Top spots for the northern lights in Reykjavík

If you want to experience the pure wonder of particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere, you’ve come to the right place. Reykjavík is one of the best cities in the world to see the Northern Lights. Why? Within minutes, you can leave the city glow behind and witness the only late-night show worth staying up for. Although we always recommend taking a bus or walking, a car is practical because the aurora doesn't run on a schedule.

Aurora chasers, we've got you covered with these easy-to-reach spots:

• Grótta Lighthouse (15 minutes by car from Reykjavík city centre) – Located at the tip of Seltjarnarnes, this is the easiest spot to reach from Reykjavík city centre. It’s popular with locals, and you can watch from the beach when the tide allows. 

• Búrfellsgjá observing hedge in Garðarbær (15 minutes) – A scenic lava channel and gentle hills near Garðabær provide open sky views beyond the city glow. A wind-sheltered alcove makes for comfortable aurora watching.

• Rauðhólar pseudocraters in Heiðmörk (15 minutes) – Red volcanic hills in northern Heiðmörk offer dramatic foregrounds and minimal light pollution for aurora photography.

• Mount Úlfarsfell in Mosfellsbær (20-30 minutes) – Hike up a marked trail up this this prominent hill for elevated views over Reykjavík and darker skies above the city glow.

• Straumsvík Bay in Hafnarfjörður (25 minutes) – The open water and horizon could be ideal if you want to see auroras reflected over the bay on calm nights.

• Elliðaárdalur Valley in Reykjavík (25 minutes) – A wide, green valley just outside the city centre with scenic hiking paths, a salmon river and little light pollution. Great if aurora activity is moderate and easy to reach by bike or car.

• Kleifarvatn Lake and Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík (40 minutes) – Set between volcanic hills, Kleifarvatn feels remote but is easy to reach. Its still surface often reflects the lights. Don't forget to bring your camera.