Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a completely particular expertise you possibly can’t miss. That is why I’m sharing the most effective locations and methods to maximise your possibilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
For those who’re something like me, and I’m positive you’re, you wish to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland whenever you go to. From discovering all of the greatest locations to see, unbelievable hikes, stunning waterfalls, and, after all, experiencing the greatest spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for alternative of issues to do and see whenever you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Nicely, the straightforward reply could be to say ‘anyplace’. In idea, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that you must contemplate when you’re 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 as a result of 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 just a little more difficult.
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 simply 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 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 simply’ll get to manage the place and when to really exit Northern Mild searching. This implies you possibly can adapt your plans to suit round clear skies slightly than staying with a inflexible tour time. For those who can, we’d say drive; it’s all the time the higher choice. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they provide you a lifetime assure to affix one other tour free of charge if you happen to 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 approach 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 (under), which we’ve added under. The street is just a little quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less mild air pollution. That’s only a private desire.
Simply be sure 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 possibly can simply sit within the automotive, within the heat, till the Northern Lights seem.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Keflavik Airport
For those who’re nearer to Keflavik Airport, drive for about 10-Quarter-hour to close by Gunnuhver Sizzling Springs (under). The wonderful thing about 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 (under). It’s so shut, and you may shortly 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 possibly can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from anyplace 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 be sure to search out protected parking spots in your native space.
Tips on how 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 note the Northern Lights in Iceland. We use this software considerably when travelling in Iceland. In addition they notice all of the cloud cowl you may encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply make sure to notice 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 possibly can 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