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Exploring Beyond Reykjavik: Why You Should See the Northern Lights Away From the City

Iceland is more than just the capital city of Reykjavik. While most tourists flock to the city for its colourful streets and diverse nightlife, very few take a step outside of their comfort zone to explore the unparalleled beauty of the rest of the country.
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Introduction

One of Iceland’s most prized natural features is none other than the Aurora Borealis – or Northern Lights as they’re commonly known. If you’ve been dreaming of seeing this miraculous, celestial wonder in person, then you won’t want to miss out on the chance to see them while in Iceland.

But while admiring the Northern Lights in Reykjavik can still be a magical experience, don't let yourself be limited by it! In this article, we'll explore why you should think beyond Reykjavik when it comes to checking out the Aurora Borealis – and get all your questions answered about seeing Northern Lights in Iceland.

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Experience the Northern Lights in Iceland

If you’re looking for a place to experience the Northern Lights, look no further than Iceland. With its dark winter nights, clear skies and environmental conditions just right for viewing these majestic lights, you’ll be sure to get an awe-inspiring view.

But why consider Iceland over other countries? Well, the answer is simple: Iceland is one of the best countries in the world for seeing the Northern Lights. It offers some of the most spectacular views and has a huge number of spots perfect for chasing auroras. Plus, it's conveniently located in Europe so it's easy to reach from many popular tourist destinations.

Another great thing about Iceland is that you can see the Northern Lights both inside and outside Reykjavik city limits. While there are plenty of opportunities within Reykjavik to witness this phenomenon, if you really want to experience the full spectrum of colors and brightness that come with Aurora Borealis, you should head outside of the city and into nature. With fewer light sources and less air pollution, your chances of seeing a truly breathtaking view are much higher.
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The Best Places to See the Northern Lights Outside of Reykjavik

If you want to get the full experience of seeing the Northern Lights, you have to leave the city behind. Reykjavik is situated close to the ocean and while the city lights can be beautiful, it makes it harder to see Aurora Borealis when there's so much light pollution.

There are a few great places outside of Reykjavik for seeing this incredible phenomenon. Here are some of the best:

  • Thingvellir National Park: Known for its dramatic landscape and geological features, Thingvellir is a great spot for capturing photos of the Northern Lights.

  • Grotta Lighthouse: One of Iceland's oldest lighthouses, Grotta features plenty of road access and an expansive shoreline that comes alive at night with mesmerizing Aurora Borealis displays.

  • Vik: A former fishing village, Vik offers stunning views of the North Atlantic coastline and long stretches of sandy beaches perfect for stargazing.

  • Gullfoss Waterfall: An impressive cascading waterfall just 45 minutes away from Reykjavik, Gullfoss is one of Iceland's most iconic landmarks – made even better when framed by Northern Lights in the night sky!

No matter which spot you choose, make sure you do your research and check weather forecasts so that you don't miss out on one of these breathtaking natural spectacles!

What to Pack for a Trip to See Aurora in Iceland

Now that you have your itinerary set, let's talk about what to pack for a trip to see Aurora in Iceland.

Clothing

Because you'll be spending most of your time outdoors, make sure to bring a few layers of warm clothes that can keep you warm and dry, such as a waterproof jacket and insulated boots. Additionally, if you plan to take any night-time photography, make sure to bring some extra clothes that aren't too dark—black clothing tends to absorb the light and make it difficult to get good shots. Don't forget gloves and a hat too!

Equipment

You should also bring along some basic equipment for any aurora-hunting trip. If you're planning on taking any photos or videos at night, bring along a tripod for stability. You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of battery life—you don't want your phone or camera dying in the middle of an Aurora show!

Finally, don't forget snacks and drinks—you’re going on an adventure after all! Pack enough snacks and water bottles to keep yourself fueled during the colder nights—you can still take advantage of all the amazing views Iceland has to offer even when it’s dark out.

