Iceland: When, Where, How (Plus Expert Tips)
How do you increase your chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland?
Many people from around the world travel to Iceland for this spectacular display of lights against the dark sky. Some are lucky to see them on the first trip, but unfortunately, some are not as lucky.
This detailed guide is for first-time aurora borealis hunters. It’s packed with practical tips from first-hand experience and additional research. Learn all about catching Iceland’s incredible light show, including the best time, conditions, and places to view it.
We’ve also asked 20 aurora borealis experts – photographers, travel guides, and bloggers – to share their top suggestions and favorite viewing spots.
Ready to discover the best chances of seeing the aurora borealis in Iceland? Let’s start.
Table of Contents- Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
- What Is Northern Lights Season in Iceland?
- Best Conditions for Northern Lights Iceland Viewing
- Best Way to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Planning a Trip for Northern Lights in Iceland
- Weather and Travel Conditions
- Best Apps for Northern Lights in Iceland
- Reykjavík
- Siglufjörður
- Jökulsárlón
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Þingvellir National Park
- Vík
- Þrengsli
- Ásbyrgi
- Seljavallalaug
- Tips from Experts for First-Time Aurora Hunters
- More Tips for Planning Your Northern Lights Trip
- Conclusion
- Useful links and references
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland presents a vantage spot for Northern Lights viewing, which is often called hunting because being in the country does not guarantee seeing the lights. Aside from finding the best location, timing is critical when visiting Iceland for the northern lights.
When Is Iceland’s Northern Lights Season?
The best time to see the Iceland aurora borealis is during the northern lights season, from September through March.Conditions have aligned during these months to make the lights more visible in the night skies. You might also catch them from August until April.
The winter months are ideal for the light show because the days are shorter with little sunlight, especially in December. . However, the northern lights don’t necessarily appear every night.
Moreover, Icelandic winter is relatively milder and less cold compared to other Nordic countries. It is a lovely time to chase the northern lights and experience winter wonderland in Iceland.
Northern Lights Iceland: What’s the Best Month to Visit
Looking for the best month to visit Iceland? This calendar can help you schedule your trip, with general projections of seeing the northern lights.
Auroras may be visible at the end of the month (it’s a possibility with slim chances).
The viewing season kicks off with longer nights and less cold weather.
Darker nights and clearer skies mean opportunities for Aurora watching. Plus it’s less busy with fewer tourists.
Nights get darker as winter descends and snow falls.
It is the darkest month and the best time to see the auroras. Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year occurs in December.
January is one of the coldest months of the year. The weather can result in road conditions (some can be closed or inaccessible) that are not ideal for travel in and around Iceland. That’s why January is the least busy month.
Tourists are back for the auroras and winter sports.
Spring equinox affects northern lights whose activity is more intense and said to be at its strongest.
One may still catch the auroras early or middle of the month.
Best Conditions for Northern Lights Iceland Viewing
The auroras naturally occur when electrically charged particles from space and gas atoms from the earth collide.
The appearance of these swirls of color and shapes is hard to predict even during their peak season, but the following conditions increase their visibility at night.
Pitch-black or dark nights
Clear or partly clear skies
Dry, cold weather (temperature of below 0°C)
High solar activity as the solar wind powers the celestial phenomenon
Strong aurora forecast (PRO TIP: Check and monitor weather forecasts for the auroral activity)
Less-populated, low-light-pollution areas
Little to no obstructions to the night sky, such as street lights, buildings, and mountains
Luck
Best Way to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
A quick check at Numbeo reveals that Reykjavík or the whole of Iceland has a high cost of living. Every króna counts when visiting the country for the northern lights and other fun things in between.
Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip for Northern Lights in Iceland
Choosing the right way to experience the northern lights in Iceland can be tricky.
Here’s a breakdown of your options.
Book a
Group Tour
Unpredictable northern lights and unfamiliar roads might point to joining a guided tour.
Pros: Tour operators specialize in finding the best spots for these natural light shows. They also provide refunds when the lights don’t come out. Packages offer varying durations, tour starts, and activities aside from viewing the auroras. Keep in mind, these areas might be crowded with other groups.
Cons: Tours can range between hundreds and thousands of dollars depending on the inclusions. When you travel with groups, expect limited time to linger or maybe fewer places to explore when on a large bus tour with a fixed itenerary.
Verdict: Expensive and exclusive of accommodation, dining, shopping, and other expenses. Not ideal for spontaneous adventure seekers.
Stay in Town
or City
This option supposes staying in the capital or visiting nearby spots during the duration of your holiday.
Pros: While waiting for the night to fall for the northern lights, you can explore Reykjavík’s museums, cafes, exhibits, public parks, churches, walking tours, and other activities that are free.
Cons: You can probably find a room for $50 a night, but three-to-four-star hotels expectedly cost $100 upwards. The cost adds up when include food, tours, tickets, transportation (bus/taxi fare, car rental).
Verdict: Exploring Reykjavík’s charm is tempting, but accommodation and activities can quickly drain your budget. And you might miss the lights due to light pollution.
Camp
Is camping allowed in Iceland? Yes.
Pros: A car or campervan, an itinerary, and a tent are what you need to freely roam and chase the auroras. Camping may as well be an added benefit of renting a campervan.
