Why Akureyri and North Iceland for Aurora Hunting
Akureyri lies approximately 390 kilometres from Reykjavik on Iceland's north coast and serves as the natural base for aurora viewing in North Iceland. The region experiences less precipitation than the south coast throughout the aurora season, which runs from late August to mid-April. Weather patterns often differ significantly between north and south, meaning cloud cover over Reykjavik does not necessarily extend to Akureyri.
Lake Myvatn sits about 90 minutes east of Akureyri and offers some of the darkest skies in Iceland due to minimal light pollution and sparse population. The Myvatn Nature Baths provide a unique opportunity to watch for aurora while soaking in geothermal water, combining two quintessential Icelandic experiences. The area around Godafoss waterfall, roughly 45 minutes from Akureyri, also provides excellent foreground interest for aurora photography.
North Iceland's lower tourist density compared to the southwest means fewer tour vehicles competing for viewing spots and a more peaceful experience overall. Most operators in the region run smaller groups and can access remote locations that remain impractical for Reykjavik-based tours.
Getting to Akureyri for Northern Lights Viewing
Domestic flights connect Reykjavik and Akureyri year-round, with flight time approximately 45 minutes. Airlines operate multiple daily departures, and winter schedules typically accommodate travellers specifically visiting for aurora viewing. Flight availability makes multi-day northern lights tours that include North Iceland practical for visitors with limited time.
The Ring Road (Route 1) connects Reykjavik to Akureyri, though winter driving conditions require experience and appropriate vehicles. The journey takes approximately six hours in good conditions but can extend significantly during snow or ice. Most visitors arriving specifically for aurora viewing either fly or book multi day northern lights tour iceland packages that include transport from Reykjavik.
Akureyri Airport lies just three kilometres from the town centre, and most accommodation providers offer pickup services. Car rental facilities operate at the airport for those planning independent exploration of North Iceland viewing locations.
Book Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik
More tours on GetYourGuideChecking the Northern Lights Forecast for Akureyri
The Icelandic Met Office at vedur.is provides separate cloud cover forecasts for North Iceland, allowing you to compare conditions between Akureyri and Reykjavik. Aurora activity follows the KP index scale from 0 to 9, with North Iceland capable of displaying aurora at any KP level above 0 given clear skies.
Understanding the northern lights forecast iceland system helps you make informed decisions about which nights to prioritize for viewing and whether weather conditions favour staying near Akureyri or driving to Lake Myvatn. Cloud cover matters more than aurora strength for successful viewing, and North Iceland's different weather patterns provide additional opportunities compared to southern regions.
Local tour operators monitor forecasts continuously and typically make final decisions about tour departures two to three hours before scheduled start times. The geographic separation from Reykjavik means tours from Akureyri sometimes operate on nights when southern tours cancel due to cloud cover.
Northern Lights Tours from Akureyri
Tours from Akureyri typically follow a different model than northern lights tour iceland reykjavik operations, with smaller group sizes and more flexible itineraries. Most operators use standard passenger vehicles or small buses rather than large coaches, allowing access to narrower rural roads and more remote locations. Tour duration usually ranges from three to five hours depending on weather and aurora activity.
Budget tours from Akureyri focus on efficient transport to dark-sky locations with basic guidance, while mid-range options include warm clothing rental, hot drinks, and more experienced aurora guides. Premium tours sometimes combine aurora viewing with visits to the Myvatn Nature Baths or include professional photography instruction at locations chosen specifically for compositional interest.
Some operators offer combination tours that visit Godafoss during daylight hours before continuing to aurora viewing locations after dark. Tours typically pick up from Akureyri hotels and sometimes include Lake Myvatn accommodation if overnight stays form part of the package. Understanding best time to see northern lights in iceland helps you plan your North Iceland visit during optimal months.
Lake Myvatn as a Northern Lights Viewing Base
Lake Myvatn lies approximately 95 kilometres east of Akureyri and offers accommodation ranging from guesthouses to hotels, all within easy reach of exceptional dark-sky locations. The lake itself measures about 37 square kilometres and provides varied foreground options for aurora photography, including volcanic formations, lava fields, and the distinctive pseudocraters at Skutustadir.
Myvatn Nature Baths sits on the lake's northeast shore and remains open until midnight during winter months specifically to accommodate aurora viewers. The geothermal water maintains temperatures between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius year-round, and the elevated position offers unobstructed northern horizon views. The facility provides towel rental, changing rooms, and a small cafe.
Staying at Lake Myvatn eliminates driving time to viewing locations, as nearly any spot a few hundred metres from accommodation offers sufficient darkness. The area experiences less wind on average than the coast around Akureyri, making extended outdoor aurora viewing more comfortable. Several accommodation providers offer wake-up services if aurora activity increases during the night.
Photography Opportunities in North Iceland
Godafoss waterfall combines dramatic foreground interest with dark skies and easy access from Akureyri, making it a favourite location for northern lights photography tour iceland groups. The waterfall spans approximately 30 metres and maintains flow throughout winter, though ice formations add compositional complexity from December through March.
