Where to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Iceland is one of the best places in the world to spot the Northern Lights due to its high latitude and rugged, unspoilt landscapes, free of light pollution. Its location is near the Arctic Circle, and long, dark winter nights are great for spotting colorful rays of sunlight dancing in the sky. So plan the Iceland Northern Lights itinerary with this guide on the best places to see Northern Lights in Iceland.
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Iceland Northern Lights Itinerary – Best Places to See Northern Lights in Iceland
Read this blog for Iceland’s Northern Lights itinerary with prime aurora-watching locations and unique Icelandic attractions for a memorable Iceland winter trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is Iceland’s vibrant capital, where you can explore local culture, cuisine, and landmarks while adjusting to the Icelandic environment.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Borg Reykjavik – A charming and centrally-located Art Deco hotel.
Things to Do:
- Hallgrímskirkja Church: The tallest structure in Reykjavik, offering panoramic city views.
- Sun Voyager Sculpture: A modern art piece symbolizing adventure, situated by the waterfront.
- Aurora Reykjavik: This interactive museum introduces the science and stories behind the Northern Lights.
Day 2: Golden Circle Tour & Northern Lights in Thingvellir
🚗You can drive (50 min, 48 km) from Reykjavik or take a Golden Circle day tour.
The Golden Circle is a classic route featuring Iceland’s most famous natural wonders, including Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Geysir – Located near the hot springs, ideal for night-time excursions.
Things to Do:
- Thingvellir National Park lies on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is great for history and geology lovers. Due to minimal light pollution, it’s also a prime spot for the Northern Lights.
- Geysir Hot Springs: The original geyser area where Strokkur erupts every few minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: A dramatic, multi-tiered waterfall in a picturesque canyon.
Northern Lights Viewing: Thingvellir’s clear skies and low light pollution make it ideal for aurora sightings.
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Day 3: South Coast Adventure – Vik & Northern Lights
🚗Drive (2 hr 30 min, 186 km) along the Ring Road from Reykjavik to reach Vik.
Iceland’s South Coast offers black sand beaches, glaciers, waterfalls, and cliffs, a perfect backdrop for aurora hunting.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Kría in Vik, with Northern Lights wake-up service.
Things to Do:
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss Waterfalls: Two iconic waterfalls, Skógafoss isparticularly impressive at night under aurora lighting.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: A surreal volcanic beach with basalt columns and Reynisdrangar sea stacks.
- Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck: The eerie remains of a US Navy DC-3 plane on the beach.
Northern Lights Viewing: Vik’s dark skies and rugged coast are perfect for viewing the aurora, with reflections visible on the black sand beach.
Day 4: Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights in Jökulsárlón
🚗Drive (2 hr 30 min, 190 km) from Vik along Route 1 to reach Glacier Lagoon region.
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a magical place where icebergs drift out to sea, an unforgettable sight under the Northern Lights.
Overnight Stay: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – Offers aurora wake-up service and views of the surrounding mountains.
Things to Do:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Walk along the shore to see floating icebergs or take a boat tour.
- Diamond Beach: Just across from the lagoon, ice chunks are scattered on the black sand.
Northern Lights Viewing: The glacial ice adds an otherworldly element, reflecting the lights in the ice-blue lagoon.
Day 5: East Iceland & Seydisfjordur
🚗Drive (3 hr, 213 km) along the East Fjords from Jokulsarlon.
East Iceland offers serene fjords, charming villages, and plenty of scenic, quiet areas to view the Northern Lights.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Aldan in Seydisfjordur is an elegant choice for a charming stay.
Things to Do:
- Seydisfjordur Village: Known for its colorful wooden houses and artsy vibe, it’s a picturesque spot in a fjord.
- East Fjords: Explore secluded fjords, small villages, and landscapes without crowds.
Northern Lights Viewing: The secluded fjords provide dark, quiet places with minimal artificial light.
Day 6: Myvatn Nature Baths & Aurora Borealis in North Iceland
🚗Drive (3 hr, 164 km) from Seydisfjordur to reach Myvatn region.
Myvatn has geothermal landscapes, lava fields, and a renowned nature bath with aurora sightings as a bonus.
Overnight Stay: Hotel Laxa – A quiet, modern hotel near Lake Myvatn with an aurora wake-up call.
Things to Do:
- Myvatn Nature Baths: A relaxing, less-crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
- Dimmuborgir Lava Fields: Unusual formations said to be the home of Iceland’s Yule Lads.
- Hverfjall Crater: A unique volcanic crater, perfect for short hikes.
Northern Lights Viewing: The Myvatn region is known for clear skies and scenic aurora reflections over the lake.
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Day 7: Return to Reykjavik via West Iceland & Aurora Evening
🚗Drive (4 hr, 340 km) back to Reykjavik via Route 1 and Route 50.
West Iceland offers a scenic drive with several stops and a last chance to catch the Northern Lights in Reykjavik.
