My top three destinations in Iceland for the best views of the Northern Lights.
Iceland is enjoying the midnight sun and blooming lupine, but before we know it, it will be Aurora season again! Two thousand twenty-five promises to be a fantastic year for Aurora views, and all-night sky lovers should take advantage of this unprecedented time! Vacationers are already planning their dark sky season trips, and questions about the best places to view the Northern lights are popping up in almost every Iceland group I see!
The Northern Lights are a phenomenon, meaning there is no formula to predict when and where the Green Lady will dance. Yes, things like the KPI index and Aurora apps display a location’s chance, and the newly added “live sighting” feature, it does help hunters like me find the best views in real-time.
Almost every time I have seen a fantastic aurora display, it was when I least expected it! I had the right conditions: late night, clear, dark skies, and most of all, patience. This is what makes viewing the Northern Lights that much more special and I have promised myself no matter how many times I see her, I will still view her like it is my first and only time!
Iceland has a lot to offer its visitors. A fantastic culture, unique nature, otherworldly landscapes, crystal blue ice caves, glaciers, and waterfalls, the list is endless! Please don’t plan a trip to see the Northern Lights. Yes, plan to hunt, but don’t plan for only this. You may be utterly disappointed if your trip yields cloudy skies and no green, but if you plan to experience any of the other amazing things Iceland has to offer, an aurora sighting will be the icing on the cake!
Believe it or not, it took me three winter visits to witness the Aurora, yet it was a moment I will never forget. The lights have a way of surprising you, appearing when you least expect it. I have friends who saw it on the plane ride over and every night in October from their hotel in Reykjavik. Each experience is unique and magical, adding to the allure of the Northern Lights.
Do you need a special camera to capture the Aurora? No. Yes, it is nice to have a professional camera, but all the pictures you will see below were captured with my iPhone 14 in night mode.
Is the Aurora visible in summer? No. The aurora is visible from late August through mid-April. Your chances increase as winter sets in, then decrease in April.
What do I need to go Aurora hunting? An Aurora app like Aurora, a camera, warm clothes, a sense of adventure and patience, and being well rested. The best views I have had were after midnight. Sorry, early risers, but northern lights hunting is not a day job!
So, with seven visits and three times circumnavigating Iceland, here is my list of the top 3 places to see the Northern Lights! Happy Hunting!
- The Arctic Henge, Rauforhöfn Pagan sundial in North Iceland
This remote part of northern Iceland features a recently erected pagan sun dial dedicated to the Eddic text, Völuspa. This area promises dark skies, solitude, and an incredible photo op whether visiting day or night. On a late August night, I witnessed my first aurora here, which was spectacular!
The photo you see to the left is an unfiltered image captured with my iphone 14. I was sitting in my camper van making tea to warm up and when low and behold my first aurora appeared!
I ran up the hill to the henge, shoes untied. no gloves, and camera proper dangling onlt to find that my camera had no memory card it in! So there I was, in tears of awe, watching my first Aurora with nothing but an iphone to capture it.
This photo was taken around midnight and the show continued until 2 am when I rolled up to my campsite giddy with excitement.
Know before you go: This destination requires a long drive to a remote part of Northern Iceland. I recommend a visit in early September to minimize the chance of inclement weather and road closures. The town is small but has a gas station, grocery store, and campsite. If you see the older man taking his daily walk to the Henge for his heart health, tell him I said hello!
GPS coordinates: 66°27’43.0″N 15°57’46.9″W.
2. Hvolsvöllur, Town in Southern Iceland
This charming town in Southern Iceland is right off the ring road and makes for a lovely stop when traveling through. I plan to spend the night at Midgard Base Camp or Mr. Iceland Horseback Riding Retreat, where you can base your night sky searching.
The town of Hella is close, boasting spectacular aurora views. You may even see the gorgeous purple and white aurora I witnessed one night.
This is an excellent option for winter since it is accessible from the ring road.
Know before you go: There is a mountain pass you must drive over to reach this town if you come from Keflavik or Reykjavik, so check the road conditions on https://www.vedur.is. Otherwise, the area is lovely, with easy driving, restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations.
3. Goðafoss Be swept away by views at this mystical waterfall in Northern Iceland
Nestled in Iceland’s northern diamond circle drive, is the mystical waterfall of the gods, Goðafoss. This spot makes for a spectacular photo op, day or night, but it is popular, so plan accordingly. I recommend coming here while you are well-rested and planning a nearby stay. Sometimes, the aurora shows up past midnight, like in my case.
Know before you go: Get here early to claim a spot! You can view the falls from two sides. Both are gorgeous, depending on what view you would like with the sky! No camping is permitted in the car lot; however, I stayed past 2 am with no issue.
Dress warm. This area of Iceland tends to see some chilly temperatures, even in August when I took this photograph! Plan this on a day when you can explore the other gems in the Diamond Circle, such as the Mvatn nature baths and Husavìk, for some whale watching with North Sailing!
GPS coordinates: 65.6828° N, 17.5502° W
Do I need a tour to see the Northern Lights? Yes and no. It is always nice to tour. You meet new people, give back to the tourism community, and have some company as you hunt. If you have disabilities or do not want to rent a car, a tour is the best way to see the Northern Lights.
Check out this lovely winter tour offered by Midgard Adventure!
Are you planning on visiting Iceland this winter? Check out my winter packing guide here!