Lake Myvatn's diverse geology provides numerous composition options within a compact area. Dimmuborgir lava formations, Hverfjall crater rim, and the geothermal areas around Hverir all offer distinctive foreground elements. Most locations allow vehicle access to within short walking distance, reducing equipment transport challenges in winter conditions.
The darker skies around Akureyri and Lake Myvatn allow photographers to capture aurora detail and colour that remains difficult to record in areas with more light pollution. Lower ISO settings become practical, reducing noise and improving image quality. The reduced tourist density also means fewer vehicle headlights and flashlights interfering with long exposures.
Planning Your North Iceland Aurora Trip
Visitors focused specifically on northern lights viewing typically allocate three to five nights in North Iceland to account for weather variability. This duration provides reasonable probability of experiencing at least one night with both clear skies and aurora activity. Combining aurora viewing with daytime exploration of Myvatn's geothermal areas, Dettifoss waterfall, or whale watching from Akureyri makes efficient use of daylight hours.
Winter temperatures in Akureyri average slightly colder than Reykjavik, typically ranging from -5 to 3 degrees Celsius between December and February. Wind chill factor matters significantly during extended outdoor viewing, so layered clothing and wind-resistant outer shells remain essential regardless of tour grade. Most tours provide warm outer layers, but personal base layers and insulated footwear require your own preparation.
Booking accommodation well in advance becomes important during peak aurora season months of northern lights iceland february and March when North Iceland attracts photographers and serious aurora enthusiasts. Options around Lake Myvatn remain limited compared to Akureyri, so flexibility with dates helps secure preferred locations. Comparing conditions between north and south using the Icelandic Met Office forecast allows you to make informed decisions about whether to base yourself in northern lights reykjavik or travel to Akureyri.
Frequently asked questions
Is Akureyri better than Reykjavik for seeing the northern lights in Iceland?
Akureyri and North Iceland statistically experience clearer skies than the Reykjavik area due to different weather patterns and less precipitation. The region offers darker skies from reduced light pollution and easier access to remote viewing locations. However, weather remains variable across all of Iceland, so neither location guarantees aurora viewing.
How do I get from Reykjavik to Akureyri to see the northern lights?
Domestic flights operate multiple times daily between Reykjavik and Akureyri with approximately 45-minute flight time. Driving the Ring Road takes about six hours in good conditions but requires winter driving experience and appropriate vehicles. Many visitors book multi-day tours that include transportation from Reykjavik to North Iceland viewing locations.
Can I see the northern lights from Lake Myvatn without joining a tour?
Lake Myvatn offers excellent independent aurora viewing with minimal light pollution and accommodation within walking distance of dark-sky locations. Nearly any spot a few hundred metres from the main settlements provides sufficient darkness. The Myvatn Nature Baths remain open until midnight specifically for aurora viewers and offer heated water with unobstructed northern views.
What is the best month to visit Akureyri for northern lights viewing?
February and March typically offer the best combination of aurora activity, improving weather conditions, and reasonable daylight hours for exploring North Iceland during the day. The aurora season runs from late August through mid-April, with darker nights from November through January but harsher weather conditions. September and October provide milder temperatures but shorter periods of darkness.
How much does a northern lights tour from Akureyri cost compared to Reykjavik tours?
Tours from Akureyri generally fall into similar budget, mid-range, and premium categories as Reykjavik tours but often feature smaller groups and more specialized itineraries. Pricing varies significantly based on group size, duration, included facilities like Myvatn Nature Baths entry, and whether professional photography instruction forms part of the package. The smaller market means fewer budget options but more personalized experiences overall.
Do I need to rent a car to see the northern lights in Akureyri?
Tours from Akureyri provide transport to optimal viewing locations and handle navigation in winter conditions, making car rental unnecessary specifically for aurora viewing. Independent travellers wanting flexibility to chase clear skies or visit multiple locations around Lake Myvatn benefit from rental vehicles. Winter driving requires experience with snow and ice, and insurance coverage typically excludes certain rural roads during winter months.
Can I see the northern lights and visit Godafoss waterfall on the same tour from Akureyri?
Some operators offer combination tours that visit Godafoss during daylight hours before continuing to aurora viewing locations after dark. Godafoss lies approximately 45 minutes from Akureyri and also serves as an aurora viewing location itself, providing waterfall foregrounds for photography. Tour availability and structure vary by operator and season.
What makes Lake Myvatn a good location for photographing the northern lights?
Lake Myvatn combines exceptionally dark skies with diverse geological features including volcanic formations, pseudocraters, and geothermal areas that provide interesting foreground elements. The area experiences less wind than coastal locations, allowing stable tripod setups for long exposures. Easy vehicle access to multiple composition options within a compact area reduces the logistical challenges of night photography in winter conditions.
