Iceland is the perfect location to see the northern lights егэ

The Blue Lagoon is the perfect location to see the Northern Lights. Set in nature, with minimal light pollution to disturb the view.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Things at ground level are incredibly exciting in Iceland. The country is a geological wonderland, and all the intense geothermal activity gives us marvels such Blue Lagoon Iceland and its rejuvenating waters.
The skies above Iceland are equally compelling, with celestial gifts that span the seasons. Summer has the Midnight Sun bringing near-endless bright skies, while from fall until spring it’s the Northern Lights that draw eyes to the heavens.
The peak of the Northern Lights viewing season is from September through March. However, the luminous lights – also known as the aurora borealis, or simply the aurora – can be visible in the right conditions as early as mid-August, and as late as May.

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. There is minimal light pollution to disturb the view.
At Blue Lagoon, we monitor the skies during the Northern Lights season and follow the aurora forecasts. When we see the aurora begin gracing the night sky, we dim our lights so the illuminations are more easily visible for our guests.
At the Retreat Hotel and Silica Hotel, guests can request a Northern Lights wake-up call, to ensure they won’t miss the aurora action even if it occurs in the middle of the night.

What are the right conditions for the Northern Lights?
To view the Northern Lights, you need darkness and partly clear skies. It’s important to understand that above all else, the presence of the capricious lights is dependent on solar activity.
Auroras are caused by electrons that travel from the sun to the Earth on solar winds, and are drawn to the magnetic fields found close to the North and South Poles. Once there, they mix with gases in the atmosphere, causing the gases to glow. The result is the mesmerizing light show we witness.
Solar flares (a giant explosion on the surface of the sun) can also cause the Northern Lights to appear.
Various tools measure geomagnetic activity (the ‘Kp index’) to give an indication of the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, usually a few days in advance. Many apps and websites offer guidance, too. We recommend the official website of the Icelandic Met Office.

By Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta

Frequently, when travellers visit our shores they’re usually asking 2 questions: what are the best places to see in Iceland? And, where is the best location to see the Northern Lights?

Believe me, we get it – a trip to Iceland isn’t complete without seeing some truly awesome natural attractions, and also a lucky glimpse of nature’s greatest show, the Northern Lights.

After all, for most people a trip to Iceland is a once in a lifetime experience, and one which you don’t want to waste a minute missing out on some of the most incredible things to see and do in Iceland.

It’s also often the same case with the locals; particularly those who have suddenly reconnected with the island after the recent COVID restrictions have impacted the ability for international travel. This period has enabled a great many people to take a breath and realise how truly special the environment and the nature is around them – I have never witnessed so many locals excited to see and photograph an upcoming Northern Lights show until now. 

In this guide, I’ll highlight some of the most incredible places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, as well as highlight the places and times of year that will give you the best statistical chance of seeing the dancing colours on the canvas of an Icelandic night sky, as well as the conditions you’ll need to keep on top of.

The Best Locations to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

This list took me a good deal of time to mull over, and I’m sure there are plenty of Aurora enthusiasts who would disagree with some of the top spots I’m putting on my list, but I’m basing these on my own experience of capturing the best Northern Lights displays in Iceland.

1. Grotta Lighthouse

Source: FrozenBritAbroad

This is the perfect location for if you’re only planning on staying in or around Reykjavik during your time in Iceland.

It’s the ultimate combination of being located very close to the city and a perfect dark spot to avoid the glare of the nearby urban lights.

Perhaps I’m biased due to this location’s personal convenience to me, but it’s by far been the most reliable spot I’ve visited for catching some truly awesome Northern Lights displays near Reykjavik.

As it’s located on the edge of the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, the photographers amongst you can easily get a cool shot of the Aurora with the incredibly picturesque lighthouse in your frame. Or you can equally set up your camera on a tripod to face north while you rest your feet in an Icelandic hot spring known as Kvika – a great Reykjavik hidden gem!

There’s something beautiful about remaining in the moment whilst watching the sky ignite and dance over the adjacent snowy Mount Esja across the bay.

2. Thingvellir National Park

Source: Wikimedia. CC. Jon Gretarsson.

Thingvellir (or ‘Þingvellir’ in Icelandic) is the perfect spot if you’re an avid photographer, are staying in the Golden Circle or near Reykjavik and don’t want to travel too far to capture a great Aurora Borealis show.

The reason for this is the sheer number of fantastic foregrounds you can choose from depending on the Northern Lights position in the sky on a given evening and your own personal preference.

