Iceland
Iceland sits in the middle of the North Atlantic at around 64°N, placing the entire country within reach of the Northern Lights. Its volcanic landscape of glaciers, lava fields, hot springs and waterfalls provides some of the most dramatic aurora backdrops anywhere, and the relatively small population (around 380,000) means dark skies are easy to find outside Reykjavík.
The south coast offers black sand beaches, sea stacks and glacier-capped volcanoes, Vík and the surrounding area are particularly photogenic under the aurora. In the north, Akureyri benefits from a drier, more sheltered climate and is a gateway to the geothermal landscapes of Mývatn. Reykjavík itself is a lively, compact capital with easy access to dark countryside for evening aurora tours.
Iceland’s weather is changeable and cloud cover is the main obstacle to aurora viewing, so flexibility is important. The country’s compact size and good road network make it easy to chase clear skies, and the geothermally heated pools found across the country offer a uniquely Icelandic way to wait for the lights to appear.
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Akureyri
65°40'57"N, 18°5'26"W
Aurora probability in Akureyri: 15%
Akureyri, Iceland’s main northern town, sits at the head of Eyjafjörður fjord with a sheltered, mild climate. Its position near the Arctic Circle, dark fjord surroundings and easy access to the Mývatn area make it an excellent base for Northern Lights viewing in north Iceland.
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Reykjavík
64°8'49"N, 21°56'26"W
Aurora probability in Reykjavík: 13%
Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital, is a vibrant city with a lively cultural scene and easy access to Iceland’s dark countryside for Northern Lights viewing. The Golden Circle, Reykjanes Peninsula and surrounding lava fields are all within easy reach.
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Vík
63°25'7"N, 19°0'21"W
Aurora probability in Vík: 10%
Vík, Iceland’s southernmost village, sits on the dramatic south coast among black sand beaches, basalt sea stacks and glacier-capped volcanoes. Its remote location and dark skies make it one of the best spots on the south coast for Northern Lights viewing.
Book an amazing adventure in Iceland
Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Iceland.
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Sky Lagoon Entrance Ticket Including 7-Step Ritual
4.7 (3097)
2 hours 30 minutes From £88.42
Sky Lagoon, a scenic geothermal lagoon that opened in 2021, is a relaxing passage through Icelandic bathing culture. There you are surrounded by reefs, lava cliffs, and the open ocean and you get a chance to unplug, without having to even leave the capital area. Sky Lagoon is visited equally by locals and travelers and has become their Zen place in the city. The unique architecture invites you to time travel between centuries where the strong natural connection from the early ages and the advanced modern technology of today come together in perfect harmony. Their 7-step Ritual, a therapy of hot and cold. helps you relax and restore which is the core of the experience. At the edge of Sky Lagoon, you’ll find a 75-metre long infinity edge giving you the feeling of sea and sky coming together as one.
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Iceland South Coast Full Day Small-Group Tour from Reykjavik
4.8 (6606)
10 hours From £100.68
Visit the natural wonders of Iceland on this 10-hour tour from Reykjavik. Travel in a minibus to the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökul glacier and the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
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Golden Circle, Volcano Crater and Blue Lagoon Small-Group Tour
4.8 (2779)
11 hours From £203.96
Experience the best of Iceland's natural wonders on this one day mini bus tour. Join us for this magnificent combination of of Iceland, we will take you to the Golden Circle pearls and enoy the soothing waters of the Blue Lagoon. Book now to begin your journey!
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Katla Ice Cave Tour from Vik Small-Group Guided Adventure
4.4 (155)
3 hours From £138.32
Prepare for an epic Vik to Mýrdalsjökull 4x4 adventure! Our rugged vehicle will conquer challenging terrains as we journey from Vik to the magnificent Mýrdalsjökull glacier. The highlight? Exploring the extraordinary Katla Ice Cave, nestled within the glacier. Named after the formidable Katla volcano resting beneath, this ice cave is a natural masterpiece. Inside, you'll be mesmerized by the enchanting sight of blue and black ice formations—a testament to nature's artistry. After your Katla Ice Cave adventure, we embark on a thrilling return journey to Vik. Along the way, capture more of Iceland's rugged beauty, making this trip a photographer's dream. This Vik to Mýrdalsjökull 4x4 expedition offers the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. So, gear up, hop on board, and get ready for an unforgettable journey from Vik to Mýrdalsjökull in a 4x4, with Katla Ice Cave as our ultimate target. Book now for an adventure that will leave you in awe!
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Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland
5.0 (21049)
3 hours From £111.11
Local food, city & history tour of Reykjavik. In the tastiest sight seeing tour in Iceland, we explore down town Reykjavik through delicious local cuisines that you would never come across in your typical “to-do in Iceland” itinerary! You will stroll around the city and visit 5-6 wonderful local restaurants with a fun & knowledgeable guide by your side. In our tours you will have a chance to try the best local cuisines of Iceland in each season, like the delicious Icelandic lamb, home made Icelandic ice cream from a secret family recipe, an authentic catch of the day, a hot dog from the famous Icelandic hot dog stand and much more! If you like to experience Reykjavik, Iceland’s culture, unique cuisine, local restaurants and make new friends, you should definitely join our Reykjavik Food Walk. Just make sure you show up hungry!
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Golden Circle Classic Day Tour from Reykjavik
4.5 (5758)
6 hours 30 minutes From £63.03
Discover some of the best sites in Iceland on the the Golden Circle Tour, in the company of a professional guide who will tell you all you need to know about the area's history, culture and nature. Leave the city behind and get into the history of Iceland at Thingvellir National Park, witness the powerful beauty of a multi-tiered waterfall at Gullfoss and walk among bubbling geothermal pools at Geysir Geothermal Area.
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