All about the Northern Lights in Iceland

The Northern Lights. Aurora Borealis. Or, if you want to say it in Icelandic: Norðurljós. 

No matter what you call them, they’re breathtaking, a “bucket-list” experience everyone wants to see. So we’ve gathered all the information you need to have the best chance to enjoy the Northern Lights while you’re in Iceland!

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights occur when gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere collide with electrically charged particles from the Sun. Due to variations in the Earth’s magnetic field and the dark winters at the North and South poles, the aurora is more visible in those regions than anywhere else. Solar activity and the speed of the charged particles determine the intensity of the aurora display, so your Northern Lights experience relies heavily on solar activity, the weather, and your location on the planet.

Why are the Northern Lights in Iceland Usually Green?

While the color of the Northern Lights can vary — appearing blue, white, or even purple or red — they are usually green. This is because the color of aurora borealis is determined by the kinds of particles colliding in the atmosphere. The typical color, pale green, is caused by low-altitude oxygen molecules, while nitrogen produces purple hues.

When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The best time to see Northern Lights is when the skies are clear and dark. Gray Line’s Northern Lights tours begin in late August and run until mid-April. The brightest displays occur during the dark Icelandic winter nights, especially between November to February. These months are also the cloudiest, with higher chances of snow and rain. So take a chance on a Northern Lights tour for an unforgettable experience!

Best viewing conditions for Northern Lights in Iceland

Viewing conditions for Northern Lights depend on many factors, including geography, weather, and the time of day, to name but a few. The Northern Lights are potentially visible from anywhere in Iceland. Crisp cold evenings with clear skies are prime indicators for aurora displays. Remote locations, away from the glow of city lights, give you a better view of the Northern Lights and their magic in the night sky.

The Northern Lights forecast from the Icelandic Meteorological Office is the most accurate indicator of aurora activity during your holiday in Iceland. Additionally, the Gray Line Iceland team post updates on our Facebook page, confirming if it will be possible to see the Northern Lights each night. So follow us there to keep up to date!

Things to Do and Bring for a Northern Lights Tour in Iceland

When you see the Northern Lights streak across the sky for the first time, you want to enjoy the moment without worrying about being cold or getting a good photo. You want to be prepared! Here’s what you’ll need to remember:

Book Your Gray Line Iceland Northern Lights Tour Early

Before you do anything else in Iceland, book your Northern Lights tour as early as possible during your stay. The Northern Lights and the Icelandic weather are very unpredictable. So if you go on a tour at the beginning of your trip and the lights are a “no-show,” you’ll still have plenty of time left to re-book the tour to try again at no additional cost!

Dress Well for your Northern Lights Tour

Follow the usual Icelandic routine of dressing in layers, adding scarves, gloves, hats, windproof pants, and crampons to strap onto your hiking boots easily.

Also, make sure to wear the following:

• Thermal undershirt
• Thermal leggings/tights
• Thick socks
• Long-sleeved shirt 
• Warm fleece 
• Touch screen gloves (to access your phone’s camera) and mittens to go over them 
• Heavy-duty waterproof parka 

Tech Gear for your Northern Lights Tour in Iceland

• If you plan on photographing the Northern Lights, these five things are crucial to your success:
• Camera (or your phone - see tips below)
• Tripod - preferably a multi-terrain “spider” that fits in your backpack
• Lens wipes 
• Northern Lights photo apps
• Back-up batteries — nothing drains them like the cold

Bring a Warm Beverage

Bring an insulated travel mug filled with your favorite hot beverage — hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. You may be out in the cold for a while looking for the lights, so a hot drink and your layers will help keep you warm while you wait.

Be Patient

Remember, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so you must be patient. The Northern Lights do not follow a schedule, nor does the weather. Some nights the lights fill the sky with a dazzling display as soon as you leave the city. Sometimes, the clouds roll in and then suddenly part when you’re about to give up, revealing a showstopper of celestial delight. Be patient, and you might just see the show of a lifetime.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights in Iceland

The first time you see the Northern Lights will be a magical moment you’ll want to capture forever. So, follow the tips to photograph the lights whenever they appear, even if you’re just using your phone. 

• Know your phone - spend quality time with your built-in camera and learn the adjustments you can make.
• Geek out with your manual settings - a little time messing with exposure and ISO can make all the difference.
• Bring a tripod - unless you’re a robot, you won’t hold your camera still enough during long exposures. A spider tripod is small enough to pack and attaches to almost anything.
• Find the dark - get as far away from city light as possible. Light pollution will reduce the quality of your photos.
• Go ahead and edit - even a few nudges on those sliders can reveal dazzling detail hidden in your images.
• Download the right apps - NightCap, Cortex Camera, and Northern Lights Photo Taker App are highly recommended. You don’t have to be a professional photographer; you just need the right apps.

For more information on how to photograph Northern Lights in Iceland, read our blog post on the subject.

How to Track the Northern Lights in Iceland

Gray Line Iceland’s team of Northern Lights spotters let us know about Northern Lights activity in their area. In addition, some websites track aurora activity. Booking with Gray Line Iceland gives you access to on-the-ground spotters and local experts to check and interpret the Northern Lights forecasts.

Best Places in Iceland to See the Northern Lights

The brightness of a full moon is enough to dim the Northern Lights. The darker the sky, the better your chances of seeing the lights. While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in the skies above Reykjavik, they won’t appear as brilliant as in the countryside. Light pollution is not a friend. 

If you can’t make it out of the city, Öskuhlið — the hill where Perlan sits — is an excellent place to try and spy the lights. Just outside the city, on the edge of the light pollution zone, is the Grótta lighthouse on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. The view there is beautiful, and it becomes spectacular if you add in the Northern Lights. But if you want a great view, you’ve got to get far enough from the city to see the stars. Then, when you run out of fingers and toes to count the stars in the sky, you’ll know you’ve gone far enough. 

Which Northern Lights Tour in Iceland?

There are lots of Gray Line Iceland Northern Lights tours to choose from. So no matter your tastes and preferences, there’s sure to be a tour that’s ideal for you.

●  Northern Lights Tour is ideal for families.

●  Northern Lights Private Tour works well for solo travelers seeking a more individualized experience.

●  Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik tour is perfect for couples and romantics. Whether you’re honeymooning or celebrating a special anniversary, the lights in the sky and reflecting off the water are a stunningly romantic backdrop.

● The Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour is a perfect way to relax. 

● Finally, a Golden Circle Classic Tour and Northern Lights Tour are great for the culture vulture who wants the cultural context of the must-see sites along with their Northern Lights.