The Best Place to Watch the Northern Lights in Iceland

Southern Iceland is home to some of Iceland’s most celebrated natural wonders, including the legendary Northern Lights. Iceland is most famous for these but visitors are always surprised by the multitude of other gems waiting to be discovered. South Iceland stretches from the glacial lagoon, Jokulsarlon, in the East, all the way to the West-based fishing and ferry town of Thorlakshofn. Why are the highlands of South Iceland considered the place to watch the Northern Lights? Iceland is home to some of the most stunning landmarks but the south boasts the largest glaciers, the most active and largest volcanoes and eruptive fissures.

So what options does this glorious region offer when it comes to enjoying the Northern Lights? Iceland has many fantastic locations but the mountain ridge, Thorsmork is considered one of the best. Thorsmork – named after Thor, the thunder god - is widely described as one of the brightest pearls in Iceland’s collection of natural masterpieces. Surrounded by majestic mountains, glaciers and glacial rivers, and decorated with small birch words and humming streams; it is hard to describe the charm of such a beautiful area of the country. Thorsmork also includes one of the most famous waterfalls in the country, Seljalandsfoss, which is exquisitely unique and offers hikers the opportunity to walk behind its forceful spray.

This area offers many stunning viewpoints, from which one can view the Northern Lights. Iceland’s Thorsmork is also worth a visit for its glaciers, mountains and unabridged waters, and of course its notorious volcano, Eyjafjallajokull, which memorably made itself known to the world – and the airports - in the spring of 2010. Given Eyjafjallajokull’s history, it would be worth checking if it was likely to erupt anytime soon, as billows of ash would certainly ruin the protected valley’s green vegetation of moss, fern and birchwood, as well as your view of the spectacular Northern Lights.

Just north of Thorsmork and east of River Markarfljot are the summer pastures of County Western Eyjafjoll, which hikers can pass through on their way to the very heights of this secluded highland valley. Although getting there can be an adventure in itself, this beautiful Nature Reserve over a volcanic landscape is well worth the trip. The glaciers on the top of the volcanoes are also praised for their success when it comes to cooling the air and creating clear skies, which makes it one of the best places for an unhindered view of the Northern Lights.

Abigail Collins is the director of Aurora Nights, a company offering a select range of once in a lifetime Iceland Northern Lights holidays in Swedish Lapland and Iceland, with accommodation including the fabulous Ice Hotel. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast in-depth knowledge based on their extensive travels to the region of the Aurora Borealis and passionate about giving superb client service.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.