Jarðböðin – Mývatn Nature Baths : Akureyri : Seek The Aurora

Akureyri

Akureyri, often referred to as the "Capital of North Iceland," is a charming town that offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in a stunning natural setting. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture and proximity to various outdoor activities, Akureyri is an ideal spot for travelers seeking the magic of the Aurora.

Nestled at the base of the Eyjafjörður fjord, Akureyri is surrounded by mountains and lush landscapes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for Northern Lights viewing.

The prime time for Northern Lights sightings is from September to April, with the best chances occurring during the darkest months of winter (December to February).

A visit to Akureyri for the Northern Lights presents a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Only a short flight from Reykjavík why not combine both for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Akureyri. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

Aurora Probability and Atmospheric Conditions

There is a 3% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Akureyri area (forecast for 21 February 2026 at 6:30am UTC)

Kp 4.33

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

HPI 15 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz 9 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Bt 12 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 2.27 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimetre (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 521.4 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Light Levels

Moon

Waxing crescent 28%

Sunrise 8:54am

Sunset 5:57pm

Moonrise 8:34am

Moonset 12:00am

Weather Forecast for Akureyri

Clouds

-5°C Feels like -10°C

High: -5°C
Low: -13°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 28%
South-Easterly winds 3 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Akureyri

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Akureyri.

Free cancellation

Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Waterfall from Akureyri Port

4.8 (157)

6 hours From £126.49

A coach tour to Lake Mývatn from Akureyri port offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of North Iceland. The journey begins at Akureyri port, where travelers board a comfortable coach for the scenic drive to Lake Mývatn. As the coach travels through the rugged Icelandic countryside, passengers are treated to panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys. The coach stops at several points of interest along the way, allowing travelers to stretch their legs, take photos, and soak in the natural beauty of their surroundings. We return from Lake Mývatn at least 1 Hour before the ship departure, making sure you do not miss your departure.
Free cancellation

Lake Myvatn Day Tour and Godafoss Waterfall for Cruise Ships from Akureyri Port

4.5 (473)

5 - 6 hours From £151.43

Discover the magical wonderland of Lake Myvatn and Godafoss Waterfall with an experienced local tour guide. We set off from Akureryi Port stopping at the stunning Godafoss waterfall and then onto the famous Lake Myvatn area. in Lake Myvatn area we visit the Dimmuborgir Lava formations and the Námafjall area where you can view the bubbling Hverir Mud pools and Natural steam vents or fumaroles. We also stop at Myvatn Nature Baths where you can enjoy the baths and cafe (Please note the entrance fee to the Nature Baths is NOT included). Passengers can also opt to skip the Nature bath and visit Grjotagja cave and rift instead. This great value tour includes a small group tour with an experienced local tour guide and transport. We offer free pick up and drop off to Akureyri Port.
Free cancellation

Whale Watching from Downtown Akureyri

4.6 (971)

3 hours From £78.57

Experience the incredible humpback whales in Iceland's longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, aboard our specially modified sightseeing boat. This is a family friendly and great value whale watching tour, operated all year round from Akureyri, North Iceland. Elding Whale Watching Akureyri is an environmentally friendly company and recognised worldwide for its environmental efforts. Our mission and goal is to minimise the operational impact on the environment while offering an unforgettable experience at sea. We abide by a code of conduct for responsible whale watching, ensuring the wellbeing of the wildlife in our waters.
Free cancellation

Lake Myvatn, Hot-Springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri

4.4 (478)

6 hours From £142.03

Our 6 hour Lake Mývatn, Hot-springs & Godafoss Waterfall Tour from Akureyri is the perfect introduction to north Iceland. Visit Lake Mývatn, a region whose landscape has been sculpted thousands of years of volcanic activity. See the craters of Skútustaðir, the lava formations at Dimmuborgir, a stunning waterfall and much more besides. A delicious packed meal is included with your tour ticket.
Free cancellation

