The darker the nights, the brighter the lights! With darkness being crucial for northern lights hunting, the Icelandic winter brings even more opportunities to see the impressive aurora borealis.
Iceland is one of the most magical destinations to see the lights, and it should certainly be on your travel bucket list if it isn’t already.
The aurora borealis are a fascinating natural phenomenon, from the science behind what triggers the lights to the ancient folktales surrounding them.
Discover everything you need to know about searching for the lights, what to pack, and tips on how to capture the magic with your camera.
What is the best time of year to see the northern lights in Iceland?
In Iceland, the official northern lights season runs from October until March, butthe lights have beenspottedas early as August and as late as April.
Indeed, the aurora borealis are often strongest around the time of the equinoxes, when the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator and day and night are about the same length. This typically occurs around March 20 and September 23.
From May to July, Iceland enjoys round-the-clock daylight thanks to the midnight sun season, meaning it never gets dark enough to see the lights during these months. Instead, we suggest planning a trip in the fall or winter to enjoy this beautiful natural phenomenon.
What weather and conditions do you need to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The northern lights are a fickle beast – often taking even the most avid hunters by surprise with their appearance and/or intensity. However, there are certain conditions that you need in order to be able to see them at all.
For starters, dark, preferably clear skies and a good KP index score are crucial. A full moon can significantly brighten the sky, making it more difficult to enjoy the show, so it’s ideal if the moon is smaller on the night you want to go looking.
Heading away from light pollution will maximize your chances of a glimpse, although the very brightest aurora borealis can be seen from cities and even through thin clouds.
The time of night can also have an impact on how easy it is to see the aurora in Iceland. Generally, 9pm until 2am is prime viewing time, and the lights tend to get more visible as the night goes on, so the show can be a long but extremely rewarding one.
If you need your beauty sleep, you'll find that many hotels offer an aurora alarm service, calling your room to wake you if there are hints of color in the sky–so that might help you decide where to stay in Iceland to see the northern lights.
Arguably the most important factor for seeing the aurora borealis is geomagnetic activity, measured by the KP index. This index indicates the most likely time that you can see the northern lights in Iceland and how strong they will appear to the eye.
The higher the KP index, the better your chances of seeing lights, and the more likely you are to see the pink and purple colors, alongside the green, light up the sky. There is a complex science underpinning the northern lights, and there are many factors at play when the lights make an appearance.
Geomagnetic activity is difficult to predict far in advance, but there are several apps and websites, including the Icelandic Meteorological Office, that report on the KP index forecast a few days ahead.
The aurora often first appears as an arc, stretching from east to west across the sky. Later in the night it may develop into rippling streamers, pulsating globes, a corona of rays that appear from a point high in the sky, or as scattered patches of light.
The fact that the appearance of the aurora borealis can change so much within the course of a single night makes it all the more mesmerizing, and you’ll likely stay out well into the night to enjoy this majestic sight.
How to hunt for the northern lights in Iceland
So now that you know what you’re looking for, and what to expect, you might decide to rent a car and go aurora hunting on your own. It’s a great excuse to venture a little off the beaten track and find a good spot to enjoy the show.
However, those with limited time in Iceland often opt to join a guided northern lights tour. That way, they know that their experienced guide will take care of them in terms ofwhere to go, what to look for, and even throw in a few fun facts about the history, folklore and science of the aurora borealis.
Some excursions are geared to photographing the northern lights (with expert guides), while other tours might combine aurora spotting with another activity, such as soaking in a geothermal pool.
For those who want the stress and fuss taken out of their trip to Iceland, a northern lights vacation package that includes accommodation, flights, and tours might be the perfect option. Travelers can combine aurora borealis viewing with a Golden Circle excursion, whale watching tour, boat cruise, or a soak in a geothermal pool for the ultimate Icelandic experience.
We offer northern lights packages from all the international cities we fly from, so explore our website(using the flags at the top of the page) to find avacationpackage that departsfrom anairport closeto you.
Fly into Iceland after dark and you might even get to enjoy some of the best views of the aurora borealis from high altitude. Better yet if you’re flying onboard our Hekla Aurora aircraft, whose design is based on the beautiful colors of the northern lights.
