Where are the Northern Lights Most Visible In Iceland?
What Causes The Northern Lights?
Prepare to be awestruck by the captivating beauty of the Northern Lights, scientifically known as the Aurora Borealis. This extraordinary natural phenomenon occurs when solar particles collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a mesmerizing display of colors in the night sky.The lights are largely green with other various color splashes, such as orange, purple, red, blue, yellow, and others.
Where Do they Happen?
These lights appear at the poles of the earth and are normally visible when above 60 degrees latitude. Iceland sits at 64 degrees latitude, this makes it a prime location to view the Aurora.
Timing is key when it comes to witnessing this celestial spectacle. The Northern Lights are most likely to appear between midnight and three am, during the winter season. However, their occurrence is highly unpredictable, making each sighting unique and awe-inspiring. To maximize your chances of witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon, you’ll need to find a location with minimal light pollution and clear skies.
Regions in and around the southern part make for a preferred choice to see the aurora. These areas have longer periods of darkness with minimal cloud cover thus there are more chances to see the fantastic display of light. Viewing can also be enjoyed in the North-Eastern part of Iceland due to the presence of more open spaces, and clearer weather than what is found in the South.
Which Part of Iceland Is the Best To See the Northern Lights?
Reykjavik is a prime location in Iceland. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it is Iceland’s capital and the seat of economic and cultural activities. There are several open spaces or parks with a clear view of the sky, also with attractions that make them suitable as great viewing points. You can get up to twenty hours of darkness during the winter season in Reykjavik.
One fantastic spot to check out is the Grotta Lighthouse, situated at the edge of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. It’s like a picture-perfect postcard! This lighthouse is surrounded by beautiful black sands and serves as a nature reserve. When the lights appear, you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the show. Oh, and don’t forget about the nearby geothermal pool—perfect for warming up as you wait for the lights to dance across the sky.
If you’re up for an adventure, head further north in Iceland. There are remote areas with incredibly clear skies that offer an even better chance to witness the Northern Lights. In the peaceful village of Djúpavík, known for its old herring factory, you’ll find a hidden gem. With little light pollution and few people around, it’s a prime spot to witness the lights in all their glory.
Our Recommendations
In the north of Iceland, you can enjoy the northern lights by simply looking up at the extremely clear skies. The probability of seeing them in a 3-night stay in North Iceland is 66% and gets as high as 90% for a 5-night stay. With that in mind, Here is our recommendation
let’s talk about where to stay. Blue House B&B is your home away from home in Reykjavik. It’s cozy, comfortable, and offers personalized service that’ll make you feel like family. Picture this: after a thrilling night chasing the Northern Lights, you can retreat to your warm and inviting room at Blue House. And guess what? You might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the lights right from your window. It’s like having a front-row seat to nature’s most mesmerizing show.
At Blue House B&B, you’ll be taken care of by friendly staff who know all the best spots to see the lights. Whether you join a guided tour or venture out on your own, they’ve got you covered. You won’t have to worry about missing out on this incredible phenomenon because you’ll have a cozy room waiting for you at Blue House B&B.
Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime experience slip away. Book your stay at Blue House B&B and get ready to witness the jaw-dropping Northern Lights. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss, and the comfort and warmth of Blue House B&B will make it even more unforgettable
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The Best Places To See The Northern Lights In Iceland
