Places To Visit On Northern Lights Holidays: The South Coast Of Iceland

Over the past few years, Northern Lights holidays have become popular with those seeking a more unusual adventure in the autumn/winter time. Heading to Arctic latitudes to chase the elusive natural light show appears to be capturing the imagination of more and more tourists every year. There are excellent dedicated tour companies specialising in packages to the best regions, where you'll have the optimum opportunity to marvel at the famous Aurora Borealis.

Visit Iceland for Northern Lights Holidays

One of the best countries in which to enjoy the spectacle of the lights is Iceland, which boasts a stunning volcanic and glacial landscape. Renowned as a progressive and forward-thinking nation, the simple, uncomplicated lifestyle, which focuses heavily on the outdoors and environment, is extremely appealing to travellers on dedicated Northern Lights holidays. The southern coast of the country is particularly stunning, and travellers should certainly go out of their way to explore this beautiful coastline. Below are just a few of the highlights this region has to offer.

From Glaciers to Volcanoes

One of the most appealing features of the Southern Icelandic coastline is the variety of environments it offers to adventurous travellers: you'll be treated to majestic glaciers, impressive volcanoes and fascinating lava fields, in a landscape brimming with geothermal activity. (In fact the country is literally powered by this geothermal energy.)

One of the more popular activities on Northern Lights holidays is a Super Jeep tour, where special 4WD off-road vehicles take visitors on an exciting excursion through fjords and other-worldly landscape, encountering a multitude of imposing volcanoes and glaciers and taking in views out to the Atlantic. Another option for a Super Jeep exploration is to the famed Golden Circle, where you'll take in visions of breath-taking waterfalls and fascinating geysers.

Many travellers take up the option of a self-drive tour to explore the sights of the Southern Coast independently. Highlights of the southern region include the village of Vik, by the Black Beaches, where visitors can gaze upon a myriad of impressive rock formations; the Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most famous and picturesque in the country; its companion the Skogar waterfall, which at 60m high ranks as one of the tallest; the Skogar Folk Museum, which has a personal collection of Icelandic artefacts amassed over the span of 65 years; and the many thermal pools scattered throughout the region – including the stunning geothermal wonder of Blue Lagoon. A visit to Eyjafjallajokull Visitor Centre is also a highly recommended stop.

While the pursuit of the awesome spectacle of the Aurora Borealis is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit to Iceland, there is so much more to enjoy about this culturally and geographically rich country.

Abigail Collins is director of Aurora Nights, who offer a select range of trips to see the Northern Lights. For Northern Lights holidays, Iceland and Swedish Lapland offer an excellent chance to encounter the aurora borealis. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company passionate about client service, with a vast in-depth knowledge based on extensive travels to region of the Aurora Borealis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.