Guide to the Northern Lights in Akureyri

Seeing the Northern Lights is a dream for many travellers. And Akureyri is one of the best places in Iceland to experience them. Located in North Iceland, this welcoming town offers easy access to dark skies, dramatic landscapes, and excellent viewing conditions. On a guided tour or not, the Akureyri Northern Lights experience combines comfort, flexibility, and natural beauty.

What Are the Northern Lights and How Do They Form?

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon caused by activity on the Sun. Charged particles released during solar activity travel through space as the solar wind. When these particles reach Earth, they interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.

Near the magnetic pole, these charged particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Oxygen and nitrogen molecules release energy in the form of light. This creates the glowing lights in the sky that appear to move and ripple.

Most auroras appear green, created when oxygen reacts with charged particles closer to Earth. Meanwhile, rarer red tones form at extremely high altitudes, and blue or purple shades result from interactions with nitrogen.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Akureyri?

Yes, Akureyri is an excellent place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. The town sits far north, close to the Arctic Circle, and benefits from long winter nights. While Akureyri has some light pollution, it is easy to reach open areas with a dark sky within minutes. The surrounding fjords, valleys, and mountains offer wide views and low artificial light. Many visitors see the aurora borealis without traveling far from town. Others use Akureyri as a base for short evening drives or guided tours.

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Akureyri

The Northern Lights season in Akureyri runs from September through April, when nights are dark enough for aurora activity. November through January offer the darkest skies, providing the best chances to see the aurora when conditions align.

Late September to October and February to March also offer excellent opportunities. These months still provide enough darkness and often come with more stable weather than peak winter.

When heading out on an Akureyri Northern Lights hunt, look for:

• Clear skies, which allow the lights to be visible
• Low cloud cover, since even thin clouds can block aurora activity
• Active solar wind, which increases the strength and movement of the lights
• Minimal light pollution makes faint auroras easier to see in the night sky

Auroras can appear anytime after sunset and before sunrise. Activity is most common between 9:00 pm and 2:00 am, though this varies from night to night. Checking an aurora forecast helps identify the best viewing windows.

Note: Cold temperatures are common under a clear winter sky, so warm clothing is essential.

7 Best Places to See Northern Lights in and Around Akureyri

Akureyri offers a wide range of Northern Lights viewing locations. Some are close to town, while others require a short drive. Below are some of the best places to see them, listed from closest to farthest from the town center.

1. Akureyri’s Old Harbor Area

The harbor is just a few minutes’ walk from the town center and easy to reach on foot. Following the harbor walkway leads to open views across Eyjafjörður, where the Northern Lights may appear on quiet nights. When conditions are right, the lights can even reflect softly on the water.

This area is also close to several of Akureyri’s top attractions, including Akureyrarkirkja, the Akureyri Botanical Garden, and local museums. So, you can explore beforehand and then stay along the harbor after dark to watch the night sky.

2. Eyrarlandsvegur Viewpoint

Located just above the town center, the Eyrarlandsvegur viewpoint offers an elevated view over Akureyri and Eyjafjörður. It’s only a short walk or drive uphill and often feels darker than areas closer to the harbor. A bench facing the water makes it a comfortable place to pause and watch the night sky on clear evenings.

The viewpoint is directly across the road from the Útlaginn sculpture and the picturesque St. Peter’s Catholic Church. This makes it easy to combine sightseeing and Northern Lights viewing in one stop.

3. Krossanesborgir Nature Reserve

Just a 7-minute drive north of the town center, Krossanesborgir offers a wide-open landscape with ponds and rich vegetation. The area feels quiet and spacious, making it easy to leave city lights behind without venturing far.

Its location beside Eyjafjörður provides open views over the water and an unobstructed horizon. And that helps make aurora activity easier to spot on clear nights.

