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Reykjavík is One of the Best Places in the World to See the Northern Lights

If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, there’s no better place—or time—than Reykjavík in 2025 and 2026. Nestled at 64° north, Iceland’s capital is one of the most accessible and aurora-active cities in the world. Why? Because it sits directly beneath the auroral oval, the zone where Northern Lights activity is at its most intense and frequent.

Whether you're strolling past Hallgrímskirkja Church, walking along the seaside paths, or exploring Reykjavík’s cozy neighborhoods, there’s always a chance the sky above you could erupt in color. And if you want an even clearer view, you're just a short trip away from darker areas—20 to 30 minutes by car, bus, bike, boat, or even on foot.

Astro Alexandra Explains the Northern Lights

How to Maximize Your Viewing Chances in Reykjavík

Even with increased solar activity, the right conditions help ensure a magical show:

  • Darkness: Best seen after sunset—especially between 9 PM and 2 AM

  • Clear Skies: Minimal cloud cover is key

  • Low Light Pollution: Head to areas like Grótta Lighthouse or Öskjuhlíð forest

  • Check daily conditions at icelandatnight.is

icelandatnight.is offers up-to-date aurora forecasts, real-time cloud cover maps, and viewing tips—perfect for planning your night out under the stars.

Myth Busted: You don’t need freezing temperatures to see the lights! That said, colder air can mean clearer skies. 

Bonus: Keep an eye out for Glitský—rainbow-like polar stratospheric clouds that occasionally grace Reykjavík’s winter skies.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights

Want to capture the aurora magic on camera? Here are a few simple tips:

  • Use a tripod: Even minor movements blur night shots.
  • Manual mode: Adjust ISO (800–3200), aperture (f/2.8–f/4), and a longer shutter speed (5–20 seconds).
  • Focus on infinity: Autofocus doesn’t work well in the dark—switch to manual.
  • Use a wide-angle lens: To capture as much of the sky as possible.
  • Don’t forget your phone! Newer models with Night Mode can also produce stunning shots—just keep your hand steady or rest your phone on a surface.

Get more tips on how to catch the perfect picture HERE.

A Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity

Reykjavík offers more than a glimpse of the aurora—it provides a truly personal and unforgettable connection with the natural world. There’s something powerful about seeing the Northern Lights from a vibrant, welcoming city where you can experience Icelandic culture and nature in harmony.

Whether you’re capturing every moment or just standing still under a glowing sky, the 2025–2026 aurora seasons promise unforgettable beauty—and Reykjavík is the perfect place to be.

Plan Your Aurora Adventure

Reykjavík offers something for every type of traveler—whether you're solo, with family, or on a romantic escape. Choose from:

  • Bus and boat tours

  • Super jeep excursions into the Icelandic wilderness

  • Peaceful nature walks just outside the city

Northern lights - Aurora borealis

See, enjoy and photograph the Northern Lights

Discover how to hunt down Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights - and get tips on how to photograph them.
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The Northern Lights

Iceland is renowned for its otherworldly illuminations, the Northern Lights being one remarkable example. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights can be experienced in Iceland during winter, where they appear in a variety of colours and forms.
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Northern Lights Tours

Reykjavík is a fine place to see the northern lights, which can be experienced on clear and crisp winter nights. They appear in a variety of colours and intensity, either twirling gently in shades of milky green or occasionally blazing in a wild and multi-coloured dance across the night sky