Top 5 Locations in Iceland for a Northern Lights Tour

Iceland, the land of fire and ice is known for its amazing landscapes, beautiful sceneries and unique phenomenon. It offers the most unbelievable and rare experiences to witness the Northern Lights. It provides an unforgettable experience that attracts many visitors from around the world who come for the northern lights Iceland tour. Well, the position of Iceland is just below the Arctic Circle which makes it the perfect place to witness this celestial spectacle. 

Even though you may see the Northern Lights all around Iceland, there are certain locations that are better than others for taking in the greatest display of nature. Even if the aurora only appears briefly, the gorgeous scene created by the man-made and natural landmarks will help make this an unforgettable event. Some have old buildings that have been important to Iceland’s history, while others are home to lighthouses perched on cliffs. In addition, nature creates a number of striking formations, such as recognizable sea stacks, gorgeous lagoons filled with icebergs, and powerful waterfalls. You can take a look at the amazing phenomena with your own eyes.

These are our top five suggestions for locations in Iceland where you can observe the Northern Lights.

1.Reykjavík

Reykjavík is the natural place to begin with any  Northern Lights Iceland tour. Worldwide, the capital is known for its natural beauty, rich history, diverse culture and most importantly, the Northern Lights tour.

The center of Iceland’s cultural and artistic scene is located in downtown Reykjavík. During the day, the bustling chatter of café culture reigns supreme. When night falls, patrons begin to swarm the city’s top-notch eateries, where regional fare is presented with succulent lamb, fresh seafood, and the beauty of the sky filled with magic of aurora.

Reykjavík is a city of striking contrasts: it is both polished and dynamic, small-town and international, youthful at heart and yet rich in history. It is the most common place to view the northern lights at night. Also, there are numerous landmarks worth seeing, both old and contemporary, such as the recently constructed Harpa, an oceanfront conference and music center. Reykjavík has everything you might possibly need nearby, including theaters, museums, galleries, cafés, and swimming pools. Therefore, it’s probably best to take a Northern Light tour in the city on foot or by bicycle.

2. Vík í Mýrdal

Most people think of Reykjavik, the capital city, when they think about Iceland. While Reykjavik is a great site to visit and something you should definitely do while in Iceland, the island has a ton of other incredible locations that you should definitely see and explore, like the southernmost seaside village in Iceland, Vík í Mýrdal. It’s not simply a location where you can sign up for exciting trips like the Katla ice cave tour; the area around it is home to numerous other stunning sights like the view of aurora at night.

Without a question, the Land of Fire and Ice is breathtaking, and hordes of tourists travel there throughout the year to witness its unadulterated splendor, unmatched beauty and the Northern Lights tour. It is undoubtedly a charming village brimming with natural beauty and one that should not be missed while traveling to Iceland. 

3. Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Glaciers, volcanoes, lakes, geothermal pools, untamed landscapes, and more can be found in Snaefellsnes – a home to the breathtaking Snæfellsjökull National Park. This West Icelandic peninsula has many attractions that will leave you in awe.

There are several locations, where you might opt to see the Northern Lights. Go to Ytri Tunga Beach, a gold-sand beach with an expansive view of the sea that serves as an ideal point for the Northern Lights tour. At night, the reflection of northern light shines in water creating a majestic view which one should not miss while being there.

When taking pictures of the Northern Lights, Kirkjufell Mountain makes for a recognizable Icelandic backdrop. It may be familiar to you from Game of Thrones. Meanwhile, for views of the sea, you must visit either Breiðafjörður or Kolgrafafjörður. The ocean, islands, and snow-capped peaks all stretch out in front of you here.

4. Skaftafell National Park

Within Iceland’s Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell is a nature reserve with waterfalls, glacier lakes, and beaches with black sand. Seeing the Aurora Borealis here, away from the bright lights of cities, lends even more enchantment to this fantastic landscape. The bright colors are mirrored in the ice and water creating a majestic view and experience that you can never forget.

Skaftafell Nature Reserve is one of the most visited tourist destinations on Iceland’s south coast, drawing in over 500,000 tourists annually. Adventurers will discover a variety of natural features when exploring its extensive and varied network of hiking paths, all of which are well labeled. These include birds, breathtaking waterfalls, meandering rivers, and fantastic panoramic views from the peaks. Furthermore, Skaftafell offers the ideal vantage point for seeing Vatnajökull, the magnificent glacier, and the surrounding scenery because the park is adjacent to it. A well-liked activity for visitors to Skaftafell is hiking tours that take them to various locations on the Vatnajökull glacier. Narrating the stories of having walked on or climbed Europe’s greatest glacier is undoubtedly memorable.

Ice caves are another amazing sight. They can only be discovered in the winter, when the water freezes and the glacial rivers recede. Every year, fresh ice caves appear in various places, offering chances for ice caving. Numerous tour companies provide guided tours to see ice caves located far within the park.

5. Jokulsarlon Lagoon

Jokulsarlon Lagoon is a perfect spot for those who want to see the Northern Lights. Imagine a serene lagoon surrounded by stunning glaciers and sparkling icebergs, with the added beauty of the Northern Lights reflecting on the icy water. It’s truly a magical sight.

Jokulsarlon’s secluded location ensures minimal light pollution, providing the perfect setting to witness the stunning colors of the Aurora Borealis. Located 236 miles (380 km) from Reykjavik, it’s best recommended to visit this place with a professional on a guided tour for witnessing this natural spectacle.

Advice for Chasing the Northern Lights

It is undoubtedly a magnificent sight for those who take a special tour for Northern lights. Selecting the right location for Icelandic aurora viewing can have a significant impact, despite the fact that it is largely dependent on luck.

With so much untamed Icelandic landscape all around you, it not only increases your chances of witnessing the best view, but also transforms the experience into something extraordinarily magical.