What are the best places in Iceland to see the northern lights?
Getting out of the city and heading away from light pollution will maximize your chances of a glimpse, but rest assured that the brightest auroras can be seen from cities and even through thin clouds.
In Reykjavík, favorite spots to view the northern lights include Grótta lighthouse, at the westernmost point of the city, and Öskjuhlíð hill. A bit further outside town, the Heiðmörk forest area is easily reached by car and escapes the city lights, and the lake Kleifarvatn area offers a scenic drive to dark skies.
On your way to Kleifarvatn, you can stop at the observatory at Aurora Basecamp to learn more about the phenomenon.
In Reykjavík, Perlan sits atop Öskjuhlíð hill and houses a planetarium that during the day shows an immersive northern lights show titled Áróra. The planetarium makes a good summertime option if you want to see what the winter skies are like while the midnight sun shines brightly outside.
Outside Reykjavík, the sky is (literally) the limit for aurora hunting. There are not many cities in the sparsely populated countryside, so dark skies are easy to find.
Favorite aurora spots for photographers include Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon on the South Coast and Kirkjufell mountain on Snæfellsnes peninsula in West Iceland.
Staying safe while out northern lights hunting
Going northern lights hunting in Iceland is an exciting, and often once-in-a-lifetime, experience. To enjoy it to its fullest, be sure to stay safe.
There is plenty of advice for staying safe when traveling in Iceland in winter, including tips on weather and safe driving.
You will also find up-to-date weather and aurora forecasts from the Icelandic Met Office, and information on road conditions from the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
If you plan to visit a remote area, it is a good idea to let someone know where you are heading. Safe Travel, from the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, allows you to submit a travel plan so that authorities can know where you are in case of an emergency.
We recommend taking a fully charged cell phone and a power bank with you when you go out–when temperatures are low, a phone battery can drain faster than normal.
A big part of staying safe is also dressing well for the weather. It is important to wearwarm and waterproof clothing that you can layer up, so that you stay cozy well into the night.
How to pack for watching the northern lights in Iceland
If you're traveling to Iceland with the goal of northern lights hunting, most of your packing will be dedicated to preparing for the cold. The key to this is layers.
You’ll want a suitcase full of warm clothing that you can layer to suit the exact weather conditions of the day and be sure that your outer layer is wind- and waterproof.
Here are some ideas of exactly what to wear for hunting the northern lights in Iceland:
- An underlayer or base layer of clothing – both top and trousers
- Thick, warm socks – possibly multiple pairs
- Warm fleece or woolen layers – especially jumpers and/or sweaters
- Scarf, hat and gloves
- Sturdy and warm walking boots
- Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
You might also like to pack a warm thermos of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to give you a little boost of heat during the coldest part of the night.
Packing tips
It can be tricky to know how to fit it all in your suitcase, especially if you’re traveling as a family, so here are our top packing tips to make sure you have everything you need with you in Iceland:
- Thick gloves are often bulky, making it nearly impossible to operate your camera, use your cell phone, or even zip up your coat. Wear a pair of thin, microfiber gloves underneath your mittens to keep your fingers warm and allow you the flexibility to operate and move as you need to.
- Wearing your bulkiest items while you travel can free up a lot of space in your suitcase.
- Nature doesn’t mind what you look like, so always choose substance over style when you’re choosing what items to pack.
- If you’re really struggling for space, try reorganizing your suitcase and rolling clothing up, as you would a sleeping bag, instead of laying it flat. This will save you space and keep your clothing neat.
How to photograph the northern lights in Iceland
So now you’re all set for your aurora borealis adventure, you’ll want to make sure you capture a photo of the trip to bank as a memory. If you’re joining a guided tour, you’ll likely find that your guide can help you with handling your camera and taking a good photo of the lights.
However, photography tips will be helpful for those who wish to venture off alone, or those who are seasoned travelers to Iceland and simply want to be able to take photographs of thelights.
If you're looking to photograph the northern lights, here's what you'll need to pack:
- A stable tripod - to keep the camera still while the photograph captures.
