Chasing Northern Lights & Volcanoes: Day & Night adventures in Iceland

The perfect day-to-night adventure in Iceland

From the rumble of molten earth to the shimmer of dancing lights in the sky, few places on Earth offer a day as elemental — and unforgettable — as Iceland. Here, nature doesn’t just perform; it puts on a show. Imagine beginning your morning surrounded by the sights, sounds, and heat of a volcanic eruption — without ever leaving the city — and ending your night beneath the electric ribbons of the northern lights, colouring the Arctic skies in greens, purples, and silent wonder.

Start your day at Volcano Express, located inside the iconic Harpa Concert Hall in downtown Reykjavík. This immersive volcano show isn’t just an exhibition — it’s a cinematic journey into the fiery underworld of Iceland, where glowing lava, thunderous soundscapes, and real eruption footage ignite your senses. It’s the perfect way to feel Iceland’s volcanic pulse before stepping out to explore the landscapes it helped create.

But the real magic begins when the sun dips below the horizon. As twilight deepens, the night sky becomes a theatre for the northern lights Iceland is so famously known for. From Reykjavík’s coastline to the windswept lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula, the aurora often makes a dramatic entrance — painting the sky above the very ground that glowed with fire by day. It’s a rare duality: volcanoes by day, auroras by night — and it’s all within reach.

Start your day at Harpa with the Volcano Express

Your Icelandic adventure begins not on a windswept mountain or deep in a lava cave — but in the heart of Reykjavík, at the glass-fronted Harpa Concert Hall. Inside this architectural landmark, the Volcano Express invites you into the fiery world beneath Iceland’s surface with a powerful, multi-sensory volcano show unlike anything else in the country.

Step into a purpose-built theatre where you’ll feel the heat, hear the roars, and see the raw forces that shape this volcanic island. Through cutting-edge visuals, immersive sound, and real eruption footage — some captured just kilometres away in the Reykjanes Peninsula — the experience pulls you straight into the heart of an eruption. It’s not a passive film; it’s a sensory journey through Iceland’s volcanic history, geology, and ongoing eruptions.

Practical details

• Location: Harpa Concert Hall, downtown Reykjavík – within walking distance of most central hotels
• Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
• Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 to 20:00
• Pricing: ISK 2,990 for adults; discounts available for children and groups
• Booking and more information: volcanoexpress.is/the-experience

No hiking boots required — just step in, sit back, and feel the Earth move. With its convenient location and engaging format, Volcano Express is ideal for travellers looking for memorable, educational volcano tours in Iceland without leaving the city. Whether it’s your first stop on a south coast road trip or simply one of the best things to do in Reykjavík before lunch, this show is a thrilling, accessible start to any Icelandic day.

Reykjanes Peninsula: Where fire meets ice

Just 40 minutes from Reykjavík lies a landscape shaped by fire, steam, and silence — the Reykjanes Peninsula, a region where freshly cooled lava meets the salty Atlantic surf, and steam vents rise like whispers from the underworld. It’s here that you’ll find some of the most active volcanic sites in Iceland, dramatic coastlines, and dark skies perfect for northern lights hunting after nightfall.

Visit the eruption sites of Fagradalsfjall

Since 2021, Fagradalsfjall and its neighbouring craters have captured the world’s attention. A short hike from the main road brings you to lava fields that are still warm to the touch — the most recent chapters in Iceland’s ever-changing geological story. The hike is manageable for most visitors, and new trails are regularly updated based on activity and safety conditions. For those keen on volcano hiking in Iceland, this is one of the most rewarding — and surreal — experiences you can have.

Don’t miss these natural wonders

• Gunnuhver hot springs – Iceland’s largest mud pool, bubbling with eerie intensity in a geothermal area steeped in folklore.
• Brimketill lava rock pool – A dramatic oceanfront lava formation where waves crash against black cliffs.
• Reykjanesviti lighthouse – The oldest lighthouse in Iceland, standing sentinel above rugged sea cliffs and often surrounded by seabirds and mist.

These attractions are close together and perfect for a short self-drive day trip. The roads are generally accessible year-round, but do check weather and road conditions before setting out.

Aurora Basecamp: your portal to the night sky

As daylight fades, head to Aurora Basecamp, just outside of Hafnarfjörður. This unique facility offers an interactive introduction to aurora science, including a custom-built Northern Lights simulator and live monitoring of solar activity. It's a warm and educational place to start your aurora hunting in Iceland, especially for first-time visitors or families. On clear nights, you can even spot the real thing just outside the dome.

Why Reykjanes is perfect for northern lights viewing

• Low light pollution makes it one of the best regions for clear-sky aurora viewing near Reykjavík.
• The rugged, open terrain offers north-facing vantage points over the ocean and lava fields.
• Ideal spots include near Kleifarvatn, Krýsuvík, and the highlands above the Blue Lagoon.

