Iceland, as one of the most popular destinations for viewing the aurora in the world, attracts thousands of tourists every year to pursue the mysterious and beautiful aurora spectacle. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is still an ideal starting point for viewing the aurora, although it is located in the city. Iceland’s aurora tour is not only about the brilliance of the skyline, but also an adventure with close contact with nature.
1. The best time to watch the aurora
Before starting to introduce the viewing spots in Reykjavik, you first need to know the best season for viewing the aurora in Iceland. The appearance of the aurora is related to solar activity and is usually most active between winter and early spring.
1.1 Aurora viewing season
Best time: From September to April of the following year, especially from October to March, during this period, the nights are long, the weather is cold, and the aurora activity is more frequent. The best viewing time is usually between 9 pm and midnight.
Viewing location: In Reykjavik and its surroundings, you can find ideal viewing spots far away from the city to avoid light pollution affecting your vision.
2. Aurora viewing locations in and around Reykjavik
There are several ideal aurora viewing locations near Reykjavik. Here are five of the most popular attractions for tourists.
2.1 Vík Beach
Location:
Vík is one of the most famous towns in Iceland. It is located about 180 kilometers east of Reykjavik. It is a typical coastal town surrounded by mountains and the sea. Vík Beach is famous for its black sand beach and majestic sea stacks, and is also one of the most famous attractions in Iceland.
Opening hours and recommended visiting time:
Since Vík Beach is an outdoor attraction, there is no clear restriction on opening hours and it can be visited all day. However, the best time to watch the aurora is in the evening in autumn and winter. It is recommended that tourists go there between 10 pm and 1 am to avoid light pollution as much as possible and enjoy the best aurora view.
Transportation route:
The drive from Reykjavik to Vík Beach takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, just drive along Highway 1 (Ring Road). Most tourists choose to drive there by themselves. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and there are many small attractions along the way for you to stop and take pictures.
Booking platform:
Car rental platform: Car rental platforms such as Europcar and Hertz provide self-driving car rental services from Reykjavik to Vik.
Aurora sightseeing tour: If you do not plan to drive yourself, many travel companies provide aurora sightseeing tour services from Reykjavik, such as Gray Line and Reykjavik Excursions.
Cost:
Car rental fee: Depending on the type of car and the rental period, the daily rental fee is usually between US$50 and US$150.
Aurora sightseeing tour fee: The one-day tour fee is about US$100 to US$150, including transportation and guide.
2.2 Geysir
Location:
The Geysir is located on the Golden Circle tourist route about 100 kilometers east of Reykjavik and is one of Iceland’s most famous geothermal areas. The geysers and hot spring pools here are breathtaking.
Opening hours and recommended time to visit:
The Great Geyser is open all year round, but it is best to go there at night to see the aurora in winter. Due to the heat and thick fog in the geothermal area, the aurora is particularly spectacular in the night sky. Visitors are advised to go between 5pm and 9pm to avoid daytime tourists and get the best aurora viewing experience.
Transportation route:
Most tourists depart from Reykjavik and follow the Golden Circle loop to the Great Geyser. The self-driving journey takes about 1.5 hours. Many travel agencies in Reykjavik also offer Golden Circle Aurora Day Tours, which are more convenient for group tours.
Booking platform:
Self-driving car rental platform: Hertz and Europcar provide car rental services, and tourists can choose to drive to visit the Golden Circle.
Tour group booking platform: Multiple platforms such as Reykjavik Excursions and Gray Line offer Golden Circle Aurora tours that include the Great Geyser.
Cost:
Car rental: Daily car rental costs about $50 to $100.
Golden Circle Aurora Tour Cost: Tour costs about $90 to $130 per person, including transportation and guide.
2.3 Thingvellir National Park
Location:
Thingvellir National Park is located about 40 kilometers northeast of Reykjavik and is the center of Iceland’s history, culture and natural landscape. It is not only a place to watch the aurora, but also a World Heritage Site in Iceland with huge geological wonders.
