[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_image=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Full-Moon-Aurora-in-South-Iceland-1-scaled.jpg” parallax=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Fire in the Northern Sky: Aurora Mythology and Medieval Icelandic Sagas” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Pingvellir-March-19-00001-of-1.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Myths and Meanings Around the World<\/strong><\/p>\n Icelandic Folklore<\/strong><\/p>\n The Curious Case of Icelandic Sagas<\/strong><\/p>\n When Myth Meets Science<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][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=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Northern Lights or <\/span>aurora borealis<\/span><\/i>, shimmering in their shades of green, red and violet, have fascinated humans for millennia. To peoples across the Arctic, they were signs from the divine, messages from the dead, or even forces of luck and danger. Yet, for a land like Iceland with its dramatic skies and frequent aurora displays, there are surprisingly <\/span>few references to the Northern Lights in its medieval literature<\/b>, including the famous Icelandic sagas.<\/span><\/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\/2018\/08\/DSC01303-scaled.jpg” alt=”Northern lights over a lake” title_text=”Northern lights over a lake – Aurora Reykjav\u00edk” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ module_alignment=”center” animation_style=”fade” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern Lights over a lake<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Myths and Meaning Around The World<\/a><\/p>\n Icelandic Folklore: Fragmented Fascination<\/a><\/p>\n The Curious Case of Icelandic Sagas<\/a><\/p>\n When Myth Meets Science<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”myth meaning” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Across cultures that lived under auroral skies, ancient people developed rich explanations for the lights:<\/span><\/p>\n These mythologies show humanity\u2019s enduring impulse to understand extraordinary phenomena through narrative and spirit, long before modern science offered explanations.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/skogafoss-Bearbeitet-scaled.jpg” alt=”Northern Lights at Sk\u00f3gafoss” title_text=”Northern Lights at Sk\u00f3gafoss” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern Lights over Sk\u00f3gafoss<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” 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\/2018\/08\/Reykjanes-scaled.jpg” alt=”Northern Lights at Reykjanes captured by AURORA REYKJAV\u00cdK” title_text=”Northern Lights at Reykjanes captured by AURORA REYKJAV\u00cdK” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern Lights in Reykjanes<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”fragmented” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While <\/span>Iceland does have folklore about the Northern Lights<\/b>, these stories tend to be <\/span>local superstitions<\/b> rather than structured mythological lore, and from later traditions rather than medieval texts:<\/span><\/p>\n These tales, however charming, are <\/span>later folkloric interpretations<\/b> rather than deep mythological frameworks akin to the epic myths of gods like \u00d3\u00f0inn, Loki or \u00de\u00f3r.<\/span><\/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=”4.27.4″ min_height=”358px” custom_padding=”1px||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\/2026\/01\/10117.jpg” alt=”Red Northern Lights over Iceland” title_text=”10117″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Icelandic saga manuscript Flateyjarb\u00f3k<\/a><\/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 module_id=”icelandic sagas” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Despite the richness of Icelandic medieval literature (sagas, <\/span>\u00fe\u00e6ttir<\/span><\/i>, and the <\/span>Eddas<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>explicit references to the aurora borealis are extremely scarce or nonexistent<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n But why don\u2019t Medieval Icelandic Sagas<\/a> mention the Northern Lights prominently?<\/span><\/p>\n Scholars and enthusiasts have proposed several hypotheses for a reason why.<\/span><\/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_margin=”-55px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px||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 module_id=”myth science” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” ol_font_size=”17px” ol_line_height=”2em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/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\/2020\/12\/Aurora-Reykjavik-PixlarDSC09435-Edit-scaled.jpg” alt=”Northern Lights over the Blue Lagoon” title_text=”Northern Lights over the Blue Lagoon” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon<\/a><\/em><\/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=”4.27.4″ min_height=”358px” custom_padding=”1px||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\/2025\/01\/AURORA-REYKJAVIK-RED-AURORAS-scaled.jpg” alt=”Red Northern Lights over Iceland” title_text=”AURORA REYKJAVIK RED AURORAS” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Red auroras illuminating the Icelandic sky<\/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 module_id=”myth science” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Today, we understand the aurora borealis as <\/span>charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth\u2019s magnetic field and upper atmosphere<\/b>. But myth as a human attempt to explain the unexplained still resonates when we watch those waves of light ripple across Icelandic skies.<\/span><\/p>\n Perhaps the absence of grand mythic tales in the sagas shows us something about medieval Icelandic life: that people could recognize mystery, yet not always weave it into their epic stories. Or maybe those tales were simply <\/span>lost<\/span><\/i>, recounted by storytellers around a fire, but never committed to parchment.