Few natural spectacles can rival the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights as they shimmer across the night sky in the land of fire and ice. Iceland's unique geographical location within the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness the mesmerising display of the Aurora Borealis. For travel enthusiasts, families, solo travellers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking to capture the ethereal beauty of this celestial phenomenon, Slice of Iceland has created the ultimate guide to maximise the chances of realising your Northern Lights dream.
In partnership with Tourdesk, our objective is to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to chasing the elusive Northern Lights in Iceland. We strive to create informative and engaging content designed to help you understand this natural wonder's causes, the ideal conditions for viewing, the best times and locations to visit, and insider tips for capturing the perfect aurora photographs.
Get ready to embark on a remarkable journey beneath the vibrant colours of the Icelandic night sky, experiencing the magic and charm of the Aurora Borealis at its finest. Allow us to navigate you through an unforgettable adventure in search of the dancing Northern Lights.
Undoubtedly, the Northern Lights are one of nature's most awe-inspiring shows, leaving an indelible impression upon all who are fortunate enough to experience their ephemeral beauty. With our expert guidance, we aim to enhance your understanding of this extraordinary phenomenon and assist you in planning the ultimate Aurora chasing excursion in Iceland, ensuring treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
Before embarking on your Northern Lights journey, it helps to comprehend the scientific explanation behind this captivating natural phenomenon:
A. Solar Activity: At the core of the Aurora Borealis lies solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, responsible for emitting electrically charged particles that travel through space at high speeds.
B. Earth's Magnetic Field: When these charged particles reach Earth, they are drawn towards the magnetic poles, where they interact with the planet's magnetosphere, creating the vivid colours witnessed in the aurorae.
C. Colours of the Aurora: The dazzling colours of the Northern Lights result from collisions between solar particles and different gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Oxygen and nitrogen produce most of the aurora's spectacular hues, ranging from vibrant greens, blues, reds and yellows.
While the Northern Lights might grace Iceland's skies throughout the year, specific conditions and timeframes increase your chances of a successful sighting:
A. Dark and Clear Nights: The ideal conditions for spotting the Aurora Borealis require pitch-dark, cloudless skies, which are prevalent during the Icelandic winter months from October to March.
B. Solar Activity: Keep an eye on the Aurora forecast provided by the Icelandic Meteorological Office, which offers real-time data on solar activity, cloud cover, and suggested viewing locations.
C. Long Nights: The winter months also bring longer nights, which provide ample time to search for the elusive aurora, with peak sighting hours typically falling between 9 PM and 2 AM.
Iceland's vast, unspoiled landscapes offer countless locations to indulge in the enchanted dance of the Aurora Borealis:
A. Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park presents a serene setting away from light pollution, where the Northern Lights' luminous display is often reflected in the park's crystal-clear lakes.
B. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Located near the village of Vík, the mystical Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach offers a striking contrast of the Northern Lights against its dark shoreline and unique rock formations.
C. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: The mesmerising beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is further multiplied when the vivid colours of the Aurora Borealis dance above its floating icebergs.
D. Reykjavik's Surrounding Areas: While the capital city's artificial lights may hinder sightings, a brief drive away from the urban centre can lead to ideal aurora-viewing spots, including Grótta Lighthouse and Heiðmörk Nature Reserve.
Preserve your unforgettable Northern Lights experience with astounding photographs by employing these essential tips and tricks:
A. Equipment: A quality DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is highly recommended. Combine this with a tripod, a fast wide-angle lens, and a reliable remote shutter release to capture crisp, stunning images.
B. Camera Settings: Dial in your camera settings, prioritising a high ISO (between 800 and 3200), a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and a shutter speed between 10 and 30 seconds, depending on the Aurora's activity.
C. Composition: Experiment with various angles and foregrounds to create compelling compositions, incorporating Iceland's unique landscapes or using the natural reflections of the aurora on water or ice.
D. Adaptability: Aurora displays constantly change and vary in intensity, necessitating flexibility and quick adjustments to your camera settings for optimal results.
Embarking on a quest to witness the magical Northern Lights in Iceland promises an unparalleled experience that captivates the hearts and minds of travellers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. By understanding the science behind the aurorae, knowing the best times and locations for sightings, and mastering the art of photographing this enchanting celestial phenomenon, you'll be well-poised to capture the essence of Iceland’s enigmatic Aurora Borealis.
Slice of Iceland, in partnership with Tourdesk, is committed to making your dream of witnessing the Northern Lights come true, ensuring a memorable and awe-inspiring Icelandic adventure. As you brace the frosty nights beneath the shimmering Icelandic sky, immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of the Aurora Borealis and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime in the ethereal land of fire and ice. Book an Iceland Northern Lights tour with us!
