The Northern Lights of Iceland

Of the few countries in the world where the Northern Lights are visible, Iceland is the best place on earth for viewing this spectacular light show in the sky.  Because of its secluded location in the middle of the northern Atlantic Ocean and minimal light pollution, the pristine night skies of Iceland are ideal for viewing the Northern Lights.

According to Norse mythology, the dancing green, blue, purple, red, pink, and orange lights in the sky belonged to the sparkling armor of the Valkyries. She was the female figure who escorted the dead to the afterlife, whose name was Valhalla.  However, today we know that the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are the result of solar particles entering the earth’s atmosphere– the spectacular colors are due different elements that are being ionized.

Here are some tips for viewing the Northern Lights of Iceland and experiencing this majestic natural phenomenon.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights
Weather is one of the most important factors that will affect your ability to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.  Due to the extended hours of darkness and colder weather, the months from September to April are the best time to see the Northern Lights.  Dark, clear skies are also essential for viewing the Northern Lights, so keep in mind that the often rainy and snowy conditions in the months of November to February can reduce your chances of seeing this natural light show.  A good tip for Aurora Borealis-hunting is that below-freezing temperatures at night often coincide with clear skies, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. Visibility is also dependent upon solar activity, so a great, easy way to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights is by visiting Iceland for a longer period of time if possible.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights
You don’t have to travel too far from Reykjavik to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.  Öskjuhlíð hill, located above Reykjavik, is another ideal location to see the Northern Lights due to its elevation and little light pollution.  Another popular spot to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is near Grótta lighthouse, located in the north-westernmost point of Reykjavik on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula.  Near the Grótta lighthouse, there is also a hidden geothermal foot bath to soak in while you watch the spectacular Northern Lights. One of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is the Westfjords in Northern Iceland.  Due to longer hours of darkness in the north, your chances of seeing the majestic light show are increased.

There are several ways to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland.  You can opt for a self-guided tour, a boat tour, or a guided tour led by experts– the latter being the most popular way to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.  The guided tours operate regularly between September and April, dependent on weather conditions. Boat tours are available from Reykjavík and Akureyri, where you are taken far out to sea with little light pollution and great visibility for Aurora Borealis viewing.

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