For instance, if you’re looking for a wide landscape shot, from car park 5 there is a short walk by the lake facing Thingvellir church across the water. From here your shot can capture a beautiful foreground of the lake, the church and the mountains in the distance.

Alternatively, if you’d much rather go in search of the incredibly picturesque natural Northern Lights reflection in the water, then setting up your tripod near Silfra is a must. 

Source: FrozenBritAbroad

As a rift between both the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, this perfectly still and silvery water can capture the most perfect reflections you’ll ever witness of the Northern Lights. Plus, you’ll know that your photo was taken directly between 2 of the world’s largest tectonic plates – a pretty epic story to tell in my eyes!

Finally, you could instead opt for watching the Aurora by the incredibly picturesque waterfall of Öxarárfoss. At just a short walk from the car park, this is usually the most secluded spot at Þingvellir National Park for Northern Lights enthusiasts.

Whichever location you choose, you’ll be in for a treat if you get lucky with the required Northern Lights viewing conditions.

3. Kirkjufell

Source: Wikimedia. CC. Vaidyanathan.

For those of you planning on booking one of the fantastic Iceland self-drive tours around the island, you’ll almost certainly spend some time on the immaculate Snaefellsnes peninsula at some point on your travels.

Known as ‘Iceland in miniature’, this peninsula is rich for its myriad of natural attractions and landscapes. It includes luscious waterfalls, distinctive mountain ranges, quaint fishing towns, lava fields, deep craters and even the huge glacier of Snæfellsjökull.

However, as the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell is situated just outside of the small town of Grundarfjörður. Though the name directly translates to ‘church mountain’, it’s actually now more commonly known to travellers as ‘the mountain shaped like an arrowhead’ thanks to its feature in the hit HBO series, Game of Thrones.

When it comes to seeing the Northern Lights, nothing is more rewarding than seeing the powerful curtains of light dance around one of the most spectacular mountains in Iceland.

If you’re a keen photographer, you will have 2 main options to composition your photo. Firstly, you can choose to park opposite the mountain in the main car park, and walk around 100m behind the adjacent waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss.

From here you can face north and frame the perfect shot of the Northern Lights, Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss (see the above image).

Alternatively, for those of you who’d much prefer a humble Northern Lights reflection in your frame, then I suggest driving back around 400m towards Grundarfjörður, parking in a layby on the opposite side of the road and carefully walking towards the waters edge.

Make sure you bring a torch with you, as the last thing you want is to accidentally stumble into a lake! Particularly, in winter!

4. Myvatn

Source: FrozenBritAbroad

People from North Iceland will regularly claim that they get the best Northern Lights in Iceland.

At around 1.4 degrees further north than the capital region, part of their claim is justified. However, when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, if it’s visible in one part of the country, then everywhere else will also be able to see it, pending cloud cover.

However, that being said, perhaps one of the most surreal experiences I’ve had of the Northern Lights was in North Iceland. I was spending some time in the region of Mývatn with an early winter evening of bathing in the Mývatn nature baths under a beautiful sunrise that perfectly glistened on the snowy surroundings, to then walk out to my car under one of the most intense Northern Lights displays I’ve seen to date.

The region itself was formed 2300 years ago by a huge lava fissure eruption. It resulted after a series of volcanic craters erupted across a range of 12km. Afterwards a river was blocked by the quick development of a huge lava field leading to the creation of the selection of lakes you can visit today. 

Nowadays, it’s home to Iceland’s 5th largest lake as well as a myriad of other fantastic spots to check out. These include the ancient lava fortress of Dimmuborgir, Grjótagjá cave (another site shown in Game of Thrones), and the geothermal hotspot of Hverir.

For those of you planning on spending some time in the region, I would highly recommend Mývatn as one of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. 

With the perfect cocktail of perfect darkness, a series of scenic natural landmarks, and being that extra bit further North, the Aurora displays from Mývatn can be particularly stunning to behold.

5. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Source: Wikimedia. CC. Hedwig Storch.

Iceland’s South Coast is one of the most popular travellers routes in the whole country, second only to the Golden Circle, and for good reason. There are an incredible abundance of magnificent waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers, volcanoes, sea stacks, Puffin hot spots, and of course the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

It’s one of the most rewarding journeys you’ll take across Iceland. The landscape changes every hour, and there are magnificent natural attractions around every corner and bend in the road.

However, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon stands alone as the South Coast’s best attraction, and is nowadays known as Iceland’s ‘jewel in the crown’. 

In actual fact, it’s a glacial lake that’s formed at the base of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, an outlet of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.

Not only is this lagoon the deepest lake in Iceland, but it’s also full of a series of breathtaking gargantuan icebergs which have broken off the glacier wall which then float their way out to sea.

On the opposite side of the road, there’s Iceland’s famous Diamond Beach, filled with a series of washed up icebergs from the lagoon thanks to the somewhat bizarre sea currents at play.

It goes without saying that this is one of the most unique natural spots to visit in Iceland. And, if you’re wanting to see the Northern Lights, this setting is perfect for some incredible photos and some truly amazing cosmic shows.

This is particularly true when auroral activity is high – the waters and icebergs deep into the lagoon can light up under the powerful brightening skies above.

If you’re planning to travel along this region of the country or simply joining a fantastic Iceland South Coast tour, you’ll want to ensure an evening at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is high up on your list of activities.

6. Panorama Glass Lodge

Source: FrozenBritAbroad

I know, I know, of course I’m going to recommend the Panorama Glass Lodge as one of the best locations in Iceland to see the Northern Lights.

However, this is for good reason; the Panorama Glass lodge is the only place in Iceland which successfully combines luxury with Northern Lights viewing.

I would classify this as by far the most romantic option available in Iceland.


After all, you could spend a series of nights hunting the Northern Lights down, standing in the cold for hours on end in the hope of a glimpse of the ethereal beauty. Or, you could watch from inside a warm and luxurious Icelandic lodge which is the perfect size for a couple, and even has a private hot tub you can relax and watch from.

The location is also outstanding for Northern Lights enthusiasts – it’s situated within a perfect dark spot well away from any urban artificial lights, and the views include the active volcano, Hekla.

This means you will have the perfect location to see the Northern Lights and the Milkyway cosmic band, as well as the ability to frame some amazing photos of the skies, the lodge and Hekla in the distance.

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday unwind combining romance with the Northern Lights, then the Panorama Glass Lodge has to be on your list of places to stay and experience.

What is the Best Season for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland?

If there’s one thing you take away from this article it’s this – you can only see the Northern Lights in winter, winter, winter, winter, winter, winter! And, by winter I mean from September to April.

I hope that’s super clear! You’ll want to consider booking an Iceland winter holiday package, and definitely not a summer one!

In Iceland, there really are only 2 seasons: winter and summer. If you ask an Icelander about either autumn or spring, they will most likely give you the same response – “we have about 2 days of both!”

It’s true, the climate seems to change in the blink of an eye from endless sun to endless night. For Northern Lights hunters, it’s the endless night you should be chasing.

To be factual, it’s never 100% dark or light, but at the peak of winter during December Iceland only experiences around 4 hours of actual daylight each day (11:22am – 3:29pm). As much as this can make for some much earlier yawns from both locals and travellers alike, it gives plenty of opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

For example, you cannot see the Northern Lights without darkness. Although the ethereal greens, pinks, blues, reds, whites and purples are always present, it’s the darkness that allows us to actually see them.

During Iceland’s summers, though we’re unable to watch the Northern Lights for over 3 months, we are blessed with the extremely long hours of daylight under the midnight sun.

Essentially we go from the sleepy cold part of the year to the bright insomnia months of the year!

What is the Best Month for Seeing the Northern Lights?

Though you can see the Northern Lights from the end of August until early April, there are specific months which will give you the advantage.

Purely from a practical perspective, the biggest enemy for Aurora hunters are the clouds.

This is because the Northern Lights actually occur at altitudes 80 – 640km above sea level, and clouds rarely exceed 18km up.

Sadly, cloud cover is one of the most infuriating elements to deal with when you want to get a good show of the Northern Lights. 

However, rest assured the best Iceland Northern Lights tours and most experienced experts will always remain vigilant to the latest meteorological data before your trip. This will help the guides  know where the best places to take you each night for the best chances of witnessing a Northern Lights show.

During winter, statistically the worst cloud cover occurs between December to February. Contrastingly, from my experience, September, October and March provide the most number of nights without heavy cloud cover.

Source: FrozenBritAbroad

In Iceland, December is usually the worst month of the year for storms. This often brings strong winds and of course clouds. However, the autumnal months and early spring are a little more temperate and frequently have a lot less volatile weather conditions.

