Before leaping into where to go in Reykjavík to see the Northern Lights let's answer the question: Can you see the northern lights in Reykjavík?
You can see the northern lights from Reykjavík but the lights won't be as visibly bright compared to areas outside the city's light pollution. That's why the best places within Reykjavík are ones in darker areas less affected by light pollution like Grótta Lighthouse, Öskjuhlíð Hill, Viðey Island, lake Elliðavatn, and Heiðmörk.
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Grótta Lighthouse
If you only have time for one spot in Reykjavík, make it this one. Grótta is my go-to recommendation when people ask, “Where should I try to see the lights without leaving town?” It’s located on the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, and the reason it works so well is simple: dark skies and unobstructed ocean views. No buildings. No streetlamps. Just sea, stars, and (if you’re lucky) swirling green skies during the northern light months in Iceland.
A bonus? If you bring a thermos of hot chocolate (or maybe something a little stronger—Icelandic Brennivín, anyone?), you can enjoy it by the small hot foot bath called Kvika right by the lighthouse. The area is easily walkable from downtown Reykjavík Harbor (about 45 minutes, but I recommend catching a short bus ride if it’s cold out).
Heads-up: Grótta is a nature reserve and the tiny islet nearby is closed during nesting season from May to July, but it’s wide open for aurora hunters in winter.
Öskjuhlíð Hill
Right in the heart of Reykjavík, Öskjuhlíð is a forested hill surrounding the iconic Perlan museum. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the trees and elevation block out city glare, creating a much darker environment than you'd expect in a city park.
The top of the hill offers panoramic views of the city and the night sky and if you don’t get lucky with the aurora, at least the view is still worth it. You’ll also find footpaths weaving through the forest, which gives a nice buffer from the city lights.
Going to Perlan's 360° observation deck is also a pretty cool view and that way you can go hide inside if it's freezing.
Notes: Perlan is only open until 9 pm, which may be a bit too early for an aurora viewing.
It's also worth noting that Sky Lagoon sits within the capital area and is one of the best hot springs to watch the northern lights.
Viðey Island
Now we’re getting into more adventurous territory. Viðey Island is just a short ferry ride away, but it feels like another world. The island is completely undeveloped, with no cars or artificial lights. That means a pitch-black viewing experience ideal for the aurora. However, the Imagine Peace Tower, Yoko Ono’s tribute to John Lennon, beams bright into the sky during the aurora season which may affect the aurora show in the sky.
The ferry doesn’t run often in winter, so this option takes a little planning. But if you can sync it with the aurora forecast, it’s a beautiful way to experience the lights.
Elliðavatn Lake
This one is a gem for travelers who like to chase peace and quiet. Located in the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve (which we’ll get to in a sec), Elliðavatn is a calm lake surrounded by open nature. On a still night, the northern lights reflect perfectly on the water’s surface, creating that double-sky effect that’s a photographer’s dream.
The lake is only about 15 minutes by car from downtown and is accessible by bus too (though service might be limited at night). There are trails around the lake, so bring sturdy shoes and don’t forget a flashlight as there’s little to no lighting out there, which is exactly why it works.
This is actually the place I saw the brightest and most colorful auroras I've ever seen. They were glowing green and lasted at least an hour if not two around 1 am, so personally I can't recommend this place enough.
Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
Heiðmörk is the lungs of Reykjavík, a massive protected area of lava fields, lakes, and birch forests just southeast of the city. It’s the spot locals go when they want proper northern lights viewing without heading out into the countryside.
You’ll need a car to get to the darker parts, but once you’re there, the open skies and minimal light pollution offer some of the best in-city aurora viewing you’ll find.
Fun fact:In winter, you might spot Icelandic horses nearby, which just adds to the magical mood.
Álftanes Beach
Just across the water from downtown, Álftanes is a small peninsula that juts into the sea, with wide skies and low light pollution. The beach here is flat and gives you a clean line of sight in multiple directions, which is key when the aurora starts dancing in unexpected parts of the sky (btw you can also see the northern lights from black sand beaches in Iceland).
It’s less known than other spots, so you might have it mostly to yourself. Just you, the waves, and (hopefully) the lights. I like coming here when the forecast looks promising but I want to avoid crowds.
Fun Fact: Álftanes is also where the president lives at Bessastaðir.
Lake Rauðavatn
A small, peaceful lake tucked between Reykjavík and the suburbs, Rauðavatn is perfect for anyone wanting a quick getaway from the city glow. You won’t get much traffic out here, and with clear skies, you’ll be able to catch strong auroras reflecting in the water. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the city center, and it tends to stay quiet even on active nights.
Note: It’s close to Elliðavatn, so you can swing by both spots if you’re chasing the best viewing angles.
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Places Near Reykjavík to See the Northern Lights
Sometimes, a 30–45 minute drive is all you need to escape the glow of Reykjavík and enter the real aurora zone. Here are two nearby favorites that consistently deliver.
Þingvellir National Park
You may know Þingvellir (Thingvellir) as the historic site of Iceland’s first parliament or as a stop on the Golden Circle, but it’s also a top-tier northern lights location. Since it sits between two tectonic plates and offers expansive views of the open sky, it’s the perfect stage for nature’s light show.
There are several parking areas and footpaths, and the best spots are near the Silfra fissure and Öxarárfoss waterfall. The bonus? No city lights for miles. This is my favorite place to bring visitors who are serious about spotting the aurora.
Plan ahead: there are usually no shops or gas stations nearby open in the late hours, so bring snacks, warm drinks, and dress for the cold.
Kleifarvatn Lake
Now this one’s a bit dramatic, in all the right ways though. Kleifarvatn is a deep volcanic lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula surrounded by dark cliffs and strange geothermal landscapes. It’s moody, remote, and insanely atmospheric.
Because it’s less visited than Þingvellir, you can often have the place to yourself (just don’t go wandering off alone in the dark). There’s something about the black sand shoreline and steam rising in the distance that makes watching the northern lights here even more spectacular.
That covers the best places to see the northern lights and where to go in Reykavík to see the northern lights. Sometimes the lights don't show (you can learn more about what causes the aurora borealis) but if you don’t catch them on your first night, try again. When they finally appear, it's pure magic and you’ll be glad you waited.
Northern Lights with Travel Reykjavík
All our Northern Lights tours take you outside the city for the best chance of seeing the aurora away from Reykjavík’s light pollution. With 80+ years of family-run experience, we know where to find the darkest skies and the brightest displays. Our local guides adjust each route based on real-time forecasts to give you the best possible view no matter if you opt for a small group, private tour, or a rugged Super Jeep adventure. Because when the northern lights appear, you want nothing but stars and silence around you.