Chasing the Northern Lights on Iceland’s Ring Road: Ultimate Guide

Chasing the Northern Lights on Iceland’s Ring Road: Ultimate Guide

You've probably seen stunning photos of the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky and wondered where and how to catch this natural phenomenon with your own eyes. Well, look no further than a road trip around Iceland's famous Ring Road, especially in the winter months. Chasing the Northern Lights in the land of fire and ice should be on every traveler's bucket list. Clear skies, little light pollution, and scenic landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a jaw-dropping Aurora Borealis show. Whether you're a photography pro looking to capture that prize-winning shot or just want to gaze in wonder at the celestial spectacle, this ultimate guide will point you to the best spots along Iceland's Ring Road to make your Northern Lights dreams a reality. By the end of your Icelandic adventure, you'll be crossing "See the Aurora" off your list and adding "Chase the Northern Lights again!"

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The Best Time to Travel Iceland's Ring Road for the Northern Lights

If chasing the Northern Lights is a dream of yours, the best time to drive Iceland’s Ring Road is between mid-September and early April. During these months, you’ll have the best chance of clear, dark skies ideal for Aurora hunting.

The fall and winter months, from September to March, tend to be the prime time for the Northern Lights in Iceland. The long hours of darkness mean more opportunities to see the Aurora dancing overhead. And while winter brings colder temperatures, the solitude and snow-capped landscapes can make for a magical experience.

For the best views, head to spots away from city lights. Some of the top places along the Ring Road include:

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - This stunning lagoon is a photographer’s paradise and reflections of the Aurora in the still waters are unforgettable.

• Höfn - A charming fishing town with nearby glacier lakes perfect for Aurora viewing.

• Seyðisfjörður - A picturesque fjord town surrounded by mountains that block out light pollution.

• Mývatn - A geothermal area in northern Iceland with amazing landscapes, including volcanic craters and lava fields.

• Borgarfjörður Eystri - A secluded village in east Iceland with pristine nature all around.

To capture the Northern Lights on camera, use a tripod, point your lens north, and use a wide-angle lens with aperture of f/2.8 or lower and ISO of 800 to 3200. Take multiple long exposure shots (up to 30 seconds) and review/adjust as needed.

With the right timing, location and photography tips, you’ll be on your way to an epic Aurora adventure in Iceland. Chase your dreams and enjoy this natural wonder!

Why Clear Skies and Little Light Pollution Matter

To see the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky in all their glory, two things are essential: clear, dark skies and little light pollution.

Clear skies without clouds are critical because the auroras are often obscured by even a thin layer of clouds. The lights are visible thanks to particles from the sun interacting with gasses in our atmosphere, so anything blocking your view of the sky will block the show.
Light pollution, like that from cities, roads and houses, washes out the night sky and dims the auroras. The farther you get from man-made light sources, the better. Some of the best spots along Iceland’s Ring Road for viewing the lights are in very remote areas, far from any towns or villages.

The coastal roads of Iceland’s East and North, with tiny fishing villages and miles of uninhabited coastline, offer ideal conditions for watching the lights dance. Places like Höfn, Egilsstaðir, and Húsavík have little light pollution and open skies, with the ocean adding to the dramatic scenery. The highlands around Mývatn Lake are also prime viewing territory.

While the Northern Lights are often visible directly above major towns like Reykjavík, it’s worth the drive to escape the city lights. Find an isolated spot, turn off your headlights, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Be patient - the lights may start out as a dim glow low on the horizon before erupting into a spectacular, shimmering display that can last for hours.

Bring a camera, a tripod, and a thermos of coffee. Set up, get cozy, and enjoy the show. The Northern Lights over Iceland are a true natural wonder and a sight you'll never forget!

Top Stops for Aurora Viewing Along the Ring Road

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

One of the most stunning spots along the Ring Road is Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The black sand beach and crystal-clear waters of the lagoon reflect the dazzling Northern Lights, creating a spectacle like no other. Since there are no large towns nearby, the night sky remains dark and ideal for viewing the Aurora.

Vík

The charming village of Vík is a perfect stop for catching the Lights. Head to the black sand beach for an unobstructed view of the night sky. The dramatic sea cliffs and rock formations along the beach make the perfect foreground for photos of the colorful Aurora. For the best views, drive a few minutes out of town to Reynisfjall Mountain.

Höfn

The harbor town of Höfn is one of the best places in Iceland to spot the Northern Lights. Venture away from the city lights to Stokksnes Beach and Vestrahorn Mountain for a dazzling show of color in the night sky. The jagged peaks of Vestrahorn illuminated by the Aurora's glow is an unforgettable sight.

