Where and How to Spot Aurora Borealis from Reykjavík

Discover how to spot Aurora Borealis from Reykjavík with insider tips, best viewing spots and personal stories that make chasing the lights unforgettable.

The aurora show beginning as we boarded our boat tour. Photo by Vittoria Urzetta.

I still remember the first night my cousin and I arrived in Reykjavík last February.

We had barely dropped our bags in the hotel room when the temptation of collapsing into bed nearly won. After a brief tour exploring the immediate area and the hotel itself, we returned to our room, and curiosity pulled us to the window, and that’s when we saw them: shimmering bands of green light streaking across the sky.

The Aurora Borealis had decided to put on a show, and it felt as if Iceland was personally welcoming us with its most dazzling greeting. We stood there in awe, faces pressed against the glass like kids watching fireworks, unable to believe our eyes.

That magical introduction set the tone for the trip, but as we quickly learned, spotting the northern lights isn’t always so simple.

Some nights, the aurora comes alive with brilliant colours dancing across the heavens. Other nights, you wait in the cold for hours, only to see a faint glow that might be mistaken for a trick of the eye. The unpredictability is part of the charm, and it makes every sighting feel like a rare treasure.

For travellers planning their own Icelandic adventure, there’s no shortage of tricks and strategies to improve their odds of catching the show. I’ve pulled together lessons from my own experience, peppered with local wisdom and months reading through online aurora-spotting groups, to help you plan your nights in Reykjavík.

How to Spot the Aurora Borealis from Reykjavík

Curious about what to do in Reykjavík in the winter? Learning how to spot the aurora borealis from Reykjavík should be at the top of your list.

One of the most enticing things about visiting Reykjavík is that you don’t always need to go far to see the northern lights. The city, though small compared to most capitals, still has pockets of darkness where the sky opens wide enough for the aurora to appear. When conditions align, you could find yourself marvelling at the spectacle just steps from your hotel.

Light pollution, however, is usually the first hurdle. Reykjavík’s glowing street lamps and lively downtown scene can wash out delicate auroral streaks. Wandering away from the brightest parts of the city, especially along the waterfront or into quieter neighbourhoods, increases your odds (we chose a hotel along the waterfront).

During our stay, one of the most colourful shows we witnessed appeared while we were cruising just offshore, proof that even a short change of perspective can transform your night.

An 'exploding' aurora over the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by Emily Fata.

Of course, timing is equally important; aurora season stretches from late September into mid-April, when the skies are dark enough to make sightings possible. February, I learned, is a gratifying month, with long nights perfect for aurora hunting paired with lively winter events that keep you busy during the day.

Remember, though, that nature doesn’t punch a time clock. You could see activity as early as dusk, but most auroras tend to reveal themselves between 9 pm and 2 am.

As you can probably also imagine, the weather will keep you on your toes. A clear afternoon forecast can easily give way to stubborn evening clouds. When my cousin and I were there, we had several overcast nights where even high auroral activity went to waste under thick grey skies that left them invisible to us.

That’s where patience becomes essential. Some nights end in disappointment, but those rare moments when the heavens burst into colour make every wait worthwhile.

Finally, lean on tools and experts. Forecasts provided by Iceland’s meteorological office, apps that send aurora alerts, and local tour operators who know exactly where to chase the lights all improve your chances. Consider it part of the adventure: a combination of planning, patience, and serendipity that transforms Reykjavík’s night sky into your playground.

Best Places to View the Aurora Borealis in Reykjavík

When it comes to the northern lights, location makes all the difference. Reykjavík may be a compact capital, but it offers plenty of vantage points that balance convenience with the chance to step into darkness. Some of the most memorable moments of my trip came from finding these pockets of calm where the sky suddenly felt much larger.

The first place that springs to mind is the Sæbraut waterfront. Standing there, you get the sculpture of the Sun Voyager framed against the night sky, with the sound of waves lapping at the shore and the glow of the city falling away behind you. It’s a surreal spot, and when the aurora makes an appearance, the entire scene becomes postcard-perfect.

Even without the lights, the view across the water feels magical, but when green streaks ripple above, you’ll find yourself clutching your camera in disbelief.

Grotta Lighthouse is another local favourite. Located at the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, it’s only a short drive from downtown, yet feels worlds away once you arrive. There’s something about standing on that windswept stretch of land, waves crashing around you, as the lighthouse beams out over the sea.

The contrast of human-made light guiding ships and the ethereal glow of the aurora above makes it one of the most cinematic places to watch the night unfold.

The northern lights stretching high above our boat. Photo by Emily Fata.

For a more central option, head to Öskjuhlíð Hill, near Perlan. This wooded rise shields you from some of the city’s glow and offers an elevated perspective. My cousin and I wanted to hike up one evening, but we never had the opportunity during this trip (but we’re already planning our next adventure, obviously).