Next, the Aurora is also scientifically considered to be more active and powerful around both the Autumn and Spring equinoxes.

This means that it’s believed that the best time of year for getting the most explosive Northern Lights activity is around both the 3rd week of September and March, respectively.

Source: FrozenBritAbroad

One of the theories behind this belief is the “Russell-McPherron effect”. In simplicity, this leading hypothesis indicates that due to the Earth’s seasonal position and the positive statistical evidence for a greater volume of geomagnetic storms emitted from the Sun, that at these times of year travellers have the best chance of catching the Northern Lights.

The Russell-McPherron effect is also backed up by another theory known as the “equinoctial effect”. This explains that during both the Autumn and Spring equinoxes, the Earth’s 2 magnetised poles sit at a perfect right angle to the Sun’s solar wind flow twice a day. This positioning drives the strongest solar wind directly towards the Earth’s magnetic poles which is the main driver for Northern Lights activity.

It’s a lot to take in, but in simplicity, around the 3rd weeks in September and March are the best months and dates to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.

What Are the Best Conditions to See the Northern Lights?

When it comes to hunting the Northern Lights, you need 2 natural ingredients to be on your side, as well 1 extra element to give you the best possible chance.

1. Cloud Cover

Source: FrozenBritAbroad

As mentioned earlier, when it comes to getting a glimpse of the Northern Lights, there is nothing more infuriating than cloud cover.

To be clear, if there are loads of clouds above you, you’re not going to see the Northern Lights at that moment.

The trick to avoiding this is to keep up to date with the latest cloud cover forecasts. Fortunately, Vedur is an Icelandic website which tracks and predicts all meteorological activity for 2.5 days into the future.

You want to keep an eye on this map when you plan a location to go hunting for the Aurora. My advice is to check every few hours, and look for the white areas on the map – if it’s ‘white’ it’s predicted to be clear.

Sadly, avoiding the clouds and spotting the gaps are part of the game when it comes to chasing the lights. However, you may just get completely lucky and have some wonderfully clear skies even when staying in Reykjavik – you then need to check out the best locations to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik.

2. Auroral Activity

The second natural element to keep monitoring is the auroral activity.

Now, this element can send you down a rabbit hole of pages and pages of articles, statistical information and a series of bad apps to download.

My advice is to keep it simple, and simply check the Space Weather Live website. This will give you as much or as little depth of information as you can handle. They provide an Aurora Forecast for 30 days as well as up to the minute stats so you can check if the auroral activity from the sun might be picking up or not.

It’s also worth understanding that auroral activity is measured on a scale known as the Kp-index. Without an overly technical explanation, it works out an average level of geomagnetic activity over a 24-hour period – the higher the number, the stronger the Aurora.

The scale goes from 0-9, and in my experience anything above Kp 2 with a clear sky in Iceland will give you the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Fortunately for travellers, the Kp-index is very rarely below 2.

With that being said, keep in mind that this scale is based on a 24-hour average. Local conditions are more often than not a volatile series of peaks and troughs. This means that even if it’s considered Kp-4 conditions, there may be lulls in activity where you will see nothing, and highs where you might get the most intense Northern Lights of your life! 

Believe me, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of both, but it’s such good fun!

EXTRA: Luck

I know it’s a massive cliche, but when it comes to the Northern Lights the crucial extra element you need with every hunt is nothing more than luck.

There have been so many occasions where the conditions have been favourable and I’ve pitched up by an iconic spot in Iceland with my camera at the ready, to wait, and wait, and wait…and wait.

Over my time photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland, I’ve realised how vital patience and a bit of fortune can be.

For instance, on many occasions I’ve seen cars and tour buses heading straight back for Reykjavik in the belief that the main event is over, only for the most incredible rhythmic dances and colours to appear right over my head – I’ve been left enjoying the best Northern Lights shows of the night completely alone because most people give up hope too quickly.

Keep your patience, take test shots facing north if you have a camera, and remember that though good things take time, great things happen all at once.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has provided you with some helpful advice and tips on the best locations in Iceland to see the Northern Lights, as well as when to come and what conditions you need to keep an eye on.

In all of my experience of hunting down the perfect Aurora Borealis locations, or framing the best shots, seeing the Northern Lights really comes down to a combination of patience and luck. 

Just remember, that when you’re venturing out on those cold winter nights in the midst of Iceland’s rugged natural terrains and deep snow drifts, keep the faith, look north and don’t give up!

