If you want to see the Northern Lights, you definitely have to add Iceland to your bucket list! Also known as “aurora borealis,” the Northern Lights are more visible between September and March as during these months, nights are longer. A curiosity about Iceland? From mid-May to mid-August the sun only sets for around 3 hours per day, and there is effectively light for the whole 24-hour period. Conversely, in midwinter, there are only around 5 hours of effective daylight. Here are some of the best spots in Iceland to see the northern lights.
1. Seltjarnarnes
Seltjarnarnes is a town in the Capital Region of Iceland, located very close to the capital Reykjavik. To take a photo of the Northern Lights go near the Lighthouse… This might make your photo more live.
2. Perlan
Perlan or The Pearl is an alternative place to see the Northern Lights with the nice view of the city. In this place there are also restaurants, a planetarium and some exhibitions. It is situated on the top of Öskjuhlíð hill.
3. Thingvellir
Thingvellir (Þingvellir) is a historic site and national park in Iceland, situated east of Reykjavík. With the mountain in the background and the lake, you will have the perfect combination to see and make beautiful pictures of the Northern lights in this place.
4. Threngsli
Threngsli is also a great place to enjoy the Northern Lights. And furthermore not too many people know this place… Or at least until now! The best view is not far from the city town of Thorlakshofn.
5. Seljavallalaug Pool
Built in 1923, this swimming pool located in the south is one of the oldest pools in Iceland. This place will give you a different point of view to watch the Northern Lights. Pay attention to the eruptions of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, that can fill Seljavallalaug with ash.
6. Vik
Vik is a remote seafront village in south Iceland. It sits in the shadow of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the Katla volcano. From Vik, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the black beach and the Northern Lights at the same time, the blend of these amazing natural phenomena can only be found here.
7. Eldborgarhraun
This amazing place is certainly a perfect place to visit if you like landscape photography or just admire the beauty of nature. The moss covering the whole lava field makes this place even more special. During the night you can perfectly see the aurora borealis.
8. Djúpavík
Djúpavík is a small village in the North-West of Iceland. It is located at the head of Reykjarfjörður on the Strandir coast. Djúpavík used to be one of the busiest villages in Iceland, but only for a very short period. Seeing the aurora in this small village is a magical experience.
9. Westfjords
The Westfjords or West Fjords is a large peninsula in north-western Iceland. Known for the famous bird Puffins, this place is the perfect spot to see the Northern Lights hover above the cliffs. This experience will leave you a beautiful souvenir about Iceland.
10. Ásbyrgi Canyon
Ásbyrgi is a glacial canyon and forest in the north of Iceland, located approximately 38 kilometers east of Húsavík on the Diamond Circle road. This national park is a nice place to enjoy the aurora borealis because there is less pollution, which allows you to take beautiful and really clear pictures.