Overnight Stay: Kex Hostel Reykjavik – Trendy and budget-friendly, offering private, shared rooms with city views.
Things to Do:
- Hraunfossar & Barnafoss Waterfalls: Known as the “Lava Falls,” these stunning cascades emerge from under a lava field.
- Reykholt & Deildartunguhver: Visit a historic village and Europe’s most powerful hot spring.
Northern Lights Viewing: Reykjavik’s outskirts, particularly Grotta Lighthouse, are great locations for aurora on clear nights.
Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Timing Matters: Visit between September and March for the best chances, with dark, clear nights ideal for sightings.
- Avoid Light Pollution: Choose remote areas away from city lights, and check aurora forecasts via apps or websites.
- Aurora Alerts: Many hotels offer Northern Lights wake-up calls so that you will get the spectacle.
- Dress Warmly: Iceland’s winter nights are cold and windy, so layer up with thermals, waterproofs, and insulated boots.
- Camera Settings: Use a tripod and a camera with manual settings for long exposures (10-20 seconds) and adjust ISO for clearer photos.
- Self-Driving: Renting a car gives flexibility to move to clearer skies, but be cautious of winter road conditions and stay updated on closures.
FAQs – Where to see Northern Lights in Iceland
- When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The best time is between late September and mid-March when Iceland experiences long, dark nights. Winter months have more consistent darkness and frequent clear skies, offering ideal aurora conditions. 
- How can I check the Northern Lights forecast?
You can check the aurora forecast through Icelandic Meteorological Office websites or apps like “My Aurora Forecast.” They show real-time data on aurora activity and cloud cover to help you plan your viewing spots.
- What’s the best way to get around Iceland for this itinerary?
Renting a car is highly recommended as it allows you to chase clear skies and explore remote areas without relying on tour schedules. Ensure you rent a 4×4 vehicle, especially in winter, as Iceland’s weather can make driving challenging.
- Is it safe to drive in Iceland during winter?
Winter driving in Iceland can be difficult due to icy roads, snow, and sudden weather changes. Before setting out, always check road conditions and weather forecasts, and drive cautiously. Roads around the Golden Circle and Ring Road are generally maintained but may still experience closures or delays.
- Are guided Northern Lights tours worth it?
A Northern Lights tour can be a great option if you prefer to avoid driving or want guidance from local experts. Guides know the best locations for aurora viewing, and many companies offer rebookings if you are still waiting to see the lights on your first attempt.
- Can I see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
Yes, though Reykjavik has some light pollution, you can still see the Northern Lights from certain spots, like Grotta Lighthouse on the city outskirts. However, heading out to remote areas increases your chances for clearer and brighter aurora sightings.
- Do hotels offer wake-up calls for Northern Lights?
Many Icelandic hotels offer Northern Lights wake-up calls upon request, so you can rest without worrying about missing the aurora. Just ask at check-in, and they’ll alert you if the lights appear.
- How cold does it get in Iceland during the Northern Lights season?
Temperatures can vary but typically range from -1°C to -10°C (30°F to 14°F) in winter. Be prepared for colder wind chills, especially in open areas.
- What camera settings are best for photographing the Northern Lights?
Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings. Set your camera to a high ISO (800-3200), a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and a long exposure (10-20 seconds). A tripod is essential to prevent blurry photos from moving. 
- Is there a lot of walking or hiking involved in this itinerary?
While most Northern Lights viewing spots are accessible with short walks, some natural sites, like Skógafoss waterfall or the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, require moderate hikes. For outdoor excursions, wear sturdy boots and warm clothing.
- What clothing should I bring for an Iceland winter road trip?
Pack thermal layers, insulated jackets, waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and warm boots. Icelandic weather is unpredictable, so layers and waterproof clothing are key for staying comfortable outdoors.
- Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance?
Yes, especially during the Northern Lights season when demand is high. Iceland’s rural areas have limited accommodations, so book well ahead to secure your stay and any desired aurora wake-up calls.
- Are there any mobile apps recommended for navigating Iceland?
Apps like Maps.me and Google Maps work well for offline navigation. Vedur (Iceland’s weather app) and Aurora Forecast also help monitor road and weather conditions and aurora activity.
- How much daylight will there be during the Northern Lights season?
Daylight hours vary: in December, there are as few as 4 hours of daylight, while in March, you’ll get around ten hours. Plan your daytime sightseeing for the limited light hours and reserve nights for aurora viewing.
- Are there food and fuel options along this route?
Yes, but they may be sparse in more remote areas. Always fuel up when you can, especially before heading out on longer stretches. Restaurants can be limited, so consider stocking up on snacks in Reykjavik or at gas stations along the way. 
These FAQs will help you plan and enjoy your Icelandic Northern Lights road trip for a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience!
This Iceland Northern Lights itinerary combines the perfect blend of Northern Lights viewing and quintessential Icelandic winter experiences. So plan your Iceland Northern Lights Tour with this guide on the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro
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