- A remote shutter – to remove the possibility that you knock the camera slightly while the photo is capturing.
- A wide-angle lens – to allow you to capture as much of the sky as possible in your picture.
- Spare batteries and memory cards – so that you avoid running out of space or charge in your devices right as the show kicks off.
Photography tips
Watching the aurora borealis can reveal to you just how unpredictablethey are. However, trying to capture them on a camera really is a unique art form.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while photographing the northern lights in Iceland, to ensure you have the best chance of capturing the magnificent moment:
- Use the long exposure on your camera to find the aurora –the camera sees better than eyes do and may pick it up even if it’s not visible to the naked eye.
- Don't use filters on your lens as they can cause interference and the best aurora pictures are taken without filter interference.
- If you're using a lens with a f/2.8 aperture (which is recommended), try an ISO of 800 to get you started, but settings will vary depending on the strength of the lights.
- Use the moon or a bright star to check the focus of your camera and adjust as needs be.
So now you know a little more about the magic of the northern lights in Iceland, you can make plans to tick this travel destination off your bucket list.
We would love to welcome you to Iceland, and we hope the skies light up with aurora during your visit. Book a flight to, from, or via Reykjavík and we look forward to welcoming you onboard soon!
FAQs
What month is best for Northern Lights in Iceland? ›
The best month to see the northern lights in Iceland is December, as it's the month when the nights are longest and darkest. As a result, you have the opportunity to see the aurora borealis from the hours of 15:30 in the afternoon to 11:30 in the morning.
How many days do you need to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? ›If you want the greatest odds of spotting they Aurora we recommend that you spend at least seven nights in the country. This is because the Auroras tend to be quite active for two to three nights in a row and then activity drops for four to five nights in ongoing cycles.
How much does it cost to go to Iceland and see the Northern Lights? ›From $724 - Experience the magical Northern Lights in Iceland. This Northern Lights City Break holiday includes return flights to Iceland with 3 nights accommodation and Northern Lights Hunt evening excursion.
Do northern lights happen every night? ›There is no official season since the northern lights are almost always present, day and night. Caused by charged particles from the sun hitting atoms in Earth's atmosphere and releasing photons, it's a process that happens constantly.
Do northern lights happen every night in Iceland? ›Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Here, at 65° N on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle, you can see auroras almost every night (and in warmer temperatures than other viewing locations in Scandinavia).
Is the Northern Lights tour Iceland worth it? ›So much must go on behind the scenes and they know the chances of being able to see them or not. Yes you may not but it was definitely worth the money and time to take the risk if you're just realistic with yourself that you may not see them. Luckily on our last night the trip was on and we got to see the lights!
How many days in Iceland is enough? ›A minimum of 1 week in Iceland is ideal, but visiting for up to 2 or even 3 weeks will allow you to see more of this beautiful country in the same trip. Staying for less than 7 days in Iceland is still doable, but there's no doubt you'll want to come back again to see and do more.
Do you need to book a tour to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? ›Combining a guided northern lights tour with other excursions, such as sightseeing around the Golden Circle, is also possible. If you're not a fan of group tours, we recommend you go on your own self-drive northern lights hunting tour so you can go aurora hunting at your own pace.
Is Norway or Iceland better for Northern Lights? ›However, while all of Iceland is in prime northern lights territory, things aren't the same in Norway. You'll need to travel to the north of the country for a similar likelihood of a display.
How can I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland? ›- Darkness. To view the most intense and vibrant displays, the sky should be as dark as possible, away from the light pollution of populated areas. ...
- Clear skies. ...
- High aurora activity.
Is Iceland an expensive place to visit? ›
It is relatively expensive, but maybe the thing to look at here is that it is not the *most* expensive country in the world. An average trip to Iceland will cost you between $100 and $200 a day. So, for a week-long holiday, you can expect to spend between $700 and $1400.
What is the best budget way to see the northern lights? ›The cheapest way is to book a northern lights hunt*, a tour in which you will likely be driven around in a group as the guide tries to find a good vantage spot free of other spotters. In peak season, some roads are lined with parked buses of tourists on northern lights tours, which rather takes away the magic.
