VIAJE DE AURORAS BOREALES DESDE REIKJAVÍK: CONSEJOS Y TRUCOS PARA PLANIFICAR TU BÚSQUEDA DE AURORAS BOREALES

Ver la aurora boreal es una de esas experiencias inolvidables que Islandia convierte en inolvidables. Con la planificación adecuada, ropa abrigada y un poco de suerte de la Madre Naturaleza, podrás contemplar el cielo nocturno danzando en verde, morado y rosa justo encima de ti.

Whether you want expert guidance or prefer a self-guided adventure, here’s how to plan your Reykjavík Northern Lights trip like a pro.

Por qué Reikjavík es una Base Ideal

Las Mejores Experiencias de Auroras Boreales desde Reikjavík

Las Mejores Opciones de Tour

Qué Empacar para un Viaje en Busca de las Auroras Boreales

Cómo Leer el Pronóstico de la Aurora Boreal

Hazlo tú Mismo vs. Tours: ¿Qué es mejor?

Selecciona tu Primera Noche Disponible para ver Las Auroras Boreales

Consejos Finales para tu Aventura de la Aurora Boreal en Reikjavík

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Por qué Reikjavík es una Base Ideal

Reykjavík is ideally positioned for Northern Lights adventures: close enough to dark rural skies, yet with easy access to tours and transport. The biggest challenge in the city itself is light pollution, which is why heading out of town is key.

Before diving into tours and logistics, here’s a quick overview of how to beat the lights and improve your odds of seeing the auroras.

Aurora Boreal sobre una granja islandesa

This could be you! Join a northern lights tour for an unforgettable experience

Auroras Boreales sobre Hraunfossar, Oste de Islandia

Luna llena en el Parque Nacional Thingvellir, Islandia

Las Mejores Experiencias de Auroras Boreales esde Reikjavík

While it is sometimes possible to see the northern lights from the Icelandic Capital, it is by leaving the city lights behind that you will experience the Aurora in full force.

Reykjavík is the departure point for most northern lights tours in Iceland. Just get on board, we’ll get you there!

Here are some of the best ways to chase the northern lights away from the city, when based in Reykjavík.

Las Mejores Opciones de Tour

Aventura Premium: Tour en Super Jeep para ver la Aurora Boreal

Perfect if you want an off-road hunt in style, these tours go beyond the city lights for serious northern lights seekers. Expect free pickup, great photos, hot drinks, and a higher chance of clear skies.

This is a memorable choice if it’s your first visit and you want a guided chase with local insight.

Book here: Northern Lights Superjeep Tour

Northern Lights super jeep tour - www.aurorareykjavik.is

Auroras boreales en la naturaleza, durante un recorrido en superjeep

Auroras boreales sobre un lago congelado

Diversión en Grupos Pequeños – Tour de Auroras Boreales en Grupo Reducido

A popular choice for travellers who want expert guidance without the private tour price tag. Includes pickup/drop-off, free photos, hot chocolate, and treats.

Find out more: Northern Lights Minibus Tour

Paisajes Únicos – Auroras Boreales en Barco

Seeing the aurora over the water, away from land lights, can create amazing reflections and a special experience. Ferry tours often include comfy seating, bar service, and free Wi-Fi.

Join our Northern Lights Cruise

Budget-Friendly – Northern Lights by Bus

Un tour en autobús para ver la aurora boreal es ideal para viajeros con presupuesto ajustado. Estos tours parten de Reikjavík hacia cielos más oscuros con guía, bebidas calientes, y garantía de auroras (reintento gratuito si no las llegas a ver).

Crucero de auroras boreales en Reikjavík

Tours Privados y Combos Especiales

Looking for something more adventurous, private, or combined with other activities? There are private tours and multi-day combos that blend northern lights chasing with glacier hikes, waterfalls, and south coast scenery.
Here are some of our top picks:

Find out our hand-picked selection of northern lights excursions and day tours here.

Auroras Boreales en zonas rurales

Qué Empacar para un Viaje en Busca de las Auroras Boreales

El invierno en Islandia es frío, oscuro y mágico, así que vamos a prepararte bien para el viaje:

Elementos esenciales de ropa

Capas base térmicas
Abrigo de invierno aislante
Capas exteriores impermeables y cortavientos
Gorro y bufanda
Guantes
Calcetines gruesos de lana
Botas de invierno resistentes

Night-Hunting Gear

Headlamp or flashlight
Portable charger + spare batteries
Tripod + camera with manual settings
Thermos with a warm drink

Find out more about tips and recommendations for travelling in Iceland in winter here.

