Driving Yourself to See the Northern Lights: Safe Routes, Tips, and Mistakes to Avoid (Iceland 2026 Guide)
How to Plan a Safe Self-Drive Northern Lights Chase
Safety Tips for Winter Driving in Iceland
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When You Should NOT Drive Yourself
Start Your Northern Lights Night at Aurora Reykjavík
Is It Safe to Drive to See the Northern Lights?
The simple answer: Yes — but only if you prepare well.
Every winter, thousands of visitors in Iceland choose a self-drive northern lights chase. It gives you freedom, flexibility, and the magic of experiencing the aurora in complete silence.
But Iceland’s winter roads can be snowy, windy, icy, and unpredictable, so planning is essential. This guide walks you through safe driving routes, real local tips, what NOT to do, and how to increase your chances of seeing the lights.
How to Plan a Safe Self-Drive Northern Lights Chase
Step 1 – Check the Weather and Cloud Forecast
Clear skies matter more than anything. Before driving, always check:
- Cloud map (low, mid, high clouds)
- Wind speed — anything above 15–18 m/s can be dangerous
- Road conditions (rockfalls, ice, snow, closed roads)
- Warnings from the Icelandic Met Office
💡 At Aurora Reykjavík, we combine Iceland’s cloud forecast with real space-weather data. Check our updated Northern Lights Forecast before you go.
Step 2 – Choose Safe and Accessible Routes From Reykjavík
Here are the best self-drive northern lights locations, all within 20–60 minutes of Reykjavík and with relatively safe access.
Route A – Seltjarnarnes / Grótta Lighthouse (20 minutes)
- Closest dark-sky area to Reykjavík
- Flat, easy roads
- Perfect for a short evening drive
- Great for families
👉 If clouds move in, return to Reykjavík and visit Aurora Reykjavík, Iceland’s only place to see the Northern Lights guaranteed all year.
Route B – Þingvellir National Park (45 minutes)
- One of the darkest and quietest locations
- Wide viewpoints and safe parking
- Avoid the steep side roads — stay on the main route
⚠️ Watch for icy patches and drifting snow on the final stretch.
Route C – Mosfellsdalur Valley (25 minutes)
- Close, sheltered, easy winter drive
- Fewer tourists
- Beautiful mountain silhouettes for photography
Route D – Reykjanes Peninsula (40–50 minutes)
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- Excellent visibility toward the ocean
- Little light pollution
- Combine with geothermal areas like Gunnuhver
⚠️ Storm-prone area — only go when wind is low. The peninsula can become extremely windy with little warning.
Northern Lights over the South Coast
Safety Tips for Winter Driving in Iceland
1. Slow Down — Ice Isn’t Always Visible
Black ice is common, especially after sunset.
Drive slower than you would expect and keep a safe distance.
2. Never Stop in the Middle of the Road
This is the most common mistake tourists make.
Always use official parking areas or wide lay-bys.
Stopping on the roadside in the dark is extremely dangerous.
3. Bring a Fully Charged Phone + Power Bank
Cold weather drains batteries quickly.
Download offline maps in case you lose signal.
4. Watch the Wind
In Iceland, wind is often more dangerous than snow.
If your car door is hard to open — go home.
If you see blowing snow across the road, turn back.
5. Dress for Arctic Conditions
You may stand outside for long periods:
- Wool base layers
- Down jacket
- Gloves + hat
- Waterproof boots
6. Don’t Chase “KP Numbers” While Driving
KP Index is NOT what determines visibility in Iceland.
Clouds matter more — and KP 2–3 is usually enough.
👉 Learn the easy way to read aurora data on our Forecast Page.
Northern Lights over the Blue Lagoon
Northern Lights with ocean view
Common Mistakes First-Time Aurora Drivers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Mistake 1 – Driving Too Far
If the aurora appears while you drive, you might miss the show.
Choose a few nearby safe spots instead of long distances.
❌ Mistake 2 – Relying Only on Instagram Spot
Many “secret places” online are dangerous, dead ends, or private property.
Stick to official viewpoints.
❌ Mistake 3 – Forgetting About Moonlight
The moon can brighten the sky — but it also creates beautiful contrasts.
Don’t cancel a chase just because the moon is full.
❌ Mistake 4 – Giving Up Too Early
Auroras come in waves.
If there’s a break in the clouds, stay at least 20–30 minutes.
When You Should NOT Drive Yourself
There are days when self-driving is not a good idea:
- Yellow or red weather warnings
- Winds over 20–25 m/s
- Freezing rain
- Road closures
- Poor visibility from blowing snow
On those days, join a Northern Lights Tour instead — professional drivers know safe routes and conditions.
👉 Check out our Northern Lights Tours selection
👉 Our team at Aurora Reykjavík works with the best and safest tour companies in Iceland.
Aurora Expert Grétar Jónsson, owner and CEO of AURORA REYKJAVÍK capturing the Northern Lights at Sólheimarjökull, Iceland
Northern Lights above Aurora Reykjavík
Start Your Northern Lights Night at Aurora Reykjavík
Even if you’re planning a self-drive chase, begin your evening with:
✔ Live aurora forecasts
✔ Expert tips from real Northern Lights hunters
✔ Photo training in our Aurora photography room
✔ A guaranteed Northern Lights experience in case the weather changes
👉 Book your ticket here
👉 Open every day – perfect warm-up before heading into the dark.
Conclusion
Self-driving to see the Northern Lights in Iceland can be magical — if you choose safe routes, check the weather carefully, and avoid common mistakes. With the right preparation, your Northern Lights chase will be one of the most unforgettable nights of your trip.
And if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Aurora Reykjavík is the only place in Iceland where you can see the Northern Lights every day of the year.
Green northern lights and stars over a hill, with lighthouse in backdrop
Join us on a guided Northern Lights Tour
FAQs About the Northern Lights
1. Can I see the Northern Lights in summer?
No, the midnight sun in summer makes the sky too bright for aurora visibility. Plan your trip for winter months.
2. What colors can I expect to see?
Green is the most common color, but under strong solar activity, you may see pink, red, and purple.
3. Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?
While auroras occur every night, visibility depends on weather and solar activity. Many tours offer a retry guarantee if you don’t see them.
External Resources
Enhance your aurora knowledge with these trusted resources:
- NOAA Aurora Forecast – Real-time updates on geomagnetic activity.
- Space.com Northern Lights Guide – Learn about the science behind the aurora borealis.
- Visit Iceland Official Site – Plan your trip to Iceland with ease.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to experience one of nature’s most magical displays. Whether you’re planning your trip or already in Iceland, the aurora awaits!