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The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena. Imagine watching vibrant green, pink, and purple light ribbons dance across the night sky — it's truly a bucket-list experience. Iceland, with its unique location just below the Arctic Circle, stands as one of the best places in the world to witness this incredible display. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover when to visit, where to see them, and how to take great photos of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland.

What Are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are a natural light display that occurs when solar particles collide with the Earth's atmospheric gases, creating a beautiful, colorful spectacle. These particles, emitted by the sun, travel through space and interact with the Earth's magnetosphere, causing bursts of light to appear in the sky. The resulting colors — primarily green, but also pink, purple, and red — depend on the type of gas and its altitude in the atmosphere.

In Iceland, the conditions are perfect for seeing the Northern Lights, with long, dark nights and minimal light pollution in many areas.

What to Expect from the Northern Lights in Iceland

The Northern Lights can appear in many different colors, from green to purple to red. The lights usually appear as arcs, waves, or curtains of light moving across the sky, though they can sometimes appear as a faint glow. The intensity and duration of the show can vary, and sometimes, the lights may be visible for just a few minutes or several hours.

Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are best viewed in the darkest conditions, so the further you can get from light pollution, the better. Clear, crisp nights are ideal for the most vibrant displays, so it’s always worth checking the weather forecast to ensure you’re heading to the best locations for a clear sky.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Timing is crucial when planning to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Best Months: September to April

The Northern Lights can be seen from September to April, with winter months (October to March) being the peak season. During this time, Iceland experiences long nights, creating more opportunities for the lights to be visible. December to February is particularly ideal due to the long hours of darkness and the higher likelihood of clear skies.

2. Best Time of Night: 9 PM to 2 AM

The Aurora Borealis usually appears between 9 PM and 2 AM, though it can occur earlier or later depending on solar activity. Be prepared to stay up late for the best chance of seeing the lights. This is why we start our tours at 9:30 PM!

3. Solar Activity: Check the Forecast

Solar activity is the key factor that influences the intensity of the Northern Lights. A higher solar activity means more vibrant displays. The clod cover also needs to be minimal with at least gaps of clear skys. Websites like Iceland's official aurora forecast can provide forcasts on the solar activity and cloud coverage.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland's remote landscapes and low light pollution make it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. While the lights can occasionally be seen from Reykjavik, heading outside the city to darker, more remote locations will give you the best view.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

While Iceland offers a great location to see the Northern Lights, the show is never guaranteed. Here are some tips to boost your chances:

1. Choose Dark, Clear Skies

The Aurora Borealis is most visible when the skies are dark and clear. Check the weather forecast and make sure there are no clouds in the area. Avoid locations with artificial light pollution to get the best view.

2. Get Away from Light Pollution

If you're staying in Reykjavik or another city, plan to drive out to nearby spots with less light pollution. 

3. Stay for Multiple Nights

If you're traveling to Iceland specifically to see the Northern Lights, plan to stay for at least 3-4 nights. The more nights you have, the better your chances of seeing this elusive phenomenon. Be prepared for it to take patience — sometimes the lights appear only after several attempts.

4. Book a Guided Tour

If you're not familiar with the area or want to ensure you’re in the best location, if you havn´t already consider booking a guided Northern Lights tour. Experienced guides know where to go for the best chances and can help you find the perfect vantage point. Our guides will also take some awesome shots of you in front of the Northern Lights and don´t forget unlimited hot chocolate!

What to expect on a Gravel Travel Northern Lights Tour

5. Keep an Eye on Solar Activity

Use websites or apps that track solar storms and aurora forecasts. The stronger the solar activity, the more intense and visible the auroras will be. We are using auroraforecast.is when checking the activities and cloud coverage  you need to select all clouds to get a realistic forecast, we also cross check the forecast with satellite pictures to see if the forecast is correct on that day. The Solar wind speed is more important than the Kp-index when analysing the data as well as the density.

6. Be Patient and Stay Warm

The Northern Lights are not always predictable, so patience is key. Make sure to dress warmly and bring snacks, a blanket, a thermos of hot drink (one our tours we supply hot chocolate and local pastrys), and other supplies for long waits in cold temperatures. Sometimes the lights may appear for only a short time, so being prepared is essential.

Photography Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights

If you want to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights on camera, follow these tips for the best results:

• Use a tripod: To prevent blur from long exposures, use a sturdy tripod.
• Camera settings: Set your camera to a long exposure (around 10-20 seconds), a low ISO (800-1600), and an aperture of f/2.8 or lower for the best results.
• Focus: Set your focus to infinity to capture sharp, clear images of the auroras.
• Light Up Your Subject: If you would like a picture of a building, waterfall or person light them up with a phone or head torch. 

Top tip: Because you need a long exposure to capture the lights make sure the people in your photos stay really still, so you don´t come our blurry and ghost like!

Final Thoughts

Iceland is a Northern Lights paradise, offering some of the best viewing opportunities in the world. The Northern Lights in Iceland are an unforgettable experience, and with the right planning, you can witness one of nature's most spectacular displays. Remember to plan your visit for September to April, head to locations with minimal light pollution, and check the solar activity forecast for the best chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

Remember, patience, preparation, and a bit of luck are key to witnessing this incredible natural phenomenon, but with the right timing and a little bit of adventure, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most awe-inspiring sights on Earth.

Have you seen the Northern Lights in Iceland? Share your experience  with us!

Happy aurora hunting!