Practical tips

• Parking: Available at all main sites, though some trailheads (like Fagradalsfjall) fill up quickly during peak times.
• Restrooms: Are sometimes available at the Fagradalsfjall parking area and select stops like Gunnuhver.
• Safety: Stick to marked paths and check volcanic activity updates via safetravel.is. Weather and ground conditions can change quickly.

Evening aurora hunting near Reykjavik

When night falls in Reykjavík, the city doesn’t sleep — it looks up. From late September to early April, the skies above the capital often erupt in shimmering greens and purples as the northern lights dance overhead. Unlike many Arctic destinations, you don’t need to travel far to see them. With a little planning and patience, you can experience one of the most magical things to do in Reykjavik at night — without leaving city limits.

Best spots for aurora viewing near Reykjavik

Grótta Lighthouse

Located on the tip of the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, this is one of Reykjavík’s most popular — and photogenic — aurora spots. With dark skies, a panoramic view of the ocean, and minimal light pollution, it offers excellent visibility on clear nights.

Laugarnes (Norðurkotsvör)

A quieter location near the old hospital ruins in east Reykjavík, this bayfront spot offers great northern exposure and a peaceful setting away from the downtown glow.

The Sun Voyager sculpture (Sólfar)

While more central (and therefore brighter), this iconic sculpture offers a dramatic foreground for aurora photos. If the sky is active, it’s one of the most accessible spots to catch the lights spontaneously.

Tips for better visibility

• Face north for the highest chance of aurora sightings — that’s where activity usually begins.
• Avoid artificial light by moving away from streetlamps and lit buildings, even if just a few hundred metres.
• Use trusted tools like Aurora Forecast to check cloud cover and solar activity.

What to bring for a comfortable night

• Layered, weatherproof clothing – Icelandic nights are cold and can turn windy quickly. Dress like you're glacier-ready.
• Tripod – For long-exposure shots of the aurora.
• Red light – Helps preserve night vision without disturbing other viewers.
• Snacks and hot drinks – If you're planning to stay out for a few hours, a thermos of tea or cocoa makes a big difference.

Prefer a guide? Join an aurora hunting tour

If it’s your first time chasing the aurora, a guided tour can take the pressure off. Experienced guides know where to find the clearest skies, even if it means driving out into the countryside. Many offer flexible bookings and free re-runs if the lights don’t appear. It’s one of the most reliable northern lights Reykjavik experiences — especially if you’re short on time but want the best chance of success.

Why Reykjanes is a hidden gem for aurora spotting

While Reykjavík offers convenience and iconic locations, those willing to drive just a little further are rewarded with something even more magical: the dark, dramatic landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the aurora seems to dance closer to the ground, flickering above steaming vents, black lava, and mirror-still lakes.

A darker sky, a brighter display

Reykjanes is far enough from Reykjavík to escape most light pollution, yet close enough to reach in under an hour. The lack of streetlights, sparse traffic, and vast open terrain make it a prime northern lights destination — especially for photographers seeking clean, uninterrupted shots of the sky.

Aurora meets geothermal wonder

What sets Reykjanes apart isn’t just its darkness — it’s the surreal setting. Here, the aurora often appears over:

• Rising geothermal steam, backlit in green hues
• Still lakes, reflecting ribbons of light across their glassy surface
• Jet-black lava fields, sculpted by recent eruptions

It’s a rare opportunity to witness two of Iceland’s most iconic natural forces — geothermal energy and solar storms — in one place.

Top viewing points in Reykjanes

Near the Blue Lagoon

While the lagoon itself is lit, the surrounding lava fields are dark and quiet. Park nearby and walk a short distance away from artificial light.

Kleifarvatn

This mysterious, mineral-rich lake sits in a volcanic crater and is often perfectly still. Its remote location and north-facing views make it a favourite among locals for late-night aurora drives.

Krýsuvík

With steaming vents, mud pools, and wide skies, Krýsuvík is not only a daytime geothermal highlight — it’s also an incredible northern lights backdrop after dark.

Plan your adventure: Day & night itinerary ideas

With so much natural drama packed into one day, it helps to plan your experience around the rhythm of the land — starting in the city, venturing out into volcanic terrain, and finishing beneath Iceland’s star-filled skies. Whether you’re short on time or spending a few days in the capital, these sample itineraries offer the perfect balance of comfort, discovery, and spectacle.

Option 1: Half-day itinerary — city-based, aurora-ready

Morning

• Begin with the immersive Volcano Express show at Harpa in Reykjavík.
• Enjoy a late breakfast or coffee at one of the nearby harbour cafés.