Your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland are very high, thanks to an 8-month aurora season, long hours of darkness during the winter, and low light pollution throughout most of the island.

Iceland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world, which is why I travel to Iceland every September to photograph the aurora borealis. The incredible variety of spectacular landscapes – waterfalls, beaches, mountains, cliffs, rock formations, glaciers, and more – creates amazing photo opportunities for capturing the auroras hovering overhead.

Still, there’s no point in going aurora chasing without knowing the best time to visit Iceland for Northern Lights or the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to be in the right place at the right time to see an unforgettable Iceland aurora display.

Ready to find out how to see the aurora borealis in Iceland? Let’s get started!

• Best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
• Best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
• Iceland Northern Lights tours
• Best images of Northern Lights in Iceland
• Iceland Northern Lights calendar and aurora map

The Iceland Northern Lights season lasts from late August to mid-April, so you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights anytime during this period. The best time of year to see Northern Lights in Iceland, though, is during September and March. Solar activity increases during both months, creating a much higher chance of seeing an aurora display.

On top of that, September and March tend to have warmer weather and longer daylight hours than other fall and winter months, so you’ll feel more comfortable outside and be able to do and see more during the day. The weather is also usually less cloudy during these months, meaning better visibility for auroras.

The Iceland aurora season mainly corresponds with fall and winter, the times of year that have the most hours of darkness at night and the best time to see the Northern Lights throughout much of the world. The longer and darker the nights are, the better the chances of seeing an aurora display.

During most of the spring and summer, it’s just not possible to see the aurora borealis in Iceland, since the days are long, and the nights don’t always get dark enough.

What is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

These are the best months to see Northern Lights in Iceland:

• August: Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland in August is not a sure bet. If you travel at the end of the month, however, make sure you check the aurora forecast in Iceland – you may just get lucky.

• September: During September, the nights start to become longer. The weather is not as cold as in late autumn or winter, and solar activity is usually quite high. That’s why September is one of the best months to visit Iceland for Northern Lights.

• October: The first snow falls on most of the island, meaning clouds and low visibility for aurora displays. Solar activity is usually high during the first two weeks of the month, though, and the temperature is less cold than during the depths of winter.

• November: The ice and snow this month signal the beginning of winter in Iceland. The weather in November can be a bit unpredictable, but the number of hours of darkness increases, upping your chances of seeing an aurora display.

• December: The many hours of darkness and the small number of tourists on the island at this time of year make December a good month for aurora viewing in Iceland. Keep in mind that temperatures will be very cold, so prepare to bundle up.

• January: If you want to take Iceland Northern Lights pictures with snow, this is the best time to visit Iceland. The island is in the depths of the Arctic winter, so you’ll enjoy long, dark nights, perfect for seeing aurora displays.

• February: February is still quite cold and snowy, and many smaller waterfalls are frozen. Tourism starts to pick up, as more visitors come to photograph the Northern Lights in Iceland.

• March: Winter’s snow and ice can linger into March, but at the end of the month, the spring equinox brings increased solar activity and therefore excellent chances of aurora displays. There can be quite a few tourists on the island, but March is definitely one of the best months for Northern Lights in Iceland.

• April: The number of daylight hours increases drastically, and the island’s atmosphere changes dramatically with the spring thaw. You’ll be more likely to see an aurora display during the first half of April than during the second half.

Best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland

In summary, these are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland:

1. Jökulsárlón: A glacial lagoon that’s a unique spot for seeing the aurora borealis in Iceland.
2. Skógafoss: See the Northern Lights in Iceland over a stunning waterfall.
3. Stokksnes: The best beach for viewing and photographing an Iceland aurora borealis.
4. Kirkjufell: An iconic mountain that’s perfect for taking dramatic Iceland Northern Lights pictures.
5. Hvítserkur: This incredible arched rock formation, also known as “The Rhino”, is a place unlike any other for Northern Lights viewing in Iceland.
6. Goðafoss: The northern orientation of this waterfall means you’ll be at exactly the right angle to see a vivid aurora display.
7. Valahnúkamöl: Striking cliffs by the sea where you can see the Northern Lights in total seclusion.
8. Reykjavik: The best city in Iceland to see Northern Lights.

Ultimately, the entire island of Iceland is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights since it’s located so far north and most of the island is sparsely populated, meaning low light pollution. Even in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, you can see the Northern Lights when the display is particularly large and intense.

