Standing under a winter sky in North Iceland and watching the aurora borealis roll across it is one of those things that’s hard to describe after the fact. The colours — green, pink, violet — move in ways that feel almost deliberate, and the silence around you makes the whole thing stranger and more beautiful than any photograph suggests.
Why Here?
From late August to mid-April, the nights are long and the air is sharp, which together give you a genuine window for aurora hunting. What sets North Iceland apart is a combination of things: wide-open landscapes, almost no light pollution once you leave town, and skies that can clear dramatically after a grey afternoon. One minute you’re watching clouds shift over a fjord; the next, the Milky Way is above you and the lights have started moving.
Let Someone Who Knows Take You There
You can absolutely go out on your own — if you’re comfortable reading weather charts and don’t mind sitting in a cold car waiting — but a local guide changes the dynamic. They know which spots are reliably dark, which roads are passable in winter, and how to keep an evening from turning miserable when the temperature drops hard. Warm boots and a hot drink matter more than you’d think at 1 a.m. in January.
Here are several reputable tour operators in North Iceland, each offering a unique northern lights adventure:
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Geo Travel: Specializes in winter tours, including the popular “Northern Lights – From Mývatn,” where they’ve honed their aurora-chasing skills over the years. geotravel.is
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Saga Travel: Based in Akureyri, this operator provides a variety of tours, including bus and photography-specific options for the aurora seeker. sagatravel.is
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Imagine Iceland Travel: Focused on small-group and private tours, this company excels in providing intimate experiences tailored to aurora enthusiasts. Imagine Iceland
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The Traveling Viking: Operating out of Akureyri, they offer a unique slow-travel approach to aurora tours, emphasizing a leisurely exploration of the winter landscape. The Traveling Viking
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County Travel: This operator specializes in private northern lights tours through the tranquil beauty of North Iceland’s nature. Sýsli – Tours and driving instructing
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Star Travel: A family-run operator offering intimate, small-group tours, including special evenings dedicated to witnessing the northern lights. Star Travel
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Arctic Trip: Founded by a guide with decades of local experience, Arctic Trip has earned its place as a recommended operator on Visit North Iceland. Arctic Trip
Handy Tips for Your Night Out
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Dress Warmly: Layer up with thermals, windproof jackets, gloves, and sturdy boots to ensure your comfort in the cold.
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Check the Forecasts: Monitor local aurora and cloud forecasts ahead of time; clear skies can make all the difference.
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Bring a Tripod: If you’re keen on capturing the moment, be sure to use a tripod and set your camera to manual mode, focusing on wide lenses, high ISO, and long exposures.
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Plan Early: Try to witness the lights early in your trip. If one night proves less vibrant, you may have another opportunity.
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Savor the Moment: Regardless of the intensity of the auroras, finding yourself beneath a silent winter sky is an experience to cherish.
In Short
North Iceland is a serious contender for the best aurora viewing in the country. Pick your night, find a guide if it helps, dress for the cold, and then just look up.
