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5 reasons to see the Northern Lights

Here are five reasons to see the Northern Lights.

Chasing the Northern Lights is like going on a safari. You set out in a coach from Reykjavik. The Iceland guides with walkie-talkies in hand discuss the best viewing spot for the night, and then you’re off, zooming into the wilderness. When it’s time, you pile out of the coach, peer upwards, and wait. That’s when, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights will put on a show. Here’s our list of reasons why everyone should see them in their lifetime…

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1. THEY LOOK DIFFERENT EVERY TIME

They can appear as bright white lassoes, neon-green paint strokes, or fiery red rainbows – seeing the Northern Lights for the first time is enough to bring a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye.
Northern lights surrounding Mount Kirkjufell in Iceland

2. YOU JUST CAN'T PREDICT THEM

Even life-long Icelanders don’t know exactly when or where they’ll turn up, so a light-seeing trip really is an adventure.


Did you know?

The Northern Lights are formed when electrically charged, gaseous particles from the sun collide as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. The most common colour is a yellowy green, which is produced by oxygen molecules dancing around at about 60 miles above Earth. If you see red lights, you’re very lucky  these are formed around 200 miles above our heads.

Northern lights, Iceland

3. THERE'S MORE THAN JUST THE LIGHTS

You get a chance to experience a part of the world that snuggles under long, dark nights in winter. What’s more, Reykjavik is well worth getting to know, with its colourful buildings and buzzing bar and café scene.
Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral, Reykjavik in Iceland

4. THE WILDERNESS IS THE PLACE TO HEAD TO

You can head out of the city and really get back to nature. Your chances of seeing the lights skyrocket as soon as you hit the wilderness in Iceland or Finland.
Eruption of Strokkur geyser, Iceland

5. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SUN

When the sun’s solar activity is at its highest, the Northern Lights are at their best. This solar maximum is only set to last until 2018, so get out there before it’s gone.
Northern Lights, Reykjavik, Iceland

Feeling inspired?

Explore our Iceland holidays.

Just so you know, all our three and four-night Iceland packages include a Northern Lights tour on your first night. But, if the weather or the lights aren't cooperating, the tour will run again – for no extra cost – on your second and, if necessary, on your third night.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Katie Gregory

Last updated: 22.12.2022

Holiday Type

Destination

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