Blue staff's secret spots for Northern lights watching in Iceland

We love the Northern Lights! Watching them never gets old, no matter how often you see them. They’re not always visible, though. It needs to be winter and dark outside, you need to have clear skies and solar activity interacting with earth’s magnetic field. You can check the aurora forecast to see how likely it is for these conditions to be perfect when you’re in Iceland.

After vigorous interrogations, our staff gave up all their secrets about the best spots to see the Northern lights in Iceland:

Þingvellir

Many people only see Þingvellir as a part of the famous Golden Circle and go there during the day. But we can tell you that going there on a frosty evening with moonlight and stars shining in the national park, is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Add Northern lights to the mix and you´ll have an experience you´ll never forget. It’s cold, eerie, and beautiful.

Mount Kirkjufell or Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall

You’ve probably seen pictures of the “most photographed” mountain in Iceland: mount Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. There’s a waterfall close by, an immensely popular photo spot. If you’re lucky enough to be there when the Northern Lights are out, you’re in for a treat.

Lake Mývatn and the surrounding area

One of the most beautiful places in North Iceland is lake Mývatn. It’s surrounded by volcanoes and a lot of geothermal activity, so you´ll see lots of lava (covered in snow, most likely) and lava formations. If you can handle the smell, find yourself a nice, bubbling, sulfur ridden mud pit to sit by and see if the Northern lights show up. Alternatively, visit Dimmuborgir and see if you can handle the ghostly environment when it’s dark outside.

The lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula

The 110-year-old lighthouse on Reykjanes Peninsula is a great setting for northern lights watching! It’s easily accessible by car and close to a geothermal area. You could spend the whole day exploring Reykjanes peninsula and then go up to the lighthouse in the evening if the aurora forecast is good!

We wish you a happy Northern light hunt in Iceland!