Northern Lights Locations in Reykjavík, Iceland 2019/2020

Over the past Northern Lights’ season, we have gathered the locations that users spotted the beautiful aurora around the capital areas of Iceland, Reykjavík.

The data we have collected is from November 2019 to April 2020. Thanks to darkness and fewer storms in Iceland users were able to go out, explore and hunt more aurora! During this period we had more than 800 pins shared in hello aurora and 260 pins were shared in Reykjavik.

Despite being the capital city of Iceland, Reykjavík is also known to be the most northern capital city in the world with a population of 122,853 people or around 33% of the total population of Iceland. Most travellers who visit Iceland tend to stay in Reykjavik before they start their journey in the island or choose to stay here before they leave the country as it is less than an hour away from the Keflavík International Airport. 

There are many activities to do in Reykjavík and one of the most popular activities is to see Aurora. There are many Northern Lights tours available in Reykjavík but one of the most popular and the most exciting ways to see is to rent a car and drive by yourself! 

Now continue reading this article and see where you should go and see the Northern Lights in Reykjavík!

1. Grótta

Grótta is located in the suburb of Reykjavík just 15 minutes drive from the City Centre. At Grótta, there is a lighthouse that was built in 1897 but has been listed as a nature reserve since 1974. Grótta has always been a popular stop for both locals and tourists as during wintertime people can spot the Northern Lights due to the complete darkness in the area despite how close it is to the city.

2. The Sun Voyager

The unique landmark sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnarsson and one of the popular tourist attractions in Reykjavík. The Sun Voyage is described to be the dreamboat that Jón Gunnar intended to convey the promise of undiscovered territory, a dream of hope, progress and freedom. The landmark is located at the seashore on Saebraut and only 10 minutes walk from downtown. Nearby is Harpa the concert and conference hall which is only 10 minutes walk from the Sun Voyager.

3. Reykjavik City Centre

Last winter the Northern Lights activities were very favorable in Reykjavík and users spotted them a lot despite the city lights. But please note that it is always recommended to take a small stroll and avoid light pollution when hunting for Aurora as the darker the sky the more visible it will appear and the better you will spot them by eyes.

4. Vesturbær 

Vesturbær or West Town is one of the oldest towns in Reykjavík with many important histories behind. The town reached from the west part of Reykjavik to the seaside including Grandar. At Grandar you can walk around the harbor and explore the Old Harbour where you can partake in the Whale Watching and Puffin Tour.

5. Kópavogur

Kópavogur is part of the capital regions and known to be the second-largest municipality by population. Kopavogur is around 20 minutes by drive from the midtown Reykjavík and there located one of the largest shopping centers in Iceland, Smáralind. Kópavogskirkja is also a great location to have a view over Reykjavík. If the Northern Lights forecast is good you can have a nice capture of Aurora over the sea with Reykjavik as a background.

6. Mosfellsbær

Mosfellsbær is the town in the southwest of Reykjavík. The town is known to be the “green town” as it has a few greenhouses and thermal activity. Mosfellsbær is only around 15 minutes' drive from City Centre and as the town is a lot smaller with less light pollution this could be one of the destinations where you can have a quiet night while waiting for the beautiful lights!

Now, you know all of our top spotted places in Reykjavík. Don’t wait any longer, download hello aurora and explore the Northern Light in Reykjavík!

Planning to drive around the ring road? don't miss out the most popular Northern Lights locations from 2019.