Friendly Icelandic horses roam the property and are often right outside your door. See Also: Northern Lights Tours in Iceland. Alyeska Hotel: The best Northern Lights hotel in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness. While no less amazed, the scientists who study the lights call them the Aurora Borealis, if observed in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, when seen below the equator. Its location near the Langjkull glacier means stellar views during the day too. There are even some great Airbnb rentals where you can gaze up at colors dancing across the dark nights sky right from the comfort of your accommodation these are some of our top picks. The average weather temperature in Reykjavik in November is 1,3 C. Sure, Reykjavik has the main international airport nearby and is effortlessly cool, but it isn't the only city to stay in that will give you an insight into Icelandic life. Take note: As part of the Golden Circle tour route, Thingvellir is a popular spot for aurora viewing, so you may not be alone. From $1,257 per person. The Blue Lagoon's geothermal waters would be a formidable place to spot the northern lights, but daytime visitors can't stay past late evening before the aurora tends to appear. To some, they are a longstanding and mystic yearning that, after years and years of mere imagining, erupt in a flurry of colour. Watching the northern lights is an experience many travelers have on their bucket list, and Iceland is one of the best places to witness an awe-inspiring display. If you have a car but want to stay close to the city, consider driving less than 20 miles out toward snow-capped Mount Esja, which provides a splendid backdrop for the light show (but hiking on the mountain is not recommended during aurora season due to icy conditions). Vik - near waterfalls and glaciers - see hotel + rental deals. Longer tours often provide a more intimate experience with smaller groups, although they're less likely to let you rebook if the lights aren't visible. With glaciers, geysers, and wildlife-watching opportunities, it's no surprise this astonishing place is has seen a surge in popularity. The team at Tripcurated have found the best northern lights hotels in Norway. Past visitors praise the tour guides' local knowledge but note that the viewing points may also have other tour groups present. Extra-spacious, there are two bedrooms with three beds, sleeping up to six, as well as heated floors and a fully-equipped kitchen. Northern Lights Ice hotels, in general, are iconic in the Nordic and Scandinavian regions. Ideal for families, theres even a playroom, high chair and a crib for guest use. Located in a fjord surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this Airbnb is just 10 minutes from the town of Seyisfjrur, East Icelands most architecturally interesting town, filled with colorful wooden houses while surrounded by snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. With so many potential viewing locations on the table, many visitors seek out some of the country's most scenic locations for catching the northern lights think fjords, glaciers and black sand beaches. These are some of the best, and most unusual, places to stay while watching the polaris throughout Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and even Greenland. If youre like other travellers, youll want to see the Northern Lights and what better way to do it than unobstructed views from your hotel Snfellsnes peninsula. Iceland Tourism Iceland Hotels Iceland Bed and Breakfast Iceland Holiday Rentals Iceland Packages Flights to Iceland Iceland Restaurants Being situated in Vatnajokull National Park, the lagoon has no light pollution, and visitors will see the Northern Lights clearly from there. When choosing the perfect cottageespecially for those whose major ambition is to see the aurora borealisa number of aspects should be taken into account to make sure the sighting is the most enjoyable, memorable and untarnished that it can be. Magma Hotel. Reykjavik - capital city - see hotel + rental deals. The village of Vik This small village is located on the south coast of Iceland, south of the Mrdalsjkull glacier. Regardless of your choice, you'll want to bring warm clothes aurora watching can involve several hours outside as well as a robust pair of boots or hiking shoes to navigate Iceland's rocky terrain. The northern lights (or aurora borealis, in more scientific terms) are one of the biggest draws to Iceland. Hfn Hfn is a charming little fishing village in southern Iceland. The Icelandic Meteorological Office has one such webpage dedicated to these predictions. Whether you see the Northern Lights or not, this attraction-packed peninsula in West Iceland will amaze you. Close to Vik, a few kilometers away from the Ring Road is the Reynisfjara beach. In all honesty, its not about where you might see the Northern Lights, its about where is best. With large windows and a partial glass roof, Aurora hunters can keep an eye on the sky at all times, giving you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Even