Regarding rare and beautiful sights, very few things on earth can compare to the majesty of the Northern Lights. Iceland is home to the magnificent aurora borealis, making it a must-visit destination on many people’s bucket lists.
If you get your timing right, you can be treated to a spectacle that most people will never get to see. The moment you catch your first glimpse of the Northern Lights streaking across the night sky at the very tip of the Northern Hemisphere is one that you will never forget.
However, there is something you need to understand before you head out to see the Northern Lights. Guaranteed sightings of this natural phenomenon are impossible due to an unpredictable aurora forecast and the chances of cloud cover during your visit.
This guide will help you understand more about this spectacular natural wonder of the world, giving you a better chance of getting your timing right when you travel to Iceland. You can also visit our website to get more great tips designed for travelers looking for an experience of a lifetime.
Where Are the Northern Lights Located?
Iceland’s Northern Lights are mostly visible in a ring that appears around the North Pole called the auroral oval. This area includes places such as Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Canada, Russia, Finland, and parts of Sweden.
Most tours that offer the best sightings are usually located in Iceland. Common aurora activity in this area makes it an ideal starting point for your hunt for the famous dancing lights of the Northern Hemisphere.
How the Earth’s Magnetic Field Lights up the Night Sky in Iceland
The earth’s atmosphere would be a very different place if it were not for the magnetic field that protects us from the solar wind. Such auroral emissions occur naturally and are made up of charged particles like electrons and protons.
These clouds of solar particles are redirected to the northern and southern hemispheres of the earth’s upper atmosphere, creating what we see as the Northern and Southern Lights (aurora borealis and aurora australis).
As the different gases in the auroral zone become excited and collide with nitrogen molecules and oxygen atoms in the upper atmosphere, a ring of light centered around the earth’s polar regions will be created.
Best Time to Spot the Aurora Borealis
The clear skies and cold temperatures that typically occur during an Icelandic winter provide the best opportunity to witness these amazing lights that happen when solar activity and the North wind clash head-on.
This means you have to consider planning your trip somewhere between September and April when the solar cycle over the South coast of Iceland is just right for the creation of this event.
However, besides visiting at the right time, you also have to pick the perfect spot away from city lights. The less light pollution in your surroundings, the better your chances of witnessing some amazing aurora sightings.
You Can Find Great Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
There are many tours that you can book if you want to see the Northern Lights. A visit to Iceland can be expensive, but if you choose the right tour package, you can benefit from the knowledge of experienced aurora hunters who will increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights on your first trip.
As such, we would recommend opting for an aurora hunting tour package rather than setting out on your own, especially if this is your first trek into the heart of South Iceland.
What to Expect From the Iceland Northern Lights
If ever there was a good reason to brave the cold weather of Iceland, it is to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis.
You may be lucky enough to be there a few hours before or after midnight when the auroral activity begins, in which case, you will see the Northern Lights start as a green arc in the night sky.
Taking photos of the aurora borealis is also possible. The best pictures will require the right equipment and a little bit of skill when it comes to fiddling with the camera settings.
One very important aspect that needs to be considered is the shutter speed. Anything above 15 seconds will reduce the sharpness of the images due to the movement of the stars.
If you are part of a tour, the guide can help you with the best manual settings to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland. Beyond that, simply hold the camera steady and enjoy the experience.
You can also learn about the Northern Lights in Norway here.
Final Word
Thanks to the regular appearance of the Northern Lights in its night sky, Iceland has become a much-loved destination for tourists and adventure enthusiasts.
You can enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city center when you go looking for the Northern Lights of this beautiful country.
There are other attractions to keep you entertained between aurora sightings, such as a visit to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. The many hot springs in South Iceland are also a great experience that is not to be missed.
You can visit our website right now to learn more about the aurora borealis. Put on some warm clothes and take a trip to hunt for the spectacular Northern Lights in Iceland.
About Tim Schmidt
Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
