Login
best place to see northern lights iceland

Get Ready for Northern Lights at Stokksnes, Iceland's Best Place!

The Northern Lights of Iceland is a top bucket list item for many travellers and with good reason! The stunning colors and beauty of the Aurora Borealis make the experience unforgettable. But if you want to experience the best possible view of the Northern Lights, Stokksnes is where you need to go.

Stokksnes is a stunning stretch of black sand beach located on Iceland's south coast. It's located just east of the notorious Vestrahorn Mountain, which is an iconic backdrop for photographers and sky-gazers alike. It also provides a unique contrast against the backdrop of the night sky in which you can spot the Northern Lights dancing in all their glory. Plus, with its location far away from any major cities or towns, Stokksnes has low light pollution - making it one of the best spots in Iceland to get an incredible view of the Aurora Borealis!

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.

aurora online course

Online Course

Designed For Beginners

aurora app

Mobile App

Designed For Beginners

best places in iceland to see northern lights

Overview of Stokksnes and Its Surroundings

Take a trip to Stokksnes, Iceland—the perfect spot for viewing those magical Northern Lights! An hour east of Reykjavík, Stokksnes is a dramatic stretch of beach surrounded by breathtakingly tall mountains. The star attraction here is Vestrahorn Mountain, which rises majestically from the black sand beach. Vestrahorn even earned its Norse nickname—the “Gateway to the Gods”—because it looks so imposing and divine!

At low tide, you can wander out over the flats and get close to Vestrahorn. Then, on a clear night, you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights while they dance above the mountain and reflect off its rugged peaks. Plus, because Stokksnes is relatively free from light pollution due to its remote location, photographers of all levels can capture stunning photos of this natural spectacle!

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable night or a vibrant daytime experience under the midnight sun, head over to Stokksnes for your Northern Lights adventure. And don't forget your camera!
vestrahorn

Vestrahorn Mountain: Nature's True Beauty

Vestrahorn Mountain is a mesmerizing sight to behold and sets the scene for a magical Northern Lights experience at Stokksnes. Located in Southeast Iceland, it serves as one of Iceland’s most stunning backdrops for awe-inspiring photographs and northern lights viewing.

The mountain itself is over 600 m tall, composed of two distinct peaks, with a higher peak of 862 m above sea level. Vestrahorn Mountain also offers a unique view that expands out to both the east and west coasts of Iceland, creating a truly breathtaking panorama.

Its beautiful black sand beach curves around Stokksnes and its entire landscape is ideal for those seeking to escape the light pollution of Reykjavik and marvel at the rare and wondrous Northern Lights in all their glory—all while basking in nature's beauty.
where to see the northern lights in iceland

How to Reach Stokksnes From Reykjavik

Getting to Stokksnes is easy and takes only a few hours! If you're driving from Reykjavik, it takes about 6 hours in total. All you have to do is take Route 1 east out of Reykjavik, take a right at Vík towards Stokksnes, then take a right again at the fork and follow the road until the end.

Once you get there, you'll be able to enjoy spectacular views of Vestrahorn Mountain! The mountain stands tall against the panoramic views of the sea from Stokksnes Beach. On bright days, you can even see the lighthouse located on the nearby Tröllaskagi Peninsula.

Plus, as an added bonus for Northern Lights viewers, this region has some of the best air clarity in Iceland with very low light pollution. That makes it ideal for both viewing and taking photos of the Northern Lights!
iceland northern lights viewing

Low Light Pollution Is Ideal for Northern Lights Viewing

Do you want to get the best photo of the Northern Lights? Well, one of your best bets is to head to Stokksnes, located just a few hours away from Reykjavik. It's one of the more popular spots among tourists and for good reason! One of its major benefits is its extremely low light pollution, making it an ideal spot for seeing and capturing the dazzling display in all its glory.

In addition to providing an optimal viewing experience for the Northern Lights, Stokksnes is also home to Vestrahorn Mountain, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to any photos you take. This mighty mountain looks like it belongs in a fairytale—its near-perfect symmetry makes it look almost surreal. When it's lit up by the Northern Lights? Breath-taking!
vestrahorn iceland
Getting there from Reykjavik could not be easier. The drive is just a few hours and passes through stunning landscapes like Moors, lagoons and mountains — so much that you'll be sure to make some awesome stops along the way! Once there, you'll be ready to capture some beautiful photos without too many obstacles blocking your view.

No matter whether you're an avid photographer or simply someone who wants a spectacular view of nature’s most beautiful displays, Stokksnes makes for an ideal destination for seeing and photographing the Northern Lights.
vestrahorn

What Makes Stokksnes a Must-See for Northern Lights?

If you're looking for an amazing place to see the Northern Lights, then Stokksnes is a must-see. Even if you can't see the lights, Vestrahorn Mountain looks incredible and makes for incredible photography.

But what makes Stokksnes such a great place to see the northern lights? Well, there are several reasons:

Uninterrupted Night Skies
Since Stokksnes is on the southernmost tip of Iceland, it has the perfect dark skies where you can experience uninterrupted views of the stars above. Not only is there virtually no light pollution here, but this also makes it one of the best places in Iceland to take pictures of the stars and Northern Lights.
vestrahorn mountains
Amazing Foreground Elements
Stokksnes not only offers some of Iceland's best views of Vestrahorn Mountain but also a beach with an amazing landscape as its backdrop. Not only that but it's conveniently located about six hours away from Reykjavik, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Incredible Conditions for Photography
The combination of low light pollution, unobstructed skies and natural foreground elements make this one of Iceland's most popular spots for photography enthusiasts looking to capture breathtaking photos of the Northern Lights. Whether you're an amateur or a Pro photographer, you can find plenty of great photo opportunities here!
vestrahorn mountains

Photography Tips and Tricks for Capturing Unforgettable Northern Lights Shots

Getting the perfect shot of the magical northern lights is possible with a few helpful tips and tricks. First things first - make sure you go to the best spot in Iceland for Northern Lights – Stokksnes. This seaside area near Vestrahorn Mountain offers breathtaking views and low light pollution, perfect for Northern Lights photography.

On top of that, you can take photos of both the Northern Lights and Vestrahorn Mountain at the same time, making incredible images possible. Even better, you can get to Stokksnes from Reykjavik in 6 hours by taking a tour or renting a car.
vestrahorn mountains
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when taking your photos:

  • Use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the sky and foreground elements like Vestrahorn Mountain.
  • Set your camera to manual mode, so you can adjust your shutter speed, aperture, ISO and white balance according to what looks best in the viewfinder.
  • Make sure to shoot in RAW format - this allows for more control when editing your photos later on.
  • Use a sturdy tripod so that your camera stays still during long exposures and captures sharp images.
  • Keep shooting - don’t be discouraged by poor results as not all attempts will turn out as planned! Just keep shooting until you get an amazing shot.
vestrahorn

Conclusion

In short, with its low light pollution, clear sky, and stunning natural environment, Stokksnes is one of the best places to enjoy Iceland’s most famous natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights. There's no better place for a memorable experience of nature's breathtaking beauty.

Whether you’re a novice of Aurora or an experienced photographer, Stokksnes is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Northern Lights experience. All you need to do is take your camera, a warm coat, and head to the magical place that is Stokksnes in South Iceland!

Learn All you need to know about the Northern Lights

An easy and fast way how to learn about the Northern Lights all you need to know. Great for Beginners. Find out more about our Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course.

  • €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

  • €9.99

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

  • Course
  • 21 Lessons

Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.
View product
⟵ Back to Blog page