The aurora borealis or northern lights are near the top of the list of what draws people to visit iceland and you re not alone in wanting to see them too.
Where to see northern lights in iceland.
During our last trip to see the northern lights in iceland we were lucky enough to see the aurora for 5 nights out of the 10 we spent across the island.
From the manifestation of norse gods to a bad omen for women in labor there have been several interpretations of the origin of the northern lights throughout the centuries.
While iceland is a popular destination and you might encounter some crowds while hunting for the aurora there it s also one of the most stunning landscapes on earth.
Read ahead to learn when to make your trip to the land of ice and fire for the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis.
The northern lights season in iceland is from september to mid april.
The best time to see the northern lights in iceland.
Iceland s northern lights are one of its major attractions competing only with other epic natural marvels such as the ice caves glaciers and volcanoes.
The third is to drive out and search for yourself.
Can you see the northern lights in summer in iceland.
Some sources will recommend november to february as they are the darkest months with the longest.
The best season to see the northern lights in iceland is from september to mid april these are the months where there are full dark nights.
To have the best opportunity to see the northern lights in iceland you have four options.
Golden circle afternoon and northern lights tour buy tickets at viator pack some of the highlights near reykjavik with a northern lights viewing on a 10 hour tour.
Some sources will recommend november to february as the prime time for viewing the aurora as they are the darkest months with the longest possible window to see the lights.
Northern lights from akureyri in a 4x4 jeep tour buy tickets at viator see lesser visited areas and countryside best full day.
The second is to take a guided tour out into nature.
Or lastly you could take a boat cruise.
The best time to see the northern lights in iceland.
The first is to hunt for them without leaving the town you are staying in.
The northern lights are a marvel of nature.
Iceland is a fantastic place to spot the northern lights but there are a few things to know before you embark on your adventure from the camera gear you ll want to invest in and the apps you ll want downloaded to the best spots to see the show and the northern lights tours that are actually worth it consider this your all encompassing guide to seeing the northern lights in iceland.
M illions of tourists flock to iceland every year to witness and photograph this incredible natural phenomenon but not everyone knows where it comes from.
Guaranteed darkness is the first important factor.
Witnessing the northern lights is a transformational bucket list experience that many people wait years even a lifetime to.