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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 31 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Oliver Berry

Iceland, being in the so-called ‘Aurora Belt’, is one of the world’s top places to see the Aurora Borealis, the multi-coloured meteorological phenomenon more commonly known as the Northern Lights.

These shimmering, shifting, etheral displays of light are caused by charged ions striking the earth’s upper atmosphere. They can be many different colours: commonly green, but sometimes pink, blue, red or yellow.  Seeing them dancing over Iceland’s volcanic topography is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a bucket list must-see that’s up there with the best.

There’s no specific best place to see them – they can appear anywhere where there are dark, clear skies and low levels of light pollution. You can even see them around Reykjavik, although the further you travel from the towns, the more intense the light show is likely to be.

For guaranteed sightings, it’s worth taking an organised tour with a professional aurora-hunting company, as they have access to detailed aurora forecasts, know the best spots and sometimes offer a second trip if you don’t manage to see the lights.

With a bit of luck, though, you may see the aurora as an unexpected bonus while you’re off on another Icelandic adventure – perhaps while exploring remote areas like Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords or cruising on the Jokulsarlon lagoon. Hotel Ranga as a special in-house observatory. See the links in our recommendations below.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
Frequency: Selected dates
When: Nov-Feb
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The good news is that seeing the Northern Lights isn’t all down to chance these days. The atmospheric conditions that create the lights are closely monitored, such that impending displays can be accurately predicted by monitoring stations.

Many hotels and tour operators use these forecasts to offer their guests a handy alert service, so you can be gazing skyward for that first ethereal streak. Many hotels even offer aurora ‘wake-up calls’. You can also sign up for your own alerts (Europe only) with the free Aurora Service.

Aurora Reykjavik is a highly recommended operator, while Arctic Adventures offer a thrilling 4×4 jeep tour. Both offer trips from Reykjavik.

When to do it

Theoretically, the Northern Lights are visible at any time of year, but due to the endless days of summer in the far north, the skies simply don’t get dark enough to see them.

That makes winter prime aurora spotting season, especially the period between November to February, when Iceland’s skies are at their darkest, and the aurora activity is usually at its peak.

For the best chance of seeing them, you also need clear skies (clouds are an inconvenient hazard for aurora spotters, and unfortunately there’s no solution but to wait them out). You also need low or zero light pollution, so it’s always better to get as far away from any urban centres as you can.

Even so, the Northern Lights are notoriously fickle; they can appear anytime, anywhere. But if you’re in the right area at the right time of year, your chances of seeing them are excellent – as long as you’re prepared to be patient.

If you haven’t already, see our round-up of the best places to see the Northern Lights that also explains in more detail why they happen, and thus when you’re most likely to see them.

Blue Lagoon

Reykjavik, Iceland

This world-famous (man-made) outdoor geothermal pool of steaming 39°C healing waters, surrounded by black lava fields, is Iceland’s star attraction.

Best for ages: 4+ | £35

Cruise around Iceland

Iceland

Make the most of Iceland’s dramatic coastline – lunar landscapes, spouting geysers and jauntily coloured fishing villages, tiny against the vast landscapes and ancient glaciers.

Best for ages: 13+ | Varies | Min 7 days

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Overview >

Hotel Ranga

Hella, Iceland

A quirky, ranch-style hotel that’s your best base for exploring SW Iceland. The in-house restaurant is excellent, as is the stargazing and Northern Lights viewing.

Official star rating:

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Entrance Ticket

Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Entrance Ticket

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The Northern Lights exhibition in Reykjavik is your first stop when you want to experience the Aurora Borealis in Iceland. The center is di...

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Perlan Museum - Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show

Perlan Museum - Wonders of Iceland & Áróra Northern Lights Planetarium Show

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Wonders of Iceland is a unique exhibition where you learn all about Icelandic nature in interactive and fun ways. Explore the world’s first ...

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Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

Northern Lights Cruise from Downtown Reykjavik

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The Northern Lights Cruise will sail you out into the dark blue wonder of Faxaflói bay in search of this mystical phenomenon, leaving behind...

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Northern Lights Midnight Adventure from Reykjavík

Northern Lights Midnight Adventure from Reykjavík

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Northern Lights Midnight Adventure is a hunt for Iceland’s magical but elusive Northern Lights. Many visitors travel to Iceland to see the N...

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iceland

Iceland

From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.

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Round-ups that include this experience

5 Best places to see the Northern Lights

Multiple countries

A remarkable, ethereal light display that’s one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. Pair it with other bucket list experiences – a thrilling husky ride, a cruise on the Norwegian fjords, or from bed in a luxury glass igloo. Unmissable.

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