Sundlaugin á Hofsósi : Akureyri : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

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

83%

There is a 83% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Akureyri area (forecast for 14 March 2026 at 3:37am UTC)

Kp 5.67

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 108 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 -7 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 10 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 0.47 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 662.5 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

Waning crescent 30%

Sunrise 7:36am

Sunset 7:07pm

Moonrise 9:43am

Moonset 9:58am

Weather Forecast for Akureyri

Snow

3°C Feels like 0°C

High: 4°C
Low: -5°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 46%
South-Westerly winds 4 km/h
Rain 1 mm
Snow 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Akureyri

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

Free cancellation

Original Big Whale Safari & Puffins Speedboat Tour from Húsavík

4.8 (417)

2 hours From £130.93

Join Iceland's original RIB whale watching tour on modern speedboats Cover a wide area of Skjálfandi Bay aboard a fast, modern RIB speedboat to maximise your chances of spotting large whales in the wild Learn about Iceland's nature and wildlife from an expert guide Stay warm in safety overalls provided by the crew Choose a truly locally owned family company in Húsavík
Free cancellation Private tour

Private Diamond Circle Tour from Akureyri

4.7 (3)

10 hours From £1572.61

Embark on an unforgettable journey through North Iceland’s breathtaking Diamond Circle from Akureyri. Discover the geothermal wonders of Lake Mývatn, with its bubbling mud pools, lava formations, and rich birdlife. Witness the sheer power of Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and take in the serene beauty of Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped glacial valley steeped in legend. Visit Húsavík, the whale-watching capital of Iceland, where you can enjoy charming coastal scenery. Conclude the adventure at Goðafoss, the majestic “Waterfall of the Gods,” before returning to Akureyri. Please note: Any extra activities not listed in this description may incur additional fees.
Free cancellation

Cruise Tour Godafoss and Myvatn Lake and Dettifoss Small Group

5.0 (14)

7 - 9 hours From £203.86

Our journey takes us along Eyjafjörður, one of Iceland’s longest fjords, to our first destination, the Goðafoss waterfall, which holds great significance in Iceland’s history. Next, we will explore the beauty of Lake Mývatn, where we can appreciate stunning sights such as Skútustaðagígar, also known as pseudo craters. This unique phenomenon can only be found in a few places around the world, including Iceland, Hawaii, one in the Azores, and even on the planet Mars. Additionally, we will visit Dimmuborgir, an area of extraordinary lava formations. We will then proceed to the Hverir geothermal area, where many smoking fumaroles and boiling mud pots can be observed. After Hverir, we will travel approximately 40 minutes to see Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. We will have the opportunity to visit the enchanting Grjótagjá cave to admire the hot blue river. The adventurous can even take a photo standing on two tectonic plates.
Free cancellation

Traditional Whale Watching from Húsavík by Local Family Company

4.4 (389)

3 hours From £74.69

Sail aboard a traditional Icelandic oak boat from Húsavík, the Whale Capital of Iceland Enjoy a relaxed 3-hour whale watching tour in Skjálfandi Bay Discover whales and Icelandic wildlife with knowledgeable local guides Stay warm in safety overalls provided by the crew Choose a truly locally owned family company in Húsavík
Free cancellation Special offer

Day Trip to Lake Mývatn And The Nature Baths from Akureyri

4.9 (75)

8 hours From £122.31

Hop on a small group tour with a personal service that takes you along the route of Goðafoss waterfall, pseudo crater areas, Dimmuborgir, Hverir in Námafjall (boiling mud pots) and the Mývatn Nature baths, the blue lagoon of the North. Please note that the entry fee to the baths, as well as a bathing suit and a towel, is not included.
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Classic MiniBus Tour from Akureyri

4.3 (82)

2 - 3 hours From £109.84

This wonderful tour takes you hunting for Northern lights with an expert top rated local Northern Lights guide. Our hunt takes you from Akureyri town to the countryside away from the bright city lights so that the Northern Lights can be seen in all their beauty and colours. The local guide will share Icelandic tales during the journey and there is a chance to buy professional photos of your night. You will receive a free retry the next evening if no Northern Lights are seen (provided we a running a group tour the next day). We also include free pick and drop off from Hotels/Guesthouses in Akureyri.

Places to check out around Akureyri

Aðalbakarí

Bakery
Akureyri Art Museum

Art Museum
Aldeyjarfoss

Waterfall
Aquaspa

Spa
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
Goðafoss

Waterfall
Götubarinn

Beer Garden
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: 83%

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: 83%

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: 83%

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.