Top Spots to See the Northern Lights in North Iceland

Winter in Iceland is magic with falling snow, long cozy nights, and the ethereal Northern Lights illuminating the sky. Every year, travelers flock to Iceland for a chance to spot the dancing lights. Iconic routes like the Golden Circle draw immense crowds to the south. However, seasoned aurora hunters know that escaping light pollution is key. To witness the full glory of the aurora borealis, the journey must take you further north.

If you’re dreaming of looking up to the striking hues of the Northern Lights, North Iceland is worth the trip. While the south is spectacular, the north offers a compelling trifecta. It has dark, remote skies, iconic scenery for a dramatic foreground, and weather potentially clearer than the often-cloudy South Coast.

From remote fjords to strange, otherworldly landscapes, we’ve rounded up the best spots to witness the Northern Lights in North Iceland.

1. Lake Mývatn

In the northeastern corner of Iceland sits Lake Mývatn, one of North Iceland’s geothermal and geological gems. This shallow, nutrient-rich lake and its surroundings form one of the most volcanically active regions in the country, shaped by millennia of eruptions and lava flows.

For aurora hunters, Mývatn’s main draw is its remoteness. Far from Iceland’s major cities, the area experiences very little light pollution. This allows the Northern Lights to appear with striking clarity when conditions like cloud cover and solar activity are right. Plus, dark skies enhance contrast and detail. It’s no surprise Mývatn is a favorite among photographers seeking the best views of the Northern Lights in North Iceland.

Adding to the appeal is Mývatn’s otherworldly landscape, which makes for an unforgettable foreground. The region is known for stunning geological features, including the Hverfjall explosion crater and the eerie lava formations of Dimmuborgir. Rising from snowy ground like natural sculptures, these dark shapes create a surreal setting for capturing the aurora overhead.

2. Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon and Ásbyrgi

Following the Jökulsá á Fjöllum river northward, you’ll reach the vast Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon, part of Vatnajökull National Park. This immense, 25-kilometer-long gorge, carved by glacial meltwater, is one of Iceland’s most stark and dramatic landscapes.

This entire area stands out for its scale and isolation, both translate directly into exceptionally dark skies. Within the national park, key locations offer strikingly different backdrops for photographing the Northern Lights in North Iceland.

• Dettifoss Waterfall: Known as the most powerful waterfall in Europe, Dettifoss is beautiful even by day. At night, the sight of green and purple aurora ribbons suspended above the roaring, ice-crusted cascade is an unforgettable experience.
• Ásbyrgi Canyon: At the northern end of the gorge lies Ásbyrgi, a horseshoe-shaped canyon enclosed by sheer cliffs. This dramatic, sheltered landscape forms a natural amphitheater that beautifully frames the night sky.

3. Goðafoss Waterfall

Located right off the Ring Road, Goðafoss is perhaps the most accessible spot for witnessing the Northern Lights in North Iceland.

Its evocative name, “Waterfall of the Gods,” hints at a rich legend. Locals say the crescent-shaped cascade earned its name when the lawspeaker Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði threw his pagan idols into the roaring water. According to legend, this happened in the year 1000, shortly after Iceland officially adopted Christianity.

Thanks to its easy access, Goðafoss is a popular choice for travelers using Akureyri as their base. Aurora viewing here is especially captivating, with the wide, semi-circular flow of the waterfall reflecting the colorful, dancing lights above. This mix of history, natural beauty, and accessibility makes Goðafoss a must-see stop on any Northern Lights tour.

4. Siglufjörður

Meet the quiet fishing town of Siglufjörður on Iceland’s northern coast. Nestled deep within a narrow fjord on the Tröllaskagi Peninsula, it feels wonderfully isolated. Historically known as the “Herring Capital of the Atlantic,” Siglufjörður once buzzed with gold-rush-like energy during Iceland’s Herring Era. Today, that intensity has softened into tranquility.

Chase the aurora along the secluded coastline or nearby Héðinsfjörður, where mountains form a protective, dark bowl around the fjord. Silent fishing boats and well-preserved historic buildings provide a charming coastal foreground beneath the ethereal dance of the aurora.

A serene holiday, striking scenery, and a strong chance of witnessing the Northern Lights in North Iceland await in Siglufjörður.

5. Hvítserkur

Located off the eastern shore of the remote Vatnsnes Peninsula on Iceland’s northwest coast, Hvítserkur is magnificent for light chasers. This 15-meter (nearly 50-foot) basalt sea stack has been sculpted by the ocean into a fantastical shape. From the right angle, it resembles a petrified dragon or a dinosaur drinking from the sea.

With only a handful of small settlements on the peninsula, the surrounding skies experience very little light pollution. The contrast between the dark volcanic sand beach and the towering, white-stained rock sets a unique stage for aurora viewing.

During low tide, it’s often possible to walk close to the base of the formation. From here, you can capture the sweeping movements of the Northern Lights in North Iceland with this mythological creature.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Timing is the most crucial part of planning a successful hunt for Northern Lights in North Iceland. To see the aurora borealis, you need three essential ingredients: solar activity, darkness, and clear skies with minimal cloud cover.

For the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, plan a trip between late August and mid-April. During this period, the nights are long enough for the aurora to be visible in the north.