Cons: The “when” and “where” are critical in your camping adventures. May to September is considered the peak season for campsites, and remotely located ones can have a shorter open season. Check out campsites that are open during the northern lights season.
Verdict: Offering freedom and budget-friendliness, camping allows you to chase the lights on your own terms. However, you’ll still need to factor in transportation costs.
Rent a
Campervan
Renting a campervan is the best way to see the Iceland northern lights. It offers the best freedom and flexibility for chasing the aurora borealis. You are never guaranteed to see the lights on your trip so being able to move around easily based on weather patterns and location increases your chances!
Pros: The campervan combines car rental and hotel costs. It can accommodate up to four people and contains the essentials for comfortable and cozy travels. That’s not all as you can pick up groceries and snacks at Bónus and other affordable supermarkets along the way, and cook meals to save money.
A heating system, fuel discount, CDW insurance, and a wide range of features are available in a campervan.
Imagine staying warm inside your campervan while watching the northern lights dance above you through the sky roof on this camper. This panoramic sunroof is one of a kind. Cozy Campers is the only camper rental company in Iceland (and the world) that offers this chance for customers to catch the aurora borealis in the comforts of their vehicle. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Cons: If you’re thinking about going with a campervan, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
You need to have a license to book and drive a camper. It’s important to have experience driving on roads with snow, ice, and wind and to know about the local road conditions.
F-roads that provide access to the highlands can start closing on September 15 and all closed by October 15. These roads will remain closed until mid-June. This means that driving on these F-roads to hunt for northern lights is not a year-round option.
At Cozy Campers, we have 4×4 campers that are great for driving the main roads during winter. We rent these 4×4 campers during February each year and the second half of December for the safety of our customers. Read about F-roads and our campers here.
Verdict: Overall, camper vans are affordable and leave a lot of room for adventures. You’ll have the best chance of seeing the northern lights while on the move. Preparation is key.
THE AURORA EXPLORERAre You Hunting For Northern Lights?The King of all winter campers features a panoramic sunroof which makes it easy to experience the Northern Lights!
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Weather and Travel Conditions
Your trip to see Iceland’s famed northern lights will be more realistic when you factor these practical details into your plans.
Aurora forecasts from the Icelandic Meteorological Office
Monitor the auroral activity, and look out for:
Cloud cover with green as cloudy and white as clear on the map.
Strength on a scale of 0 to 9 with nine as the highest.
The forecast can change anytime but is quite accurate — use it as a guide, along with the aurora alert apps listed below.
Road conditions
Take time to browse the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue’s Safetravel to keep yourself and everyone safe while driving in and around the country. Also, submit a travel plan in case of emergencies.
COVID-19 information
Learn about tests, quarantine, and necessary documents when traveling to and within Iceland here. The information may change, so be sure to contact the appropriate agencies for the latest and correct details.
Best Apps for Northern Lights in Iceland
Aside from the Icelandic Met Office’s forecasts, track the northern lights using these applications or platforms:
Hello aurora by Jérémy Barbet aims to simplify your quest to find the northern lights with weather alerts, cloud coverage, etc. The app is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Aurora Now – Northern Lights notifies you of any auroral activity in your current location, in real-time. The app is designed for iPhone and iPad.
My Aurora Forecast & Alerts makes available auroral forecasts in the coming days or hours and provides instant notifications too. It is on the App Store and Google Play.
Glendale app has live reports on the auroras in Iceland, Scandinavia, UK, and Canada. Other stats like solar wind, solar flares, and cloud coverage are available on their website.
Northern Lights Alert is a Facebook group with more than 19,000 members to date. Members share sightings of the aurora borealis, particularly in the Reykjavík area.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Curious about where to see the northern lights? Any place with optimal conditions at the right time can offer breathtaking views. You can stay within the city limits or travel farther away.
Here are some of the best spots for the northern lights in Iceland.
Hover over the pin and click to read more about the location.
Reykjavík
The capital city is located in the southwestern part of Iceland and is a good starting point for northern-light adventures.
Seltjarnarnes
The town offers coastal walks, cycling paths, and sweeping views of the sea and nature. A trip to the peninsula is not without visiting Grótta, particularly the lighthouse. The nature reserve is known for its birdwatching and observing the northern lights.
Perlan
The Pearl provides a panoramic view of the city’s skyline and a glimpse of the auroras. If you missed out on the lights during your stay, you can check out a planetarium show called Áróra.
Álftanes
This town is about a few minutes’ drive from Reykjavík. It houses Bessastaðir or the official residence of the country’s president. Álftanes is on the Reykjanes peninsula.
Kleifarvatn
Also located on the Reykjanes peninsula and its largest lake, Kleifarvatn is about half an hour away from the capital city.
Siglufjörður
It is the northernmost town in Iceland. Siglufjörður, which has been closely associated with herring fishing, is a hub of culture and leisure, like skiing and hiking. This fishing town is also a fantastic spot for northern lights.
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is part of Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park. The glacial river lagoon is famed for its colorful icebergs. A trip to the crown jewel of Iceland is complete with northern lights.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The peninsula offers diverse and unique sights, including the Snaefellsjokull glacier, the black-sand beach of Djupalonssandur, and the Thufubjarg cliff.
Kirkjufell
This majestic mountain on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is the favorite subject of photographers and tourists for its shape and view of the northern lights. Kirkjufell means “church mountain.”