<\/span><\/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=”483px” custom_margin=”47px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px||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 module_id=”myth science” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” ol_font_size=”17px” ol_line_height=”2em” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Whatever the reason, the Northern Lights remain for us <\/span>both a scientific marvel and a legacy of human imagination<\/b>. Their ethereal glow continues to inspire awe, reminding us of the <\/span>beauty and mystery<\/b> that exist beyond our everyday lives. Across cultures and generations, they serve as a <\/span>bridge between the natural world and our capacity for wonder<\/b>, encouraging both curiosity and creativity in those who gaze upon them.<\/span><\/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\/2021\/03\/Aurora-Reykjavik-PixlarAurora-Reykjavik-5-of-16.jpg” alt=”bright pink and green northern lights reflect in a pond, a church can be seen in backdrop in the snowy landscape” title_text=”Aurora Reykjavik PixlarAurora Reykjavik (5 of 16)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Bright pink and green northern lights <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”–et_global_heading_font||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Skip the stress of winter driving in the dark and join a group of like-minded adventurers on a guided Northern Lights hunt<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_filterable_portfolio fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”8″ include_categories=”63″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_filterable_portfolio][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#353535″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ background_layout=”dark” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”When can I see northern lights in Iceland ?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]The northern lights season in Iceland begins in late August<\/strong> and continues through mid\/late April<\/strong>. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How long do the northern lights last?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Auroras can last any time between few minutes and hours<\/strong>. The northern lights happen in a\u00a0variety of colours<\/strong>.\u00a0Green<\/strong>\u00a0is by far the\u00a0most common<\/strong>, but the Aurora can also appear in\u00a0vibrant shades of pink, purple, red, violet and blue<\/strong>. [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Are the northern lights going to disappear in future?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n No, the\u00a0northern lights<\/strong>\u00a0are\u00a0not going anywhere<\/strong>! [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is the BZ value?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The\u00a0Bz value<\/strong>\u00a0is part of the\u00a0Interplanetary Magnetic Field<\/strong>\u00a0(IMF), which is the magnetic field carried by the solar wind coming from the Sun. [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Which are the best forecast apps and websites for Northern Lights hunting?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chasing the Northern Lights is all about timing, clear skies, and\u00a0up-to-date aurora forecasts<\/strong>. These tools help you know\u00a0when and where<\/strong>\u00a0there\u2019s a good chance of seeing the aurora \u2014 so you can plan your night the smart way. For the best results, we recommend\u00a0using more than one source<\/strong>, as different forecasts interpret data differently.<\/p>\nMyths and Meanings Around the World<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Icelandic Folklore: Fragmented Fascination<\/span><\/h2>\n
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The Curious Case of Icelandic Sagas<\/span><\/h2>\n
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When Myth Meets Science<\/h2>\n
Join us on a guided Northern Lights Tour<\/h2>\n
FAQ about the Northern Lights<\/h1>\n
\nDuring this long period, Iceland experiences sufficient darkness<\/strong> for the Aurora to be visible at night.
\nHowever, chances<\/strong> of experiencing the northern lights vary depending on the time of year<\/strong>. Find out which months are the best<\/strong> for seeing the Aurora here<\/a>.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Why can’t I see any northern lights in the summer ?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]To be able to see the northern lights you need sufficient darkness<\/strong>. During summer<\/strong> we have what we call the \u201cmidnight sun<\/strong>\u201d, meaning that there are no hours of actual nighttime<\/strong> darkness. These conditions are perfect for late night hiking and exploring, but make it impossible for us to observe the Aurora<\/strong> in Iceland between May and early August<\/strong>.
\nWant to know more about light conditions in Iceland<\/strong>? Check the sun graph<\/a> and learn about twilight and dusk<\/a> in Iceland.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What time do the northern lights show up?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Northern lights are statistically<\/strong> often seen between 9:00pm and 1:00am<\/strong>, but they may appear at any time as long as it is dark<\/strong> (and the sky clear<\/a>).
\nDuring the winter months, when the hours of light are limited, the northern lights can often appear as early at 7:00pm.
\nAs the exact time<\/strong> of an Aurora display cannot be predicted<\/strong>, keep your eyes at the sky<\/strong>. And remember, patience is key<\/strong>!<\/p>\n
\nEach northern lights display is different, and varies in duration<\/strong>. Furthermore, the northern lights are not always visible for the entire duration of a single Auroral episode: they often change in intensity<\/strong> throughout a single display, and can go from very bright to incredibly faint, to the point they are hardly visible at all any more.