4. Kjarnaskógur Woods

Kjarnaskógur lies just 8 minutes south of Akureyri’s town center. It’s a wooded outdoor area that helps block the wind, making it more comfortable on colder evenings. Look for open spaces throughout the forest, including playground areas, the section with wooden sculptures, and parking areas. These offer relaxing spots and clear views of the night sky.

5. Mount Súlur

Mount Súlur creates a dramatic backdrop for the Northern Lights just south of Akureyri. The open area around the parking lot provides wide views of the night sky. This makes it a convenient spot for aurora viewing on clear evenings.

In winter, the parking area provides an accessible option without requiring a hike. Just make sure to always check the weather and road conditions in Iceland before heading out.

6. Hlíðarfjall Ski Area

This elevated location above town has low light pollution and offers wide views over Eyjafjörður and the surrounding mountains. Its higher position often provides clearer skies than areas closer to sea level.

Hlíðarfjall is typically open during the winter season from December through April. Closing times vary. But the ski area often closes around 7:00 pm, which can be early enough to catch the Northern Lights. If aurora activity is expected later, the parking area can still be a good place to watch the night sky.

7. Gásir

Gásir is a historic medieval trading site about a 17-minute drive north of Akureyri. The open landscape feels quiet and spacious, with very little artificial light. When solar activity is intense, the Northern Lights can appear above Eyjafjörður, sometimes reflected softly on the water.

Bonus: Goðafoss

For those willing to venture a bit farther from Akureyri, Goðafoss is a 37-minute drive east along the Ring Road. One of North Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, it offers a striking setting for Northern Lights viewing on clear nights.

Goðafoss is also part of the Diamond Circle, making it easy to combine aurora watching with sightseeing in North Iceland. Late at night, with fewer visitors around, the contrast between frozen cascades and the night sky can be especially memorable.

Akureyri Northern Lights Tour vs Self-Driving

Both guided tours and self-driving are popular ways to search for the Northern Lights around Akureyri. The right choice depends on how much structure or flexibility you prefer.

A small-group Northern Lights tour may be a good option if you value:

• Expert local guides who monitor Icelandic weather and aurora forecasts
• Routes adjusted based on cloud cover
• Transportation suited for winter conditions
• Free rebooking if no aurora is seen

Self-driving may suit you if you prefer:

• Full control over timing and pace
• The ability to stay out longer on active nights
• Quieter locations away from group tours
• More flexibility for photography

Many travellers choose to combine both. A guided tour early in the trip helps you understand local conditions, while self-driving allows for spontaneous aurora hunts later.

Tips for Spotting Northern Lights in Akureyri

Watching the Northern Lights is part planning and part patience. The tips below can help you make the most of clear nights around Akureyri.

• Check the aurora forecast daily: Solar activity changes often, and forecasts help identify the best nights.
• Pay attention to the Bz value: A negative and southward Bz basically means stronger aurora displays.
• Avoid light pollution when possible: Darker areas make faint auroras easier to see.
• Dress for long periods outdoors: Clear nights are cold, so wear layers and winter accessories.
• Give your eyes time to adjust: It can take several minutes to see faint movement in the sky.
• Stay out longer during active periods: Displays can strengthen suddenly during high solar activity.
• Have a tripod and camera ready: Auroras can appear suddenly, and a steady setup helps capture low-light scenes.
• Bring spare batteries: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, especially during long nights outdoors.

Auroras often start faint and grow stronger. What looks like a pale glow can turn into vivid dancing lights.

Check the conditions on Iceland At Night, especially the Bz value.

Witness the Dancing Northern Lights in Akureyri

Northern Lights in Akureyri are easier to experience because you have time and access on your side. Open areas with dark skies are close to town. And that means you can wait for the right conditions and head out without committing to long night drives. If the sky doesn’t cooperate, it’s easy to try again another evening.

When the lights appear, you can stand still, watch them shift across the sky, and let the moment unfold. For many visitors to North Iceland, that simple freedom is what makes witnessing the aurora in Akureyri feel special.