1. Jökulsárlón

Visiting Jökulsárlón is unlike any other experience you’ll have in your life. This deep lagoon is full of floating icebergs and water from a nearby melting glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull. In fact, one of the best things to do in Iceland is to take this boat tour around the lake to see Breiðamerkurjökull up close.

Besides being a beautiful and unique natural feature, Jökulsárlón is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Since Jökulsárlón is located in Vatnajökull National Park, it is in an out-of-the-way area that experiences almost no light pollution, so you should be able to see any aurora displays that occur quite clearly.

On top of that, seeing the bright colors of an Iceland aurora reflected in the lagoon and icebergs is both a breathtaking experience in person and a perfect shot for a Northern Lights photo.

2. Skógafoss

One of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, Skógafoss is a top spot for seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland. Since the waterfall faces north, it’s in the perfect position for optimum aurora viewing since aurora displays usually start from a northerly direction. Even better, Skógafoss’s remote location near the Eyjafjallajökull volcano means no light pollution whatsoever.

The downside to Skógafoss being such a well-known spot for aurora viewing in Iceland is that many photographers come here when they know there’s a good chance for an aurora display. The crowds and camera flashes can be distracting and make it more difficult to see an aurora, so try a different location if you want a calmer Iceland Northern Lights viewing experience.

An upside, though, is that one of Iceland’s best Northern Lights hotels, Hotel Ranga, is located quite close to Skógafoss. This accommodation, which is also one of the best Northern Lights hotels in the world, is home to a stargazing observatory and offers aurora wake-up calls. The hotel even turns off all of its lights during an aurora display so that guests can have the best viewing experience possible.

3. Stokksnes

The landscape around the Vestrahorn Mountains, more popularly known as Stokksnes, combines the staggering beauty of towering mountains with the bleak splendor of a black sand beach and dunes. As with most of Iceland’s natural features, Stokksnes benefits from extremely low light pollution, which is ideal for aurora viewing.

If you’re passionate about taking visually engaging Iceland Northern Lights pictures, you’ll enjoy seeing the stark contrast between the dark landscape below and the bright, dancing lights above.

Want to make your Iceland aurora chasing even easier? Stay nearby at the Aurora Cabins in Höfn. You’ll get a private cabin all to yourself, and on nights when you don’t feel like heading to Stokksnes, you’ll be able to watch aurora displays from the comfort of your cabin’s deck.

4. Kirkjufell

Iceland’s most iconic mountain, Kirkjufell, or “Church Mountain,” was named for its striking cylindrical shape, which is said to resemble a church. Whatever you think the mountain looks like, its northern orientation means that you’ll easily be able to see Iceland aurora displays when they occur, even if the displays are not particularly intense.

While Kirkjufell is a fine spot to watch the Northern Lights in Iceland, if you’re not a professional photographer, the lights from the road, the nearby parking lot, and other photographers’ camera flashes can make a photography session here a bit tricky. If you want to get great images of the Northern Lights in Iceland, try to visit Kirkjufell during a less popular time of year or night so you won’t be jockeying for space with other photographers.

One of the best places to stay in Iceland in this area is Kirkjufell Guesthouse and Apartments. This cozy accommodation is only a 12-minute walk away from the beach, and if there’s an aurora display, you won’t even have to leave the guesthouse area to get a good view.

5. Hvítserkur

Hvítserkur, an arched basalt rock formation in the sea that is also known as “The Rhino,” is yet another of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. This landmark faces north, giving you a high chance of seeing any burgeoning aurora displays.

Beyond that, the unique shape of this formation and its location in the sea will make for exceptional Northern Lights Iceland photos. Whether the aurora is framed by the arches or reflected in the sea, you won’t find a more magnificent view anywhere else.

6. Goðafoss

Escape the crowds at Skógafoss and head to an equally beautiful waterfall, Goðafoss, to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. Like many of the other best spots to see Northern Lights in Iceland, Goðafoss faces north, which means you’ll be looking in precisely the right direction to see an Iceland aurora display.

Goðafoss is also one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, so its sheer width and height are breathtaking. In fact, if you watch an aurora display from Goðafoss, it may be difficult to decide which is more beautiful: the waterfall or the Northern Lights. Either way, you’re in for a visual treat.

A great place to stay in the area is Hotel Kjarnalundur in Akureyri. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area as well as a sauna and on-site restaurant.

7. Valahnúkamöl

At Valahnúkamöl, you’ll find everything from a rocky boulder beach and dramatic cliffs to striking sea stacks.

