Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a completely particular expertise you’ll be able to’t miss. Because of this I’m sharing one of the best locations and methods to maximise your probabilities of recognizing them after arriving in Iceland.
For those who’re something like me, and I’m certain you’re, you need to take advantage of out of your journey to Iceland while you go to. From discovering all of the greatest locations to see, unbelievable hikes, stunning waterfalls, and, after all, experiencing the greatest spots in Reykjavik. You’ll be spoilt for alternative of issues to do and see while you go to Iceland.
So, the place precisely do you see the Northern Lights in Iceland? Effectively, the straightforward reply can be to say ‘anyplace’. In principle, that is true, however there’s a huge vary of things that it’s essential to take into account when you find yourself recognizing the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Seeing the Northern Lights In Iceland from Reykjavik
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One of many key issues to recollect in regards to the Northern Lights in Iceland is that they are often current and dancing away, however you may not see them resulting from clouds and even gentle air pollution in cities like Reykjavik. This isn’t at all times the case; you will be fortunate and spot the Northern Lights whereas visiting Reykjavik, however it’s actually a bit of tougher.
Northern Lights Excursions
So, that can assist you maximise your possibilities, it’s greatest to drive your self or guide this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik. The good thing about reserving this tour is that you simply don’t need to stress about driving or discovering protected parking locations. The draw back is that the excursions run even on cloudy days, which makes it very onerous to identify the Northern Lights in Iceland.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Reykjavik
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The good thing about driving to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is that you simply’ll get to regulate the place and when to really exit Northern Gentle looking. This implies you’ll be able to adapt your plans to suit round clear skies reasonably than staying with a inflexible tour time. For those who can, we’d say drive; it’s at all times the higher choice. If not, this Northern Lights tour is nice. Plus, they offer you a lifetime assure to hitch one other tour without spending a dime should you don’t see them.
Better of all, when driving, you solely must drive round 20 minutes from the centre of Reykjavik, and also you’ll be in full darkness. It’s essentially the most cost-effective solution to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, and recognizing them is totally by yourself phrases.
We suggest heading anyplace on the highway in the direction of Leirvogsvatn (beneath), which we’ve added beneath. The highway is a bit of quieter than Route One to Selfoss, so there’s much less gentle air pollution. That’s only a private choice.
Simply make sure that to park up safely and off the primary highway. All the time make sure you’re parked in a layby or small parking areas they’ve alongside the highway itself. Oh, and take a scorching tea of espresso with you – it’s very nice as you’ll be able to simply sit within the automobile, within the heat, till the Northern Lights seem.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Keflavik Airport
For those who’re nearer to Keflavik Airport, drive for about 10-Quarter-hour to close by Gunnuhver Scorching Springs (beneath). The wonderful thing about shifting to see the Northern Lights in Gunnuhver, Iceland, is that there’s parking out there, which makes it really easy to cease.
Plus, going through south offers you an uninterrupted view and minimal gentle air pollution.
Seeing the Northern Lights from Selfoss
Travelling close to Selfoss? Then, head to the coast by routes 33 and 34 close to Eyrarbakki (beneath). It’s so shut, and you’ll rapidly drive additional down the roads to seek out the right place to identify the Northern Lights within the sky.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland from different elements of the nation
You may see the Northern Lights in Iceland from anyplace that’s darkish and with a transparent evening. So, should you’re travelling additional east to locations like Vik or north to areas round Akureyri, simply make sure that to seek out protected parking spots in your native space.
Learn how to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland
Top-of-the-line instruments for the Northern Lights forecast is right here.
It’s the Icelandic Met Workplace, which particulars when and the place you will notice the Northern Lights in Iceland. We use this device considerably when travelling in Iceland. In addition they notice all of the cloud cowl you may encounter. It’s all so useful.
Simply remember to notice the quantity from zero to 9. The upper the quantity, the extra intense the Northern Lights in Iceland. Don’t simply assume you want a excessive quantity—we’ve seen a few of the most spectacular shows in Iceland whereas the forecast was solely three (which is ‘lively’).
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Oh, and for the Iceland climate forecast, you’ll be able to see their maps right here.
Keep in mind, you’re trying to see that the Aurora Forecast quantity is larger than zero and that there’s no cloud cowl in your space.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Iceland