Before jumping into where to go in Borgarnes to see the Northern Lights let's answer the question: Can you see the northern lights in Borgarnes?
You can see the northern lights from Borgarnes but the lights won't be as visibly bright compared to areas outside the town's light pollution. That's why the best places within Borgarnes are ones in darker areas less affected by light pollution like Skallagrímsgarður Park, Borgarfjarðarbrú and Brákarey island (that despite its name is easily accessible).
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So, Where Exactly Is Borgarnes?
Borgarnes is about an hour and a half north of Reykjavík (on a good weather day), right where the Ring Road crosses into West Iceland. You'll hit it just after the Hvalfjörður Tunnel—so it's the kind of place people often breeze past without much about it.
The town itself sits on a small peninsula with views over the Borgarfjörður fjord. It's got a mix of modern essentials (a good grocery store, gas station, swimming pool and bakeries) alongside peaceful coastal paths and some of the most beautiful sunsets you'll see.
What does that mean for northern lights watching? You've got open skies, fjord reflections, and a whole lot less light pollution than places in Reykjavík to see the northern lights. And that's a great start.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Borgarnes?
You can absolutely see the northern lights from Borgarnes during months of the northern light season. In fact, you might be surprised by how good your chances are here on a clear night. Borgarnes sits far enough from major light sources to give you dark skies, especially if you head just a few minutes outside the main village. And with mountains to the east and the fjord to the west, you'll get wide-angle views of the sky wherever you look.
You don't need to go to the middle of nowhere to see the aurora colors — you just need darkness, clear skies, and a little patience.
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Where to Go in Borgarnes to See the Northern Lights
Here are three of my favorite local spots that give you excellent aurora views with minimal effort:
1. The Shoreline by Skallagrímsgarður Park
If you're staying in town, this is the easiest spot to access on foot. The park itself has a walking path that wraps around the coast with benches facing out over the water. It's quiet, safe, and gets dark quickly — perfect for watching the sky. Just make sure to keep some distance from the main road to avoid headlight glare.
Close by is the Borgarnes swimming pool which is a surprisingly good location for northern light viewing as it has views of the fjord and faces away from the major light pollution of the town. Sure, the lights at the swimming pool can dampen the auroras but it still has that added uniqueness to the experience — geothermal water under the nights sky and northern lights, simply wonderful. The pool is also usually open until 10 PM which is just within the best time to see the northern lights.
2. The Causeway to the Bridge
If you're driving from Reykjavík, it's the long bridge that's called Borgarfjarðarbrú, just before you reach Borgarnes. There's a small pull-off on the right-hand side as you approach the bridge from the south where you can park safely and walk along part of the causeway to enjoy the fjord view (and hopefully catch the aurora on a clear night!). You'll get a full panoramic view of the fjord, which sometimes reflects the lights in the water. It's gorgeous.
3. Brákarey & Harbor
This island behind the Settlement Center is a quieter part of town where the harbor meets the sea, and you can easily reach it on foot or by driving. There are fewer lights here, and the view across the water toward Hafnarfjall is completely open. This is also where you find the old timey museum Hérumbilsafn Gunna Jóns.
Outside of Borgarnes it's also worth noting that Hvammsvík, one of the best hot springs to watch northern lights, is located just 50 minutes away.
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Staying in Borgarnes: My Top Picks
Whether you're in town for one night or using it as a base to explore more of West Iceland, here are three cozy places to stay where you can enjoy aurora views right from the doorstep (if the sky cooperates). You can also have a look at the best northern lights hotels in Iceland.
1. Hótel Hamar
This place has everything you want in a winter stay: clean, modern rooms, a fantastic restaurant, and outdoor hot tubs with aurora views. It's just outside town, which means even darker skies — and if the lights show up, you're already in your swimsuit.
2. Englendingavík Guesthouse
Tucked into the historical heart of Borgarnes, this charming little guesthouse has a lot of soul and is just a short walk to the fjord path. Rooms are simple but warm, and it has the feel of an old Icelandic home (with the bonus of fast Wi-Fi).
3. Blómasetrið Guesthouse
If you're after something colorful, quirky, and close to local cafés, this one's for you. It doubles as a flower & gift shop, and I'm convinced the woman who runs it is part magician. It's centrally located and walking distance from all the best viewing spots in town.
Want a Guided Aurora Experience? Try These Travel Reykjavík Tours Instead
Now, full disclosure —Travel Reykjavík doesn't currently run northern lights tours to Borgarnes. However if your goal is to get the best possible aurora experience, Travel Reykjavík does specialize in those.
Here are my top picks if you want to go all in:
3-Day or 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt
These small-group tours are designed to combine the winter views of the south shore with the northern lights. You'll explore the south coast and Golden Circle which is a popular northern lights view spot, by day and view the lights by night (conditions allowing). It's one of the most efficient (and fun) ways to maximize your chances without having to think about a single detail. Each night you'll have the opportunity to see the northern lights in Vík (or around that area).
- More on the 5-Day Northern Light Tour
- More on the 3-Day Northern Light Tour
2-Day or 4-Day Ice Cave & Northern Lights Adventure
If you want that winter wow-factor, add an ice cave to your northern lights plan. These tours include aurora views when conditions are right, and a trip inside a real glacial cave — something you just can't DIY safely. You'll also visit places like Reynisfjara black sand beach a great place to view the northern lights (one of the black sand beaches to see the auroras), iconic waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Diamond Beach which is also a great place to see the northern lights.
- Have a look at the 4-Day Ice Cave & Aurora Tour
- Have a look at the 2-Day Ice Cave & Aurora Tour
Private Northern Lights Tours
If you're more of a “I want to go at my own pace” kind of traveler, these ones are for you. You'll have your own driver-guide who knows where to go and when, based on real-time forecasts. No groups, no waiting — just you, the open road, and a customized hunt for the aurora.
Final Thoughts: Is Borgarnes Worth It for the Northern Lights?
Honestly? Yes. If you're already in West Iceland or heading toward Snæfellsnes, Borgarnes is a low-key, high-reward stop with great aurora potential — especially if the skies are clear and you're not trying to be in the most “famous” place. It's quiet. It's scenic. And it gives you that small-town Iceland feel that most travelers miss.
Just keep your expectations realistic (auroras are never guaranteed), pack your warmest layers, and stay somewhere with a view. And if you want a full-blown aurora-chasing adventure with expert guidance, Travel Reykjavík has you covered.