Northern Lights

Chasing by Car

The Hunt for the Aurora

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. But the Aurora is elusive. To increase your chances, you need mobility. A car is your best tool to escape the city lights and chase clear skies away from Reykjavik.

An illuminated lighthouse standing on a rocky coast with green Northern Lights swirling in the night sky behind it.

An illuminated lighthouse standing on a rocky coast with green Northern Lights swirling in the night sky behind it.

An illuminated lighthouse standing on a rocky coast with green Northern Lights swirling in the night sky behind it.

Escape the Clouds

Clouds are the enemy of the Aurora. Even if solar activity is high, thick clouds will hide the show. Use the Vedur.is website to check the cloud cover forecast. If Reykjavik is cloudy, a 45-minute drive might lead you to clear, starry skies.

Success Factors:

The Season: The best time to see the lights is from September to April. You need full darkness.
Timing: The lights can appear anytime between sunset and sunrise, but 10 PM to 2 AM is often the peak time.
Patience: The Aurora is unpredictable. Bring a thermos with coffee, warm clothes, and wait for the show.

Two people standing next to a dark SUV parked by a lake at night under a strong display of the Northern Lights.

Two people standing next to a dark SUV parked by a lake at night under a strong display of the Northern Lights.

Two people standing next to a dark SUV parked by a lake at night under a strong display of the Northern Lights.

Colorful Northern Lights with green and purple hues dancing above a snowy forest of pine trees.

Colorful Northern Lights with green and purple hues dancing above a snowy forest of pine trees.

Colorful Northern Lights with green and purple hues dancing above a snowy forest of pine trees.

Best Spots Near the Capital

You don't need to drive to the other side of the island. Here are great dark spots within an hour of the city:

Kleifarvatn Lake: A dramatic, dark location surrounded by volcanic mountains. Very little light pollution.
Þingvellir National Park: The open landscape offers a wide view of the sky, perfect for photography.
Grótta Lighthouse: If you must stay in Reykjavik, this is the darkest point at the tip of the peninsula (but expect crowds).

A person wearing a high-visibility jacket holding a smartphone next to a car, with the Northern Lights visible in the sky.

A person wearing a high-visibility jacket holding a smartphone next to a car, with the Northern Lights visible in the sky.

A person wearing a high-visibility jacket holding a smartphone next to a car, with the Northern Lights visible in the sky.

Safety & Tips

Never stop on the road: It is extremely dangerous to stop on the highway to take photos. Always find a designated pull-out or farm entrance.
Be Visible: If you step out of the car, wear a reflector or carry a flashlight.
Apps: Download "My Aurora Forecast" or similar apps to track the KP index (strength of the aurora).

Also check our guides.

The map below shows the live location of our shuttle bus in real time.

The Golden Circle: A Symphony of Earth and Water
Northern Lights
Driving in Iceland
Beyond Blue Lagoon
Reykjanes Peninsula

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© 2025 NØRDE Drive. All rights reserved.

Legal information · Privacy policy · Cookie policy · Terms & conditions · Accessibility · Open-source software notice · Other regions

* Availability, pricing, vehicle specifications, and rental conditions may vary depending on location, selected vehicle category, rental period, optional equipment, and local regulations. Images and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact vehicle configuration available at the time of booking.

* Fuel consumption, electric range, and CO₂ emissions (where applicable) may be influenced by driving style, road conditions, weather, vehicle load, and selected options. All values are provided for reference purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee.

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Your reservation

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© 2025 NØRDE Drive. All rights reserved.

Legal information · Privacy policy · Cookie policy · Terms & conditions · Accessibility · Open-source software notice · Other regions

* Availability, pricing, vehicle specifications, and rental conditions may vary depending on location, selected vehicle category, rental period, optional equipment, and local regulations. Images and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact vehicle configuration available at the time of booking.

* Fuel consumption, electric range, and CO₂ emissions (where applicable) may be influenced by driving style, road conditions, weather, vehicle load, and selected options. All values are provided for reference purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee.

Pages

Your reservation

Info

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© 2025 NØRDE Drive. All rights reserved.

Legal information · Privacy policy · Cookie policy · Terms & conditions · Accessibility · Open-source software notice · Other regions

* Availability, pricing, vehicle specifications, and rental conditions may vary depending on location, selected vehicle category, rental period, optional equipment, and local regulations. Images and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact vehicle configuration available at the time of booking.

* Fuel consumption, electric range, and CO₂ emissions (where applicable) may be influenced by driving style, road conditions, weather, vehicle load, and selected options. All values are provided for reference purposes only and do not constitute a guarantee.

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