Skool Beans : Vík : Seek The Aurora, Northern Lights Travel Guide

Vík

Vík í Mýrdal, commonly known as Vík, is a small village located on the southern coast of Iceland. It is renowned for its stunning black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and proximity to several natural wonders, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience Iceland’s unique landscapes.

Vík is situated near the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its basalt columns and powerful Atlantic waves. The village also serves as a gateway to explore nearby attractions such as the Dyrhólaey promontory, Skógafoss waterfall and the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.

While Vík itself is a small settlement with limited amenities, it offers a range of accommodations, restaurants and tour services catering to visitors. The village’s remote location provides excellent opportunities for stargazing and witnessing the Northern Lights during the winter months.

Credit: Julia Solonina
Credit: Rostyslav Savchyn
Credit: Marc-Antoine
Credit: Maksim Romashkin
Credit: Sebastian Palomino
Credit: Mariusz Walczuk
Credit: Raul Taciu

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Vík. 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

80%

There is a 80% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Vík 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 7:38am

Sunset 7:12pm

Moonrise 8:08am

Moonset 11:39am

Weather Forecast for Vík

Snow

-2°C Feels like -8°C

High: 2°C
Low: -2°C

Chance of precipitation 100%
Cloud cover 13%
Easterly winds 10 km/h gusts of 15 km/h
Snow 1 mm

Book an amazing adventure in Vík

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

Free cancellation

Sólheimajökull Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Walk

5.0 (2)

3 hours 30 minutes From £150.21

Explore the stunning Sólheimajökull Glacier on a thrilling hike that includes a visit to a newly discovered blue ice cave. This 3,5-hour guided adventure begins at the Base Camp where you’ll receive all necessary equipment, including crampons and an ice axe. Traverse breathtaking glacier formations and deep crevasses while learning about the glacier’s geology from an expert guide. After marveling at the crystal blue tunnel inside the cave, return across the glacier to the Base Camp, enriched by a unique Icelandic experience. - Glacier hike duration: 4 hours with a moderate difficulty - Minimum age requirement: 10 years - Professional guide with knowledge of glacier geology - All equipment provided, including crampons and ice axes for safety
Free cancellation

From Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and South Coast Day Tour

4.9 (128)

12 hours From £232.85

Join a guided tour on a minibus to the South Coast most popular sites & explore the magnificent Katla Ice Cave on super-jeep ride through an off-road. Join an expedition to explore the South Coast and the magnificent Katla Ice Cave. Enjoy the most famous locations in the South Coast like Seljalands waterfall, where you can walk behind in the summer time, Skogafoss waterfall, and the black sand beach, with fun and creative guides. Hop on a super-jeep and take a seat with your fellow adventurous companions. Make sure to fasten your seatbelt for a 40-minute off-road bumpy ride into the outstanding wilderness. On the way to the ice cave, your guide will share with you interesting stories about the Katla volcano, its destructive eruptions, and irreversible consequences. The views on the way are breathtaking, you will feel like you are on the moon. Once the exploration has finished your driver guide will be waiting for you to guide you back to Reykjavik capital area.
Free cancellation

2 Day Summer Tour to Iceland's South Coast with Glacier Hike

5.0 (2)

2 days From £452.16

Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime when choosing this two-day tour of Iceland’s South Coast. The first day’s stops include Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui waterfall, Skogafoss waterfall, and Reynisfjara black sand beach-ending in a Glacier Hike on Solheimajokull. Your hotel will be somewhere between the towns of Vik and Hofn, and you will have plenty of time to explore the area! The second-day stops include: Jokulsarlon, Diamond Beach, Amphibian Boat Tour, Eldhraun Lava Fields, The Bridge of the Volcanoes, and Fjadrargljufur River Canyon to complete our view of Icelandic nature. If time permits, we will explore more of Vik on our return drive home. The minimum age for participants is eight years. Be sure to pack warm clothing and comfortable shoes to enjoy every aspect of this experience. Dinner is late for some advise bringing snacks to prevent hungry spells. Please note that July and August are very busy on the South Coast, and this tour fills up quickly.
Free cancellation

Small-Group Ice Climbing and Glacier Hiking in Solheimajokull

4.6 (21)

4 hours 30 minutes From £188.92

If you go to Iceland you have to try out ice climbing on a glacier. All of our guides are local, professional mountain guides. We try to find three different areas climb on. We start with an easy ice wall to teach you basic skills to ice climb. Our guides tailor the climbs to suit you. You don’t have to know anything about climbing or be super fit to do this tour, this is a introduction tour so you don’t have to be afraid to try this out. What is Ice climbing? ice climbing is a sport/ activity that let you climb vertical ice walls and explore places you never thought existed. Our guides will also show you the wonders of the glacier, such as crevasses and moulins. What is a crevasse and moulins? crevasse is a crack on the glacier that is created by movement of the glacier. Moulins are water tunnel that goes vertical in to the glacier. This is perfect tour to see the glacier and try out some ice climbing with a local guide.
Free cancellation

Ancient Historical Site Tour at the Caves of Hella

4.6 (193)

1 - 1 hour 15 minutes From £40.42

Twelve ancient man-made caves have been discovered on the land of Ægissíða by Hella on the South coast of Iceland. Five of them have now been open to the public on our guided tours. The historical site is Iceland's oldest still standing archaeological remains, some believe the caves to date even further back than the settlement of the Nordic Vikings. The wonders of the Caves of Hella include ancient crosses, wall carvings and carved seats. Mystery surrounds the caves and for centuries people have wondered: Are the caves the handiwork of the Celts? Were the caves a place of ancient worship? The caves are an historic landmark site where you will learn about hidden secrets and other untold stories from Iceland's history. Join one of our local guides to discover the secrets our caves hold and experience the magical Underworld of the South. The Caves are located right next to Route 1 (the Ring Road), an approximately hour drive from Reykjavik.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Reykjavík: Westman Islands, Volcanoes and Puffins Minibus Tour

4.0 (8)

12 hours 30 minutes From £202.10

Named as one of the top travel destinations of 2024 by The New York Times, Vestmannaeyjar (also known as the Westman Islands) is a place of captivating beauty, rugged landscapes, and rich wildlife. On this day tour, we'll explore the highlights of Heimaey and discover the captivating beauty of this island off the south coast of Iceland. This tour enables you to discover natural wonders like Elephant Rock and enjoy puffin-watching at Stórhöfði cape. We'll dive into the island's rich history at the Eldheimar Museum, hike up Mt. Eldfell for stunning views, and return with unforgettable memories of this unique adventure.