Vík: Iceland's Best Kept Secret for Aurora Hunters

Ever dreamt of chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland but want to avoid the crowds? Look no further than the tiny village of Vík, Iceland's best-kept secret for Aurora hunting. Nestled between volcanic cliffs, black sand beaches, and the mighty Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Vík offers jaw-dropping landscapes and pristine night skies. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik, Vík is the perfect escape from the city lights. Here, vivid auroras dance across the sky, reflecting in the churning sea below. Whether you catch the lights from the Reynisfjara black sand beach or up close at the abandoned plane wreck, Vík will leave you spellbound. If you're ready for an Icelandic adventure and front-row seats to nature's greatest show, pack your bags for Vík. The Northern Lights are waiting.

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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Update: Hey there, we've added 10 free videos from our Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course to this post. In the videos, we explain the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis in simple terms for beginners. You'll learn things like what the Northern Lights really look like and how long the show lasts. Also covered are common shapes, Aurora forecasting, tips for finding the best viewing spot, and more. We made the videos short and right to the point. Enjoy learning new things about one of nature's most incredible light shows.

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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.

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Aurora in Reality

Where Is Vík and How to Get There

To experience the Northern Lights in all their glory, head to the tiny village of Vík in southern Iceland. Located about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik, Vík is surrounded by black sand beaches, sea cliffs, and volcanic landscapes - the perfect backdrop for the Aurora Borealis.

To get there, drive east from Reykjavik on Route 1, Iceland's main highway. Vík is located just off the ring road, so you really can't miss it. The drive itself is stunning, passing by waterfalls, glaciers, and otherworldly lava fields.

Vík is the ideal spot for Aurora hunters for a few reasons. First, it's located in a "dark sky" area, far from city lights that can obscure the Northern Lights. Second, the dramatic landscapes surrounding the village provide jaw-dropping scenery for your light show. Finally, Vík frequently sees strong Aurora activity due to its position directly beneath the Auroral Oval.

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What Aurora Shapes Can You See?

The best places to see the Lights are Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrhólaey cliffs, and the Vík church - all just a short drive from town. The Northern Lights are visible from September through April, and peak around midnight when the sky is darkest.

While in Vík, be sure to check out Reynisfjara Beach, with its basalt sea cliffs and rock formations. You can also do a glacier hike on Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland's fourth-largest ice cap. For lodging, choose from guesthouses, cottages, or the iconic Icelandair Hotel Vík.

Whether you're chasing the Aurora or just want to experience Iceland's stunning nature, Vík should be at the top of your list. This little village will capture your heart with its rugged beauty and a front-row seat to one of nature's greatest shows.

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Why Vík Is the Best Place to See the Northern Lights

Vík is the perfect place to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland. Located on the southern coast, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavik, Vík offers stunning landscapes and little light pollution - the ideal combo for viewing the Aurora Borealis.

Vík sits below black sand beaches, sea cliffs and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, providing a dramatic backdrop for any photos you'll take of the colorful night sky. The tiny fishing village only has about 300 residents, so ambient light is minimal.
Head just 10 minutes out of town to the Reynisfjall mountain ridge or Dyrhólaey peninsula and you'll be in near total darkness, able to see the Aurora shimmering and dancing overhead. These spots also offer panoramic views of the ocean and lava fields.

How Northern Lights Forecast Works?

The Northern Lights are most visible in Vík between September and March. Your best chances are around midnight when the sky is darkest. But the Aurora is unpredictable, so be on the lookout anytime after nightfall.
There are plenty of cozy guesthouses, cottages and hotels right in Vík where you can stay up late Aurora hunting, then retreat inside to warm up with hot cocoa or glögg. Some even offer wake-up calls if the Northern Lights make an appearance while you're sleeping!

Vík may be small, but its natural beauty and ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights make it a must-see destination for any Aurora chaser visiting Iceland. Bundle up, head out into the night and get ready for a show you'll never forget!

How to Find the Best Place for Aurora Viewing?

The Top 3 Spots Near Vík for Aurora Viewing

Vík is a tiny village on Iceland’s southern coast that should be at the top of every Aurora hunter’s list. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches, Vík offers some of the best views of the Northern Lights.

1. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Just a 10-minute drive west of Vík, Reynisfjara Beach is a popular spot for Aurora watching. The black sand provides a stunning foreground for the colorful lights dancing above. The basalt sea cliffs and rock formations along the beach make the experience even more dramatic.

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2. Dyrhólaey
A little further west you’ll find Dyrhólaey, a 120-meter promontory jutting into the sea. Hike up to the top of the cliff for panoramic views of Vík’s coastline and a higher vantage point to spot the Aurora. You may even see puffins nesting on the cliffs during summer!

3. Mýrdalsjökull Glacier
Vík borders Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier. Take a snowmobile or hiking tour on the glacier at night to get away from the light pollution for the best views of the northern lights. The white snowscape will make the colors of the aurora even more vibrant.

The long winter nights from September through March are the best time to spot the aurora borealis in Vík. For the highest chance of seeing the lights, head out between 10 pm and 3 am when the sky is darkest. Make sure to check the Aurora forecast for the strongest geomagnetic activity and find a spot away from artificial lights. Dress very warmly, bring a flashlight with a red light, and you’re all set for a dazzling display of the northern lights over Vík’s rugged landscapes.

Can You See Aurora in the City?

When Can You See the Northern Lights in Vík?

