Reykjavík is One of the Best Places in the World to Experience the Northern Lights

If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, there’s no better place or time than Reykjavík in 2026. Nestled at 64° north, Iceland’s capital is one of the most accessible and aurora-active cities in the world. Why? It sits directly beneath the auroral oval, the zone where Northern Lights activity is at its most intense and frequent.

Whether you're strolling past Hallgrímskirkja Church, walking along the seaside paths, or exploring Reykjavík’s cosy neighbourhoods, there’s always a chance the sky above you could erupt in colour. And if you want an even clearer view, you're just a short trip away from darker areas—20 to 30 minutes by car, bus, bike, boat, or even on foot.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights

Want to capture the aurora magic on camera? Here are a few simple tips:

• Use a tripod: Even minor movements blur night shots.
• Manual mode: Adjust ISO (800–3200), aperture (f/2.8–f/4), and a longer shutter speed (5–20 seconds).
• Focus on infinity: Autofocus doesn’t work well in the dark—switch to manual.
• Use a wide-angle lens: To capture as much of the sky as possible.
• Don’t forget your phone! Newer models with Night Mode can also produce stunning shots. Just keep your hand steady or rest your phone on a surface.

Get more tips on how to catch the perfect picture HERE.

A Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity

Reykjavík offers more than a glimpse of the aurora; it provides a truly personal and unforgettable connection with the natural world. There’s something powerful about seeing the Northern Lights from a vibrant, welcoming city where you can experience Icelandic culture and nature in harmony.

Whether you’re capturing every moment or just standing still under a glowing sky, the 2026 aurora seasons promise unforgettable beauty, and Reykjavík is the perfect place to be.

Experiencing the Northern Lights in Reykjavík – Even When They Don’t Appear

Catching the Northern Lights is a wish carried in the pockets of many travellers, but this elusive wonder doesn’t appear on command. Cloudy skies, bright moonlight, or quiet solar activity can mean the aurora remains hidden – and that’s perfectly normal. Luckily, Reykjavík offers inspiring and imaginative ways to experience the Northern Lights, even when nature decides not to take centre stage.

At Perlan, you can step into the science and artistry behind the aurora through hands-on displays and remarkable photography. Its 360° planetarium show brings the Northern Lights to life in a breathtaking, simulated night sky, offering a chance to feel their magic even when they’re not visible above the city.

At Aurora Reykjavík, the Northern Lights Centre, the experience becomes more intimate. Informative exhibits, beautiful time-lapse films, and the tranquil “Aurora Room” create a cosy, panoramic encounter with the lights, offering a gentle way to connect with the phenomenon without relying on the weather.

Whether the skies are wide open or wrapped in cloud, these immersive exhibitions ensure that your journey towards the aurora is still rich with wonder – complementing, and sometimes even deepening, the thrill of seeing the Northern Lights in person.