Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a very particular expertise you possibly can’t miss. Because of this I’m sharing the perfect locations and methods to maximise your possibilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
In the event you’re something like me, and I’m certain you’re, you need 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, lovely waterfalls, and, in fact, 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 simple reply can be to say ‘wherever’. In concept, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that you want to think about 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 may not see them as a consequence of clouds and even mild 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 somewhat tougher.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that can assist you maximise your probabilities, it’s greatest to drive your self or ebook 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 protected parking locations. The draw back is that the excursions run even on cloudy days, which makes it very onerous 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 Gentle searching. This implies you possibly can adapt your plans to suit round clear skies fairly than staying with a inflexible tour time. In the event 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 at no cost 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 essentially the most cost-effective technique to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We suggest heading wherever on the highway in the direction of Leirvogsvatn (beneath), which we’ve added beneath. The highway is somewhat quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less mild air pollution. That’s only a private choice.
Simply be certain that to park up safely and off the primary highway. All the time make sure you’re parked in a layby or small parking areas they’ve alongside the highway itself. Oh, and take a scorching 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
In the event you’re nearer to Keflavik Airport, drive for about 10-Quarter-hour to close by Gunnuhver Scorching Springs (beneath). The wonderful thing about shifting 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 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, if you happen to’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply be certain that to seek out protected parking spots in your native space.
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 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 remember 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 among 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