if long-term aurora forecasts are unreliable, you can still plan your trip to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights. And the Jukkasjrvi Icehotel holds that title high. The apartment has huge picture windows for gazing out at the scenery and watching the northern lights. But just what they are they, and what accommodation choice is most beneficial towards this experience? The northern lights (or aurora borealis, in more scientific terms) are one of the biggest draws to Iceland. The best inhabited places to watch the lights in North America can be found in the northern parts of Canada and Alaska. At Hotel Hsafell, all rooms are spacious and . The fairytale cottage offers front-row seats to the Northern Lights dancing over the Nuuk fjord, plus cozy indoor touches like a heated bathroom floor and lofted bedroom. A 10-minute drive from one of the best golf courses in Iceland, GKG Golf. #6 Hemmingodden Lofoten fishing lodge. - Group Size: Max 60, Average 45. Reynisfjara, near the southern village of Vik, is a popular tourist spot, and it won't be hard to see why once you take in the basalt columns dotted along this black sand beach. The huge Vatnajokull National Park which covers a full 13% of Iceland's land area is located in the south east of the country and has a wide variety of landscapes, animal and plant life. By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. The geothermal pool typically closes in the late evening during the winter and early spring (too early to see the northern lights, most of the time), but it could still serve as a rejuvenating warmup before you go aurora hunting. If youre looking for some true luxury, however, then this gorgeous home in Breidalur valley will more than suit your needs. Where to Stay in Iceland to See the Northern Lights, Cabins with Hot Tubs in Iceland are the Way to Stay, Where to Stay and What to See in South Iceland, Top 10 Places to Stay in Iceland in Winter, Where to See The Northern Lights in Iceland, Bungalo Cottages for Northern Lights Viewing, Cabin with a hot tub in Iceland and the Northern Lights. Most of us think of the lounge as a place to crash after outdoor activities.Places To Stay In Well, this newly built property, Mjeyri Cottage, in the Eskifjrur area, can sleep 7 people and sports a balcony, porch and fully furnished living room and kitchen. The best cottages for viewing Northern Lights are those found out in the dark wilderness, those without light pollution diluting the experience. You might be able to find yourself a quiet corner either here or on another stretch of shoreline nearby, and you'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery while you wait for the light show. "If Earth is inside a stream of solar wind, northern lights . The village is located on Ring Road, so it is very accessible by car. Dark skies, away from city lights, give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights on a high activity night. The aurora borealis is not visible year-round, and the viewing experience can also vary depending on the weather and exact location. Professional Aurora hunters are not only experienced when it comes to tracking down the darkest sightseeing spots, but can also provide you with useful advice when it comes to photographing them, and even share fascinating stories about how people throughout history have interpreted the lights, be it as ancestral spirits or a fertility omen. See the Northern Lights in Iceland with teenagers. From volcanoes to glaciers, Iceland offers many opportunities to view the stunning northern lights. For example, a spacious patio or terrace, preferably with heat lamps and comfortable seating arrangements, makes sitting and watching the sky throughout the evening a true pleasure, one that can happily be mixed with socialising over a fulfilling cup of mulled winethe perfect winter beverage! Iceland's wintertime highs hover in the 30s, while average daytime highs in Fairbanks, Alaska, for example, fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January. Alternatively, Iceland's Aurora Forecast, which is run by locals with expert knowledge of the aurora, offers a similar forecast on a slightly more user-friendly site. Best Places for Northern Lights Hunting South Iceland The Snfellsnes Peninsula The Highlands North Iceland East Iceland Our Favourite Northern Lights Spots Around Iceland On the Golden Circle Route: ingvellir National Park In the South: Jkulsrln Glacier Lagoon In the East: Stokksnes Mountain In the North: The Arctic Henge The Met Office site also shows the cloud cover across Iceland, helping you determine whether you'll actually be able to see the lights. Located . GJ Travel offers multiple northern lights tours that also stop off at key sights around Iceland. With just 25 uber-stylish rooms - all boasting lake or lava-field views, it's the place to go for a relaxing break in southern Iceland. While you're up there, you can visit the spectacular glass-domed Perlan, a museum and restaurant offering an immersive aurora documentary in its unique planetarium, as well