Eldborgahraun
Eldborg refers to a crater on the same peninsula and Eldborgahraun Eldborg lava. One needs to hike 2.5 kilometers of lava field to get to and around the crater.
Þingvellir National Park
Anglicized as Thingvellir, the national park is home to the world’s oldest surviving parliamentary institution, the Alþingi. The UNESCO World Heritage Site’s scenic landscape is worth an hour’s drive from the capital and is part of the Golden Circle tour.
Vík
This small village in the municipality of Mýrdalshreppur holds the distinction of being the country’s southernmost village. Vík is most noted for Mýrdalsjökull, a large glacier that sits atop an active volcano, Katla. It is also known for the abandoned US DC plane that crashed in Sólheimasandur. The village’s black beach is also great for hunting northern lights.
Þrengsli
This stream, also spelled as Threngsli, offers an unimpeded view of northern lights (thanks to the lack of light pollution). One can access it via the road Þrengslavegur.
Ásbyrgi
Woodlands and cliffs are the main features of Ásbyrgi. This canyon is included in the Diamond Circle of northeast Iceland. The other spots are Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn, and Húsavík.
Seljavallalaug
Swimming while waiting for nature’s light show is the experience offered by this pool tucked in the mountains. Seljavallalaug is a swimming pool located in Seljavellir. It’s a combination of driving, hiking, bathing, and northern-light viewing.
Westfjords
The region of Westfjords is remote and dark in winter, meeting the requirements for the auroras.
Látrabjarg
Is where countless species of birds nest and Iceland’s westernmost point. The bird cliff is also a strategic place for finding northern lights, just don’t wander far off the edge.
Djúpavík
Is a village in Árneshreppur whose approximately 50 inhabitants make the municipality the least populous in Iceland. The village is accessible by car or plane.
East Fjords
The fjords of East Iceland, aptly called East Fjords, combine nature, culture, and folklore. Cliffs, coastlines, mountains, waterfalls, wild areas, and northern lights (thanks to the lack of light pollution) are some of East Fjords’ offerings.
Reynisfjara
This black-sand beach is located on Iceland’s south coast. The basalt columns, waves, and cliffs lend an otherworldly vibe to Reynisfjara. Imagine a curtain of auroras to complete the scene.
Mývatnssveit
North Iceland’s Mývatnssveit is a sight to behold as it changes colors to match the season. The lake is characterized by high altitude, active volcanism, and diverse flora and fauna.
Need we also say that the lake is known as the capital of northern lights?
Tips from Experts for First-Time Aurora Hunters
Photographers, travel guides, and bloggers share tips for chasing the northern lights in Iceland for the first time. Discover their favorite spot to watch the northern lights, too! Don’t miss any of the invaluable information from these experts.
Danny T KazeBest Tip
A big tip for a first-time Aurora hunter is to check for cloud cover before heading out, all the clouds layers, low, mid, and high. I know a lot of people make the mistake by only checking the low and mid on vedur.is.
Another big tip is to plan for at least two or three locations because clouds are always moving. If the clouds start to cover your first location, then you need to know if it’s going to clear up. If not, you need to know where to go right away, so you don’t miss the lights.
Favorite Spot
I have many favorite spots for aurora depending on the clouds’ conditions of course, but one of my favorites has to be in the þingvellir area.
This is because you can catch the lights flying over the mountain and also go to þingvallavatn to catch the lights reflections on the water.
Bio
Danny is a professional photographer in Reykjavik. He specializes in Aurora photography and does live streaming on his Facebook page.
View this post on Instagram
Bragi KortBest Tip
For a first-time aurora hunter spending a lot of money to travel to see them, I recommend hiring a guide, especially a photo guide if you want to photograph the northern lights. Other than that, don’t take too much notice of aurora apps (unless it’s the Glendale app), just look for clear sky and towards the north.
Favorite Spot
That is a tough one, to pick one that would probably be the Glacier lagoon.
Bio
Bragi is a professional photographer in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. He is also a photo guide conducting aurora tours and photography workshops.
Very unexpected solar storm hit us last night and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised while my guests were over…
Posted by Arctic Shots on Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Inga KristjansdottirBest Tip
Make sure to watch the aurora activity on weather sites, e.g., vedur.is, and also it needs to be a clear sky. The aurora often peaks around 10:30 to 11:00 p.m., so be ready by that time.
Last tip: put on many layers because it will be cold!
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot to watch the northern lights is at Grótta lighthouse in Seltjarnarnes. It’s only a few minutes from downtown Reykjavík and there is no light pollution there.
Bio
Inga is an Icelandic woman with big dreams about promoting her country. In the website, she shares stories, culinary delights, and travel tips about Iceland.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
A big tip for a first-time Aurora hunter is to check for cloud cover before heading out, all the clouds layers, low, mid, and high. I know a lot of people make the mistake by only checking the low and mid on vedur.is.
Another big tip is to plan for at least two or three locations because clouds are always moving. If the clouds start to cover your first location, then you need to know if it’s going to clear up. If not, you need to know where to go right away, so you don’t miss the lights.
Favorite Spot
I have many favorite spots for aurora depending on the clouds’ conditions of course, but one of my favorites has to be in the þingvellir area.
This is because you can catch the lights flying over the mountain and also go to þingvallavatn to catch the lights reflections on the water.