The best time to witness the spectacular Northern Lights in Vík is between late August and early April. During these months, the nights are long and dark, providing the perfect conditions to spot the Aurora Borealis.

Winter Months: December to February
The winter months from December to February offer the longest, darkest nights, increasing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights clearly and frequently. The winter solstice in late December gives you almost 19 hours of darkness! Bundle up, head out around midnight, and stay until the early morning hours for the best views.

Tip: Check the Aurora forecast and weather before heading out. Clear, cold nights are ideal. The lights are often most active around 9 pm to 3 am.

Shoulder Months: September to November and March to April
The shoulder months of September to November and March to April can also be excellent for viewing the Northern Lights. With nights around 12 hours long, there are still many hours of darkness but temperatures are a bit milder. These “off-season” months may give you a better chance of smaller crowds and lower prices for accommodation too.

September and October see fall foliage emerging, creating a colorful foreground for photos of the dancing lights.
March and April offer longer days and warmer weather, perfect for other activities in addition to Aurora hunting at night. You may even spot lambs in the fields!

So pack your warmest clothes, set your alarm for the wee hours, and get ready for a dazzling celestial show in the night sky above Vík. The Northern Lights will put on a performance you’ll never forget!

How long Are Northern Lights Visible?

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Northern Lights in Vík

So you’ve decided to chase the Northern Lights in Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village. You probably have a few questions about the logistics. Here are some FAQs to help you plan your adventure.

When can I see the Aurora Borealis in Vík?
The Northern Lights are most visible between late August and early April in Vík. The longer nights during winter mean more opportunities to spot the Aurora dancing across the sky.

What time is best for viewing the lights?
The hours between 9 pm and 3 am tend to be the most active for the Aurora Borealis. After midnight when the sky is darkest is often primetime for the lights.

Eye vs Camera view Compared

Where are the best spots to view the lights near Vík?
Head to the black sand beach for panoramic views. The Reynisfjara shoreline and Dyrhólaey cliffs are ideal for photos with the ocean in the foreground. For a unique perspective, hike to the top of Reynisfjall Mountain. The Víkurkirkja church on the hill also provides an epic 360° view.

Can I photograph the Northern Lights?
Absolutely! A digital camera with manual settings is best. Use a wide-angle lens, high ISO (1600 or higher), open aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and long exposure (10-30 seconds). A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera.

What if the lights don’t appear?
Unfortunately, the Aurora Borealis can be unpredictable. Don’t be disappointed if they’re elusive during your visit. Vík offers plenty of other winter activities like snowshoeing, glacier hiking, and ice climbing to keep you entertained while you wait for the lights to emerge and start dancing across the sky.

Where should I stay in Vík?
For convenience, stay right in the village. The Vík Hostel, Icelandair Hotel Vík, and Hotel Anna are all within a 10-minute walk of viewing spots. Or rent a secluded cabin - many come with private hot tubs, perfect for soaking under the stars while waiting for the show to start.

Aurora Photography with a Smartphone: How to be ready & Is Tripod Essential?

Top Things to Do in Vík Besides Chasing the Lights

Besides hunting for the Northern Lights, there are plenty of other things to experience in the scenic village of Vík.

Explore the Black Sand Beaches
Vík is home to the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, with its dramatic sea cliffs and rock formations. Walk along the beach and feel the soft black sand between your toes. But be very careful, as the surf and currents here are extremely dangerous. For a safer option, head to Víkurkirkja Black Sand Beach, just a 10-minute drive east of Vík.

Visit the Puffin Colony
From April to August, thousands of puffins flock to the sea cliffs around Vík to breed. Take a boat tour to see these adorable seabirds up close in their natural habitat. You have a good chance of spotting whales and dolphins in the waters around Vík as well.

Go Glacier Hiking
Vík is located near several massive glaciers like Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull. Take a guided glacier hike to experience walking over ancient ice and seeing ice caves up close. With the right gear and an experienced guide, glacier hiking is a thrilling way to experience Vík’s scenic nature.

How Far Away Can Be Aurora Visible?

Check Out the Local Museum
To learn more about the history and culture of this remote region of Iceland, visit the Vík í Mýrdal Local Museum. This small museum showcases what life was like for fishermen and farmers in past centuries. Admission to the museum is 1000 ISK for adults and 500 ISK for children.

Relax in a Geothermal Pool
After a long day of exploring Vík’s natural attractions, relax your muscles in the Vík í Mýrdal Swimming Pool, one of Iceland’s many geothermal pools. Admission to the pool is only 600 ISK, and it’s open year-round so you can enjoy a warm soak even while chasing the Northern Lights.

There are many exciting things to experience in Vík beyond the Northern Lights show. Bundle up, get outside, and enjoy all this scenic village has to offer. The dramatic landscapes and natural attractions around Vík will leave you in awe during the day or night.

How to Understand Real-time Aurora Activity?

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

Conclusion

So there you have it, everything you need to know to plan an epic adventure chasing the Northern Lights in Vík. Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the ideal viewing spots, optimal travel times, places to stay, and popular activities, you’re all set to experience this natural wonder for yourself. Don’t forget your camera - you’ll want to capture the dazzling display of greens, reds, and purples dancing across the night sky and share it with friends and family back home. They may not believe the photos are real at first! But after visiting this Icelandic village, you’ll return home with memories of the Aurora Borealis illuminating the dramatic cliffs and black sand beaches around Vík that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Iceland’s best-kept secret for Aurora hunters today. The Northern Lights are waiting for you in Vík!

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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.

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Ultimate Northern Lights Course

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Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

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