Northern Lights Drive Iceland: Complete Guide to Finding Aurora by Car

The Northern Lights are one of the biggest reasons people visit Iceland. But seeing them from your car requires preparation. This guide explains where to drive, when to go, and how to read the aurora forecast correctly.

When does aurora season happen?

The Northern Lights are visible from September to April when nights are dark enough. The best months are October, November, February and March — nights are long and weather is often more stable than December and January.

• September–October: Short days begin. Nights are 10–12 hours. Roads are still easily passable.
• November–January: Maximum darkness. High storm risk but long clear windows open up.
• February–March: Best conditions overall. Days lengthen, weather stabilises, aurora activity remains strong.
• April: Last chance. After mid-April it's too bright at midnight.

How to read the aurora forecast

Two websites are essential:

• en.vedur.is/weather/forecasts/aurora — Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast in English. Shows KP-index forecast 3 days ahead.
• spaceweather.com — Global geomagnetic activity updates.

KP-index above 3 + clear skies = get in the car and drive.

Best driving routes for Northern Lights

1. Þingvellir Road (Route 36) — 45 min from Reykjavík

Þingvellir National Park is the best spot near the capital. Zero light pollution. Wide open sky. Route 36 is passable year-round. Drive east from Reykjavík on Route 1, turn onto Route 36. Park at the national park area and turn off your headlights.

2. Selvogsvegur — Suðurnes Peninsula

Drive south on Route 41 then 427. Open landscape, minimal light pollution. Good alternative if weather is better to the south.

3. Snæfellsnes Road (Route 54) — 2 hours

Snæfellsnes is a great day-trip destination. Route 54 runs along the north shore of the peninsula. Open views over Faxaflói and Breiðafjörður. Very little light pollution. Important: check Vegagerðin before going — sections can close in high winds.

4. Route 1 east of Akureyri

If you're already in North Iceland, this is your best option. Drive east from Akureyri on Route 1, stop at Goðafoss or in Öxnadalur valley. Virtually zero light pollution.

5. Route 1 east toward Vík

The coastal stretches between Selfoss and Vík are known for aurora displays. You can do this as an evening drive from Reykjavík (2.5 hours each way).

Safety tips for night driving to see the Northern Lights

• Pull over safely. Never stop on the road itself. Find lay-bys or parking areas.
• Turn off your headlights when parked — they disrupt other drivers' night vision.
• Bring warm clothes. Even with a warm car, you may be outside 20–30 minutes waiting.
• Watch the weather. Fog can arrive quickly on the south coast.
• Tell someone where you're going. Register your trip at safetravel.is.

Photography tips for Northern Lights from your car

If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera: ISO 800–3200, shutter speed 5–15 seconds, aperture f/2.8 or wider. Mount your camera on a tripod and be patient.