Bio
Danny is a professional photographer in Reykjavik. He specializes in Aurora photography and does live streaming on his Facebook page.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
For a first-time aurora hunter spending a lot of money to travel to see them, I recommend hiring a guide, especially a photo guide if you want to photograph the northern lights. Other than that, don’t take too much notice of aurora apps (unless it’s the Glendale app), just look for clear sky and towards the north.
Favorite Spot
That is a tough one, to pick one that would probably be the Glacier lagoon.
Bio
Bragi is a professional photographer in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland. He is also a photo guide conducting aurora tours and photography workshops.
Very unexpected solar storm hit us last night and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised while my guests were over…
Posted by Arctic Shots on Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Best Tip
Make sure to watch the aurora activity on weather sites, e.g., vedur.is, and also it needs to be a clear sky. The aurora often peaks around 10:30 to 11:00 p.m., so be ready by that time.
Last tip: put on many layers because it will be cold!
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot to watch the northern lights is at Grótta lighthouse in Seltjarnarnes. It’s only a few minutes from downtown Reykjavík and there is no light pollution there.
Bio
Inga is an Icelandic woman with big dreams about promoting her country. In the website, she shares stories, culinary delights, and travel tips about Iceland.
View this post on Instagram
Ása SteinarsBest Tip
Bring warm clothes, it’s always cold outside when the northern lights are out. Or if you can, sit in a hot tub 😉
Favorite Spot
My favourite spot to watch northern lights is from a hot tub or hot spring. There’s nothing like the experience of sitting in warm water on a cold winter night and seeing the sky explode above you. I can sit for hours in the hot tub and just watch!
Bio
Ása is a content creator and photographer. She chronicles her adventures and travels on Instagram with over 300,000 followers.
View this post on Instagram
PidsineeBest Tip
Dress warmly. Remember that you have to be very patient when it comes to northern lights hunting, there is no exact time on when the aurora will appear even though you can see the aurora activity with the real-time data on hello aurora. You still need to be sure that you dress warm enough to be outside in minus temperature for several hours.
Favorite Spot
I don’t have my favorite spot to watch the Northern Lights but when the forecast is great I often go around Mosfellsbær. I find the location very convenient for the Northern Lights hunting and if the forecast is good all night you can continue to road toward Þingvellir and if it’s not as good as you expected you can return home anytime.
Bio
Hello aurora notifies users of aurora locations, along with weather forecasts and road conditions. We have mentioned it on our list of top apps for northern-light hunters.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by hello aurora: forecast app (@helloauroraapp)
Dan ZafraBest Tip
My one tip is to be patient. I’ve seen so many times people throwing off the towel because there were clouds or because the northern lights were not active and then missing out on incredible shows.
If there’s an opportunity according to the forecast, my recommendation is to wait and be patient, many times the reward makes it worth it!
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot in Iceland is Hlíðarendakirkja church. It’s always a very quiet place since not many people or photographers know about it. It’s facing north, which is great for Northern Lights visibility, and on top of that, I’ve always seen otherworldly Aurora displays when I’ve been there, which makes me believe that there’s some kind of magic linked to this beautiful church.
Bio
Dan is the editor of the Capture the Atlas, a travel blog which showcases the beauty of the world through pictures and guides.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
Bring warm clothes, it’s always cold outside when the northern lights are out. Or if you can, sit in a hot tub 😉
Favorite Spot
My favourite spot to watch northern lights is from a hot tub or hot spring. There’s nothing like the experience of sitting in warm water on a cold winter night and seeing the sky explode above you. I can sit for hours in the hot tub and just watch!
Bio
Ása is a content creator and photographer. She chronicles her adventures and travels on Instagram with over 300,000 followers.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
Dress warmly. Remember that you have to be very patient when it comes to northern lights hunting, there is no exact time on when the aurora will appear even though you can see the aurora activity with the real-time data on hello aurora. You still need to be sure that you dress warm enough to be outside in minus temperature for several hours.
Favorite Spot
I don’t have my favorite spot to watch the Northern Lights but when the forecast is great I often go around Mosfellsbær. I find the location very convenient for the Northern Lights hunting and if the forecast is good all night you can continue to road toward Þingvellir and if it’s not as good as you expected you can return home anytime.
Bio
Hello aurora notifies users of aurora locations, along with weather forecasts and road conditions. We have mentioned it on our list of top apps for northern-light hunters.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by hello aurora: forecast app (@helloauroraapp)
Best Tip
My one tip is to be patient. I’ve seen so many times people throwing off the towel because there were clouds or because the northern lights were not active and then missing out on incredible shows.
If there’s an opportunity according to the forecast, my recommendation is to wait and be patient, many times the reward makes it worth it!
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot in Iceland is Hlíðarendakirkja church. It’s always a very quiet place since not many people or photographers know about it. It’s facing north, which is great for Northern Lights visibility, and on top of that, I’ve always seen otherworldly Aurora displays when I’ve been there, which makes me believe that there’s some kind of magic linked to this beautiful church.
Bio
Dan is the editor of the Capture the Atlas, a travel blog which showcases the beauty of the world through pictures and guides.
View this post on Instagram
Ryan ConnollyBest Tip
Just because you are self-driving in a campervan, it doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Simply searching for the next campsite along the ring road might mean you end up sleeping in a town or city, rather than a remote camp ground surrounded by nature and stars.
