The adventure you'll never forget in your life... 🌌

#adventuremoments

There’s something utterly otherworldly about watching green ribbons of light ripple across an Arctic sky. Seeing the Northern Lights — Aurora Borealis — in Iceland isn’t just a pretty sight; it’s a full-on adventure. Here's how to do it right.

What are the Northern Lights? ✨

The Aurora Borealis is a natural light show caused by charged solar particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere. The result? Magical waves of green, pink, purple, and sometimes red light dancing across the night sky.

When to Go? 📆

Your best shot is September to April, with the peak season from November to February when nights are longest and darkest.

* Time of night: 9 PM – 2 AM is prime time
* Weather matters: You need clear skies — cloud cover means no show
* Solar activity: More geomagnetic activity means brighter auroras

Use online sites for real-time aurora forecasts and cloud coverage maps.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Iceland? 📍

To maximize your chances, you’ll want dark skies, minimal light pollution, and a touch of luck.

Top spots to chase the lights:

* Thingvellir National Park – Close to Reykjavik, wide open skies, historical and scenic
* Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Mountains, ocean views, and starry skies
* Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – Auroras reflecting off floating icebergs? Unreal
* Reykjanes Peninsula – Lava fields and geothermal areas, just 30 mins from the airport
* Anywhere far from city lights – Even your remote cabin or campsite

Pro tip: self-drive with a 4x4, so you can adapt quickly based on the forecast.

How to Go Aurora Hunting 🧭

Self-guided trip:

* Rent a car, bring warm layers, and follow the forecast
* Download apps like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alerts
* Ideal for flexibility and photographers

Guided tours:

* Experts know where to go based on the latest data
* Many offer free second tries if no lights are seen
* Options: Super Jeep night tours, boat aurora tours, even combo tours with hot springs

Photography Tips for the Lights 📸

* Camera: DSLR or mirrorless
* Tripod: Absolutely necessary
* Settings: Manual mode, long exposure (5–20 sec), high ISO (800–3200), wide aperture (f/2.8)
* Don’t forget to turn off your flash and bring extra batteries (cold drains them fast)

What to Wear? 🧣

Northern lights hunting means standing still outside in freezing weather. Pack like you’re going to space:

* Thermal base layers
* Windproof insulated jacket
* Hat, gloves, scarf
* Waterproof boots
* Hot drinks in a thermos = bonus points

Make It an Adventure 🏕️

* Combine aurora hunting with a soak in a hot spring (like the Secret Lagoon or Hrunalaug)
* Stay in remote countryside hotels or glass cabins with aurora wake-up calls
* Turn the hunt into a full road trip across the south coast or Westfjords

Final Tips ⚠️

* Don’t go only for the lights. Even if nature doesn’t cooperate, Iceland’s landscapes will still blow your mind
* Be patient. The lights might show up suddenly or take hours. Keep watching
* Avoid full moon nights — the darker the sky, the better

Your Aurora Hunt Checklist ✅

* Go between September–April, darkest months are best
* Check cloud and aurora forecasts
* Leave the cities, chase dark skies
* Bring warm gear, snacks, and a tripod
* Combine it with hot springs, glacier tours, or camping