Afternoon

• Take a scenic walk along the Reykjavík shoreline, or visit Perlan for panoramic views and an indoor ice cave.
• Rest and recharge in your hotel before the night ahead.

Evening

• Have dinner at a cosy Reykjavík bistro — local favourites include Icelandic lamb or Arctic char.
• Head to Grótta Lighthouse or join a guided northern lights tour for your best chance at seeing the aurora in action.

Option 2: Full-day itinerary — fire by day, lights by night

Morning

• Start at Volcano Express — a powerful, cinematic introduction to Iceland’s volcanic forces.
• Grab a packed lunch or quick bite for the road.

Afternoon

• Drive the Reykjanes Peninsula loop: stop at Fagradalsfjall for a volcano hike, then continue to Gunnuhver, Brimketill, and Reykjanesviti.
• Pause at Aurora Basecamp near Hafnarfjörður for a pre-evening warm-up and solar activity forecast.

Evening

• Return to Reykjavík for dinner, or stay out on the peninsula with a hot drink in hand as you wait for the aurora.
• Prime aurora viewing spots: Kleifarvatn, Krýsuvík, or the quiet lava fields near the Blue Lagoon or go back to the Aurora Basecamp for full experience.

Top tips for a northern lights road trip

Chasing the aurora by car is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Iceland at night — but preparation is everything. Here’s how to make your northern lights road trip safe, stress-free, and spectacular:

1. Check the weather and aurora forecast

Before heading out, visit Vedur.is to check both cloud cover and aurora activity (KP index). Even a strong aurora won’t be visible if the skies are overcast.

2. Avoid major highways

Stick to quieter side roads away from bright lights — especially north-facing pullouts with clear views of the sky. Just be sure the roads are open and safe; always check road.is before setting out.

3. Go with a guide if it’s your first time

Local guides know where to find clear skies and how to interpret aurora forecasts in real time. Many tours offer flexible rebooking if conditions aren’t right, making them a great choice for first-time visitors or those without a rental car.

Best time to see northern lights in Iceland

The northern lights are visible in Iceland roughly from late September to early April, when long, dark nights and clearer skies offer the best chance of catching the aurora.

Peak season: September–April

This is when Iceland experiences enough darkness for the aurora to shine — especially from 9 PM to 1 AM, the peak hours for activity. October through March tends to have the strongest displays, though conditions vary nightly.

Shoulder seasons: September & April

These early and late aurora windows offer fewer crowds, milder weather, and a chance to combine northern lights viewing with autumn colours or spring thaw. The trade-off: shorter nights and slightly lower odds.

Quick tips for timing and prep

• Stay at least 3–4 nights to increase your chances — aurora sightings depend on both solar activity and clear skies.
• Avoid full moon nights, which can wash out faint displays.
• Bring a tripod and layers — aurora hunting can mean long waits in cold, open landscapes.
• Use reliable apps or websites like Aurora Forecast to monitor KP index and cloud cover.

Providers and practical info

If you're not renting a car — or simply prefer the insight and convenience of local expertise — a guided northern lights tour is your best bet. Many companies monitor real-time conditions and drive out to the clearest skies, giving you the best possible chance to witness the aurora.

Reliable northern lights tour operators

• Reykjavik Excursions – Offers nightly departures with rebooking options if the lights don’t show. Comfortable coaches and live guides.
• Hidden Iceland – Premium small-group tours with expert local guides and flexible itineraries based on conditions.
• Icelandic Mountain Guides – Known for combining northern lights with geological storytelling and safe off-road exploration.
• Superjeep.is – Private or small-group 4x4 northern lights tours that venture well beyond the beaten path.

Many of these providers also offer combo packages with volcano hikes, lava fields, or geothermal sightseeing — making it easy to revisit locations you first encountered during the Volcano Express show earlier in the day.

Tour types to consider

• Small-group tours – Ideal for more personalised attention and flexibility. Great for photographers or couples.
• Private tours – Best for families, honeymooners, or anyone wanting a tailor-made experience.
• Budget group tours – Great value and still very effective, especially on clear, active nights.

Discover Iceland, day to night

In Iceland, nature doesn’t follow a script — it performs in scenes. From the crackle of lava beneath your feet to the hush of northern lights overhead, few places offer such a dramatic shift between daylight and darkness. Spend your morning surrounded by the fiery history of the Earth, and your night watching the sky ignite with colour. It’s a story written in stone and light — and it’s waiting for you.

Start your journey at Volcano Express, where you’ll feel the raw power of Iceland’s volcanoes before heading out to chase the northern lights across lava fields, coastlines, and quiet skies. Whether you're here for a day or a week, this is the adventure that captures Iceland’s spirit — one eruption and aurora at a time.

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