Lois Larson
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and its capital, Reykjavik, is no exception. Although light pollution is not a significant factor, the Northern Lights require dark and partly clear skies to be seen. The Grotta lighthouse and Oskjuhlid hill are popular spots to see the aurora borealis in Reykjavik. The city also offers a variety of options to see the lights, including bus tours and excursions outside the city centre. The Hotel Aurora, located 700 metres from Keflavik International Airport, is a convenient option for those looking to catch a glimpse of the lights before or after their flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chance to see Aurora | Possible, but depends on factors like weather conditions, location, and luck |
| Best viewing conditions | Darkest place possible, clear skies, and adjusted eyes |
| Best places to view in Reykjavik | Grotta Lighthouse, Oskjuhlid Hill, Geothermal tubs on the peninsula |
| Aurora-viewing tours | Available, usually heading north of the city |
| Accommodation options | Hotel Aurora at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport, hotels in Reykjavik city |
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What You'll Learn
- The best viewing conditions for the aurora are dark and partly clear skies
- Light pollution is not a huge factor, but the lights won't be visible on cloudy nights
- You may see the aurora on the plane ride to Iceland or the drive from Keflavik Airport
- The Grotta lighthouse and Oskjuhlid hill are popular spots to see the lights in Reykjavik
- The Hotel Aurora is conveniently located 700 metres from Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal
The best viewing conditions for the aurora are dark and partly clear skies
It is possible to see the aurora from Reykjavik Airport, and even on the plane ride over to Iceland. However, luck is always a factor when hunting the aurora. The best viewing conditions for the aurora are dark and partly clear skies. The full moon diminishes the apparent brightness of the aurora, so it is best to avoid nights with a full moon. The best time to see the aurora is usually within an hour or two of midnight (between 10 pm and 2 am local time).
To see the aurora in Reykjavik, you need to find the darkest place possible and wait until your eyes have adjusted. Oskjuhlid hill and the Grotta lighthouse are excellent places to hunt the aurora borealis in Iceland. There is also a geothermal tub on the peninsula called Kvika Foot Bath, where you can warm up while waiting for the lights to show.
The best seasons for aurora watching are around the spring and fall equinoxes. There is a tendency towards larger geomagnetic storms and better auroras near the equinoxes. However, the number of hours of darkness decreases rapidly near the spring equinox, so this caveat must be considered when planning your trip.
The northern lights are caused when charged solar wind particles collide with the Earth's atmosphere. They can usually be seen from late August to mid-April. The strongest lights tend to appear between 9 pm and 2 am, though the best sightings often occur between 11 pm and midnight.
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Light pollution is not a huge factor, but the lights won't be visible on cloudy nights
While light pollution is indeed a factor when viewing the aurora from Reykjavik, it is not the only or the most significant obstacle. The city's artificial lighting can interfere with the visibility of the Northern Lights, particularly in urban areas, but it is still possible to catch a glimpse of the aurora within the city.
Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, has taken initiatives to mitigate light pollution during strong aurora forecasts. On such occasions, the city council has turned off streetlights in multiple sections of the city and encouraged residents to darken their homes, enabling everyone to witness the Northern Lights. These efforts demonstrate that light pollution can be managed to some extent, reducing its impact on aurora viewing.
However, it's important to recognize that light pollution is not the only challenge when trying to view the Northern Lights. Cloud cover plays a more critical role, as the aurora is best observed under clear skies. Even in locations with minimal light pollution, clouds can obscure the lights and hinder visibility. Therefore, while light pollution can be a factor, it is not the primary concern when it comes to aurora watching.
To maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, it is recommended to seek out dark locations outside the city. Thingvellir, located just 30 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, offers darker skies. Oskjuhlid hill is also mentioned as an excellent spot to hunt for the aurora. Additionally, Grotta Lighthouse and Kvika Foot Bath on the peninsula are popular spots within the city, providing a unique backdrop for viewing the lights.
In summary, while light pollution can impact your ability to see the aurora from Reykjavik, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. By finding darker locations, either within or outside the city, and waiting for clear skies, you can increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. However, it's important to acknowledge that luck also plays a role, and there is no guarantee of a sighting, even under ideal conditions.
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You may see the aurora on the plane ride to Iceland or the drive from Keflavik Airport
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and you may even get lucky and see the aurora on the plane ride to Iceland or during the drive from Keflavik Airport. The best way to see the aurora in Iceland is to find the darkest place possible with clear skies, and then wait until your eyes have adjusted.
Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, is a great place to base yourself for an aurora holiday. There are plenty of options for seeing the Northern Lights, both within the city and outside it. One of the best backdrops for the lights is the Grotta lighthouse. There is also a geothermal tub on the peninsula called Kvika Foot Bath, where you can warm up while waiting for the lights to appear. Oskjuhlid hill is another excellent place to hunt the aurora borealis.
If you're looking for a more remote experience, you can book an overnight excursion with an expert aurora guide. These tours usually head north of the city, where the aurora is stronger, and guides use cloud maps to find clear skies. You can also take a Golden Circle tour to see some of Iceland's incredible natural sights, including the Kerid Crater, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park.
If you want to stay close to the airport, there is an Aurora Hotel at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal. The hotel offers early breakfast at 4 am, which is convenient for early morning flights, and it has comfortable rooms and friendly staff.
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The Grotta lighthouse and Oskjuhlid hill are popular spots to see the lights in Reykjavik
It is possible to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, although light pollution may make them appear less vivid. The best way to see the lights in Reykjavik is the same as anywhere else in Iceland: find the darkest place possible and wait for clear skies.
The Grotta Lighthouse, located on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, is a popular spot to view the Northern Lights. It is only a 20-minute drive or a short bus ride from the city centre. The lighthouse is surrounded by black sands and a jagged coastline, providing a beautiful backdrop for the lights. There is also a geothermal tub on the peninsula called Kvika Foot Bath, where you can warm up while waiting for the lights to appear.
Öskjuhlíð Hill, at the base of the iconic Perlan Museum, is another excellent place to view the Northern Lights within the city limits. The hill rises 61 meters above the city, providing a vantage point and slightly darker skies. The museum features a Northern Lights Planetarium, which offers an immersive audio and visual experience of the auroras. Perlan's observation deck stays open until 10 pm, with the last entry at 9 pm.
Other popular spots to see the Northern Lights within Reykjavik include the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, the Sun Voyager sculpture on the waterfront, and the Blue Lagoon.
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The Hotel Aurora is conveniently located 700 metres from Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal
The Hotel Aurora is conveniently located just 700 metres from Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal. This makes it an ideal location for those looking for a quiet and comfortable stay before or after a flight. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including complimentary private parking, Wi-Fi, clean and comfortable rooms, and early breakfast options from 4 am. The leisure room is also a nice touch for guests to relax and unwind.
While the hotel's proximity to the airport is a notable advantage, it is important to note that Reykjavik itself offers a variety of options for those seeking to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The city is the world's most northerly capital and provides a unique backdrop for this natural phenomenon. On clear winter nights with strong aurora activity, the lights can be visible within the city.
One of the recommended spots to view the aurora in Reykjavik is at the Grotta lighthouse. Here, you can combine the stunning display of the lights with the charming setting of the lighthouse. Another advantage of this location is the nearby geothermal tub, Kvika Foot Bath, where you can warm up while waiting for the lights to appear. Oskjuhlid hill is also noted as an excellent place to view the aurora, offering a different perspective on this natural wonder.
For those willing to venture outside the city, there are numerous options for aurora-viewing excursions. The Golden Circle, known for its incredible natural sights, is a popular choice. This route includes stops at the Kerid Crater, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Additionally, the area north of the city is often favoured, as the aurora tends to be stronger in that direction, and tour operators use updated cloud maps to maximise the chances of clear skies.
While light pollution is not a significant factor, as the aurora can still be visible with a bright moon, finding dark locations with clear skies is crucial for optimal viewing. Even the drive from Keflavik Airport can offer a chance to glimpse the Northern Lights, and some lucky travellers have even spotted them from the plane as they approach Iceland. So, whether you're staying in Reykjavik or just passing through, keep your eyes peeled for this magical display.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you might be able to see the aurora from Reykjavik Airport, also known as Keflavik Airport. However, light pollution and cloud coverage can affect visibility.
Some good viewing spots for the aurora near Reykjavik include Grotta lighthouse, Oskjuhlid hill, and Kvika Foot Bath.
Yes, there are tours that take you north of the city where the aurora is typically stronger. These tours use updated cloud maps to find clear skies and avoid light pollution.
Yes, the Aurora Hotel at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal is located within 700 meters of the airport. It offers comfortable rooms, early breakfast options, and complimentary private parking.