How far is it from Reykjavik to see the northern lights? ›Finally, an ideal place to see the Northern Lights is in Þrengslin, a road between Reykjavik and Þorlákshöfn – about 35 minutes drive from the capital.
How can I see the northern lights cheaply? ›- Abisko, Sweden. Abisko is perfect Northern Lights Territory. ...
- Murmansk, Russia. Russia is often forgotten about when you think of destinations to experience the Northern Lights, but it offers some of the most budget friendly options available. ...
- Shetland Islands, Scotland. ...
- Reykjavik, Iceland. ...
- Tromso, Norway.
If you're wondering if Iceland or Alaska is better for viewing the Northern Lights. The answer is that both offer incredible opportunities. The ideal position for viewing the Aurora Borealis is north of 65 degrees latitude. It will need to be a cloudless night and preferably away from city lights.
Can you see northern lights with naked eyes? ›Yes. If the Northern Lights are strong enough you can see them with your naked eye. However, most photographs of the Northern Lights are taken with special camera setups, and at least a long shutter speed.
What's the difference between northern lights and aurora borealis? ›The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a spectacular, colourful display of light commonly seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere. Auroras in the southern hemisphere are known as the southern lights, or aurora australis.
How expensive is Iceland? ›An average trip to Iceland cost for travellers that want to vacation in Iceland is approximately $90-290 USD per person per day. This means that the cost of 7 days in Iceland is around $630 to $2030 USD excluding airfare.
Can you see northern lights from Blue Lagoon? ›Can you see the Northern Lights from Blue Lagoon? Yes, absolutely. Blue Lagoon is the perfect location to see the Northern Lights during the season. We are set in nature, surrounded by moss-covered lava fields.
Should you book northern lights tour? ›That's why, for our travelers who want to have this extraordinary accommodation, we recommend booking "Northern Lights" tour packages as soon as possible. This way they can have a stress-free Northern Lights holiday and the best and unique accommodation options. Unique Accommodation Options: Glass Igloos.
Is it better to see the Northern Lights by boat or land in Iceland? ›
The fact of the matter is, the chance to see auroras from the sea is not higher than on land. In fact, the chances are usually very similar.
Do they speak English in Iceland? ›English is taught as a second language in Iceland and almost every Icelander speaks the language fluently. And more so, most Icelanders speak several other languages including Danish, German, Spanish and French and welcome the opportunity to practice their language skills.
Do you need a car when visiting Iceland? ›Iceland has a good network of bus routes that allow you to see the country without a car. The key to using public transportation in Iceland outside of Reykjavik is to plan ahead. Check out the map of Iceland's public transportation routes to get a sense of where you can go via bus.
Do I need cash in Iceland? ›Iceland is an almost cashless society, with nearly every purchase made by credit and debit cards. You won't need much cash at all for your trip.
What country has the prettiest northern lights? ›The best places to see the aurora borealis are the Nordic countries of Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland, which lie within or near the Arctic Circle. You could also look for them in Russia, Alaska, and Canada's northwest territories.
Is there a ferry from Iceland to Norway? ›Symril Line Ferries was established in 1982 with the aim of operating a passenger/vehicle ferry service on the North Atlantic linking Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Scotland/Shetland, Norway and Denmark.
What is the best place in the world to see the northern lights? ›1. Tromso, Norway. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the world's best places to see the Northern Lights.
Can you guarantee seeing the Northern Lights? ›Unfortunately, there is no 100% guarantee of spotting the Northern Lights. Being in the right place at the right time helps i.e. northern Norway in winter, which is why Hurtigruten feels confident enough to offer its unique Northern Lights Promise. But there are forecasts available.
How hard is it to catch the Northern Lights? ›There's no denying that the Northern Lights are an extraordinary spectacle - but there's also no denying that they're notoriously hard to catch. Only showing up when the conditions are perfect and only in a few places, you're lucky if you see them on your Iceland trip.
Can I use US dollars in Iceland? ›Money. Currency: The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK). Many places (restaurants, bars, tourist attractions) will take US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish currencies. Payment: Icelanders usually pay for everything by credit or debit card.
