How To Find Northern Lights In Iceland

Iceland has seen a massive surge in tourism. Over 2.iii meg visitors came to the island in 2018, a stark difference from the 565,000 who visited in 2011.

It's not hard to see why Iceland is a hotspot. Its space activities and natural beauty brand information technology desirable for every tourist.

If you're an adrenaline seeker, glacier hiking will exist right up your aisle. If y'all prefer less extreme activities, maybe try bird-watching and sight-seeing.

There is one thing that should exist on anybody'southward Republic of iceland bucket list, though.

No holiday to the island is complete without seeing the Northern Lights in Republic of iceland. Watching these natural lights trip the light fantastic toe across the nighttime sky is an experience like no other.

But if you've never been to Republic of iceland before, you might not know much near the Aurora Borealis. Keep reading to go all the details you need to ensure you see these lights on your vacation.

What Are the Northern Lights?

If you're not from an expanse that sees the aurora borealis, yous may not know what they are. Try to imagine a sunset during the darkest part of the night. That's what the Northern Lights look like.

The lights are a naturally occurring phenomenon. They happen when electrically charged solar particles enter the Earth'southward magnetic field. The intensity of the lights depends on the sun's activity and the speed of the particles.

Information technology's non unusual for the aurora to trip the light fantastic across the sky in colors like green, pink, and purple. The colors are dependent on the elements that are being ionized.

The lights occur in the magnetic polar regions of both the due north and south hemispheres. They typically simply appear in places above the 60° breadth mark in the northern hemisphere. Folks can encounter "Southern Lights" in areas below the 60° latitude mark, either.

Because Republic of iceland sits at around 64° north, it's the perfect place to view these beautiful lights.

Optimal Aurora Viewing Conditions

It would exist too convenient to step exterior on whatsoever day of the year and be able to run across the aurora borealis. A few specific conditions need to be met for the Northern Lights to announced.

Time of Year

The all-time time of the year to see the lights in Iceland is betwixt September and mid-April. The prime aurora viewing time tends to be betwixt November to Feb, though. These months are the darkest, just they as well bring a lot of pelting, snow, and cloudy weather condition.

Heaven Weather condition

The sky conditions need to be just right to strengthen your chances of seeing the lights. The sky should be as dark as possible. You'll notice that skies are clearer once the temperature gets below zero.

You'll desire to avoid nights where the moon is full as it'll dim the aurora.

Cloudy nights are the Northern Lights' worst nightmare. Try to go aurora borealis hunting on a clear night.

Check out the Iceland Met Office website for electric current aurora forecasts.

Lighting

You should endeavor to drive somewhere with equally niggling light pollution as possible. Y'all may still exist able to run across the aurora from the urban center. But the more unnatural light there is, the less spectacular the sight will exist.

Length of Stay

The length of time you stay in Iceland can increase or subtract your chances of seeing the lights. The aurora tends to work in cycles. They will be agile for effectually three nights and then will lie low for a few. The longer y'all stay in the country, the more than likely it is you'll see the lights.

How to Come across the Northern Lights

There are several ways you can see the Aurora Borealis on your trip to Republic of iceland.

By Walking

A walk may be the perfect style to view the Northern Lights, so long as the weather condition is in your favor. Be sure to pack a warm jacket and wear a lot of layers to stay warm.

For an unhindered view of the lights, hire a automobile and bulldoze every bit far abroad as yous tin can from any light pollution.

By Motorcar

If you're taking Iceland via rental motorcar, in that location is no limit to where you tin explore. Be certain to utilise caution if you're not used to driving in wintery conditions.

Via Bout

Several bout companies provide Northern Lights tours. This is the well-nigh user-friendly way for visitors to Iceland to come across the Northern Lights. Your guides will not only know the best places to see the lights, but they'll educate yous during your tour, too

Some tour companies even provide aurora tours via boat. Hop on a tour boat in Reykjavik or Akureyri and get as far away from light pollution every bit you lot can.