Lake Mývatn

In north Iceland, Lake Mývatn is considered an Aurora hotspot. Find a secluded spot along the shore of the lake to watch the Lights dance and flicker across the sky. The lake's calm, reflective surface doubles the beauty of the Aurora, while the surrounding lava fields provide a dramatic landscape.

•Avoid looking at bright lights before viewing the Aurora, as it can take up to 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.

•Bring a camera with manual settings, a tripod, and a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive night sky.

•Dress warmly, in layers of thermal undergarments, sweaters, jackets, hats, gloves, and insulated pants.

•Check the local Aurora forecast for the best viewing conditions and head out around 10pm to midnight when the sky is darkest.

•Have patience—the Northern Lights are natural phenomena and can appear quickly or take time to emerge. But the wait will be well worth it!

The Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park

The Golden Circle is one of the most popular driving routes in Iceland and for good reason. This roughly 140-mile (230 kilometres) loop takes you to some of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, including massive waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, and the site of the world’s first parliament. But at night, the Golden Circle transforms into one of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights.

Thingvellir National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site is where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. The rugged rift valley here offers panoramic views and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot for Aurora viewing. Find a secluded area away from parking lots and campsites for the best chance of catching the Lights.

Some tips for viewing the Northern Lights here:

Head to the Peningar rock formation on the western edge of the park. This area has open skies and minimal crowds.
Hike along the marked trails to escape the road and get to higher ground. The further from artificial lights the better!
Bring a flashlight with a red light, as white light can impair your night vision. A flashlight will help you navigate the rugged terrain safely in the dark.
Dress warmly, as nighttime temperatures drop quickly. Thermal underlayers, insulated pants, gloves, hat, and waterproof outer jacket are recommended.
Bring a tripod to capture photos of the Aurora. Keep your camera on a manual setting and use a wide-angle lens for the best shots.
Check the Aurora forecast before heading out. For the strongest Northern Lights show, go when the forecast is at least a 5 or 6 on the scale of 0 to 9. Clear, dark skies are essential!

The Golden Circle may be popular by day, but by night it becomes an Aurora hunter’s paradise. Bundle up, escape the crowds, and get ready for a dazzling display of the Northern Lights!

South Coast: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach

The south coast of Iceland boasts some of the best spots for Northern Lights viewing along the Ring Road. Here are a few places you won’t want to miss:

Seljalandsfoss

This picturesque waterfall is one of the most popular stops, and for good reason. The hiking trail that goes behind the waterfall offers a unique vantage point for viewing the lights. Since there are no big cities nearby, the lack of light pollution provides ideal conditions if the skies are clear.

Skógafoss

Another stunning waterfall, Skógafoss is one of the tallest in Iceland at 60 meters high. The hike to the top of the falls is well worth it for the view, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself at night. The roar of the powerful waterfall below makes this a dramatic setting for the Aurora.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

With its unique black sand, basalt sea cliffs and sea stacks, Reynisfjara is an Instagrammer’s dream during the day. But at night, it becomes the perfect spot for Aurora photography against this moody backdrop. The beach is usually deserted late at night, so you’ll have plenty of room to set up your tripod and camera.

A few tips for viewing and photographing the Northern Lights:

Check the Aurora forecast and weather to find the best nights for activity and clear skies.
Get away from city lights and any ambient light for the best views.

Let your eyes adjust to the dark for at least 20 minutes. The lights may appear more visible and vibrant.
A camera on a tripod will allow you to capture the Aurora in motion. Use a wide-angle lens and high ISO.
Brace yourself—it's often very cold at night! Dress in warm layers, gloves, hat, and insulated pants.
Be patient. The lights are unpredictable and may appear faintly at first. But when they start dancing across the sky in ribbons of green, red and blue, it will be worth the wait!

The south coast is an Aurora hunter’s paradise. Bundle up, find your perfect spot, and get ready for a dazzling display of the Northern Lights!

East Fjords: Stunning Fjords and Coastlines

Land of Fire and Ice

The East Fjords offer a glimpse into Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. This sparsely populated region is home to picturesque fjords, coastal cliffs, and tiny fishing villages. The jagged peaks of the Eastfjords Alps jut out of the sea, while colorful houses cling to the mountainsides.

With little light pollution, the East Fjords are an ideal spot for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Head to the fishing hamlet of Seyðisfjörður or the town of Fáskrúðsfjörður after dark. Find a secluded location away from town lights, and look north. If the skies are clear and auroral activity is high, you may see the Northern Lights dancing overhead, transforming from a pale green glow to shimmering curtains of color.

For the best chances of spotting the aurora, check the aurora forecast to see when auroral activity will peak. The autumn and spring equinoxes in September and March are often the best times. Pack warm clothes, a flashlight with a red light to protect your night vision, a camera, and a tripod to capture your own stunning auroral photographs.