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Tips for Making the Most of Your Aurora Hunt

If you're planning a Northern Lights trip to Iceland, the secret is getting out of Reykjavik. Although it's the hub of all things Iceland, the city's light pollution and tour busses means you won't have the same experience as if you ventured outside of town.

Get Away from City Lights
It is important to get away from any bright lights or sources of light pollution for optimal Aurora viewing. The further away you are from cities, the better chance you have of seeing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

Use Clear Skies App or Website
Check out Clear Skies app or website to help predict clear skies near your location and find a spot with less light pollution. This app uses real-time data with forecasts for up to 5 days in advance to give its users the best chance at catching a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.

Go With Other Local Tour Groups
If possible, try and join a group that works with local experts who know which spots are best for Aurora watching and can take you there directly. With more people around, chances are higher that someone will be able to help you out with a telescope or take good-quality photos in low-light settings (since they will have been on multiple night trips themselves). Plus, travel groups provide extra security and reliability, since locals know what kind of weather conditions to expect in each season in Iceland - and when it's not right for Aurora hunting!

viewing northern lights iceland

Seeing the Northern Lights From Reykjavik: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik—it just might not be the most ideal viewing spot. Light pollution from the city limits visibility and hides the beauty of a true Aurora Borealis eyes-on experience.

The reason why it’s better to explore beyond Reykjavik is that you’ll have a much clearer view of the Aurora away from all the bright lights in the city center. You can still see it in Reykjavik, but you won’t get a full understanding or appreciation of what an Aurora show really looks like without getting away from all that interference.

Plus, Iceland has many spectacular spots with minimal light pollution outside of Reykjavik where stargazers and aurora chasers come to experience this natural phenomenon. Here are some of Iceland's best locations for seeing this breathtaking sky show:

  1. Thingvellir National Park
  2. Lake Myvatn
  3. Dimmuborgir lava fields
  4. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
  5. Kirkjufell Mountain
can you see the aurora borealis in iceland

FAQs About Planning a Trip to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

If you're planning a trip to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, then you probably have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland:

Can I See the Northern Lights In Reykjavik?
Yes, you can see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik, but your chances are slim. The best places to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland are away from any kind of bright light pollution. That means the farther you get from Reykjavik or any other city lights, the better your chances of seeing them are.

When is The Best Time To See The Northern Lights?
The best time to see them is between September and late March when it's dark outside and cold enough for clouds to dissipate. Even though September offers more hours of darkness, March offers clearer skies and higher probabilities due to low pressure weather fronts that pass over Iceland in winter.

What Should I Bring On My Trip?
When planning your trip, make sure to bring warm clothes with layers that can be taken off or added as needed; a hat and gloves; a flashlight and spare batteries; camera equipment if you plan on taking photos; snacks and drinks; a map and compass; a first aid kit; and binoculars if available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iceland is an amazing country for the Northern Lights, especially when you look beyond Reykjavik and take the time to discover other parts of the country. The beauty that you can find out in the wilderness is truly breathtaking and cannot be matched. Even if you do decide to go out of the city, you can still take part in some fantastic activities like snorkeling, snowmobiling, or whale watching, so you can get a full experience of the Icelandic culture. Seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik is possible, but if you have the chance, you should explore further and experience something unforgettable.

You can also take advantage of the wealth of travel packages to Iceland, which often include different types of excursions and activities depending on the season you plan to visit. In addition to the traditional Northern Lights hunts, you can also join expert-led hiking and camping trips, horseback riding trips, glacier encounters, and so much more.

When researching potential trips, it’s best to look for ones that are led by experienced local guides, who can provide valuable insights into the Icelandic culture, nature, and wildlife. They are also more likely to locate the perfect spots for seeing the Aurora Borealis for a truly unforgettable experience.

No matter if you decide to stay within Reykjavik or explore further, the Northern Lights can be a highlight of any trip to Iceland. With a little luck, patience, and preparation, this enchanting natural phenomenon can become one of your most beautiful and lasting memories.

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