Experience Iceland's Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are visible for around eight months of the year in Iceland, from early September to the beginning of April. It is never guaranteed that you will see these ever-shifting lights dance and it all depends on your luck, weather and solar activityDon’t leave town
If you are travelling on a budget or don’t want to rent a car or travel with a group, don’t fear you may still get to see the Northern Lights from the city of town you are staying in. Most people when visiting Iceland stay in Rekyavik, and as this is quite a spread-out city all you need to do is find the darkest place possible to increase your chance of spotting this phenomenon. WorldPin recommends the Grotta Light house, which is situated on the Seltjarnarned Peninsula as there is very little light pollution here. If you are staying in places outside of Rekjavik, except for Akureyri, you should be able to find somewhere easily as there is a lot less light pollution
Guided Group Tours
Guided Group Tours are by far the most popular way to see the Northern Lights whilst in Iceland. All tours are usually expertly led, meaning that the guides will have done their research before taking you to the most promising places. The other benefit of a guided tour is that should the tour be cancelled as it is unlikely you will see them, usually you will be given the opportunity to go again free of charge. You can also get a cracking deal when you combine the Northern Lights tour with a Golden Triangle tour; this does bump the price up slightly but means you experience the best of Iceland.
Hire a Car
Providing that you have a valid driver licence, hiring a car in Iceland is a good option for those who want a more intimate experience and fancy the adventure of hunting for them alone. The benefit of this option is that there are no time limits or other people to distract you. You must be cautious when exploring this option as the roads in Iceland can be treacherous especially from November to March, and it is always best to plan your route in advance. If you have little driving experience in wintery conditions then it would be best to look for an alternative way to see the Lights.
By Boat
Boat tours are available from Reykyavik and Akureyri, from here you are taken out to sea and far from any light pollution, giving you the best opportunity to see this natural phenomenon. It can be more costly than a guided group tour, but you still get all the benefits including a second chance to see them if you cruise is unsuccessful of cancelled. Another added unintentional benefit of a boat tour is the possibility to see whales, dolphins or harbour porpoises.
