The northern lights are somewhat evasive; you hear them continuously from what sounds like everybody and their mother, waxing lyrical about the drape of glowing blue and green wisps dancing gracefully through the sky, the odds of seeing them are restricted, to say the very least. You have to be in the ideal state, in the ideal season, though other components such as weather (and cloud cover) are entirely outside of your control. Iceland is just one of the best countries to see to get a possibility of visiting the impressive all-natural phenomenon. We have rounded up a few of the finest places to observe the northern lights in Iceland to assist you exploit this stunning sight.
Before we get in the very best iceland vacation packages to watch the northern lights in Iceland, first thing is first: it is all about time. The”year” for visiting the Aurora Borealis crosses September to April, though the best time is much more virtually October to March. This is not wholly strict, however, since they are sometimes viewed as early as late August and action does really happen throughout the entire year, but the daylight hours of summer time make viewing them exceptionally hard.
If you are seeing Iceland in winter, be sure to wrap up warm as temperatures may dip into -10°C and you might be waiting for a while at the chilly (human will isn’t sufficient; they will take their time showing up, if at all). Back in December, the sun climbs around 11am and begins setting long after 1pm – poor news to your inner clock, but decent news to your odds of viewing the northern lights. So you are not left in the dark (pun intended), keep a watch out for the Aurora Forecast so that you understand how probable it is that action will happen on any particular night.
Where to see the northern lights
Besides needing someplace with dark, clear sky from towns, you will find places in Iceland that will provide you the best chance of seeing the northern lights, or even provide a particularly charming encounter. Additionally, it is worth noting that the additional north you go, the better your odds will be, as the organic happenings are triggered by the North Pole.
Iceland is a lean nation, so even when you’re basing yourself at the funds of Reykjavík, you won’t need to really go all that way to break free from pollution. More importantly for us, it features the very clear nighttime sky necessary for to find the Aurora.
Reykjavík vessel cruise
If you would like something a bit different, it is possible to take a boat excursion out of Reykjavík’s harbour and see the lights dancing over the ocean. This is a somewhat risky game: not only does one require clear skies for your lights, but also calm seas. On windy days, they will not require you out, but it will not be a wasted trip — you will only be ushered from town on property rather.
Jökulsárlón
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon which needs to be in your own Iceland bucket-list anyhow, but it just so happens that the completely distinctive landscape also makes it among the absolute best places to observe the northern lights in Iceland. Situated in the southeast, bordering Vatnajökull National Park, the crystal-clear ice boulders in the sand shore pick up the green and red glow of the Aurora Borealis, making a kaleidoscopic effect. This is an especially good place for photographers.
Reynisfjara black sand shore
It is among the best places to observe the northern lights in Iceland since it supplies both stunning views along with also the soundtrack of the waves while the nighttime sky puts on its display. Legend has it that the basalt piles were trolls who strove to direct a boat to shore, when daylight broke they changed to the sharp needles of stone you see today, permanently stranded out at sea.
Seljavallalaug
Want to feel as though you are Mother Nature? Seljavallalaug is our best choice: the outside swimming pool is free and available 24 hours each day. It is also among the oldest pools in Iceland, also, helpfully when it has to do with the Aurora, in the midst of nowhere (though, to offer you some direction , it is in southern Iceland involving Reykjavík and Vík). A cosmic light display also sublime bath-water temperatures? If you inquire, Seljavallalaug is hands down one of the finest places to capture the screen.
Kirkjufell
However, while you visit you will see that instead of being overkill, it is like nature has thumped you across the head and required you look closely at its revealing off. Kirkjufell enables you to fall deeper in love with this diverse country and gives a stunning backdrop to the amazing occurrence to boot. Situated on the north shore of this Snæfellsnes peninsula, it is just two hours’ drive from Reykjavík.
Siglufjörður
The additional north you go in Iceland, the greater your chances grow in the two obtaining a glimpse of the northern lights and also that peek becoming more striking (provided you steer clear of light pollution). With amazing climbs to be had throughout the year’s few daylight hours and barely any light pollution at night, visit the small and scenic west fishing city of Siglufjörður, situated in a stunning slim fjord. It may be past but it’s definitely not least on our listing of the top places to observe the northern lights. Roads here could often be tricky to navigate or just closed because of harsh weather conditions in winter months, therefore check before traveling if driving (if you are comfortable driving in snow and ice) or organise expert transportation or a trip.
