The best places to see the Northern Lights close to Reykjavik

Many visitors to Iceland will be keen to experience the magic of the aurora borealis. No wonder many travellers ask where they should go to have a chance of witnessing this incredible natural phenomenon. If you’re based in the Icelandic capital, we have plenty of suggestions about where might be the best places to see the Northern Lights close to Reykjavik.

What to look for if you’re scoping out where to see the Northern Lights

If you’re hoping to spot the aurora while you’re in Iceland, there are a few pre-requisites to consider during your planning, including a weather forecast that suggests there’ll be clear skies. You’ll also benefit from an aurora forecast indicating solar activity is potentially going to be high. This is cyclical and we are currently in a phase of increased activity which scientists say should peak in 2025.

Another important factor is to find somewhere that’s going to be dark. This can make seeing the Northern Lights tricky in cities – such as Reykjavik – as they’re not likely to be free of light pollution. However, if the aurora is especially strong, tuck yourself into as dark a place as you can find, away from street lights and illuminated signage. The show won’t be as vivid as if you are out of town, but it will be better than seeing nothing at all. Try places on the waterfront which face north, such as near the Sun Voyager sculpture.

Travelling even a small distance from the city centre can help. One popular place is out at Grótta lighthouse, located just to the west of downtown Reykjavik on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula. It’s likely to be relatively dark out here compared to more central spots, though you might find the place gets busy if the aurora forecast has been promising and it’s a clear night.

Half an hour inland of Reykjavik city centre you’ll find Heiðmörk. This forested area is popular with hikers during the day and Northern Lights hunters can access suitable viewing positions using the same trails. If you’re keen to photograph the aurora, the trees here will add foreground interest.

Taking a tour opens up more possibilities

To give yourself a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights close to Reykjavik, we’d recommend taking a tour. You’ll put yourself in the hands of experienced local companies such as Gray Line Iceland who know the best places and have the transport to get you there – even to off the beaten track locations.

For instance, you might head out in the direction of the Golden Circle. Unspoilt Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, offers a number of possibilities. You might perhaps see the aurora borealis over the water of Lake Thingvallavatn.

The Snaefellsnes peninsula is further away but also has a number of countryside locations that are dark enough to make them a good bet. One perennial crowd-pleaser is Kirkjufell. With the waterfall in front of this landmark mountain, it’s a photogenic favourite with Northern Lights photographers, who consider the long drive worth the reward.

The Reykjanes peninsula is another sparsely populated region which is located within easy reach of the capital. There are a number of places where you might see the Northern Lights here, including at Lake Kleifarvatn, about a half hour drive south of Reykjavik and also further west near the lighthouses at Garður or at the Bridge between Continents.

Make life easy and book a Northern Lights excursion through Gray Line Iceland – tours operate nightly during the season. It’s also sometimes possible to see the aurora borealis at the Blue Lagoon, which is accessible by coach if you don’t have your own transport.