Iceland, the Land of Ice and Fire, has awe-inspiring natural beauty and celestial phenomena.
One of them is the Aurora Borealis, also called the Northern Lights, which scores a place on the bucket list of millions of people.
The Aurora Borealis from Iceland is a must if you are on an Iceland tour, especially in winter.
These blue and green light streaks are mesmerizing, and watching this celestial phenomenon is something we highly recommend.
But do you know how these lights are formed? Let us give you a summary of the origin of the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
What Causes the Aurora Lights Iceland
These three elements create the Northern Lights—the solar particles, Earth’s magnetic field, and the atmosphere.
What happens is- solar particles are happily greeted by Earth’s magnetic field and get ionized in the upper atmosphere, giving us a stunning show of auroras.
But why are these lights only visible in Iceland, you may wonder?
That happens because the solar particles are charged after entering the magnetic field and following the magnetic force lines.
Those magnetic force lines guide those particles to the polar region. Hence, Iceland is blessed!
We can also see the Northern Lights in places such as Alaska and Antarctica, but Iceland provides a better view.
So, book your tickets to perfectly capture the Northern Lights with the Iceland Aurora Borealis Tour.
Folklore and myths associated with the Northern Lights
These dazzling lights have fascinating folktales.
According to some modern scholars, the Old Norse people may have believed that the Northern Lights were the gleaming of the Valkyries’ shields and armor.
Valkyries were female figures who escorted warriors who died in battle to Valhalla.
However, the Icelandic Saga mentions no such things.
Ready for another one?
Some Native American tribes saw the Aurora as the souls of the deceived.
The brightness of the Aurora Borealis from Iceland represented the happiness of the departed souls.
And the auroras were also seen as the forerunner of bad times by the European people after the Christianization of medieval Europe.
The folklore makes the Aurora Borealis from Iceland more interesting.
Best time to see the Aurora Borealis Iceland
You can experience the dazzling show of the Aurora Lights Iceland at night.
Darker nights give amazing views.
Therefore, the best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland is in the winter, between September and April.
Iceland is dark in winter so you will experience a stunning Northern Lights show.
Also, the snow-coated tourist attractions in Iceland are captivating.
The long winter darkness helps you soak up the Aurora Borealis’s beauty to a fulfilling extent.
You can also check the Aurora Forecast in Iceland to find the best time to watch the lights.
The forecast has a number system ranging from 1 to 9, with 9 being the darkest night. It is best to go to the show of lights when the forecast is above 3.
Where to see the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Iceland?
Now the question arises where can you see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland?
We are here to tell you how to get the best view of the Aurora Lights in Iceland.
There are several ways to catch a glimpse of the lights. One way is to book an Iceland Aurora Borealis tour.
If the sky is clear that day, you can also watch the lights from the town you are staying in.
If you cannot watch from your place, you can always head out to an open space, especially outside of town, for a stunning view of the lights.
You can also set out for a fantastic boat ride to have a clear view of the lights from the ocean.
Some places, such as Westfords and North Iceland, have a long duration of darkness and fewer clouds. These places make an ideal location to view the Aurora Borealis.
Camping in rural areas of Iceland from April to September is also a good option.
On a Reykjavik tour, you can watch the light show, among other tourist attractions.
Reykjavik has several parks and open spaces offering a memorable Northern Lights experience.
The Blue Lagoon can also be a great place to see the Aurora Borealis, as there are plenty of open spaces and less pollution.
You can see the Northern Lights in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon at night while floating in the warm, soothing water.
Check out our Iceland Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour for the best experience of witnessing the dazzling light show with an enchanting view of the Blue Lagoon.
FAQs
1. Can we see the Northern Lights in any other month except winter?
Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in other months, but it will be tough because they are best seen in the dark, and climate conditions also play an essential role. But we highly recommend visiting between September and April to have a fantastic view of the Northern Lights.
2. Are the Northern Lights guaranteed in the winter?
It is usually possible to see the Northern Lights in winter due to longer dark hours, but it also depends on the weather and solar activity. It is advisable to check the Aurora forecast in Iceland to understand the weather conditions clearly.
3. Can we see the Northern Lights on our Golden Circle Tour in the winter?
The Golden Circle tour offers a good view of the Aurora Borealis. You can embark on a Northern Lights hunt on your visit to the Golden Circle Iceland tour, as the place offers stunning Northern Lights views.
4. Is there a guesthouse near Aurora Reykjavik, Iceland?
Aurora Guesthouse is a family-run guesthouse located in the heart of Reykjavik. It offers a variety of rooms, including shared and private rooms, and all rooms have free WiFi. The guesthouse has a communal kitchen and an area where guests can relax and socialize.
Featured Image: 57hours.com
