You don’t always have to drive far from Reykjavík to see the Northern Lights. While getting away from city lights can improve your chances, there are several darker areas in and around Reykjavík where you can watch for the aurora on a clear night.
If you have a rental car in Reykjavík, you also have the flexibility to check the forecast and drive to a darker location when conditions look promising.
Here are three of the best places in Reykjavík to see the Northern Lights.
1. Grótta Lighthouse
Grótta Lighthouse is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights near Reykjavik. Located at the end of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, it has a wide view over the ocean and considerably less light pollution than Reykjavik city centre.
Why Grótta is good for Northern Lights viewing
The main advantage of Grótta is its location. Looking out towards the ocean gives you a darker horizon without as many buildings and streetlights getting in the way.
It is also only around a 15-minute drive from central Reykjavik, making it a convenient place to check when the Northern Lights forecast looks good.
There is public parking in the area, but remember that Grótta itself is a tidal island. The path leading towards the lighthouse can become submerged at high tide, so don’t attempt to walk across without checking the conditions.
Best for: Easy access, ocean views and Northern Lights photography
Drive from Reykjavik city centre: Around 15 minutes
2. Öskjuhlíð
You don’t even have to leave Reykjavík itself to find a darker place to look for the aurora.
Öskjuhlíð is the wooded hill surrounding Perlan, just outside Reykjavik city centre. Its elevated position and wooded areas provide darker pockets away from some of the direct street lighting below.
Why Öskjuhlíð is good for Northern Lights viewing
Öskjuhlíð is particularly convenient if you are staying in central Reykjavik and don’t want to travel far.
There are walking paths throughout the area, and several locations offer views across Reykjavik and the surrounding sky. However, because you are still inside the city, light pollution can make weaker auroras more difficult to see.
If Northern Lights activity is strong and the sky is clear, Öskjuhlíð can be a convenient place to start looking without travelling far outside Reykjavik.
Best for: Staying close to Reykjavik city centre
Drive from Reykjavik city centre: Around 5–10 minutes
3. Heiðmörk
If you have a rental car and don’t mind driving a little farther, Heiðmörk is another good option.
Heiðmörk is a large outdoor recreation area on the outskirts of Reykjavik. One particularly good area is Rauðhólar, where the darker surroundings and distance from central Reykjavik’s strongest light pollution can provide better conditions for aurora viewing. Visit Reykjavik recommends Rauðhólar as one of the easily accessible Northern Lights spots around the capital.
Why Heiðmörk is good for Northern Lights viewing
Compared with locations closer to downtown Reykjavik, Heiðmörk gives you a better opportunity to get away from city lights without committing to a long nighttime drive.
This can be especially useful when the aurora forecast is good but activity isn’t strong enough to overcome Reykjavik’s light pollution.
Remember that conditions can change quickly in Iceland during the Northern Lights season. Check the weather and road conditions before driving and stick to designated roads and parking areas.
Best for: Darker skies close to Reykjavik
Drive from Reykjavik city centre: Around 15–25 minutes
Which Reykjavik Northern Lights Spot Is Best?
If you’re choosing just one, Grótta is probably the best place to start. It is close to the city centre, easy to reach by car and offers a dark, open view towards the ocean.
For travellers who want to stay within Reykjavik, Öskjuhlíð is a convenient alternative. If you have a rental car and want to get farther from the city lights, Heiðmörk is worth considering.
| Location | Approx. drive from central Reykjavik | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Grótta Lighthouse | 15 minutes | Overall Northern Lights viewing |
| Öskjuhlíð | 5–10 minutes | Staying close to downtown |
| Heiðmörk | 15–25 minutes | Getting away from city lights |
Can You See the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
Yes. It is possible to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik when conditions are right. However, artificial lighting makes faint auroras harder to see, so heading towards the coast, parks or darker areas on the edge of the city can improve your viewing conditions.
Seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed. You need a combination of darkness, clear or mostly clear skies and auroral activity.
For most travellers, Northern Lights season runs from around late August through April, when Iceland has enough darkness for the aurora to be visible.
Check the Northern Lights Forecast Before You Drive
Before heading out, check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast. Pay particular attention to cloud cover as well as auroral activity.
A strong aurora forecast won’t help much if Reykjavik is covered by thick clouds. Sometimes driving a relatively short distance can take you from cloudy skies to a clearer area, which is one of the biggest advantages of having your own rental car.
Also check current road and weather conditions before setting off, particularly during winter.
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights Around Reykjavik
Give yourself several nights if possible rather than relying on one evening. The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly.
Try to find somewhere away from direct streetlights and give your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. Dress warmly too — you’ll often spend much longer standing outside than you expect.
If you’re driving, only stop in proper parking areas or safe designated locations. Never stop your rental car on the road simply because you see the Northern Lights.
And don’t forget your camera or phone. Modern smartphones can often capture colours and details in the aurora that are harder to see with the naked eye.
Why Renting a Car Can Help You See the Northern Lights
One of the biggest advantages of having a rental car in Iceland during Northern Lights season is flexibility.
The aurora doesn’t appear at a fixed time or place. Cloud cover can also be completely different from one part of the Reykjavik area to another.
With your own car, you can check the forecast in the evening and decide where to go based on the conditions rather than staying in one location.
Dollar Car Rental Iceland offers a range of rental cars for exploring Reykjavik and travelling farther around Iceland during the Northern Lights season. If you’re visiting during winter, choose a vehicle that suits your itinerary and always check the weather and road conditions before travelling.
FAQ: Seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
- Where is the best place in Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights?
Grótta Lighthouse is one of the best-known Northern Lights locations close to Reykjavik. Its position on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula provides open ocean views and less light pollution than central Reykjavik.
- Can I see the Northern Lights from downtown Reykjavik?
Yes, particularly when auroral activity is strong. However, city lights can make weaker Northern Lights harder to see. Travelling to a darker location can improve viewing conditions.
- Do I need a car to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
No. It is possible to see them from Reykjavik itself. However, a rental car gives you more flexibility to travel to darker areas or look for clearer skies when cloud conditions vary around the capital.
- What time can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik?
There is no exact time when the Northern Lights appear. They can appear at any point when the sky is sufficiently dark and conditions are suitable, so check the aurora and cloud forecast throughout the evening.
- Are the Northern Lights guaranteed in Reykjavik?
No. Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed. You need sufficient auroral activity, darkness and clear skies, and conditions can change quickly.
- How far do you need to drive from Reykjavik to see the Northern Lights?
You may not need to drive outside Reykjavik at all during strong auroral activity. However, within around 15–30 minutes you can reach several locations with less light pollution, including Grótta and Heiðmörk.