Seyðisfjörður: Surrounded by mountains, this picturesque fjord is considered an auroral hotspot. Hike up to the abandoned church on the hill for panoramic views.
Fáskrúðsfjörður: Once an important port of call for French fishermen, the colorful town square and fjord vistas make this a top spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
Stöðvarfjörður: The dramatic landscapes around this tiny village are ideal for nighttime photography. Capture the fishing huts in the foreground with the green auroral curtains above.

The East Fjords offer a dazzling display of nature’s light show in one of Iceland’s most scenic and serene regions. Bundle up, grab your camera, and chase the Northern Lights across the night sky. An unforgettable experience awaits.

North Iceland: Whale Watching and Natural Wonders

Whale Watching in Husavik

The charming fishing village of Husavik is considered the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Its prime location in Skjalfandi Bay makes it an ideal spot for spotting humpback, minke, and even the rare blue whales in their natural habitat.

You can book whale-watching tours that take you out on the bay on small zodiacs or larger boats with indoor seating. The tours typically last 2 to 3 hours. Even if you don’t spot any whales, the scenic bay and seabird life make the trip worthwhile. The best time to see whales is from June through August when large numbers of whales feed in the bay.

Dettifoss Waterfall

One of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe, Dettifoss is a spectacular sight. Located in Vatnajökull National Park, the waterfall drops 144 feet into a rugged canyon. There are two paths to view the falls—a shorter, easier trail on the west side and a longer, more difficult trail on the east side that provides the best views.

The massive volume of water that thunders over the edge of the falls creates a plume of mist that can often be seen from miles away. For the best photos, visit on a clear day when the sun is shining to capture rainbows in the spray. The falls are especially dramatic in the winter when rimmed with ice.

Lake Myvatn Geothermal Area

The Lake Myvatn region has one of the world’s greatest concentrations of geothermal activity. There you’ll find bubbling mud pools, hot springs, craters, lava formations, and volcanic landscapes as far as the eye can see. Some of the highlights include:

Hverir Geothermal Area: Colorful boiling mud pits, fumaroles and hot springs. Walk on paths through the sulfur-scented area.
Grjótagjá Cave: A lava cave with a hot spring-fed pool inside that’s suitable for bathing.
Krafla Volcano: Formed in 1975, the crater is filled with a bright blue lake. Walk around the rim of the crater for panoramic views.
Dimmuborgir Lava Formations: A massive lava field with strange rock formations, caves and hiking trails to explore.

The geothermal activity also provides natural hot water for the many hot springs, hot pools, and geothermal spas in the Lake Myvatn region. There’s no better way to unwind after a day of exploring than soaking in a natural hot spring under the Northern Lights.

Westfjords: Rugged Landscapes and Quietude

Rugged Landscapes and Solitude

The Westfjords offer some of the most stunning vistas in Iceland with massive cliffs, beaches, and mountains. Since this region is far from the Ring Road, light pollution is minimal, making it an ideal spot for Aurora viewing.

Head to the Látrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s westernmost point. This massive sea cliff is home to millions of birds in summer, but by winter is deserted. The lack of light pollution and ambient noise means you’ll have front-row seats to the Northern Light show.
Visit the tiny fishing village of Hólmavík. This secluded hamlet has an incredible geothermal pool that is open year-round. Relax in the warm water while watching the night sky for Aurora activity.

Camp at the secluded Heydalur campsite. This basic campground has no amenities but is surrounded by nature. Pitch a tent, build a fire, and wait for the lights to start dancing overhead.
Check the Icelandic Met Office’s Aurora forecast and weather predictions to find the clearest night. A cloud-free sky is essential for the best views. The darker the sky, the more visible and spectacular the show will be.
Use a tripod and set your camera to manual mode. Play around with exposure times from 3 to 30 seconds to capture the Aurora in motion. Increase your ISO to at least 800 for the necessary light sensitivity.

The wilds of the Westfjords offer solitude, natural beauty, and dark skies—a perfect trifecta for Aurora viewing and photography. Bundle up, set up your camera, and wait for the celestial performance to begin. The Westfjords deliver an unparalleled front-row seat to the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Photography Tips: How to Capture the Aurora

So you've made it all the way around Iceland's Ring Road, visiting dramatic landscapes by day, and now you're ready to see the main event - the spectacular Northern Lights! To capture the Aurora Borealis on camera, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

Find a dark location

For the best photos, get away from light pollution. Some of the best spots along the Ring Road are:

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: This black sand beach offers pitch darkness and epic mountains in the background.
Lake Mývatn: The lake is perfect for reflections and there are secluded spots along its shores.
Westfjords: The fjords have tiny fishing villages and empty roads - ideal for Aurora hunting with no ambient light.