• Autumn (September–October): A popular sweet spot, autumn offers nights that are dark enough for aurora viewing while temperatures remain relatively mild. This season also coincides with the autumn equinox, a time associated with increased geomagnetic activity, which can enhance auroral displays.
• Winter (November–February): This is the season of maximum darkness. Around the winter solstice in December, North Iceland may see up to 20 hours of darkness daily. This huge viewing window maximizes your chances. The trade-off is more volatile weather, with snow, wind, and cloud cover playing a larger role.
• Spring (March–mid-April): Spring mirrors autumn in many ways. The spring equinox is also linked to heightened geomagnetic activity. Daylight hours gradually increase, making it ideal for combining aurora hunting with daytime sightseeing. Despite longer days, nights remain sufficiently dark well into April.
• Summer (May–mid-August): While aurora activity is constant, the Icelandic summer is dominated by the Midnight Sun. The sky never achieves true darkness during these months, making the faint light of the aurora borealis impossible to see.

Tips on How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

When you visit Iceland in winter, you want the best opportunities of spotting the lights, of course. Maximize your chances of spotting the Northern Lights in North Iceland by following these key tips.

• Master the Forecasts: Start by monitoring the aurora forecast, including the KP-index, to gauge expected solar activity. Just as important, check the local weather forecast and cloud cover maps. Even the strongest aurora is invisible behind thick clouds, so clear skies are crucial.
• Monitor Weather and Road Conditions: North Iceland weather in winter can be severe, and road closures are common. Before driving anywhere, diligently check vedur.is and road.is for the latest updates on conditions and closures.
• Get Out of Town: Seek out areas with minimal light pollution. If you’re staying in Akureyri, driving 20–30 minutes away from the city center can make a noticeable difference. Coastal areas or elevated viewpoints often offer darker skies.
• Be Patient and Stay Up Late: The peak activity window is typically between 9 pm and 2 am. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa, and be prepared to wait. Sometimes the most spectacular displays occur just as you’ve decided to pack up.
• Consider a Tour: If you’d rather leave logistics to professionals, book a Northern Lights tour. Local guides in North Iceland are skilled at interpreting forecasts, navigating winter roads, and finding the darkest and safest viewing locations.
• Dress Warmly in Layers: You will be standing still outdoors in freezing temperatures for potentially hours. Thermal layers, a heavy parka, waterproof outer layers, insulated boots, thick socks, gloves, and a hat are non-negotiable.

Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Capturing the dancing ribbons of the Northern Lights in North Iceland is the ultimate prize for any visitor. Photographs (and maybe videos) are really the only souvenir you need from Iceland. Here are the essential tips for bringing home the best aurora pictures.

• Secure Your Camera with a Tripod: This is the single most important piece of equipment. Aurora photography requires long exposure shots (anywhere from two to 30 seconds), and the slightest movement will result in blurry images. The camera must be perfectly still.
• Embrace Manual Settings (DSLR/Mirrorless): Switch to Manual Focus, set the focus to infinity, use the widest aperture possible, and use a moderate ISO. Start your exposure at 10-15 seconds, adjusting it down for dancing lights or up for fainter displays.
• Shoot with a Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm equivalent) is recommended. It allows you to capture the entire sweep of the aurora across the sky while including a dramatic foreground element.
• Use Night Mode and Stability (Smartphones): Modern smartphones can capture the aurora using their dedicated Night Mode or Pro settings, which mimic a long exposure. You must still use a compact tripod for the duration of the shot (usually 3–10 seconds).
• Use a Remote or Timer: Use a remote shutter release or the camera's two-second self-timer. This lets you trigger the shot without physically touching the camera, which prevents minor vibrations that cause blur.
• Compose the Foreground: Don't just point the camera at the sky. Include the silhouette of a waterfall, mountain, or the strange shapes of Hvítserkur to add scale and interest to your final image.

Chasing the Northern Lights in North Iceland

To secure your unforgettable aurora experience, bypass the crowds and make the journey to the north. The region’s isolated coastal towns, dark lava fields, and stunning backdrops make it a premier destination for serious aurora hunters.

By keeping a close eye on aurora and weather forecasts, dressing for the cold, and applying the essential tips outlined above, you’ll be well prepared for the chase. Start planning your Northern Lights adventure in North Iceland and let the night skies do the rest.

FAQs About Northern Lights in North Iceland

• Can you see the Northern Lights in North Iceland?
  
  Yes, North Iceland is one of the best places in the country to see the Northern Lights. This is due to its low population density, minimal light pollution, and long winter nights.
• Which part of Iceland is best for the Northern Lights?
  
  North Iceland, particularly the area around Lake Mývatn and the remote fjords, is often considered among the best. It combines dark skies with picturesque scenery and frequently clearer weather than the South.
• What’s the best month to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
  
  September, October, and March often provide excellent viewing conditions. These months combine sufficient darkness with relatively mild weather and periods of potentially increased geomagnetic activity around the equinoxes.
• How long will the Northern Lights be visible?
  
  Aurora displays can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, often appearing in waves throughout the night. Activity most commonly peaks between 9 pm and 2 am, though sightings outside this window are possible.
• Are Northern Lights guaranteed in Iceland?
  
  No, they are never guaranteed. Visibility depends on solar activity and having clear, cloud-free skies.
• What to wear for a Northern Lights hunt in Iceland?
  
  You must dress warmly in thermal layers, a waterproof outer shell, and insulated accessories. Remember, you will be standing still outdoors in freezing temperatures for an extended period.