5 Reasons Why Our Once-in-a-Lifetime Northern Lights Iceland Experience Was Unforgettable
Northern Lights Iceland
Our Icelandic adventure took an unforgettable turn when we set out to witness the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis even though we had only a 24-hour layover in this amazing country!
The journey began in Reykjavik at 9:30 PM, when we boarded a bus for a night-time excursion. Pick up location: Bus Hostel.
The tour was expected to last around 3-4 hours, one thing I liked was they provided a warranty that if we did not see the northern lights that night that we could come back and try to see them another night as it is not guaranteed to witness them.
So, with hope in our hearts, we began our journey to see one of the 7 wonders of the world.
As we ventured about 45 minutes into Iceland’s countryside, we were hopeful for a night of spectacular lights dancing across the sky.
The Anticipated Temperature
I wasn’t quite sure how cold this event was going to be. I had just backpacked Holland and Belgium in August, so most of my clothes were warm-weather clothes. I was fully aware that I was in Iceland, however I was there at the supposed warmest time of the year. From the information I could find at the time, the temperature during the day would be around 50-59 degrees F (10-15 degrees C).
What were the locals wearing for clothes in August?
As I was sightseeing during the day in Iceland in August, I noticed the locals wearing winter puff coats, hats, long-sleeve shirts, and of course pants. I don’t believe I saw warm-weather clothing, so I was a bit concerned that I was going to freeze as I was on my 24-hour layover and going to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
I was going to get prepared as best as I could and dress in layers and/or bring a blanket with me for the bbbbrrrrr cold night (cold to me anyway).
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that lights up the polar skies with vibrant colors. These stunning displays occur when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmospheric gases. As these particles interact with the gases in the atmosphere—primarily oxygen and nitrogen—they produce shimmering waves of green, pink, red, and violet light that dance across the night sky.
Often regarded as one of the world’s natural wonders, the Northern Lights are celebrated for their ethereal beauty and celestial grandeur. Their mesmerizing appearance has earned them a place among the most spectacular natural phenomena on the planet, akin to other renowned natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. This recognition highlights their universal appeal and the awe they inspire, drawing visitors from around the globe to experience their fleeting and unpredictable displays.
Best Time to See Aurora Borealis
The best time to witness the Northern Lights is during the long, dark winter nights from late September to early April, when the skies are clearest and the chances of seeing the aurora are highest. Locations near the Arctic Circle, like Iceland, offer some of the most reliable and stunning views of this spectacular light show, making them prime destinations for aurora enthusiasts.
We were going to see the Northern Lights the very first week they open for the season in August. There was no guarantee we were going to see them.
Popular Locations and Times for Viewing the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can be seen in various locations around the world, primarily near the polar regions. Here are some of the top destinations and the best times to witness this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon:
Popular Locations:
Iceland: Known for its dramatic landscapes and clear night skies, Iceland is a top destination for Northern Lights viewing. Popular spots include Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Norway: Tromsø, situated above the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places in Norway to see the aurora. The Lofoten Islands and Svalbard are also renowned for their Northern Lights displays.
Sweden: Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland is famed for its clear skies and favorable aurora conditions. The nearby town of Kiruna also offers excellent viewing opportunities.
Finland: Finnish Lapland, particularly around Rovaniemi and the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, provides great chances to see the Northern Lights. The region’s remote locations offer minimal light pollution.
Canada: The Yukon, particularly around Whitehorse, and parts of Northern Canada such as the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are excellent for aurora viewing. The Northern Lights are also visible in parts of British Columbia and Alberta.
Alaska, USA: Fairbanks is one of the best places in Alaska to see the Northern Lights, with its clear skies and frequent aurora activity. Other notable locations include the northern parts of Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula.
Best Times of Year:
The Northern Lights are most visible during the winter months when the nights are longest and darkest. The optimal time to witness the aurora is from late September to early April. During these months, the long nights and clear skies offer the best conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. The peak season is generally from December to February, when the nights are at their longest and the weather is often cold and clear.
However, it’s important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and their appearance can be unpredictable. Factors such as solar activity, weather conditions, and light pollution can all influence your chances of seeing the aurora. Planning your trip to coincide with the peak viewing season and choosing a location with minimal light pollution can increase your chances of witnessing this spectacular light show.
Our Tour Experience
Our anticipation grew as we reached our first viewing location, known for its favorable Northern Lights sightings. With sunset around 50 minutes after our arrival, we patiently waited under the darkening sky. The temperature started to get cooler as the night went on. The bus was heated, thankfully.
Initially, we saw only faint remnants of the Northern Lights, but as it became darker, the colors began to slightly emerge.
The tour guide, enthusiastic and deeply engaged, added to the experience with their excitement and knowledge. I was also impressed that he took the time to explain how to capture photos with your mobile phone. He seemed to have a lot of experience and said he would be available during the night to anyone who needed assistance capturing photos.
We viewed the northern lights for about an hour at the first location, then the tour wanted to move to another location, further in where they believed we may have a better view.
We managed to capture some photos, which may not look like magazine photos of the event, but we tried to capture the very essence of the night.
Popular Viewing Locations to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is renowned for its Northern Lights displays, and several locations across the country offer prime viewing opportunities. Popular spots include Thingvellir National Park, known for its clear skies and dramatic landscapes; Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where the lights reflect off the icy waters; and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which provides excellent vantage points away from city lights. Each of these locations offers a unique backdrop for witnessing the Aurora Borealis, making them top choices for aurora enthusiasts.
Iceland and the Northern Lights
Overall, we loved our experience! It was an amazing experience to see the Northern Lights in Iceland of all places. The tour guide was top notch, the buses were warm, the people were friendly and even though we were out very late, returned around 1:30 or 2 AM, it was absolutely worth it! So grateful for this experience!
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