[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Tour CTA & Information Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”100px|0px|54px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/How-to-photograph-the-Northern-lights-.png” title_text=”How to photograph the Northern lights” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Tour CTA & Information Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”463px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_cta title=”How to photograph the Northern Lights – The ultimate guide ” button_url=”#TOP” _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”Noto Serif|700|||||||” header_font_size=”44px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” body_text_align=”right” body_line_height=”2em” use_background_color=”off” button_alignment=”right” text_orientation=”right” background_layout=”light” max_width=”480px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”34px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” button_text_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_border_color_hover=”#ff9e59″ button_bg_color_hover=”#ff9e59″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#ff9e59″ button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#ff9e59″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
There is perhaps nothing more magical than witnessing the beauty of a Northern Lights display, and it has been a lifelong dream of many. Bringing\u00a0home your very own shot of these magic is the cherry on the cake.<\/i><\/p>\n
However, those unpredictable, ever dancing lights don\u2019t always show up on cue – and you can’t capture them simply with your automatic mode.<\/i><\/p>\n
Here is all you need to know to capture the Aurora Borealis like a pro!<\/i><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”135px” custom_margin=”-40px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/DSC00770-scaled.jpg” title_text=”DSC00770″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Photographing the Northern Lights<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n What are the Northern Lights?<\/a><\/p>\n When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?<\/a><\/p>\n Best ways to see the Northern Lights in Iceland<\/a><\/p>\n How are my chances to see the lights – and how can I enhance them?<\/a><\/p>\n Best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland<\/a><\/p>\n What do I have to bring for my Northern Lights adventure?<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland requires knowledge, patience and a little bit of luck.\u00a0For catching a beautiful display, you will need a few factors in your favor:<\/p>\n Darkness Clear skies<\/strong> Solar activity<\/strong> Keep in mind that the index offers a forecast, but no guarantee that the Northern Lights will occur at any given time. Light pollution<\/strong> Pro-tip:<\/strong>\u00a0Keep in mind that the Moon creates light pollution too. If you are hoping to experience the Northern Lights at their best, we highly recommend choosing a period with little to no Moon.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”247px” custom_margin=”-2px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” custom_padding=”4px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The most common\u00a0auroral color<\/strong>\u00a0is green, but colors can vary from white, green, pink and purple, depending on the elements being ionized. \u00a0<\/p>\n The Northern Lights appear in the polar regions, in the so-called\u00a0auroral oval<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Located straight in the middle of this oval, Iceland is the perfect destination for observing the Northern Lights.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ module_id=”besttime” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”655px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Budir-00001-of-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern Lights at B\u00fa\u00f0ir<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In Iceland, the Aurora season starts in\u00a0late August<\/strong>\u00a0and ends\u00a0around mid-April<\/strong>. Any time during this period is favorable and has its advantages.<\/p>\n Statistically, the Aurora is most often seen around the equinoxes in September\/October and\u00a0March\/April<\/strong>.<\/p>\n As Northern Light photographers, we personally love\u00a0September\/October<\/strong>\u00a0– here<\/a>\u00a0is why.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ module_id=”howtoseethelights” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”566px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” ol_font_size=”17px” ol_line_height=”2em” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n You have several options to see the Northern Lights in Iceland:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Webside-600-800-00011-of-18.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern Lights at Sk\u00f3gafoss<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cCan you see the Aurora from the city?\u201d is a frequent question of hopeful Aurora hunters.\u00a0The answer: yes, you can – if conditions are favorable.<\/p>\n However, the experience will not be as rewarding as it can be when you leave the city lights behind and head out into the arctic\u00a0wilderness. We often compare it to watching a movie at the cinema with all the lights switched on. Dust and electrical illumination make it hard to see the auroral lights, so your eyes will process them rather faint and not as colorful.<\/p>\n That being said, if budget is a concern,\u00a0you can always try to catch the Aurora from around town.