A lost night for hunting the northern lights can’t be taken back. So get help from the locals in planning out your perfect trip using a trip planning service with Hidden Iceland. And make sure you mention that the northern lights are your priority.
Favorite Spot
Watching the Northern Lights in the secluded Vatnajökull National Park. This UNESCO protected area is the perfect spot to spend the night, with a well maintained campsite nearby.
While here, I suggest getting your thermals on and taking a short drive to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to watch the blue icebergs rhythmically sway back and forth while the Aurora lights up the night sky. A lack of unnatural light and beautiful landscapes make this spot perfect for viewing the Northern Lights.
Bio
Ryan is co-owner of Hidden Iceland that organizes small and private group tours in and around the country. He is a certified glacier guide too.
View this post on Instagram
Will TangBest Tip
For first-time northern light hunters, I’d recommend that you go with the expectation that what your eyes see may not be the vivid green that you see in photos.
When the strength is weak, what you’re actually looking for looks more like faint clouds except they are moving quickly in peculiar ways.
Favorite Spot
One of my favourite spots to see the northern lights is from the comfort of a Buubble AKA Bubble Hotel. These are dome-shaped accommodations in the middle of a forest and away from light pollution and close to the Golden Circle.
On clear nights, it’s a remarkable scene to see the delicate dancing of the hues of gray and green in the sky.
Bio
Will is a travel blogger whose guides, experiences, and itineraries in countless destinations are documented on ‘Going Awesome Places.’
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Will | Going Awesome Places (@goingawesomeplaces)
John SpencerBest Tip
If you have the time and the proper vehicle, go to the north of Iceland. The weather is more stable and the night skies more consistently clear.
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot to watch the Northern Lights in Iceland is off the stretch of highway (Route 75) between Sauðárkrókur and Hofsós.
You are looking out over Skagafjörður with Drangey out in the distance. Magical!
Bio
John Spencer, the Iceland guy, has tips and information for planning a trip or visiting the country’s popular sights.
Best Tip
Just because you are self-driving in a campervan, it doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Simply searching for the next campsite along the ring road might mean you end up sleeping in a town or city, rather than a remote camp ground surrounded by nature and stars.
A lost night for hunting the northern lights can’t be taken back. So get help from the locals in planning out your perfect trip using a trip planning service with Hidden Iceland. And make sure you mention that the northern lights are your priority.
Favorite Spot
Watching the Northern Lights in the secluded Vatnajökull National Park. This UNESCO protected area is the perfect spot to spend the night, with a well maintained campsite nearby.
While here, I suggest getting your thermals on and taking a short drive to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to watch the blue icebergs rhythmically sway back and forth while the Aurora lights up the night sky. A lack of unnatural light and beautiful landscapes make this spot perfect for viewing the Northern Lights.
Bio
Ryan is co-owner of Hidden Iceland that organizes small and private group tours in and around the country. He is a certified glacier guide too.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
For first-time northern light hunters, I’d recommend that you go with the expectation that what your eyes see may not be the vivid green that you see in photos.
When the strength is weak, what you’re actually looking for looks more like faint clouds except they are moving quickly in peculiar ways.
Favorite Spot
One of my favourite spots to see the northern lights is from the comfort of a Buubble AKA Bubble Hotel. These are dome-shaped accommodations in the middle of a forest and away from light pollution and close to the Golden Circle.
On clear nights, it’s a remarkable scene to see the delicate dancing of the hues of gray and green in the sky.
Bio
Will is a travel blogger whose guides, experiences, and itineraries in countless destinations are documented on ‘Going Awesome Places.’
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Will | Going Awesome Places (@goingawesomeplaces)
Best Tip
If you have the time and the proper vehicle, go to the north of Iceland. The weather is more stable and the night skies more consistently clear.
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot to watch the Northern Lights in Iceland is off the stretch of highway (Route 75) between Sauðárkrókur and Hofsós.
You are looking out over Skagafjörður with Drangey out in the distance. Magical!
Bio
John Spencer, the Iceland guy, has tips and information for planning a trip or visiting the country’s popular sights.
Jennifer KingBest Tip
Searching for the aurora requires a lot of patience. I use apps that alert me to conditions that are favorable for lights and also areas. The first time I saw the aurora borealis, they appeared as a green cloud and shortly after began to dance around the sky.
Favorite Spot
One of my favorite places to photograph the Aurora Borealis is at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in southern Iceland. This location allows for the lights to be seen in the sky, as well as be reflected in the water of the lagoon. When this occurs, the landscape lights up with color and drama.
Bio
Jennifer is an award-winning photographer specializing in wildlife and landscape photography. She is also an instructor and founder of pfabc.org.
View this post on Instagram
Grétar JónssonBest Tip
Always keep in mind that the weather is very unpredictable in Iceland. Dress accordingly (wool and wind/waterproof garments are a must), and be aware that, even with the best forecast, the northern lights do not always appear when we expect them to. Patience is key, and is one of the main ingredients for a successful northern lights adventure.
Favorite Spot
It’s hard to tell, as northern lights visibility doesn’t depend much on location but mainly on sky conditions, and those change pretty quick all around the country.
