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northern lights iceland

20 Best Places in Iceland to See the Northern Lights (With Interactive Map)


Hey there, Northern Lights chaser! Planning an adventure to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland and not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. We scouted the entire country and found 20 of the absolute best spots to witness the spectacular light show and snap stunning photos. From popular spots just outside Reykjavik to secluded mountain vistas, we created an interactive map to guide you to the prime viewing locations. Whether you want to stay close to the city, road trip the south coast, or venture up north, our handpicked Aurora destinations will help you make the most of your Icelandic adventure under the dancing lights. The Northern Lights await!

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

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Interactive Map: Top 20 Northern Lights Viewing Spots in Iceland

We created an interactive map to show you the top 20 spots for viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland. No need to spend hours researching - we've done the work for you! Each location on the map links to an article where you will find more information about the selected location, including Northern Lights tips and more. Whether you want to stay in Reykjavik, drive the south coast, or head into the northern wilderness, this map covers it all.

Before going out for your first Aurora hunt take Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.

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1. Reykjanes Peninsula
Just a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik, the Reykjanes Peninsula is an ideal spot for catching the Northern Lights without going too far from the city. The lack of light pollution and scenic volcanic landscapes provide perfect conditions for viewing the Aurora. Some highlights are Grindavik, Sandgerdi, and Gardur.

2. Golden Circle
Iceland's popular Golden Circle route offers opportunities to experience the Northern Lights while also seeing top attractions like Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. Stop at designated Aurora viewing points along the way like Kerid crater lake, Selfoss Waterfall, and Fridheimar geothermal area. The route's proximity to Reykjavik makes it easy to do as a day trip or overnight excursion.
see northern lights iceland
3. South Coast
Iceland's picturesque south coast is home to stunning beaches, massive glaciers, and crashing waterfalls - all of which provide a dramatic backdrop for the Northern Lights. Top spots include Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Diamond Beach, Black Sand Beach, and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. With many scenic places to pull over, the south coast drive is considered one of the best ways to experience the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
seeing northern lights in iceland

The Northern Lights Viewing Capital: Reykjavik

Reykjavik, within the city, there are a few prime viewing locations. Head to Perlan Museum Hill for panoramic views of the city skyline and potential Auroras dancing overhead. The observation deck is open 24 hours and admission is free.

Another top spot is Grótta lighthouse, located on a small peninsula in Seltjarnarnes. The lighthouse is about a 60-minute walk or 10-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, but the secluded location and lack of light make it worth the trek.

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If you want to chase the Lights with a group, join a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. Many tours will take you just outside the city to darker areas, giving you a better chance of catching the show. Some tours provide extra perks like a guided photography session, or the option to view the Lights from a glass-roofed boat.

Within the city, find an area away from streetlights, like a park, and look up. You may just spot the magical green glow dancing across the night sky. And if the Lights do appear, you'll be front and center for the show of a lifetime!

Reykjavik offers the unique opportunity to potentially see the Northern Lights from a capital city. With multiple viewing spots, tours, and a prime location in the Aurora Zone, Reykjavik should be at the top of any Aurora hunter's list. The city may be small, but the potential for giant rewards makes it the ultimate Northern Lights viewing capital.
see the northern lights in iceland

Chasing the Northern Lights Along Iceland’s South Coast

Chasing the Northern Lights along Iceland’s south coast is a spectacular experience. This region offers secluded spots away from city lights where the Aurora Borealis frequently dances across the night sky.

To hunt for the Northern Lights here, head out of Reykjavik and follow the Ring Road east. Stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. The walking trail that goes behind the falls leads to a secluded field—a perfect spot to set up your tripod and camera.

Further along, you’ll find Reynisfjara black sand beach near the village of Vík. This dramatic beach, with its basalt sea cliffs and rock formations, provides a stunning foreground for Aurora photos. The nearby Dyrhólaey peninsula also offers an excellent vantage point, as does the charming village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
northern lights iceland
see the northern lights in iceland
For the best views, venture into the interior highlands. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland where the Northern Lights dance wildly overhead. The mountain wilderness around Þórsmörk nature reserve and Fjallabak Nature Reserve offers isolation from light pollution and jaw-dropping scenery.

To maximize your chances, check the Aurora forecast for high activity and clear skies. Once at your location, look north for the telltale glow and swirling lights. The show may last just a few minutes or continue for hours. Either way, witnessing the Aurora Borealis illuminate Iceland’s dramatic landscape will create lifelong memories.

