September 15th, 2025
If you’re planning to be in Iceland any time from late August to early April, then one of the things you’ve got on your itinerary is bound to be the Northern Lights. They’re present in the atmosphere year-round, of course, but in summer there’s too much light to be able to see them. When seeking out potential spots from which to view the Aurora Borealis, you’ll need a place that’s unsullied by light pollution (which is why most people prefer to view the Northern Lights from outside Reykjavik) and somewhere with unimpeded views to the north.
So, assuming you’re lucky enough to have a favourable aurora forecast and a weather report that promises clear skies, where should you go? Here are some suggestions for the best places to see the Northern Lights near Reykjavik.
The Lava Tunnel in Þrengslin Area
An ideal place to begin your Northern Lights hunt is in Þrengslin, a quiet mountain pass between Reykjavik and Þorlákshöfn, about 35 minutes from the capital. With virtually no buildings or artificial light, the skies here are especially dark and clear, making it one of the best locations close to the city for aurora spotting.
Right in the middle of Þrengslin lies The Lava Tunnel (Raufarhólshellir), one of Iceland’s most remarkable lava caves. Its parking area is a convenient base for watching the skies, and from here it’s also easy to move west towards Garður or northeast towards Þingvellir should the weather require a change of plan. During the winter months, The Lava Tunnel offers evening tours inside the cave, which means you can explore its extraordinary lava formations and then step outside to look at the Northern Lights — all in the very same spot!
Garður
Reykjanes comes up trumps again with the village of Garður. Its two lighthouses perch on the end of a peninsula about an hour’s drive from the bright lights of Reykjavik. The shorter one dates from 1897 and the newer, taller one from 1944. From either, you’ll have a fantastic view of the Northern Lights.
Þingvellir National Park
Under an hour from Reykjavik, the seat of the original Icelandic parliament is hardly off the beaten track but nevertheless it’s a great place to see the Northern Lights. You get to watch the phenomenon simultaneously in North America and Europe, because it’s one of the places where the two continental tectonic plates meet.
Grótta Lighthouse
One of the most convenient places to wait for the Northern Lights is out by Grótta lighthouse in Seltjarnarnes, which is just five minutes from downtown Reykjavik by car. The lighthouse itself adds interest to any pictures you might take and it’s easy to find. However, though the skies are dark, it’s so close to the city that you’ll have to share the experience with plenty of locals and tourists.
Kirkjufell
Situated further from Reykjavik, on the face of it Kirkjufell, or Church Mountain, seems a great choice. The distinctive shape of this Snæfellsnes peninsula landmark is easy to focus on if you’re trying to capture an image with your camera, which makes it worth the two-hour journey for anyone serious about their photography. Unfortunately, it’s also utterly Insta-worthy and so likely to be crowded on a night which promises a strong showing.
Lake Kleifarvatn
Reykjanes offers the visitor a couple of good options. One of these is Lake Kleifarvatn, about a thirty-minute drive south of the capital. It’s the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula and you access it following route 42 south after Hafnarfjordur. By day, the lake attracts bird watchers, hikers and joggers. As you’ll use the same lakeshore trail, it’s worth scoping out the place before the sun sets to choose a suitable spot.
Lake Hvaleyrarvatn
You don’t actually need to drive past Hafnarfjordur to see the Northern Lights, as the smaller Lake Hvaleyrarvatn is very close by. There’s a little car park to the west of the lake from which a walking trail follows the south shore. If you’re lucky, the Aurora Borealis will appear and be reflected in the water beneath.
A Tip Before You Go
If you only have a few evenings in Iceland, it makes sense to make the most of them. One way to do this is by joining a guided tour that combines the Northern Lights with the Lava Tunnel.This way, even if the skies stay cloudy, you’ll still have experienced a unique adventure underground.
After the cave, the plan continues with a comfortable drive to a good viewing spot, where guides provide warm blankets and help you settle in while you wait for the northern lights to appear. It’s a simple way to ensure the evening is rewarding, whatever the weather brings!
Why this works well:
- Evening tours in winter fit perfectly with aurora hours
- The cave adds a unique experience to the night
- Blankets and hot drinks make the aurora hunt more comfortable
- A memorable evening, whether or not the lights appear!
Whether the aurora dances across the sky or not, a Lava Tunnel and Northern Lights tour guarantees an evening you won’t forget. Happy hunting!
