Iceland Northern Lights

Seeing the northern lights in Iceland

With sunspot activity reaching the maximum of its 11-year cycle this winter, aurora occurences for winter 2011/12 should be at their peak! 

Iceland offers a wealth of holiday options including those specifically aimed at maximising your chances of a northern lights sighting. Although it is generally considered that the aurora is more likely to be seen away from sources of artificial light, strong sightings over Reykjavik, the capital, are quite common.

One of our top recommendations is Hotel Ranga. This luxury countryside hotel sits in a wonderful rural location with superb uninterrupted 360° skies for miles around and a staff of avid 'aurora' watchers. 

Watch the northern lights at Hotel Ranga, Iceland View video footage taken at Hotel Ranga in Iceland watch video » (3min 10secs)

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About the Northern Lights

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, appears when solar wind particles collide with air molecules in the earth’s atmosphere, transferring their energy into light.

Displays can vary in intensity – from a glowing curtain of greenish yellow lights, dancing in the distance to a spectacular, multi-coloured fusion stretching across the sky – but whatever one you’re lucky enough to have, will no doubt make you want to see more.

However, it must be remembered that sightings of the northern lights can never be guaranteed, even when the conditions seem just right - a clear cloudless night is essential and for the most intense sightings, it is important to be away from any sources of artificial light, such as street lighting. Sightings not only vary in intensity but in duration too, from just minutes to sometimes hours.

When is the best time to see the northern lights?
Usually during the darkest period which is between November and February, although they can be seen as early as late August and as late as mid April. However, the phases of the moon also have an affect. The northern lights are a natural phenomena and sightings cannot be guaranteed, but to maximise the chances of seeing them, it is best to be away from towns and areas with light pollution. It is often mentioned that full moon should be avoided due to higher light concentration, however it is one of the most magical experiences to see the full moon together with the northern lights dancing across the sky. During new moon the sky is slightly darker, but it is very much a matter of personal opinion, which of these sightings is the best.

Northern Lights Photography Tips
1) A sturdy and preferably heavy tripod is essential since exposure time exceeds 10 - 20 seconds. you cannot achieve the best results hand-holding your camera.
2) Bring the fastest wide angle lens you own, f2.8 is good enough, f2.4 is better and f1.4 is best
3) Use a good digital camera or film camera with at least 400 asa film.
4) Wear warm clothes and boots as you can spend several hours standing still in cold weather. It is better to be overdressed.

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