Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a completely particular expertise you possibly can’t miss. Because of this I’m sharing the very best locations and methods to maximise your possibilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
In case you’re something like me, and I’m certain you might be, you wish to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland once you go to. From discovering all of the best places to see, incredible hikes, beautiful waterfalls, and, in fact, experiencing the best spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for selection of things to do and see once you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Nicely, the straightforward reply could be to say ‘anyplace’. In concept, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that you’ll want to contemplate if you find yourself recognizing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Seeing the Northern Lights In Iceland from Reykjavik
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One of many key issues to recollect in regards to the Northern Lights in Iceland is that they are often current and dancing away, however you may not see them resulting from clouds and even gentle air pollution in cities like Reykjavik. This isn’t at all times the case; you will be fortunate and spot the Northern Lights whereas visiting Reykjavik, however it’s definitely somewhat more difficult.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that will help you maximise your possibilities, it’s greatest to drive your self or book this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The good thing about reserving this tour is that you just don’t must stress about driving or discovering secure parking locations. The draw back is that the excursions run even on cloudy days, which makes it very arduous to identify the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Reykjavik
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The good thing about driving to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is that you just’ll get to manage the place and when to really exit Northern Mild looking. This implies you possibly can adapt your plans to suit round clear skies somewhat than staying with a inflexible tour time. In case you can, we’d say drive; it’s at all times the higher possibility. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they provide you a lifetime assure to affix one other tour at no cost in case you don’t see them.
Better of all, when driving, you solely must drive round 20 minutes from the centre of Reykjavik, and also you’ll be in full darkness. It’s essentially the most cost-effective technique to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We advocate heading anyplace on the highway in the direction of Leirvogsvatn (under), which we’ve added under. The highway is somewhat quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less gentle air pollution. That’s only a private desire.
Simply make sure that to park up safely and off the principle highway. All the time make sure you’re parked in a layby or small parking areas they’ve alongside the highway itself. Oh, and take a scorching tea of espresso with you – it’s very nice as you possibly can simply sit within the automotive, within the heat, till the Northern Lights seem.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Keflavik Airport
In case you’re nearer to Keflavik Airport, drive for about 10-Quarter-hour to close by Gunnuhver Scorching Springs (under). The wonderful thing about transferring to see the Northern Lights in Gunnuhver, Iceland, is that there’s parking accessible, which makes it really easy to cease.
Plus, dealing with south provides you an uninterrupted view and minimal gentle air pollution.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Selfoss
Travelling close to Selfoss? Then, head to the coast by routes 33 and 34 close to Eyrarbakki (under). It’s so shut, and you may rapidly drive additional down the roads to search out the right place to identify the Northern Lights within the sky.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland from different components of the nation
You possibly can see the Northern Lights in Iceland from anyplace that’s darkish and with a transparent night time. So, in case you’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply make sure that to search out secure parking spots in your native space.
Methods to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland
The most effective instruments for the Northern Lights forecast is here.
It’s the Icelandic Met Office, which particulars when and the place you will notice the Northern Lights in Iceland. We use this device considerably when travelling in Iceland. Additionally they be aware all of the cloud cowl you may encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply be sure you be aware the quantity from zero to 9. The upper the quantity, the extra intense the Northern Lights in Iceland. Don’t simply assume you want a excessive quantity—we’ve seen a number of the most spectacular shows in Iceland whereas the forecast was solely three (which is ‘lively’).
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Oh, and for the Iceland climate forecast, you possibly can see their maps here.
Keep in mind, you’re seeking to see that the Aurora Forecast quantity is greater than zero and that there’s no cloud cowl in your space.
Read more: Best things to do in Iceland