\nLearn more about how the northern lights behave duration-wise here<\/a>.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Can I see the northern lights when it is cloudy?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Well, that depends. First of all, Iceland<\/strong> is well-known for its unpredictable weather<\/strong>: the fact that it is cloudy now does not mean that the sky will still be cloudy 5 minutes from now.
\nAs long as we can find some gaps in the cloud cover<\/strong>, some windows of clear sky – there’s hope<\/strong>.
\nAnd, even when it’s cloudy, keep in mind that not all clouds are the same<\/strong>. For example, high clouds are often see-through and do not necessarily disrupt our view. Rule of thumb<\/strong>: if you can see the stars<\/strong>, you can potentially see the northern lights<\/strong> too.
\nOnce again, keep your eyes at the sky<\/strong> and check the forecast<\/a> regularly<\/strong> for the most reliable prediction.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Do the northern lights only appear when it is cold?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]The northern lights season<\/strong> in Iceland starts in late summer<\/strong>.
\nAs you can imagine, this means that you don’t need cold temperatures<\/strong> to see an Aurora (although you should not expect t-shirt weather at night in Iceland, not even in August).
\nThe northern lights happen way above the weather systems<\/strong>, and are not influenced by weather systems and temperature fluctuations<\/strong> in the lower atmosphere.
\nFind out more here<\/a>.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Are the northern lights visible all over Iceland?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Iceland is located within the so called “aurora belt<\/strong>“, the area where the northern lights are typically seen.
\nIn the Arctic region, the belt extends between 60\u00b0N and 70\u00b0N<\/strong> latitude. As Iceland<\/strong> in its entirety is included between 63\u00b0N and 67\u00b0N<\/strong>, and therefore well within the aurora belt, chances of seeing the northern lights<\/strong> are virtually the same everywhere<\/strong> around the island – if weather allows.
\nThat said, the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights is higher away from the city lights<\/strong>, and some areas around the country are especially scenic. Here<\/a> are our favourite locations<\/strong> for northern lights spotting in Iceland.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Are the northern lights really colourful?” open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
To the naked eye<\/strong>\u00a0though, the northern lights can look\u00a0quite faint<\/strong>, and at times be perceived as white or grey-ish. This is due to\u00a0limitations in our night vision<\/a>.
Camera devices<\/strong>\u00a0instead can capture a\u00a0more truthful version of the colours<\/strong>, as, in most cases, it possible to adjust the device settings in order to better adapt to the night time conditions.
Find more about how to\u00a0improve your night vision<\/strong>\u00a0and learn how to\u00a0take great Aurora shots<\/strong>\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The Aurora has been visible in the Arctic for centuries, and that is not going to change any times soon.
What is true is that the\u00a0solar activity<\/strong>, which is responsabile for the occurrence of the northern lights on our planet,\u00a0changes over time<\/strong>, following an\u00a0eleven-year cycle<\/a>.
During each solar cycle, the Sun goes from a peak to a minimum of activity. During the peak, the so called \u201csolar maximum<\/strong>\u201c, we can expect\u00a0enhanced activity<\/strong>\u00a0and, potentially,\u00a0stronger northern lights<\/strong>\u00a0visible from\u00a0unusual latitudes<\/strong>\u00a0(in the northern hemisphere, this means Auroras being spotted further south than usual). While, during the\u00a0solar minimum<\/strong>, such unusually\u00a0strong occurrences<\/strong>\u00a0become\u00a0rarer<\/strong>.
Still, at\u00a0Arctic latitudes<\/strong>\u00a0the\u00a0northern lights can be see clearly throughout the whole cycle<\/strong>. And\u00a0Iceland<\/strong>, being well within the \u201cAurora belt\u201d, is and will remain the\u00a0perfect destination for\u00a0northern lights hunting<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\n
Why does it matter for the Northern Lights?\u00a0Earth\u2019s magnetic field points north<\/strong>. If the\u00a0solar wind\u2019s magnetic field<\/strong>\u00a0(Bz) points\u00a0south<\/strong>\u00a0(a\u00a0negative Bz<\/strong>), it connects with Earth\u2019s field and lets charged solar particles into the atmosphere. This interaction\u00a0helps create the northern lights<\/strong>. If instead,\u00a0Bz<\/strong>\u00a0is\u00a0positive<\/strong>\u00a0(northward), the fields don\u2019t connect well, and fewer particles get in \u2014 meaning\u00a0weaker or no aurora<\/strong>.
Think of Bz like an ON\/OFF switch:\u00a0negative Bz (south) = ON,<\/strong>\u00a0good chance of Aurora soon.\u00a0Positive Bz (north)<\/strong>\u00a0= OFF<\/strong>, Aurora less likely.
Learn more about Bz and how the forecast works\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n