Useful Tools

Official Live Aurora Forecast (cloud cover + aurora probability)
Real time cameras – in Reykjavík and the Golden Circle
Road conditions + Travel Alerts

Pro tips: Checking real-time KP index and cloud patterns before you head out and be patient: auroras are fickle but worth the wait!

NORTHERN LIGHTS AND SOUTH SHORE Combo Tour with Reykjavik Sightseeing and AURORA REYKJAVIK

Northern Lights over Geysir, in the Golden Circle

Aurora Boreal verde y roja

Cómo Leer el Pronóstico de la Aurora Boreal

Auroras are unpredictable, but forecasts help you game-plan your nights.

As reading the northern lights forecast is tricky, we have put together a guide for you: How to Read an Aurora Forecast: Your Complete Guide to Not Miss the Northern Lights

Ideal Conditions

Moderate to high KP
Clear skies
Optimal darkness: peak aurora activity
Away from city lights: unpolluted skies improve visibility

DIY vs. Tour: What’s Best?

Tours are great if:

You want local guidance and transport
Roads and weather are unfamiliar
You’d like photos + hot drinks included

DIY aurora hunting is great if:

You’re confident driving Icelandic winters
You want freedom to chase breaks in the clouds
You have your own camera plan

Both work: locals and travellers alike find success with both approaches. If you’re unsure, booking a tour early in your trip gives you a safety net while you explore independent options later.

Check out our tips and tricks to driving yourself to see the northern lights.

Pareja bajo las auroras boreales verdes y rosas

Travellers enjoying a northern lights display

Aurora Expert Grétar Jónsson, owner and CEO of AURORA REYKJAVÍK capturing the Northern Lights at Sólheimarkökull, Iceland

Selecciona tu Primera Noche Disponible para ver Las Auroras Boreales

Since Northern Lights sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity, tours can occasionally be postponed or rescheduled due to weather conditions.

To improve the likelihood of actually seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, it’s smart to schedule your Northern Lights tour for the very first night of your trip.

Maximise Your Chances

By planning your Northern Lights adventure early in your stay, you’ll have extra nights as backup options in case you need to try again.

This is why most Northern Lights tours from Reykjavík offer free rebookings or “retry” guarantee. In case of an unsuccessful first Aurora tour, you’ll be able to go again – at no additional cost.

Auroras Boreales en Reykjanes capturadas por AURORA REYKJAVÍK

Northern lights dancing in the winter sky

Consejos Finales para tu Aventura de la Aurora Boreal en Reikjavík

Book early: the best tours fill up in high season.
Plan multiple nights: auroras don’t show every night.
Stay flexible: weather and aurora activity can change fast.
Bring warm layers: it can get very cold out under the stars.

ÚNETE AL MEJOR TOUR DE AURORAS BOREALES EN ISLANDIA

Así que, si puedes, compra el billete, sube al viaje. Encontrarás nuestra selección de tours aquí:

ver todos los tours

NUESTROS TOURS MÁS POPULARES

Northern Lights Superjeep Tour from Reykjavik with free Pickup

RESERVA AHORA

TOUR EN SUPER JEEP DE LA AURORA BOREAL

ASPECTOS DESTACADOS:

✓ Tour guiado premium de Auroras Boreales en un super jeep ✓ Recogida y regreso gratuitos ✓ Fotografías gratuitas de calidad ✓ Chocolate caliente chocolate casero ✓ Vehículos con calefacción todo el viaje

TASA DE ÉXITO MÁS ALTA

ENTRADA A AURORA REYKJAVÍK INCLUIDA - AHORRA 3900 ISK

RESERVA AHORA

AURORA BOREAL Y COSTA SUR

ASPECTOS DESTACADOS:

✓ OFERTA 2 EN 1: AHORA MÁS DE 2000 ISK ✓ Visita el glaciar Sólheimarjökull ✓ Pasea por la ciudad de Vík ✓ Camina por la playa de arena negra ✓ Contempla las majestuosas cascadas Skógafoss y Seljalandsfoss ✓ Presencia la La danza de las Auroras Boreales MEJOR RELACIÓN CALIDAD-PRECIO AURORAS BOREALES GARANTIZADAS: REINTENTO GRATUITO SI NO SE VEN LAS LUCES

