Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a completely particular expertise you’ll be able to’t miss. Because of this 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’re, you need to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland while 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 selection of issues to do and see while you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Effectively, the simple reply could be to say ‘wherever’. In idea, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that you have 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 in regards to 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 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, but it surely’s actually a little bit tougher.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that will help you maximise your probabilities, it’s greatest to drive your self or ebook this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The advantage of reserving this tour is that you simply don’t must stress about driving or discovering protected 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 truly exit Northern Mild looking. This implies you’ll be able to adapt your plans to suit round clear skies slightly 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 offer you a lifetime assure to affix one other tour without spending a dime in case 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 essentially the most cost-effective approach to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We advocate heading wherever on the highway in direction of Leirvogsvatn (beneath), which we’ve added beneath. The highway is a little bit quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less gentle air pollution. That’s only a private desire.
Simply be certain to park up safely and off the primary highway. At all times make sure you’re parked in a layby or small parking areas they’ve alongside the highway 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 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 Sizzling Springs (beneath). The wonderful thing about shifting to see the Northern Lights in Gunnuhver, Iceland, is that there’s parking out there, which makes it really easy to cease.
Plus, dealing with south provides 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 right place to identify the Northern Lights within the sky.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland from different components of the nation
You possibly can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from wherever that’s darkish and with a transparent evening. So, in case you’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply be certain to search out protected parking spots in your native space.
Find out how to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland
Among the finest 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 may encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply make sure to be aware 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 ‘energetic’).


Oh, and for the Iceland climate forecast, you’ll be able to see their maps right here.
Bear 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