Had we gone, it’s best to bundle up in layers, and you’ll find yourself among other hopeful sky-watchers waiting quietly for the first flicker to appear. It’s a reminder that part of aurora hunting is about sharing the moment with strangers, united by the same sense of wonder.

If you’re up for venturing a bit further, Þingvellir National Park is a showstopper. Just 45 minutes from Reykjavík, it’s a place where Iceland’s dramatic geology meets endless skies. Out there, far from the city, the aurora can stretch from horizon to horizon without interference. It’s the kind of setting that makes you feel small in the best possible way.

Then there’s the simplest but often most secluded and cozy spot of all: your Reykjavík hotel room’s window. Our very first night, groggy and travel-worn, we pulled back the curtains and were greeted by streaks of green light unfurling across the sky. We didn’t even need to put on shoes.

Sometimes the best seat in the house is the one you’re already sitting in.

Reykjavík Northern Lights Forecast Guide

When it comes to aurora hunting, you’ll want more than blind luck on your side. Reykjavík is wonderfully positioned for sightings, but the real trick is knowing when to step outside and scan the skies. That’s where forecasts come in. They don’t guarantee a show, but they help you make smarter choices about how to spend your evenings.

The most reliable source is the Icelandic Meteorological Office, which posts daily aurora forecasts. These handy tools give you two crucial pieces of information: cloud cover and auroral activity.

The cloud maps are colour-coded, showing which parts of the country will be clearest, while the activity scale runs from zero to nine. Anything above a three is promising, although you’ll still need a break in the clouds to stand a chance.

On one of our nights, the forecast gave us high activity, but heavy overcast skies, which meant all that solar energy was wasted behind an impenetrable curtain of grey. It was a humbling reminder that nature does what it wants.

Beyond the official forecast, mobile apps can be lifesavers. Download one or two that send push notifications whenever conditions look favourable. I can’t tell you how many times we were tempted to give up and head to bed, only to get a late-night ping urging us to run outside. Those small nudges often make the difference between seeing nothing and catching the aurora at its peak.

Pay attention to the moon phase as well. A full moon, while beautiful, throws a silvery glow across the landscape that can wash out fainter auroras. Darker nights, when the moon is new or waning, provide a much better backdrop. It’s like dimming the house lights before a stage performance; the show is always better when the audience’s attention isn’t being pulled elsewhere.

Local knowledge is another underrated forecast tool. Hotel staff, baristas, and even tour drivers often keep tabs on the latest aurora buzz. When we booked our Reykjavík Sailors boat cruise, the operator actually shifted the departure ever-so-slightly based on the evening’s forecast. That flexibility gave us one of the most spectacular nights of our trip, with ribbons of colour stretching across the Atlantic sky.

Think of the forecast as part science, part gamble. It won’t promise you a sighting, but it arms you with enough insight to know when to bundle up, grab your thermos of hot chocolate, and head outside.

The aurora dancing slowly over the Atlantic Ocean. Video by Emily Fata.

When to See Northern Lights in Reykjavík

Timing really is everything when it comes to aurora hunting, and Reykjavík gives you a generous window to work with.

Unlike summer, when the midnight sun keeps the skies bright around the clock, winter gifts travellers with long, velvety nights perfect for aurora chasing. The official northern lights season runs from late September to mid-April, when darkness returns to Iceland’s skies and brings the possibility of celestial fireworks.

February, the month my cousin and I visited, hit the sweet spot. Nights were still long enough for plenty of viewing hours, but days had begun to stretch just enough for sightseeing without feeling overly rushed.

The mix of aurora opportunities and winter activities made the city come alive, offering the best of both worlds. Plus, there’s something special about watching the lights ripple above snow-covered streets that sparkle under lamplight.

Within a single night, the prime hours for spotting auroras usually fall between 9 pm and 2 am. This is when solar particles are most likely to collide with Earth’s magnetic field in a way that creates visible displays. If you can keep yourself awake and outdoors during those hours, your chances improve dramatically.

On our boat cruise, the show began around 9:15 pm, and I swear time stopped as we stood there on the deck, bundled in parkas, with auroras dancing overhead like curtains caught in a cosmic breeze.

It’s also worth understanding the bigger picture: auroral activity is tied to an eleven-year solar cycle, at which 2025 has been peaking. That is, some years are naturally more active than others, meaning brighter and more frequent displays.

Even during quieter years, though, you can still catch some incredible shows; it’s Iceland, after all. What you see one night might be faint wisps, while the next could bring an explosion of green and purple ribbons that bring tears to your eyes.

Patience is your best ally. During our trip, we had immediate payoffs, like the spectacular second night at sea, as well as nights of waiting where we nearly lost hope. On our final evening, after hours of staring into the dark with no results, the sky finally rewarded us with a faint glow. It wasn’t as dramatic as earlier in the trip, but it felt like a parting gift all the same. When it comes to the aurora, persistence usually pays off.