Where to Discover the Northern Lights in Iceland

The entire isle provides tourists with an splendid opportunity to come across the aurora. The lights can even be seen from larger centers, provided the conditions are right.

If yous have your eye set on seeing the most breathtaking views, consider visiting one of the places below.

Kerid Crater

This 3000-yr-old volcanic crater is in the Southwestern part of the island. It provides a cute backdrop when the aurora reflects on its lake.

Pro Tip: If yous'd similar to make a day of information technology, bring some hiking shoes. You can hike around the rim of the crater or even utilise the ladder to climb downwardly to the lake. We wouldn't recommend trying to walk or climb downward during the expressionless of winter, though.

Oskjuhlid

Oskjuhlid is about as close to a forest as you lot're going to get in Reykjavik. It also happens to exist within walking altitude of the downtown urban center core.

If you've spent any time in Reykjavik, you know about Perlan, the massive dome on top of the hill. This is where you'll find Oskjuhlid. The expanse surrounding the dome is perfect for aurora viewing.

Pro Tip: If you visit Perlan during their operating hours, check out the ascertainment deck. You'll fifty-fifty get some fantastic views of the city.

Heidmork Nature Reserve

If y'all take a car rental, you're going to want to check out the Heidmork Nature Reserve. Located on the outskirts of Reykjavik, the reserve features a vast trail system and interesting lava formations. With over iii,200 hectares, there are plenty of dark areas for aurora seekers.

Pro Tip: If yous plan on hiking on the trails in the reserve, exist sure to bring enough layers to stay warm.

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir provides visitors with lava stone and moss landscape backdrops. This scenery makes for a beautiful composition for your aurora borealis photography.

Pro Tip: Consider driving an hour from the park and staying at the Aurora Bubble Hotel. These clear domes make for perfect aurora viewing with protection from the elements

Seljavallalaug Pool

If you want a different aurora viewing experience, consider visiting the Seljavallalaug puddle. This is not something you want to miss during your visit to Iceland.

This is a geothermal pool tucked away in a secluded valley setting amidst the mountains. Try to come earlier nightfall then you lot can see the landscape before the northern lights show.

The pool is a little chillier during the wintertime months.

Pro Tip: Bring your hiking shoes and a headlamp every bit the pool is a 20-infinitesimal walk from the parking lot. Though it's non strenuous, you probably won't want to expedition it in the incorrect type of shoes in the dark.

The Hush-hush Lagoon

This lagoon is a natural hot bound constitute in a tiny village in the Gilded Circle area. This is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, so it's a must-meet for history buffs.

Unlike the Seljavallalaug pool, the Secret Lagoon is a warm 38-40°C all year long. These warmer temperatures make information technology the perfect identify to relax while you watch the Northern Lights show.

Pro Tip: The lagoon features several geothermal spots near the puddle. Niggling Geysir, for example, erupts every v minutes or so.

Skógafoss Waterfall

If this waterfall isn't already on your Iceland bucket list, it needs to be. The Skógafoss Falls are amid the near famous waterfalls in Iceland. Because of their popularity, it'due south best to visit them later in the day.

If y'all're going to the waterfalls only to watch the Northern Lights, you'll exist there in the evening anyhow. If your schedule allows, though, we recommend visiting the falls before sundown. There are a lot of beautiful sights to see and exhale in before the lights do their dance.

Pro Tip: The rocks surrounding the waterfalls go very slippery, so exist conscientious.

A Bucket Listing Item for Everyone

There are a lot of things for you to do when you lot travel to the island. You would be amiss non to include aurora viewing at some point during your trip.

If yous desire to ensure yous take the best odds of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, contact us. We specialize in diverse Northern Calorie-free tours that can get y'all as shut to the action every bit possible. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this scenic natural phenomenon.

Happy viewing!

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Source: https://www.geysir.is/where-and-when-can-i-see-the-northern-lights/

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