as spectacular views over Reykjavik. The Aurora Borealis is a natural event that happens between September and April, and Iceland is one of the best places you can be to experience the magic for yourself. However, from the end of September to the end of March, darkness overwhelms the country from 06.00 PM, making this the opportune period for aurora hunters. (Getty Images). "To see northern lights, two things must go hand in hand: The sky has to be at least partially clear and the sun has to be throwing fast moving solar wind towards Earth," says astronomy educator and author Svar Helgi Bragason. Other alternatives we can advise are the Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos where you can even stay in an igloo literally made . Hotel Kjarnalundur. The sun barely rises around this time of the year, and the extremely long nights mean a longer window for the phenomenon to appear each day. Tucked in a scenic valley surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, its ideal for immersing yourself in tranquility and watching the colorful lights on a clear winter night. You can stay overnight in a number of villages in the area. Some tours (particularly the single-day options) may be canceled and/or rescheduled if the auroral forecast is poor; certain operators may also offer you the chance to rebook for cheap or free if the lights aren't visible. Within that September to April period, there's some debate about the optimal time to see the lights. Skip the bus tours and take to the ocean for a couple hours with this nighttime aurora-spotting cruise. It is the ideal place to take incredible . Hotel Husafell is consistently recognized as one of the best hotels in Iceland for northern lights for delivering modern conveniences in natural surroundings. For a chance to see the Northern Lights, join Culture Trip's expertly curated five-day trip to Finnish Lapland. Enigmatic Iceland is one of the world's most interesting destinations for nature travel. Guests enjoy a peaceful view over the glistening bay and the city while dramatic mountain peaks provide an impressive backdrop. Found 80 km south of East Icelands biggest town, Egilsstair, this property has a magnificent fireplace, fantastic surrounding scenery complemented by a hot tub, sauna and fantastic terrace. Others may not be so generous. the best Northern Lights hotels in the world. Reykjavik, Iceland is a place filled to the brim with cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Afterward, you can look forward to coming back and enjoy this comfy home with one loft-style bedroom, a wood stove to cozy up to and a well-equipped kitchen for cooking up your own meals. Park. However, keep in mind that catching the northern lights isn't as simple as hopping on a plane and looking up once you land in Reykjavik. The Overall Best Iceland Airbnb - Explore Hot Springs and Lava Fields from a Backyard Cottage. This holiday has been designed to help improve your Aurora viewing potential at night during two dedicated activities, whilst leaving you free time each day to tailor your stay. Hsafell and the Borgarnes region in general is one of the best places to see the Northern lights in Iceland. Of course, bad weather can foil your plans regardless of when you visit. The same could be said for Mount Vestrahorn, in the Eastfjords, Hallgrmskirkja Lutheran Church in downtown Reykjavk or the waterfalls, Skgafoss and Seljalandsfoss, located on the picturesque South Coast. If you can't escape the city, try going to skjuhl, a hill on the south side of Reykjavik that offers decent views of the northern lights from the top. Northern Lights Geo Dome. #2 Sollia Aurora Park, Kirkenes. The Best Places to Watch the Northern Lights in Iceland Something Isn't Working Refresh the page to try again. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. This glass dome is Perlan Museum, open daily from 09:00 till 20:00. However, guests in the two on-site hotels don't have to stress about this timing. If you really want to get away from everyone, consider skipping stops along the Golden Circle and head to some of Iceland's less visited areas. It offers a cozy stay in an idyllic setting with a view of the coast and the mountains, just south of the Eyjafjallajkull glacier and volcano, about a 40-minute drive from Vik, famous for its black sand beach and iconic rock formations. Its forecasts show the Kp index, which measures disturbances in Earth's magnetic field on a scale of zero to nine; the higher the number on the index, the stronger the aurora activity. Theres a large living room, flat-screen TV and blue ray player, a fully-equipped kitchen, BBQ grill, washer/dryer and a fireplace too. 5. The light pollution in Iceland's capital and most populous city sometimes drowns out the northern lights, although particularly bright auroras can still be visible in Reykjavik. Even if you visit two years in a row, you will never see the same hotel twice. Take a break from the beach by exploring one of these top-notch Miami museums. When to go to Iceland to see the northern lights. From picturesque mountain towns to cozy lakefront cottages, these dreamy destinations are the perfect romantic getaway for you and your beau. Interest Best Seller i, Classic i, Northern Lights i. . Taking a group tour may mean visiting multiple locations to view the aurora, rather than sticking in one place, like at a hotel. 