The south coast offers stunning spots to view this natural wonder. Bundle up, set your camera to a long exposure, and wait for the sky to burst into color. An Aurora adventure along Iceland's south coast is a magical experience you'll never forget.
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Heading North: Akureyri and Lake Myvatn Area

Heading north from Reykjavik, you’ll find some of the best spots in Iceland to view the Northern Lights. The farther you get from city lights, the better your chances are of seeing the Aurora Borealis in all her glory. Two of the top destinations are the town of Akureyri and stunning Lake Myvatn.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest city, but with only 18,000 residents, it still has some light pollution. Head to the harbor or botanical garden at night for panoramic views over Eyjafjörður fjord. You might catch the lights dancing overhead, reflected in the calm waters below. For a special experience, book an Aurora float tour where you’ll drift in a wetsuit under the night sky.

A 45-minute drive east of Akureyri, Lake Myvatn’s volcanic landscape is ideal for Aurora hunting. The lake’s still, reflective surface amplifies the light show, while the surrounding lava fields create dramatic foregrounds for photos. Two of the best spots are Dimmuborgir, a massive lava field with strange rock formations, and Grjótagjá, an underground hot spring cave. Bundle up, bring a tripod and your patience, and stake out a good vantage point to wait for the lights.

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Other options in the area include:

  • Husavik, the “whale watching capital of Iceland” and a popular spot for boat tours into the Aurora Zone.

  • Asbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon perfect for panoramic shots of the night sky.

  • Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, which is especially stunning under the glow of the Northern Lights.

The opportunities for viewing the Aurora Borealis around Lake Myvatn and Akureyri are endless. Whether you want to relax in a geothermal pool, go dog sledding, or snowshoe across a glacier, this region offers adventures by day and celestial wonder by night. The Northern Lights will put on a show you’ll never forget!
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Northern Lights on the road: Ring Road, Golden Circle, Diamond Circle

The Ring Road, Golden Circle and Diamond Circle routes are popular self-drive tours in Iceland that offer amazing opportunities for Northern Lights viewing with minimal light pollution. Driving yourself allows you to stop wherever and whenever the Aurora decides to dance across the sky.

Along the Ring Road, also known as Route 1, are secluded fjords, dramatic sea cliffs and thundering waterfalls. Head to the fishing village of Höfn, the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón or the volcanic Lake Mývatn area. The farther east or north you go, the better your chances of a dazzling display.
northern lights iceland
northern lights iceland
The Golden Circle loop hits major attractions within 100 km of Reykjavik like Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park. Camping or staying overnight in cabins here provides the perfect setting for spotting the Northern Lights.

Iceland’s Diamond Circle in the north connects Mývatn, Húsavík whale-watching town and the spectacular Dettifoss waterfall. The tiny village of Ásbyrgi within Jökulsárgljúfur National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, ideal for Aurora photography and viewing the Milky Way.

Wherever your Icelandic road trip takes you, find a scenic spot away from artificial light, face north and wait patiently. The Aurora can appear suddenly, flaring up and dancing for minutes or hours. Bundle up, bring a thermos of hot cocoa or coffee, a camera with manual settings and a tripod for the best shots of this natural wonder. When the sky explodes in color, you’ll be glad you ventured out on your own to experience the thrill of the chase. The memories of watching the Northern Lights shimmer and sway over the Icelandic landscape will stay with you for life.
northern lights iceland

FAQ: The Northern Lights in Iceland

The Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular natural wonders, but they can also be unpredictable. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about seeing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.

What are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The Northern Lights are visible from late August through early April in Iceland, when the nights are longest. The peak months are typically September to March. During these winter months, the chances of clear, dark skies are the best for Aurora viewing.

Do I need to go far from Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights?
No, you can see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik and the surrounding areas. However, to increase your chances, head out of the city lights to darker locations away from light pollution. Some of the best spots are less than an hour's drive away.
northern lights iceland
How likely am I to see the Northern Lights on any given night?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never guaranteed. However, if the conditions are right - clear, dark skies free of clouds - your chances are good, especially outside of city lights. The best odds are between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. The activity also varies based on the 11-year Solar Cycle.

How long do Northern Lights displays typically last?
The duration of Northern Lights shows can vary greatly, from just a few minutes to several hours at a time. Some nights may feature short bursts of activity, while other nights may have prolonged, dramatic displays dancing and shimmering across the sky. The intensity and duration depend on the level of solar activity and geomagnetic storms happening in space.
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Conclusion

So there you have it, 20 of the best spots in Iceland to catch a glimpse of the magical Aurora Borealis. With this interactive map and guide, you'll be able to easily find the perfect place to view the Northern Lights and snap some jaw-dropping photos. What are you waiting for? Pack your warmest clothes, grab your camera, and head out under the night sky. Mother Nature's dazzling light show awaits. The adventure of a lifetime is out there, go chase the lights!

Find out how the Northern Lights work and all you need to know to avoid missing the show

Learn more about Aurora in Online Northern Lights Course (Recommended for Beginners)

  • €19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

  • Course
  • 99 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

  • €2.99

Northern Lights Beginner

  • Course
  • 27 Lessons

Learn the basic knowledge you need to know to see the Northern Lights. This course includes Basic knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product
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