<\/p>\n Find\u00a0here the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Reykjav\u00edk.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Aurora-Reykjavik-Gift-Shop-00001-of-7.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern Lights above Aurora Reykjav\u00edk<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” ul_font_size=”17px” ul_line_height=”2em” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” custom_padding=”|||0px||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The most common way\u00a0to hunt for\u00a0the Aurora Borealis is to take a guided tour. Several tour operators run excursions regularly from\u00a0September to April<\/strong>, offering a wide range of different tours for all kind of budgets and personal preferences:<\/p>\n As unpredictable as the Aurora can be, tour operators try their best to catch the Northern Lights for you and make it a truly unique experience. If your tour gets canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions or\u00a0no lights are seen, you will get the opportunity to\u00a0reschedule or retry at no additional charge.<\/strong><\/p>\n Those on a budget will appreciate reasonably cheap\u00a0bus tours<\/a>,\u00a0which will take you on a hunt without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n Minibus tours<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0offer a\u00a0small group experience<\/strong>, and often include valuable extras such as\u00a0hot drinks on board<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0photos\u00a0of you under the Northern Lights <\/strong>taken by your expert guide. These excursions are operated on smaller vehicles than regular bus tours, allowing more flexibility when searching for the right spot to see the Aurora.<\/p>\n If you want to make your Northern Lights hunt a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, we highly recommend choosing a\u00a0super jeep tour.<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0These excursions surely offer the most personal, immersive experience and the highest chances of witnessing a spectacular display \u2013 often off the beaten path.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can find our favorite tours\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/northern-lights_45.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Photo from our popular Northern Lights Superjeep tour<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Another way to have an unforgettable Northern Lights experience is to join an Aurora evening cruise. Aurora cruises are designed for comfort, with heated indoor areas featuring a bar and toilet facilities, and warm overalls at disposal for Northern Lights watching on the decks.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that boats do not allow the same degree of mobility as bus or jeep tours can offer, and, due to the movement of the boat, photographing the Northern Lights with long exposure settings may result tricky.<\/p>\n The main strength of a Northern Lights cruise is not so much the \u2018hunt\u2019 for the lights itself, as the out-at-sea experience, the enchanting landscapes and stunning views of the Reykjav\u00edk or Akureyri skyline under the Aurora.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/elding.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n\n
<\/strong>To see the Northern Lights, darkness is required \u2013 making the hunt for the lights a night-time activity. From the end of August to mid-April<\/strong>, the skies are dark enough to witness auroral displays in Iceland.<\/p>\n
The Northern Lights occur above our weather system; therefore, clouds can spoil the visibility.\u00a0The\u00a0Northern Lights forecast\u00a0<\/a>offers a regularly updated prediction for total cloud cover over the country. As weather and wind direction change fast in Iceland, conditions are almost unpredictable at times, and tour operators often decide in the late afternoon whether factors are favorable enough to head out for the night hunt. If you go on your own, check where chances for clear skies are best right before you start your Aurora adventure.<\/p>\n
The strength of an auroral display depends on the solar activity, which is measured with the so-called\u00a0KP index<\/strong>, ranging from 0 to 9. The higher the number on the scale, the higher the auroral activity and the better your chances of witnessing fast dancing lights in various colors. \u00a0However, the Sun is constantly emitting solar particles, and even a low or moderate KP (2 or 3)<\/strong> is usually enough to experience good Northern Lights over Iceland.<\/p>\n
We have witnessed nights with a predicted KP7 and absolutely no lights, and even more often nights with a predicted KP 2 and lights dancing across the sky. If skies are clear, head out – no matter the KP.
You can monitor the KP index here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The further away you get from any source of light pollution, the better your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis are. Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in the vast and rugged Icelandic\u00a0nature – that\u2019s where the real adventure starts!<\/p>\nWhen is the best time to see the Northern Lights?<\/h1>\n
How to see the Northern Lights in Iceland<\/h1>\n
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Hunting\u00a0the Northern Lights in\u00a0Reykjavik\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Joining a guided Northern Lights Tour<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Joining a guided tour is often a fitting choice for a number of reasons:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Joining a Northern Lights Evening Cruise<\/strong><\/h2>\n