Northern Lights Tips: How to Improve Your Chances of Seeing Them

Discover the Magic of the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most spectacular shows. In West Iceland and the Westfjords, clear skies and minimal light pollution give you prime viewing conditions. Stay with Ourhotels.is and experience this wonder up close!

Best Time to Go

• Peak season: Late September to mid-April
• Darkest months: October – February for longer nights
• Ideal hours: 9 PM – 2 AM local time

Where to Stay

Choosing the right base is key. Ourhotels.is offers cozy accommodations near prime spots:

• Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords – perfect for combining fjord views with aurora hunts
• The Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – a charming gateway to dark-sky areas
• Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes – close to Borgarfjörður and serene riverbanks

What to Pack

• Warm, layered clothing: thermal base layers, fleece jacket, down coat
• Waterproof boots and insulated gloves
• Tripod and wide-angle lens for long-exposure photos
• Headlamp with red-light mode to preserve night vision
• Snacks, hot drinks, and a thermos to stay energized

Practical Tips for Aurora Hunting

• Check the aurora forecast (apps like My Aurora Forecast are handy)
• Watch moon phases – aim for new moon for darker skies
• Find clear-sky areas away from town lights
• Join a guided tour for local insight and expert photography tips
• Be patient and dress for comfort—sometimes the lights appear after long waits!

How Long to Stay

Plan for at least 4–7 nights in West Iceland or the Westfjords. This gives you flexibility around weather changes and increases your chances of vibrant displays. Shorter stays can work, but a longer trip means more opportunities.

Enhance Your Experience

During daylight hours, explore Iceland’s geothermal pools, lava fields and black-sand beaches. Take a dip at a nearby hot spring or visit a glacier lagoon for a full adventure-packed itinerary.

Ready to Book?

Stay warm, stay inspired and let Ourhotels.is be your home base for chasing the Northern Lights. Reserve your room today at Ísafjörður Inn or any of our other unique properties and get ready for an unforgettable Icelandic adventure!