Aurora Hunting Around Reykjavík, Iceland

Sometimes you need more than good luck and a clear sky. That’s where Reykjavík’s aurora hunting tours come in, designed to whisk you away from the city glow and into landscapes where the stars stretch endlessly overhead. These excursions aren’t only about increasing your odds of seeing the northern lights—they also add an adventurous edge to the whole experience.

The northern lights appearing as a green flame. Photo by Emily Fata.

Bus tours are the most accessible option. Climbing aboard Icelandia’s Northern Lights Tour with a group of fellow travellers, you’re driven into the countryside where darkness reigns supreme.

On our last night in Reykjavík, we joined one of these tours, bundled in more layers than I thought humanly possible. Hours ticked by as we shuffled our boots in the snow, swapping hopeful remarks with strangers.

Just as we were ready to pack it in, the faintest glow appeared on the horizon. It was subtle compared to the fireworks we’d seen earlier in the week, but in that moment, it felt like the sky finally cracked a smile just for us.

Boat cruises offer a completely different type of thrill. Departing from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, you drift into the inky blackness of the Atlantic with the city glowing faintly behind you. Out there, with nothing but the sea around you, the horizon feels infinite.

On our second night, the aurora unfurled in full splendour during a cruise, dancing across the sky in vivid colours that stretched as far as we could see. That evening remains one of the highlights of my travels anywhere in the world, not only in Iceland.

For travellers seeking something more exclusive, private jeep tours are worth considering. Local guides know the hidden nooks and valleys where conditions are ideal, and their flexibility means they can adapt quickly to changing forecasts.

If you’re a photographer, some operators even offer specialist tours with expert instruction on how to capture the perfect shot, which can make all the difference between coming home with blurry blobs and magazine-worthy photos. (Admittedly, mine didn’t turn out at all on my DSLR, and were better on my iPhone…which, sadly, were still not super sharp.)

If you prefer romance or novelty, Reykjavík has you covered there, too. Horseback riding excursions under the aurora let you experience the lights Icelandic-style, trotting across snowy fields on sturdy Icelandic horses while ribbons of green ripple above you. Imagine telling that story back home.

Each option—bus, boat, jeep, or horse—adds its own flavour to the chase. The beauty lies in choosing the adventure that best fits your style, knowing that no matter the outcome, you’ll come away with memories as dazzling as the aurora itself.

Reykjavík Light Pollution and Northern Lights Visibility

While Reykjavík is smaller and less blinding than most capitals, light pollution still plays tricks on anyone eager to spot the aurora. The glow of streetlamps, car headlights, and hotel signs can easily drown out delicate auroral streaks, so the trick lies in finding spots where the balance tips back toward nature.

That’s why the waterfront and Grotta Lighthouse are such popular options—you’re still close to the comforts of the city, but the darkness there gives the sky a fighting chance.

If you want to give yourself an edge, think carefully about where you book your stay. Some hotels and guesthouses are located slightly outside the busiest areas, and a few even offer aurora wake-up calls if the lights appear in the middle of the night.

Completely in awe. Photo by Vittoria Urzetta.

We heard of one place where staff would ring your room phone at 2 am if green ribbons started swirling overhead. It’s the Icelandic equivalent of room service, and honestly, it’s far better than a midnight snack.

Another small but useful trick is to carry a flashlight with a red filter when you venture out. The softer light lets you find your way without ruining your night vision, unlike bright white flashlights that reset your eyes with every click.

The same applies if you’re taking photos: the darker your surroundings, the easier it is to capture long-exposure shots that do justice to the aurora’s colours. Even the headlights of a single car can spoil the effect, which is why dedicated photographers often hike further out to avoid interruptions.

Despite the challenges, Reykjavík has a unique charm when it comes to aurora viewing. Where else can you be sipping a latte in a cozy café one moment and standing by the sea watching the sky light up the next? That balance, between convenience and wilderness, makes Reykjavík a one-of-a-kind destination for aurora seekers.

All in All

The northern lights are unpredictable, mysterious, and utterly captivating. Some nights you’ll step outside and find the sky bursting with colour. Other nights you’ll wait in the cold, question your decision-making skills, and wonder why you didn’t stay in with a hot chocolate.

Yet when the aurora finally appears, whether in faint ribbons or full-on cosmic fireworks, it feels like the universe has handed you a private performance.

During my own trip, I experienced it all: the surprise of seeing the aurora from my hotel window, the awe of watching it swirl across the sea on a boat cruise, the frustration of cloudy skies, and the relief of catching a faint glow at the very last minute before waking up a few hours later to catch a flight back home.

Each moment stitched itself into the story of our adventure in Reykjavík, a reminder that the northern lights aren’t just something you see; they’re something you chase, something you earn, and something you’ll never forget once they appear.

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