Use a tripod

Since you'll be shooting in low light, a tripod is essential to keep your camera steady. This allows you to use longer shutter speeds without blur.

Use manual mode

Switch your camera to manual mode so you can control the settings. Start with an ISO of 800-3200, an aperture of f/2.8-4, and a shutter speed of 5-20 seconds. Adjust as needed based on how Aurora is behaving.

Experiment with settings

Play around with different ISO levels, apertures and shutter speeds to see how the photos change. Every Aurora is different, so find what works for that particular display.

Try different lenses

A wide-angle lens captures the whole sky, while a mid-range zoom lens allows you to focus on more specific parts of the Aurora. See which gives you the results you like best!

Check the Kp index and weather

For the strongest Aurora with the brightest colors and most activity, check the Kp index for levels of 4 or higher. Also watch the local weather - clear, dark skies are required to see and photograph the Northern Lights.

Following these tips will allow you to create memorable photos of the vibrant Aurora dancing across the night sky. Be patient, experiment, and enjoy this spectacular natural wonder!

FAQs About Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Are the Northern Lights predictable?

The Northern Lights are caused by solar activity, so they can be difficult to predict far in advance. However, the Aurora forecasting apps and websites monitor the sun’s activity and provide 3-day forecasts to determine the likelihood of visible Auroras. The apps will notify you if the geomagnetic conditions seem favourable for spotting the lights.

Check the local Aurora and weather forecasts daily during your trip. Clear, dark skies without moonlight are ideal for viewing the Auroras.
The lights are often most active around midnight, so plan to stay up late. But they can appear any time after nightfall or before dawn.
Look for the Auroras in areas away from city lights. Pull over at designated Aurora viewing points along the Ring Road or go on an Aurora tour to destinations like Glacier Lagoon, Lake Myvatn, and Thingvellir National Park.

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gasses in Earth's atmosphere. When the sun is active, it ejects particles that flow toward Earth and interact with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere. These collisions emit bright lights that shimmer and dance. The most common colors are green and red.

Are the Northern Lights seasonal?

Yes. You won't be able to see the Northern Lights in Iceland from mid-April to late August. The best time to see Aurora is from late August to early April, when the nights are longer and darker. September to March tend to be the most active months for Auroras. The winter months may be very cold, so be sure to bundle up if viewing the lights outside.

Can you only see the Northern Lights at night?

Yes, the Northern Lights are primarily visible at night, usually beginning around 9 pm to 3 am. They are caused by the sun's activity and particles interacting with Earth's atmosphere, so nighttime darkness is required to observe them. The best viewing is after midnight when the skies are darkest, and before dawn. Look north for the lights, as they often appear in bands across the sky.

Be Prepared for Icelandic Winter Conditions

To catch the Northern Lights in Iceland, especially along the Ring Road, you’ll need to be prepared for the frigid winter conditions. Iceland’s long winter nights provide the perfect dark skies for Aurora viewing, but the temperatures will be bitterly cold. Make sure you pack the proper cold-weather gear to stay warm while you’re out under the stars.

Dress in Layers

The key to staying warm is dressing in thermal layers that insulate heat and keep moisture away from your skin. Start with a base layer of thermal underwear, then add insulated pants, a thermal top, sweater, winter jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof snow pants and boots. You can then shed layers as needed to prevent overheating while you’re moving around.

Check the Forecast

Monitor the cloud cover and Aurora forecasts to pick the clearest night possible for your viewing adventure. A sky obscured by clouds will block the light from the Aurora.
Check the moon phase as well - a new moon or crescent moon is best for viewing the Northern Lights since moonlight can also hamper visibility.

Find a Secluded Location

Get away from the city lights for the best views. Some of the top spots along the Ring Road include:

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - This lagoon offers reflections of the Aurora dancing over massive icebergs.
Lake Mývatn - A prime area with little light pollution and unique volcanic landscapes.
Dettifoss Waterfall - One of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls located in a remote area perfect for Aurora hunting.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - Dramatic sea cliffs and crashing waves under the Northern Lights. Breathtaking!

Bring extra camera batteries, a tripod, and use a wide-angle lens with a high ISO to capture your magical Aurora photos. By preparing for Iceland's frigid winter nights, finding the optimal viewing conditions, and discovering secluded spots along the Ring Road, you'll be ready to experience the wonder of the Northern Lights in Iceland.

Conclusion

So there you have it, everything you need to know to chase the Northern Lights along Iceland’s Ring Road. Bundle up, get away from the cities, find a secluded spot, look up and be patient. When the sky ignites in a magical cosmic dance of greens and purples, all the effort will be worth it. You’ll have memories to last a lifetime. The Ring Road adventure awaits you, so start planning your Icelandic road trip now. The Northern Lights are out there, you just have to go find them.

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