This stunning seaside location is conveniently located on the Reykjanes peninsula, near Keflavík (where the international airport is) and not too far from Reykjavik. It’s therefore easy to reach while being far enough away from Reykjavik that light pollution shouldn’t impact your Iceland aurora viewing experience.

If you plan on staying in the area, book a room at Hotel Berg by Keflavík Airport. Not only will you be close to the airport, but you’ll also get to relax in the rooftop pool and enjoy views of the nearby marina.

8. Reykjavik

Seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik is definitely possible but not a guarantee. The light pollution in Iceland’s capital city means that it’s not the best place for Iceland Northern Lights viewing. If an aurora display is particularly intense, however, there are certain places within and around the city where you should be able to see it.

The “Sun Voyager” sculpture is located only a few minutes away from the city center and makes an arresting foreground for Iceland Northern Lights photos. Make sure you look towards the north coast if there is a promising aurora forecast. Þúfa, a nearby outdoor art installation that also faces north, is another great place to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik.

Another one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik is the rotating glass restaurant, Perlan. This restaurant is in a prime location; it’s close enough to the city center that it’s convenient to get to but set above and apart from the rest of Reykjavik on Öskjuhlíð Hill so that it’s not as affected by light pollution.

Of course, you can always take a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik, which will take you out of the city to more remote spots with better chances for aurora viewing.

If you’ll be staying in Reykjavik for a few days, be sure to visit Reykjavik’s top attractions.

Iceland Northern Lights tours

Booking an Iceland Northern Lights tour will undoubtedly take the guesswork out of your aurora chasing. Instead of having to figure out where to go at what time, an expert local guide will take care of all those calculations for you.

The most convenient way to aurora chase is to book a Northern Lights vacation package, but if you don’t have the time or energy for a multi-day tour, there are plenty of one-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland. Most tours depart from Reykjavik, so they’re easy to join. Our top picks for Iceland Northern Lights tours are:

• Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
• Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Tour from Reykjavik
• Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo Tour from Reykjavik
• Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
• Northern Lights Tour with Hot Chocolate and Icelandic Pastries from Reykjavik

Our article on the best Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik has a more complete list of aurora tours if you want more options.

We also run a Northern Lights Photo Tour in Iceland every September since that’s the best time to see the aurora in Iceland. If you want to discover the best locations around Iceland for aurora viewing, chase and photograph the Northern Lights every night, and learn more about photography with a group of like-minded and passionate photographers, this is the tour for you. It’s sure to be an experience you’ll never forget!

Note: If you aren’t truly passionate about photography, regardless of your skills or level, this trip will not be the right fit for you. The tour centers on photography and is specifically aimed at avid photographers.

Best images of Northern Lights in Iceland

If you’ve traveled to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you’ll probably want to photograph the aurora display, so you remember it forever. My guide to photographing the Northern Lights will give you tips on gear, composition, and camera settings so you can take the best possible Northern Lights Iceland photos.

To give you a basic idea of how to take great aurora pictures, below is a general outline of steps you can follow. If you need inspiration, this gallery contains all of the best images of Northern Lights in Iceland I have taken.

How to photograph the Northern Lights in Iceland

These are the steps you should follow to photograph the aurora borealis in Iceland:

1. Prepare your gear. The most important thing you can do is make sure you have a good camera to photograph the Northern Lights.
2. Mount your tripod.
3. Set your focus so you get sharp images.
4. Shoot in RAW if you want to edit your pictures later.
5. Raise the ISO according to your camera sensor.
6. Open up the aperture of your lens completely to capture more light and get better results.
7. Set different shutter times.
8. Think about composition when shooting the aurora with incredible Icelandic landscapes.

Finally, as I mentioned before, if you want to take images of the Northern Lights in Iceland with us next September, join our Iceland photography tour!

Iceland Northern Lights calendar and aurora map

Below, you’ll find a chart of historical data for the Northern Lights in Iceland in 2021, with Reykjavik as a reference. 

*KP is a value related to the Aurora forecast and ranges from 0 to 9. To see the Northern Lights in Iceland, you usually need a KP of 3 or higher. You can find out more about aurora forecasting here.

Use this Iceland Northern Lights calendar as a reference, but keep in mind that KP is random and will vary from one year to the next. Also, the calendar above doesn’t show what the level of cloud cover was, a key factor in determining your chances of seeing an aurora display.

If you want to know the cloud and aurora forecast in Iceland for today, I recommend checking the Iceland Meteorological Office website.

