Northern lights adventures in Iceland, the land of fire and ice
Winter transforms Iceland into something magical. As snow blankets the island and darkness settles in for much of the day, a different kind of beauty emerges – one that’s occasionally lit by aurora displays that appear suddenly in the night sky, shifting green and purple and moving with hypnotic irregularity.
Unlike photographs that freeze a single moment, watching the lights in person reveals their true nature – dynamic and unpredictable. To optimise your chances of glimpsing this phenomenon you’ll plan your adventure with a travel designer, who can explain where and when is best to go on your northern lights tour.
Spending time in remote Northern Iceland with its clear dark skies, more stable weather and proximity to the Arctic Circle is a good place to start (the auroral oval is where northern lights activity is strongest).
To see the aurora in Reykjavik or Southern Iceland your expert guide will take you away from the bright lights, perhaps from Reykjavik’s old harbour on a northern lights boat tour, or to Thingvellir National Park. The area around Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is a photographers’ dream as when conditions are just right, you can witness the aurora reflecting in the still waters dotted with icebergs – a truly extraordinary sight.
In the Golden Circle there’s also a great choice of remote accommodation options where you’ve got a good chance of seeing the northern lights.
Highlights
Witness the northern lights reflected in Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon in Southern Iceland
Cruise along the coastline from Reykjavik to gaze up at the night sky
Soak in the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa
Stay in a remote lodge with outdoor hot tubs in Southern Iceland
Set out on a snowmobile from Deplar Farm in Northern Iceland
Although the northern lights can never be predicted, winter is always my favourite time to visit Iceland. The country's famous geothermal activity creates surreal scenes – steam rises from hot springs while the surrounding landscape is frozen, ice caves form beneath glaciers, and in remote areas the dark skies are like nowhere else in the world.

Dan Rhodes
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Iceland
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Trip inspiration
Where to go

Golden Circle
A trio of jaw dropping attractions are the highlights of this outstanding scenic route: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal active valley of Haukadalur. Stay in remote accommodation for the best chance to see the northern lights.
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Northern Iceland
In Northern Iceland you can witness the northern lights after soaking in the milky waters of the Myvatn geothermal baths, exploring the volcanic landscape close to volatile Bardarbunga, or visiting the Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls.
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Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital and biggest city has the intimate feel of a small town. Its colourful streets are packed with things to do, from museums and churches to nightlife and chic restaurants, and there are a choice of northern lights tour options including cruises.
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Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Western Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes. Snaefellsnes Peninsula – often called "Iceland in miniature" – has Snaefellsjökull stratovolcano, black beaches fishing villages and dramatic coastal formations like Kirkjufell mountain.
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Southern Iceland
Iceland’s agricultural heartland, rich in Viking heritage. Hike among active volcanoes and geysers and admire Vatnajökull glacier and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. The area’s black sand beaches provide a uniquely Icelandic backdrop to the aurora.
Discover moreWhen to visit
Winter is the best time for northern lights tours in Iceland. This is when the nights are longest and darkest – to maximise your chances, visit between early September and late April. Ideally, an Iceland aurora trip will coincide with high solar activity and clear skies.

Northern lights tours
October–March

Whale watching
February–March

Frozen waterfalls and ice caves
December–February

Soak in the Blue Lagoon
Year round
Travel Guides
Northern Lights Travel Guides
Plan your trip to see the northern lights in Iceland
Whatever you want from your northern lights adventure in Iceland, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.


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