Nonetheless, as professional aurora photographers, we have a couple of favourite scenarios. Lakes (Þingvallavatn comes to mind) and waterfalls (especially those on the south shore always prove an exciting choice) provide us with a stunning foreground, making the show even more scenic.
Furthermore, lakes, especially when frozen, reflect the northern lights, making for a mesmerising experience.
Bio
It is a northern lights center or museum. Aurora Reykjavík’s website contains resources about the northern lights, including forecasts.
View this post on Instagram
Marek BiegalskiBest Tip
My best tip for someone who is looking to hunt for the northern lights is to pick the right season, look for clear skies, and be patient. Natural wonder is unpredictable. It can explode on the sky any time and give lifetime experience you will never forget.
Favorite Spot
My best spot for Northern lights hunt would be diamond beach. In my opinion, a foreground full of ice crystals illuminating and blending with Northern lights is the most spectacular combination and dream.
Another spot on my top list is Vestrahorn. Imagine northern lights reflecting in the water with summits of Vestrahorn in the middle, just spectacular.
Bio
Marek is a professional landscape, travel, and nature photographer. His works have made it to National Geographic and other international publications.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Marek Biegalski Photographer (@marek_biegalski)
Best Tip
Searching for the aurora requires a lot of patience. I use apps that alert me to conditions that are favorable for lights and also areas. The first time I saw the aurora borealis, they appeared as a green cloud and shortly after began to dance around the sky.
Favorite Spot
One of my favorite places to photograph the Aurora Borealis is at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon in southern Iceland. This location allows for the lights to be seen in the sky, as well as be reflected in the water of the lagoon. When this occurs, the landscape lights up with color and drama.
Bio
Jennifer is an award-winning photographer specializing in wildlife and landscape photography. She is also an instructor and founder of pfabc.org.
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Best Tip
Always keep in mind that the weather is very unpredictable in Iceland. Dress accordingly (wool and wind/waterproof garments are a must), and be aware that, even with the best forecast, the northern lights do not always appear when we expect them to. Patience is key, and is one of the main ingredients for a successful northern lights adventure.
Favorite Spot
It’s hard to tell, as northern lights visibility doesn’t depend much on location but mainly on sky conditions, and those change pretty quick all around the country.
Nonetheless, as professional aurora photographers, we have a couple of favourite scenarios. Lakes (Þingvallavatn comes to mind) and waterfalls (especially those on the south shore always prove an exciting choice) provide us with a stunning foreground, making the show even more scenic.
Furthermore, lakes, especially when frozen, reflect the northern lights, making for a mesmerising experience.
Bio
It is a northern lights center or museum. Aurora Reykjavík’s website contains resources about the northern lights, including forecasts.
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Best Tip
My best tip for someone who is looking to hunt for the northern lights is to pick the right season, look for clear skies, and be patient. Natural wonder is unpredictable. It can explode on the sky any time and give lifetime experience you will never forget.
Favorite Spot
My best spot for Northern lights hunt would be diamond beach. In my opinion, a foreground full of ice crystals illuminating and blending with Northern lights is the most spectacular combination and dream.
Another spot on my top list is Vestrahorn. Imagine northern lights reflecting in the water with summits of Vestrahorn in the middle, just spectacular.
Bio
Marek is a professional landscape, travel, and nature photographer. His works have made it to National Geographic and other international publications.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Marek Biegalski Photographer (@marek_biegalski)
Steve HaenischBest Tip
Make sure to check the forecast on vedur.is and look for areas without cloud coverage in order to be able to see the northern lights.
At night make sure to look out for grey, moving formations, and set up your camera to a shutter speed of 30 seconds in order to see the colors come out. If the activity is very high, you can even see the colors with your own eyes. Good luck!
Favorite Spot
The north is a perfect spot to watch northern lights as the chances are much higher the more north you go. I really liked “Eyjafjörður” – the fjord which leads to the town of Akureyri.
Bio
Steve is a video blogger and founder of Back-Packer.org. He also hosts a travel show on Deutsche Welle TV.
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Védís GuðmundsdóttirBest Tip
Always check the aurora forecast before heading out! You can find it on our national weather forecast website. The green color are clouds, and on the right side you can see how strong the solar activity has been, everything over 3 is considered good: http://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/.
Favorite Spot
There are few spots I can think of, one being Þingvelllir as there is no light pollution there and the surroundings are historical and the nature is beautiful.
Then there are a couple of places here in the Capital area that are wonderful for viewing the lights. Heiðmörk is a large nature reserve just on the outskirts of the capital, and Krýsuvík where you can view the lights by Kleifarvatn lake, which is absolutely breathtaking.
Bio
Védís is a project manager at Visit Reykjavik, the official marketing office promoting the city and the greater Reykjavík area.
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Mauro CiriglianoBest Tip
The advice that I can give to photograph the northern lights is to have a camera capable of shooting at high ISO and a wide-angle lens very bright, minimum f/2.8. The shooting time depends very much on the intensity and speed of the northern lights and can vary from 3 to 20 seconds.
Also, be sure to give importance to a nice foreground subject, such as ice, rocks, and other natural elements. This will make the photograph even more beautiful.
Favorite Spot
My favorite place to watch the aurora borealis in Iceland is Skogafoss, a beautiful and imposing 60 meter high waterfall.