Cruise Tour Godafoss Turf Houses and Forest Baths Small Group

5.0 (54)

5 hours From £133.62

Join us on this tour to experience one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls, learn about Icelanders’ way of life many years ago, and finally enjoy your time in the warm water with a beautiful view of the fjord. Our guides are not only skilled drivers and timekeepers, but they are also friendly and eager to show you more. We promise a memorable experience and offer plenty of chances to take photos and capture your best moments. This tour is designed for cruise ship passengers and departs from and returns to the port in Akureyri. You can choose a tour time that matches your arrival and departure cruise times. Experience Akureyri area on a small-group shore excursion from Akureyri. Enjoy a more personalized experience. Enjoy hassle-free pickup and drop-off from Akureyri's port, with a wide range of departure times to suit your cruise schedule.
Free cancellation

Godafoss Waterfall Shore Excursion From Akureyri Port

4.5 (24)

2 hours From £62.35

Visit the beautiful Godafoss Waterfall also known as the "Waterfall of the Gods". The tour suits cruise ship passengers perfectly as it is a short drive from Akureyri with a guaranteed return to ship. We will pick you up at the pier and drive to Godafoss and there we would spend 1 hour which gives our clients pleanty enough time to take in the beautiful surroundings.

Places to check out around Akureyri

Akureyri Art Museum

Art Museum
Aldeyjarfoss

Waterfall
Aquaspa

Spa
Aðalbakarí

Bakery
Bakaríið Við Brúnna

Bakery
Bláa Kannan

Café
Brynju Ís

Ice Cream Parlor
Cafe Berlin

Breakfast Spot
Dettifoss

Waterfall
Dimmuborgir

National Park
Einstok Brewer's Lounge

Brewery
Eyjafjörður

Scenic Lookout
Eymundsson

Bookstore
Geosea

Spa
Götubarinn

Beer Garden
Goðafoss

Waterfall
Grjótagjá

Cave
Hafragilsfoss

Waterfall
HOF Menningarhús

Performing Arts Venue
Hverfjall

Volcano
Hverir

Hot Spring
Icelandic Aviation Museum

Museum
Indian Curry Hut

Indian Restaurant
Jarðböðin – Mývatn Nature Baths

Hot Spring
Kaffi Ilmur

Café
Ketilkaffi

Café
Krafla

Volcano
Leirhnjúkur

Volcano
Lystigarður Akureyrar | Botanical Gardens

Botanical Garden
Mótorhjólasafn Íslands

Museum
Mývatn

Lake
Námafjall

Volcano
Námaskarð

Hot Spring
R5 Beer lounge

Beer Bar
Reykjafoss

Waterfall
Rub23

Restaurant
Selfoss

Waterfall
Strikið

Restaurant
Sundlaug Akureyrar

Water Park
Sundlaug Þelamörk

Water Park
Sundlaugin á Hofsósi

Swimming Pool
Te & Kaffi

Coffee Shop

Explore more nearby Akureyri

Credit: ArtHouse Studio

Húsavík

66°2'50"N, 17°20'38"W

Aurora probability in Húsavík: 3%

Húsavík, Iceland, is a charming town known as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. It offers visitors incredible opportunities to see various whale species in their natural habitat, along with stunning coastal landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
Credit: Martin Brechtl

Mývatn

65°36'14"N, 16°59'45"W

Aurora probability in Mývatn: 3%

Mývatn in Northern Iceland, is a stunning lake region renowned for its unique volcanic landscapes, rich birdlife and geothermal activity, offering visitors a captivating blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Credit: Alena Timofeeva

Siglufjörður

66°9'0"N, 18°54'37"W

Aurora probability in Siglufjörður: 3%

Siglufjörður, Iceland, is a picturesque fishing town nestled in a fjord, known for its rich herring industry history, charming architecture and stunning natural surroundings, making it a captivating destination for visitors seeking both culture and scenic beauty.