Polar night explained

Discover the Magic of Polar Night

There’s something truly enchanting about Iceland’s polar night: the deep blue sky, the dance of northern lights on a dark canvas, and the peaceful hush over fjords and mountains. This unique phenomena transforms Westfjords and West Iceland into a serene winter wonderland. Stay warm and cozy at Ourhotels.is, whether you choose Ísafjörður Inn in the dramatic Westfjords or Hvítá Inn near Borgarnes.

What Is Polar Night?

Polar night occurs when the sun dips below the horizon for more than 24 hours. In Westfjords and West Iceland, this means prolonged twilight between late November and mid-January. Far from gloomy, these long dusks offer perfect conditions for stargazing and spotting the aurora borealis.

When to Go

For the darkest skies and best northern lights viewing, plan your trip between December and early January. If you’d like a bit more daylight for winter hikes or a scenic drive along the Kjölur route, consider late November or early February.

What to Pack

• Layered clothing: thermal base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell
• Warm accessories: insulated gloves, a wool hat, and a thick scarf
• Sturdy winter boots with good traction
• Headlamp or flashlight for exploring twilight landscapes
• Camera with tripod for capturing northern lights

Things to Do During Polar Night

• Chase the aurora: book a guided northern lights tour in Ísafjörður and watch the sky come alive
• Relax in geothermal baths: unwind under the stars at nearby hot pools
• Snowshoe or snowmobile: explore frozen waterfalls around Borgarnes from Hvítá Inn
• Local culture: sample Icelandic comfort food at The Stykkishólmur Inn or try traditional dishes at Truck Inn
• Photography tours: capture the unique twilight hues on the Westfjords’ dramatic coast

Ideal Trip Length

We recommend a stay of 5–7 nights to allow for weather variability and maximize your chances of clear skies. This also gives you time to explore nearby attractions, unwind, and enjoy a leisurely pace.

Ready to Experience Polar Night?

Embrace the tranquility of winter in Westfjords and West Iceland. Book your stay with Ourhotels.is—whether you choose the cozy charm of Ísafjörður Inn or the countryside comfort of Hvítá Inn—and let us help you create unforgettable memories under the polar night sky.