If you’re lucky, watching the aurora above this marvel, you’ll be enchanted with the beautiful reflections and the sound of the water plummeting to the ground.
Bio
Mauro is a photographer specializing in landscape and night scenery. He also conducts workshops and photo tours in top destinations.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
Make sure to check the forecast on vedur.is and look for areas without cloud coverage in order to be able to see the northern lights.
At night make sure to look out for grey, moving formations, and set up your camera to a shutter speed of 30 seconds in order to see the colors come out. If the activity is very high, you can even see the colors with your own eyes. Good luck!
Favorite Spot
The north is a perfect spot to watch northern lights as the chances are much higher the more north you go. I really liked “Eyjafjörður” – the fjord which leads to the town of Akureyri.
Bio
Steve is a video blogger and founder of Back-Packer.org. He also hosts a travel show on Deutsche Welle TV.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
Always check the aurora forecast before heading out! You can find it on our national weather forecast website. The green color are clouds, and on the right side you can see how strong the solar activity has been, everything over 3 is considered good: http://en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora/.
Favorite Spot
There are few spots I can think of, one being Þingvelllir as there is no light pollution there and the surroundings are historical and the nature is beautiful.
Then there are a couple of places here in the Capital area that are wonderful for viewing the lights. Heiðmörk is a large nature reserve just on the outskirts of the capital, and Krýsuvík where you can view the lights by Kleifarvatn lake, which is absolutely breathtaking.
Bio
Védís is a project manager at Visit Reykjavik, the official marketing office promoting the city and the greater Reykjavík area.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
The advice that I can give to photograph the northern lights is to have a camera capable of shooting at high ISO and a wide-angle lens very bright, minimum f/2.8. The shooting time depends very much on the intensity and speed of the northern lights and can vary from 3 to 20 seconds.
Also, be sure to give importance to a nice foreground subject, such as ice, rocks, and other natural elements. This will make the photograph even more beautiful.
Favorite Spot
My favorite place to watch the aurora borealis in Iceland is Skogafoss, a beautiful and imposing 60 meter high waterfall.
If you’re lucky, watching the aurora above this marvel, you’ll be enchanted with the beautiful reflections and the sound of the water plummeting to the ground.
Bio
Mauro is a photographer specializing in landscape and night scenery. He also conducts workshops and photo tours in top destinations.
View this post on Instagram
Dave MorrowBest Tip
Keep your shutter speed less than 5 seconds if the lights are moving quickly through the sky. This is the best way to see all of the detail and color. Long shutter speeds smooth out all of the color and detail, which ruins the shot.
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot is around Lake Askja in the Highlands. It’s really fun to drive out there in deep snow, in a 4WD vehicle with large tires, because you have the whole place to yourself.
Bio
Dave is a landscape and night sky photographer. Dave has a dedicated section on his website for photography guides and videos.
Laurence NorahBest Tip
Be prepared not to see the lights, but enjoy yourself anyway! The northern lights are definitely fickle, and even if there’s a great display forecast, the weather might not be cooperative.
So wrap up warm, get your tripod ready, hope for the best, but don’t feel too bad if you miss them. There’s always going to be another opportunity!
Favorite Spot
Bio
Laurence is a travel blogger and professional photographer. Laurence’s photos have won numerous awards.
Jennifer Dombrowski and Tim DavisBest Tip
One of the most important tips for first-time northern lights hunters is to be persistent. The northern lights don’t just switch on. It can take a lot of effort to witness this beautiful, natural phenomenon. When you want to capture the northern lights, regularly set your alarm for every 30 minutes to check for activity.
As they say in Iceland, if you don’t like the weather just wait 5 minutes. A cloudy night or even a snowfall can give way to a beautifully clear sky with a dancing aurora borealis.
We also recommend you plan at least 4-5 nights for the northern lights hunting in order to have pretty good odds of seeing them.
Favorite Spot
We love the Westfjords of Iceland for watching the Northern Lights. The Westfjords are some of the most untouched parts of Iceland with far fewer travelers there, but with spectacular landscapes and waterfalls. Anywhere in Iceland makes a beautiful backdrop for Northern Lights photography, but the waterfalls and fjords illuminated under a green curtain is a sight to behold.
Bio
Professional writers and photographers Jennifer and Tim share their travels to 60+ countries on Luxe Adventure Traveler.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Luxe Adventure Traveler (@luxeadventuretrvlr)
Best Tip
Keep your shutter speed less than 5 seconds if the lights are moving quickly through the sky. This is the best way to see all of the detail and color. Long shutter speeds smooth out all of the color and detail, which ruins the shot.
Favorite Spot
My favorite spot is around Lake Askja in the Highlands. It’s really fun to drive out there in deep snow, in a 4WD vehicle with large tires, because you have the whole place to yourself.
Bio
Dave is a landscape and night sky photographer. Dave has a dedicated section on his website for photography guides and videos.
Best Tip
Be prepared not to see the lights, but enjoy yourself anyway! The northern lights are definitely fickle, and even if there’s a great display forecast, the weather might not be cooperative.
So wrap up warm, get your tripod ready, hope for the best, but don’t feel too bad if you miss them. There’s always going to be another opportunity!
Favorite Spot
Bio
Laurence is a travel blogger and professional photographer. Laurence’s photos have won numerous awards.