Small Group Northern Lights Photography tour with free pickup in Reykjavik

RESERVA AHORA

TOUR DE AURORAS BOREALES EN GRUPO REDUCIDO

ASPECTOS DESTACADOS:

✓ Tour de Auroras Boreales en minibus

✓ Fotografías gratuitas de ti bajo las Auroras Boreales

✓ Chocolate caliente y pasteles caseros

✓ Recogida y regreso gratuitos

EL TOUR MÁS POPULAR

PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES SOBRE LA AURORA BOREAL

¿Cuándo puedo ver las Auroras Boreales en Islandia?

The northern lights season in Iceland begins in late August and continues through mid/late April.
During this long period, Iceland experiences sufficient darkness for the Aurora to be visible at night.
However, chances of experiencing the northern lights vary depending on the time of year. Find out which months are the best for seeing the Aurora here.

¿Puedes ver la aurora boreal durante la luna llena?

Sí. Las auroras fuertes permanecen claramente visibles incluso durante la luna llena.

¿A qué hora aparecen las auroras boreales?

Northern lights are statistically often seen between 9:00pm and 1:00am, but they may appear at any time as long as it is dark (and the sky clear). During the winter months, when the hours of light are limited, the northern lights can often appear as early at 7:00pm. As the exact time of an Aurora display cannot be predicted, keep your eyes at the sky. And remember, patience is key!

¿Cuánto duran las auroras boreales?

Auroras can last any time between few minutes and hours. Each northern lights display is different, and varies in duration. Furthermore, the northern lights are not always visible for the entire duration of a single Auroral episode: they often change in intensity throughout a single display, and can go from very bright to incredibly faint, to the point they are hardly visible at all any more. Learn more about how the northern lights behave duration-wise here.

¿Puedo ver la aurora boreal cuando está nublado?

Well, that depends. First of all, Iceland is well-known for its unpredictable weather: the fact that it is cloudy now does not mean that the sky will still be cloudy 5 minutes from now. As long as we can find some gaps in the cloud cover, some windows of clear sky – there’s hope. And, even when it’s cloudy, keep in mind that not all clouds are the same. For example, high clouds are often see-through and do not necessarily disrupt our view. Rule of thumb: if you can see the stars, you can potentially see the northern lights too. Once again, keep your eyes at the sky and check the forecast regularly for the most reliable prediction.

¿Las auroras boreales sólo aparecen cuando hace frío?

The northern lights season in Iceland starts in late summer. As you can imagine, this means that you don’t need cold temperatures to see an Aurora (although you should not expect t-shirt weather at night in Iceland, not even in August). The northern lights happen way above the weather systems, and are not influenced by weather systems and temperature fluctuations in the lower atmosphere. Find out more here.

¿Se ven las auroras boreales en toda Islandia?

Iceland is located within the so called “aurora belt“, the area where the northern lights are typically seen. In the Arctic region, the belt extends between 60°N and 70°N latitude. As Iceland in its entirety is included between 63°N and 67°N, and therefore well within the aurora belt, chances of seeing the northern lights are virtually the same everywhere around the island – if weather allows. That said, the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights is higher away from the city lights, and some areas around the country are especially scenic. Here are our favourite locations for northern lights spotting in Iceland.

¿Son realmente coloridas las auroras boreales?

¿Es mejor la luna nueva para ver auroras boreales?

Puede ayudar con las auroras débiles, pero la actividad solar y la cobertura de nubes importan mucho más.

¿Es la luna llena buena para fotografiar la aurora?

Sí, a menudo mejora los paisajes, los primeros planos y la nitidez de la imagen.

Katarina Raker

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: KATARINA RAKER

Katarina Raker is a passionate Northern Lights expert and award-winning photographer based in Iceland. With years of experience chasing the aurora across the Arctic, she combines her love for storytelling with a deep knowledge of the science behind the Northern Lights. As a team member at Aurora Reykjavík, Katarina is dedicated to helping travelers experience the magic of the aurora borealis through expert tips, guided tours, and stunning photography. When she’s not capturing the sky’s most dazzling displays, Katarina enjoys exploring Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and sharing her adventures with the world.