching. This implies you may adapt your plans to suit round clear skies reasonably 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 offer you a lifetime assure to affix one other tour free of charge when 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 essentially the most cost-effective solution to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We advocate heading anyplace on the street in direction of Leirvogsvatn (beneath), which we’ve added beneath. The street is a bit quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less gentle air pollution. That’s only a private choice.
Simply be sure that to park up safely and off the primary 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 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 Scorching Springs (beneath). The beauty of transferring 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 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 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’ll be able to see the Northern Lights in Iceland from anyplace that’s darkish and with a transparent evening. So, when you’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply be sure that to search out protected parking spots in your native space.
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 be aware all of the cloud cowl you would possibly encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply you should definitely be aware 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 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 may see their maps right here.
Keep 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