Best Tip
One of the most important tips for first-time northern lights hunters is to be persistent. The northern lights don’t just switch on. It can take a lot of effort to witness this beautiful, natural phenomenon. When you want to capture the northern lights, regularly set your alarm for every 30 minutes to check for activity.
As they say in Iceland, if you don’t like the weather just wait 5 minutes. A cloudy night or even a snowfall can give way to a beautifully clear sky with a dancing aurora borealis.
We also recommend you plan at least 4-5 nights for the northern lights hunting in order to have pretty good odds of seeing them.
Favorite Spot
We love the Westfjords of Iceland for watching the Northern Lights. The Westfjords are some of the most untouched parts of Iceland with far fewer travelers there, but with spectacular landscapes and waterfalls. Anywhere in Iceland makes a beautiful backdrop for Northern Lights photography, but the waterfalls and fjords illuminated under a green curtain is a sight to behold.
Bio
Professional writers and photographers Jennifer and Tim share their travels to 60+ countries on Luxe Adventure Traveler.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Luxe Adventure Traveler (@luxeadventuretrvlr)
Kyana Sue PowersBest Tip
My best tip for northern lights chasing is to go in with low expectations and be extremely flexible. They tend to have a mind of their own, can come and go as they please, and be strong even when they’re not expected to be strong.
Also, dress warm! It’s possible to wait all night to see them, sometimes they start to dance at 2 a.m.!
Favorite Spot
My favorite place to see the northern lights are at Vestrahorn in Hofn. They tend to frame the mountains perfectly and it’s so dark there, making it extra perfect for viewing. The reflection of the sand always provides for some unique experiences.
Bio
Kyana is a photographer who keeps a log of her adventures in Iceland on her Instagram account and her blog. Kyana is also a trained glacier guide.
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Blake Elizabeth GreeneBest Tip
I always recommend getting a guide to ensure you are taken to the best possible spot at the best possible time.
It’s hard to say if I have a favorite place to view the aurora. The best place to see the northern lights is usually wherever it’s dark, clear, and cold and, of course, it also helps if the aurora forecast is good, too! When the northern lights are out, it’s always a special experience no matter where you are in Iceland – whether it’s on the edge of Tjörnin pond in downtown Reykjavík or somewhere deep in Iceland’s remote Westfjords.
Favorite Spot
It’s hard to say if I have a favorite place to view the aurora. The best place to see the northern lights is usually wherever it’s dark, clear, and cold and, of course, it also helps if the aurora forecast is good, too! When the northern lights are out, it’s always a special experience no matter where you are in Iceland – whether it’s on the edge of Tjörnin pond in downtown Reykjavík or somewhere deep in Iceland’s remote Westfjords.
Bio
Blake Elizabeth Greene is the Marketing Manager of Iceland Travel.
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Best Tip
My best tip for northern lights chasing is to go in with low expectations and be extremely flexible. They tend to have a mind of their own, can come and go as they please, and be strong even when they’re not expected to be strong.
Also, dress warm! It’s possible to wait all night to see them, sometimes they start to dance at 2 a.m.!
Favorite Spot
My favorite place to see the northern lights are at Vestrahorn in Hofn. They tend to frame the mountains perfectly and it’s so dark there, making it extra perfect for viewing. The reflection of the sand always provides for some unique experiences.
Bio
Kyana is a photographer who keeps a log of her adventures in Iceland on her Instagram account and her blog. Kyana is also a trained glacier guide.
View this post on Instagram
Best Tip
I always recommend getting a guide to ensure you are taken to the best possible spot at the best possible time.
It’s hard to say if I have a favorite place to view the aurora. The best place to see the northern lights is usually wherever it’s dark, clear, and cold and, of course, it also helps if the aurora forecast is good, too! When the northern lights are out, it’s always a special experience no matter where you are in Iceland – whether it’s on the edge of Tjörnin pond in downtown Reykjavík or somewhere deep in Iceland’s remote Westfjords.
Favorite Spot
It’s hard to say if I have a favorite place to view the aurora. The best place to see the northern lights is usually wherever it’s dark, clear, and cold and, of course, it also helps if the aurora forecast is good, too! When the northern lights are out, it’s always a special experience no matter where you are in Iceland – whether it’s on the edge of Tjörnin pond in downtown Reykjavík or somewhere deep in Iceland’s remote Westfjords.
Bio
Blake Elizabeth Greene is the Marketing Manager of Iceland Travel.
View this post on Instagram
More Tips for Planning Your Northern Lights Trip
- Book anything in advance for discounts.
- Do your research on campsites that are open in winter and all year long.
- Bring a tripod for the camera with the recommended settings. You can also check out these expert photography tips or take a photography course.
- Fill your reusable bottle with water from the tap, which is safe to drink.
- Check out this guide before traveling to Iceland.
One More Tip Before You Go
Whether the spectacle lasts a few minutes or the entire night, seeing the northern lights up close is unforgettable and worth the trip to Iceland.
But why stop there? Embrace the opportunity to explore further. Go to the places you’ve always dreamed of, try something new and exciting, and fulfill your ultimate Icelandic adventure.
Useful links and references:
- https://www.ferdamalastofa.is/en
- https://www.west.is/en
- https://www.northiceland.is/en
- https://www.east.is/en
- https://www.south.is/en
- https://www.westfjords.is/en
