Seeing the aurora isn't guaranteed, but there are some locations where it may be possible to increase your chances of viewing the northern lights.
Key factors include:
Getting away from light pollution
A location with a nice backdrop
Not having to travel too far
So it's best to think carefully about whether it is your preference to stay in Reykjavik or to stay somewhere rural.
Top 5 locations
1.Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park (Rekjavik side)
Our first ever aurora viewing was here - just off the 36 road and around 30 minutes away from Reykjavik to escape the light pollution. This location served us well for a number of visits - until we had children to consider and opted to stay rurally rather than in Reykjavik.
There are other locations around the national park with lakes, the viewing platform overlooking the old parliament buildings and also waterfalls which may be the ideal locations for aurora spotting and photography.
2. Around Alftavatn, near Selfoss
This is an ideal location for a rural stay with a lovely landscape for photography. We were so lucky to enjoy five nights of aurora here during a week-long stay - being able to step outside and head back in makes a world of difference.
3. Laugaras area, around 30 minutes from
Selfoss
The combination of a riverside location, dark skies and a good patch of clear weather allowed us to experience four nights of aurora during our last stay in Iceland.
4. Golden circle region
Imagine seeing the aurora at somewhere spectacular such as Gullfoss, Geysir geothermal area or around the Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. These locations are best suited if you are staying in or around the golden circle region as it's a 90-minute journey from Reykjavik.
5. South Iceland destinations
If you are staying close to south Iceland, there are some spectacular locations within around half an hour of each other that would be perfect for aurora spotting and photography, including:
Skogafoss waterfall
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Solheimasandur plane wreck (requires a good hike to the plane location)
Again, these locations are best suited for a stay in the south Iceland region given they are around two hours away from Reykjavik.
Don't forget
You can still see the aurora in and around Reykjavik - it's just needs some careful thought due to the issue of light pollution. One option is to visit the Sun Voyager sculpture on the water's edge next to Sæbraut Road.
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