How much would a 7 days trip to Iceland cost? ›
How much does it cost to tour Iceland? For a 7 days-6 nights tour of Iceland, it will cost you anywhere between INR 1,00,000 to 1,30,000 per person.
What is the cheapest month to visit Iceland? ›Put simply, the cheapest time of year in Iceland is during its off-peak season; this covers September to November and January to May. Visiting Iceland in Autumn or Spring will be kind to your wallet and allow you to visit popular destinations without them being crowded, a win-win!
How much does a Northern Light trip cost? ›Below you will find 20 curated northern lights tours taking place in Europe with 82 reviews. Our northern lights tours are supplied by 13 hand-picked tour agencies in Europe. With tour prices ranging from 105 USD to 8,501 USD and tour durations varying from 1 day and to 20 days, there is plenty to choose from.
Do you need a clear night for the Northern Lights? ›Which weather conditions are best to view the northern lights? The best conditions to view the lights are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds. Cloud cover ultimately blocks the view of the light.
What month is best for northern lights Iceland? ›The best month to see the northern lights in Iceland is December, as it's the month when the nights are longest and darkest. As a result, you have the opportunity to see the aurora borealis from the hours of 15:30 in the afternoon to 11:30 in the morning.
How far is the Blue Lagoon to Reykjavik? ›How far is the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik? The Blue Lagoon is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, or about a 45-minute drive. Visitors can also take a bus or a guided tour from Reykjavik to the Blue Lagoon.
How long is a direct flight to Iceland? ›The average flight time between United States and Reykjavik (Iceland's capital), is 5 hours and 54 minutes.
How much does it cost to go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights? ›From $724 - Experience the magical Northern Lights in Iceland. This Northern Lights City Break holiday includes return flights to Iceland with 3 nights accommodation and Northern Lights Hunt evening excursion.
Can you photograph Northern Lights with iPhone? ›Luckily, your iPhone can make very good Northern Lights shots even if you're holding one for the first time. Days are getting shorter, and nights longer in the Northern hemisphere.
Do I face north to see Northern Lights? ›To see the lights, you need to be north – way north. Generally, this means you need to be above the Arctic Circle (66° 34′ N) into an area called the aurora belt. That's way, way up there. The further north you go, the better your chances of seeing them.
What is the best month to see Iceland? ›
Best Time to Visit Iceland for Ideal Weather
The summer months — July and August — are Iceland's warmest, and have long been the most popular time to visit. And June, with its 24 hours of daylight, sees just about as many tourists as the peak of summer.
The best place to see the northern lights in Iceland is the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, which lies by the Vatnajokull glacier. You can drive to the lagoon along the Ring Road from Vik or find one of the black sand beaches of South Iceland to enjoy the view of the lights dancing across the sky.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik? ›It is possible to see the northern lights from Reykjavik. But it is uncommon due to the light pollution of the city lights. However, if you're in Reykjavik while there is high northern lights activity and clear skies. Then your best to see the northern lights in Reykjavik is by the 'Grótta lighthouse.
How far in advance should I book a trip to Iceland? ›When should I book my tour package? It's best to book your Iceland vacation at least a few weeks before your intended travel date, but no later than 7 days before.
How far in advance should I plan a trip to Iceland? ›Book your accommodation at least 4-6 months in advance. 6 months in advance is recommended during high season (May through September), and at least 4 months in advance during the low season (October through April).
How can I increase my chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland? ›- Darkness. To view the most intense and vibrant displays, the sky should be as dark as possible, away from the light pollution of populated areas. ...
- Clear skies. ...
- High aurora activity.
First of all, if the aurora is dancing brightly you'll be able to see it even from a city center (plus you'll always be able to get away from bright lights in Norwegian cities by heading to the parks). So if the weather and aurora forecast are good, you might not need to take a tour to see the northern lights.
How far are the northern lights from Reykjavik? ›Around Reykjavik (max 45 minutes drive)
If you only have a few days in Iceland and plan to stay in its capital Reykjavik fear not: there are plenty of places in close proximity to witness the northern lights.