Check the map below to find all the places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. You can also download it from our article on tourist maps of Iceland.

The best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland are marked in green, while Northern Lights hotels in Iceland are marked in red.

I hope you enjoy your time in Iceland and you capture some incredible images of the aurora borealis! If you need more information or you have a concern, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment below. Happy aurora chasing!

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Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is one of the four countries in the United Kingdom, with England, Scotland and Wales. The number of people who live there is about 1.8 million, which is about 3% of the UK population. The capital city is Belfast. Another name for Northern Ireland is ‘Ulster’ or ‘The Six Counties’. The country was created in 1921 when Ireland was divided into Southern Ireland (later — the Republic of Ireland) and Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland you can find beautiful beaches, forests and mountains. You can visit the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About ten thousand columns were formed after a volcanic eruption. Different popular films and TV series are filmed in Northern Ireland. The most famous TV series shot here is ‘A Game of Thrones’. Hundreds of tourists come to Northern Ireland just to see the places where some scenes took place.

Nearly everyone in Northern Ireland speaks English. A small number of people speak Irish Gaelic, an old Celtic language. The Irish language is the national and first official language in the Republic of Ireland. In some of the regions it is spoken by more than 70% of the population. Speaking about Northern Ireland this language is officially recognized as a minority language. The other regional language is Ulster Scots, a variation of English which is similar to Scots spoken in Scotland.

All types of music can be heard in Northern Ireland. These are traditional Irish music, jazz, rock or pop. In summer Belfast has music festivals like ‘Belsonic’ and ‘Tennents Vital’. Many musicians from Northern Ireland as well as international ones play at these festivals. There are some very popular singers and bands that come from Ireland. The most famous are U2 who have sold more than 170 million copies, Enya with her 80 million and the Cranberries with more than 50 thousand copies.

Northern Ireland is a popular place to go walking or do outdoor activities such as mountain biking, coasteering or zorbing. Such kinds of sport as football, rugby, cricket, Gaelic football and hurlingare are popular in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland join together in the same team for many international competitions. However, football is different and Northern Ireland has its own football league. Still, almost all the players from the Northern Ireland national football team play in the English Premier League.

The best known dish from Northern Ireland is the ‘Ulster Fry’, which is bacon, eggs, sausages and soda bread. Sometimes you can also find tomatoes, mushrooms or baked beans in this dish. It is also eaten with Irish potato bread. Irish stew is also a very popular dish among tourists. It is made with mutton with some vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and onions. Herbs play a very important role. The most frequent ones are thyme and parsley.

As for symbols, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and Northern Ireland. On March 17th St. Patrick’s Day is a very important celebration in both countries with parades, concerts, music and dancing. Nowadays this holiday is observed in many other countries, not necessarily English-speaking: in Europe and even Russia. The main symbol of these countries is the shamrock (a green plant with three leaves). There are many other symbols such as the harp, Celtic cross, the Claddagh ring etc.

ВОПРОС 1: According to the author Northern Ireland used to be …
1) part of the UK.
2) part of Ireland.
3) part of the Republic of Ireland.
4) part of Southern Ireland.

ВОПРОС 2: Which of the following statements is TRUE, according to the author?
1) The Giant’s Causeway is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
2) ‘A Game of Thrones’ was shot in The Giant’s Causeway.
3) The Giant’s Causeway is surrounded by beautiful beaches.
4) A volcano eruption created The Giant’s Causeway.

ВОПРОС 3: The author says that the Irish language …
1) is spoken by 70% of the population of Northern Ireland.
2) is the national language of Northern Ireland.
3) is a minority language in Northern Ireland.
4) is a variation of English.

ВОПРОС 4: According to the author at music festivals you can hear …
1) only traditional music.
2) many international singers.
3) only musicians from Northern Ireland.
4) many famous bands.

ВОПРОС 5: Which of the following statements is WRONG, according to the author?
1) Many players of the national football team of Northern Ireland play in England.
2) Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland join for some international competitions.
3) Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland joined football team.
4) Gaelic football is more popular than football and rugby.

ВОПРОС 6: The author says that the ‘Ulster Fry’ …
1) is made with mutton.
2) is cooked with many herbs.
3) is made with sausage.
4) is the most famous dish in Northern Ireland.

ВОПРОС 7: According to the author St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated
1) all the countries in the world.
2) all Europe.
3) all the English-speaking countries.
4) all Ireland.