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Where to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
Grótta Lighthouse
View on Google Maps (15 min from city centre)
Located on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, this iconic lighthouse is surrounded by dark skies and the sound of the Atlantic waves. On cold nights, you can watch the aurora dance above the water, with the beam of the lighthouse adding drama to your photographs. Dress warmly, the wind can be fierce here.
Thingvellir National Park
View on Google Maps (45 min drive)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Golden Circle, Thingvellir’s wide-open landscapes and minimal artificial light make it one of Iceland’s most reliable aurora spots. You’ll also be standing between two tectonic plates, North America and Eurasia, while you wait for the sky to ignite.
Faxaflói Bay (Aurora Cruises)
View Old Harbour (central Reykjavik)
If you prefer to combine the Northern Lights with a scenic night cruise, head to the Old Harbour for a boat tour into Faxaflói Bay. From here, you’ll leave the city lights behind and enjoy uninterrupted 360° views of the aurora over both sea and snow-covered mountains.
Book Northern Lights tours in Reykjavik
Getting to Northern Lights tours in Reykjavik
By public transport
By car
- Bus: Strætó city buses connect to suburbs like Seltjarnarnes, though rural tours are more reliable.
- Taxi: 10–15 min to nearby dark-sky spots; 45 min to Thingvellir.
- Take Route 49 towards Mosfellsbær or Route 1 towards Thingvellir.
- Free parking at Grótta Lighthouse (limited spaces).
Tips for Northern Lights tours in Reykjavik
- Layer up like a local: Icelandic winters can be brutally cold, especially when you’re standing still under the night sky. Wear thermal base layers, a warm wool or fleece mid-layer, and a windproof, waterproof outer jacket. Don’t forget insulated gloves, a hat, and sturdy winter boots.
- Maximise your chances: The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so consider booking tours on two or three different nights during your stay. Most operators offer free rescheduling if the lights don’t appear, giving you more flexibility.
- Shoot like a pro: Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens (14–24mm). Use manual settings, ISO 800–1600, aperture f/2.8–f/4, and a 10–20 second shutter speed. Keep a tripod handy for sharp shots and store spare batteries in your pocket to keep them warm.
- Use the local forecast: Check the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s aurora forecast for cloud cover and activity levels before heading out. Even a high aurora index won’t matter if the skies are overcast.
- Beat the crowds: ours tend to be busiest on weekends, so if you want a quieter, more personal experience, especially on Northern Lights cruises, opt for a mid-week departure.
- Bonus tip — new moonlight: Aim for a night with little or no moonlight, ideally a new moon, to see the auroras at their brightest. With the moon out of sight, the sky is darker and clearer, letting the Northern Lights shine in all their glory.
Know before you go
Tour & timings
Type of tours
- Plan a trip to Iceland, Northern Lights tours in Reykjavik in late August to mid-April, typically between 8pm and 10pm, depending on the season. The aurora is most visible on clear, dark nights, with peak activity in September–October and February–March.
Choose from a range of experiences:
- Northern Lights by boat: Sail from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour into the calm waters of Faxaflói Bay, leaving the city lights behind. Enjoy 360° open-deck views, cozy indoor lounges, and often a cup of hot chocolate as you watch the auroras dance over the sea.
- Northern Lights super jeep adventure: Ride in a powerful 4x4 to remote, off-road locations that standard buses can’t reach. Your expert driver-guide will track clear skies in real time, giving you the best shot at seeing the lights in total wilderness.
- Northern Lights bus tour: A comfortable, budget-friendly option with large viewing windows. Travel to popular dark-sky spots outside the city, with guides sharing aurora lore and photography tips along the way.
- Private Northern Lights experience: Plan a trip to Iceland where you set the pace. Choose your route, enjoy flexible departure times, and benefit from one-on-one guidance for both sightseeing and photography.
Nearby attractions
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Frequently asked questions about visiting Reykjavik Northern Lights
What’s the best way to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
If you love the sea, hop on a boat tour from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour for uninterrupted views over Faxaflói Bay. For land-based adventures, join a super jeep or bus tour to inland dark-sky areas.
Do I need to book a tour, or can I go on my own?
You can drive out of the city to find darker skies yourself, but guided tours use expert knowledge and real-time forecasts to chase the best aurora spots, especially useful in winter road conditions.
Are these Northern Lights tours kid-friendly?
Yes, many tours welcome children, but remember they may involve long periods outdoors in the cold. Dress kids in thermal layers and bring snacks to keep them comfortable.
How should I prepare in case of bad weather?
Wear a waterproof, windproof jacket and sturdy winter boots. If your tour is canceled due to weather, many operators offer free rescheduling. Check out the forecast page to know more about Reykjavik weather.
What else can I do when visiting Reykjavik for the Northern Lights?
Combine your trip with iconic sights like the Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, and Hallgrímskirkja, or visit museums like Perlan for interactive displays about Iceland’s natural wonders.