3. Usually, the aurora will only appear given openings in the suns atmosphere, either in the form of sunspots or coronal holes, an assumption that was made as far back as 1880. Travel Agent vs. Travel Advisor: What's the Difference and Do You Need One? 2. Travelers liked the helpful guides, but some caution that it gets extra cold out on the water. Laugardalur is home to a network of outdoor-activity areas on the outskirts of Reykjavk; it's where locals come to stretch their legs on the hiking trails, in the sports centres and, when winter descends, on the ice rink. Hot tubs and heated floors at the Panorama Glass Lodge make the views over the rocky tundra all the more cozy. Best for Iceland's second city, Akureyi. You could stay in Vik but if the clear skies are in Snaefellsness you miss out. Cottage with a view #1 Egilsstair Stormur Cottages, MARIA Luxury Villa South-West, Vesturland, Top 14 Cabin Rentals in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, 8 Most Exclusive Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast, 11 Most Beautiful Villages in Tuscany, Italy, 14 Best Places for Fall Foliage in New Hampshire, Top 10 Fall Foliage Train Rides in Pennsylvania, 8 Most Romantic Places to Stay in Asheville, North Carolina, Stay at the Treehouse at Danville from Netflixs Vacation Rentals Show. This list is just a small sampling of the many tours available websites like Viator compile plenty more suggestions to cover all tastes. If you choose to drive yourself, you may want to consider renting a vehicle with four-wheel drive for some extra safety on wintry roads. There's one place you may want to avoid if your sole goal is to glimpse the aurora: Reykjavik. Selfoss - between Golden Circle and South Coast - see hotel + rental deals. 6. Hella This small town is in a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. Those staying in North Iceland have a plethora of choice when it comes to accommodation. #5 GotoKirkenes Apartments, Kirkenes. Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, Despite this, the phenomenon is unpredictable and often proves elusive to many visits. Despite cold outside temperatures, this chilly Northern country set in the Atlantic Sea has recently become a very popular travel destination. I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE dressing up warm and toasty only to feeling the crisp fresh air on my face. Enjoy nature, quaint accommodations and fun activities on your next romantic trip to Maine. Youll enjoy an especially tranquil stay in a studio-style cottage that sits on a farm and boasts large picture windows that perfectly showcase the mountain, and the Icelandic sheep and horses that are scattered about the property. Which part of Iceland is best for Northern Lights? The Northern Lights illuminated over the Kerid Crater in south Iceland. This single-day (or night, to be precise) tour lasts about three hours and carries a maximum of 25 people by bus. Many guests have boasted about watching the northern lights from the porch, as well as enjoying the horses that frequently pass by. We will discuss these places in detail. Cloudy skies are the main culprit, since they block out the aurora. Stay at Magma Hotel, one of the 10 best-rated hotels in Iceland . Consider stopping off at the spectacular 200-foot high Seljalandsfoss waterfall on the way; it's about 40 miles from Vik, on the main road from Reykjavik. One way of maximising the strength of their visibility, however, is to travel out where there is a little light pollution as possiblein other words, out of the city and into the countryside. If driving is too much of a hassle, consider booking a hotel somewhere scenic to catch the northern lights. The best northern lights tours in Iceland, Top hotels for viewing the northern lights. Tags: Travel, Europe Vacations, Travel Tips. Fairbanks is by far one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights, as it's located directly under the auroral oval. If you can't make it . And even if the solar activity doesn't play fair, you'll still enjoy an . Plan ahead for smooth sailing when cruising with young mariners. During the day, bundle up and get out on the scenic hiking trails and visit some magnificent waterfalls nearby. Scotland sees the lights around 200 nights per year. #1 Kirkenes Snowhotel, Kirkenes. Book a stay* Spitsbergen (Getty Images) 3. Another possible vantage point to view the lights is on top of Reykjavik's tall buildings, like . Arctic Adventures offers a two-day tour focused on the aurora and the Snfellsnes peninsula north of Reykjavik, including a hot spring and black sand beach, with prices starting in the $400 range. Tags: Travel, Europe Vacations, Travel Tips, theres even a playroom high... 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