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    Northern Lights, Iceland

    Iceland Northern Lights Tours made for you

    Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Iceland aurora trip, with a winter journey designed just for you

    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 headshot

    Dan Rhodes

    Travel Designer

    Luxury accommodation in Iceland

    There are many incredible places to stay in Iceland to glimpse the Northern Lights. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

    Authentic experiences illustration image

    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

    Responsible travel illustration image

    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Iceland tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

    Golden Circle thumbnail

    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 thumbnail

    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.

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    When 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.

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    Northern lights tours

    October–March

    Whale watching main icon

    Whale watching

    February–March

    Frozen waterfalls and ice caves main icon

    Frozen waterfalls and ice caves

    December–February

    Soak in the Blue Lagoon main icon

    Soak in the Blue Lagoon

    Year round

    When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

    When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?

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    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.

    Plan with peace of mind

    When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

    If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

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    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline