25 Best spots to see the northern lights in Iceland

As photographers and northern lights chasers from Aurora Reykjavík,  we’ve spent countless nights under Iceland’s incredible skies. With years of experience, we know the best places to catch the auroras—and how to have fun while doing it!

Whether you’re heading out for a solo adventure or joining a tour, we’re here to share our favorite spots to watch the northern lights. Spoiler alert: there’s no single “best place” to see them because the lights can pop up anywhere! That said, some spots are more scenic or easier to reach than others, so we’re breaking down 25 of our top picks.

Let’s dive into our favorite northern lights locations and throw in some safety tips to keep you warm and cozy on your adventure. And hey, if you’re not up for the DIY route, we’ve got you covered with guided tours—because sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and enjoy the show.

Too comfy in Reykjavik to venture far? No worries. Grotta Lighthouse is just outside the city and offers great views of the auroras over the ocean—perfect for a quick lights chase. Located at the Seljananes Peninsula, this spot is one of the darkest inside the capital area, and you will automatically face north if you observe the lighthouse – the direction, where the lights usually occur from.

• Arrive Early for Best Positioning: Grótta is popular, especially during aurora season. Arriving early lets you secure the best spots, particularly if you want to include the iconic Grótta lighthouse as a foreground element. This helps frame the Northern Lights beautifully, adding structure to your composition.

• Tide Awareness: Check the tide schedule before heading out. Grótta is surrounded by water, and at high tide, some of the pathways can be inaccessible. Don’t get stuck on the island!

• Settings for Northern Lights: Use a tripod and set your exposure between 5-20 seconds, depending on aurora intensity. A wide-angle lens is ideal, allowing you to capture both the lights and the expansive coastal landscape. Keep your ISO between 1600-3200, adjusting for the aurora’s brightness and the surrounding darkness.

• Foreground Interest with the Lighthouse: Including Grótta’s lighthouse in your shot adds a sense of place and scale, creating a captivating focal point against the dancing lights. Use the lighthouse to frame your photo or as a silhouette to emphasize the vibrant sky.

• Capture Reflections in Pools: If the tide is low, look for shallow pools along the beach that can mirror the auroras. These reflections add a layer of depth and visual interest, making the lights appear even more magical.

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3. Reykjanes

Reykjanesviti, Iceland’s oldest lighthouse, stands proudly on the Reykjanes Peninsula, surrounded by rugged cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and geothermal hot springs. Just offshore, dramatic sea stacks rise from the ocean, adding a striking element to the scene. This unique setting, with its unobstructed views over the North Atlantic, is perfect for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The auroras dancing over the lighthouse, with the sea stacks silhouetted against the vibrant sky, create a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. Reykjanesviti is truly an ideal destination for those seeking a scenic and secluded spot to witness the magic of the Northern Lights.

5. Kleifarvatn

Kleifarvatn, located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, just 30 minutes from Reykjavik, is one of the most serene spots to witness the northern lights in Iceland. Its remote location and lack of light pollution make it a perfect aurora viewing destination. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and still waters, the reflections of the northern lights on the lake create a magical experience.

There are several small parking lots along the road, with different view points. 

7. Gullfoss

Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, is a must-see stop along the Golden Circle route. Cascading in two dramatic stages into a rugged canyon, Gullfoss offers breathtaking views year-round. During winter, its surrounding landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, making it an extraordinary location to witness the Northern Lights. As the auroras dance above, the waterfall’s misty spray and icy formations reflect the vivid colors, creating a magical, otherworldly scene. Gullfoss’s accessibility and powerful natural beauty make it an ideal destination for anyone exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle and hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Just keep in mind that there’s often wind and a lot of spray from the waterfall – take a lens cleaning cloth with you and dress very well. 

9. Seljalandsfoss

Photographing Seljalandsfoss under the Northern Lights is a rare experience that requires patience and a bit of luck, but when the conditions align, the result is pure magic.

1. Timing with Solar Activity: Seljalandsfoss faces west, which means you’ll need strong solar activity to catch the Northern Lights in the right spot. 

2. Finding the Best Angle: One of the most magical shots is from behind the waterfall, but it can get slippery and wet, especially at night. It’s better to walk a bit further away along the road, to get the full waterfall, but also leave enough space for the sky.

3. Foreground Elements: The spray from the falls adds a beautiful, misty quality to your shots. Experiment with compositions using the water as your foreground and the auroras as the backdrop. This layered effect can create a truly dynamic image.

4. Protect Your Gear: Be prepared for the spray—it can fog up your lens and make for a slippery walk behind the falls. Bring lens cloths and protective covers, especially if you’re trying for shots from behind.

5. Get Creative with Light: Try including a soft light source, like a headlamp or low-output flashlight, to gently illuminate parts of the foreground. This can add depth to your photo, highlighting details in the rocks and water without overpowering the natural light from the auroras. Seljalandsfoss itself is illuminated at night, making it tricky for close-ups, unless you stack images with different exposure times.