Opening hours and recommended visit time:
Thingvellir National Park is open all day, but the best time to watch the aurora is from 10 pm to 1 am. It is far away from city lights and is very suitable for watching the aurora at night.
Transportation route:
It only takes about 40 minutes to drive from Reykjavik to Thingvellir National Park. You can drive along Highway 1 and follow the signs to the national park.
Booking platform:
Self-driving car rental platform: Platforms such as Europcar and Sixt provide car rental services, which are suitable for tourists who like self-driving tours.
Aurora sightseeing tour: Gray Line and Reykjavik Excursions offer Golden Circle Aurora tours, taking you to visit Thingvellir and other famous attractions.
Cost:
Car rental cost: Daily car rental costs about US$50 to US$100.
Tour group cost: The cost of the Golden Circle Aurora tour is about US$80 to US$120.
2.4 Hekla
Location: Hekla is one of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, located about 120 kilometers south of Reykjavik. The open area around Hekla volcano provides an excellent location for viewing the aurora.
Opening hours and recommended play time:
The area around Hekla volcano is open all day and is suitable for self-driving. Tourists are advised to go between 10 pm and 1 am to avoid light pollution and enjoy the most beautiful aurora landscape.
Transportation route: It takes about 2 hours to drive from Reykjavik to Hekla volcano. Go south along Highway 1. After arriving at Hekla volcano, you can find an area suitable for sightseeing in the open area around it.
Booking platform:
Self-driving car rental platform: Platforms such as Europcar and Hertz provide car rental services from Reykjavik.
Aurora sightseeing tour: Many aurora sightseeing tours offer customized routes to Hekla volcano, and tourists can book through platforms such as Reykjavik Excursions.
Cost:
Car rental cost: Daily car rental costs are about US$60 to US$120.
Aurora sightseeing tour cost: The tour fee for the Hekla Aurora Tour is about US$100 to US$150.
2.5 Coastline around Reykjavik
Location:
The coastline around Reykjavik includes many hidden sightseeing spots, where tourists can enjoy the aurora in a relatively quiet environment. These coastlines are generally located in the north and west of the city and are suitable for self-driving exploration.
Opening hours and recommended visiting times:
These coastline areas do not have clear opening hours, but the best time to view the aurora is from 9 pm to 1 am. Visitors can stay in nearby hotels and enjoy a quiet night.
Transportation route:
Starting from Reykjavik, drive along the roads around the city and easily reach the major tourist spots on the coastline.
Booking platform:
Self-driving car rental platform: Sixt, Europcar and other car rental companies provide car rental services in and around Reykjavik.
Aurora sightseeing tour: Reykjavik Excursions and other companies offer aurora sightseeing tours, and some group tours include coastline exploration.
Cost:
Car rental fee: about US$50 to US$150 per day.
Aurora sightseeing tour fee: The price is about US$90 to US$130.
3. Travel suggestions and warm tips
3.1 Clothing suggestions
Iceland has a cold winter climate, especially at night when watching the aurora, the temperature may drop sharply. It is recommended that visitors wear waterproof and windproof jackets, thermal underwear, sweaters, gloves and hats. In addition, it is very important to choose comfortable non-slip boots.
3.2 Food and accommodation
Reykjavik offers a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Icelandic cuisine to international cuisine. For accommodation, you can choose a hotel in the city center or a rural homestay closer to natural attractions. For the Aurora tour, it is recommended to choose some accommodation away from city lights for a better viewing experience.
3.3 Booking platform and cost
All the above-mentioned attractions can be booked through major travel agencies or car rental platforms. Before booking, it is best to check the latest weather forecast and forecast of solar activity to ensure the best viewing opportunities.
Iceland’s Aurora tour is an unforgettable experience. Whether you drive to Vik Beach or join the Golden Circle Aurora Tour, each attraction around Reykjavik will bring you a different Aurora viewing experience. With reasonable planning and choosing the right booking platform, you will be able to witness the wonder and mystery of the Aurora with your own eyes under the cold night sky of Iceland.
