Aurora Reykjavik (Northern Lights Center)

The Basics

Whether you’ve come to Iceland outside of the Northern Lights viewing months or simply want to find out more about the natural phenomenon before trying to hunt it down, Aurora Reykjavik makes for an educational visit.

The Northern Lights Center features four separate areas, which you can explore at your leisure. One focuses on the history and science behind the natural phenomenon, another looks at the impact the lights have had on different cultures and people who live in the Arctic, while another offers tips on how best to capture the aurora on camera. The star exhibit is a 25-minute time-lapse video shown on the center’s 23-foot-wide (7-meter-wide) screen that shows some of the Aurora Borealis’ most spectacular displays.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Learn about the myths and legends associated with this fabled natural phenomenon, as well as how to capture the elusive natural wonder on film.

• The center’s movie runs on repeat so visitors are sure to catch the spectacle no matter when they visit.

• The center is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Aurora Reykjavik is located in Reykjavik’s Old West Side neighborhood, just west of the downtown center. City bus service 14 stops at Grandagarður right in front of the museum. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop here.

When to Get There

The center is open every day 9am–9pm. If you plan on doing a Northern Lights tour, visit the center before to get tips on the best times to see the lights and how best to photograph them. The center is quietest in the morning and early evening.

Photographing the Northern Lights

Getting good photographs of the Northern Lights requires preparation and skill. Staff at the center can help you find the optimal settings for your camera, from exposure to ISO to aperture, so that you’re ready before you head off on your Aurora hunt.

The center has a photo booth where visitors can try out their own gear and see how it performs in circumstances that mimic those of real life. Visitors who want to take their own Northern Lights photo, but don’t have the right kind of camera, can rent one from the center.

Ways to explore

Whether you’re visiting Iceland outside of the northern lights season or want to find out more about the aurora borealis before hunting it down, Aurora Reykjavik makes for an educational visit. Download the museum’s audio guide before browsing the exhibits, which helps you make sense of the science, folklore, and viewing techniques behind the northern lights.

Aurora Reykjavik tours often combine a visit to the museum with an excursion to see the northern lights from Reykjavik, whether by 4WD vehicle, boat, or bus. Private and small-group tours sell out quickly, especially in peak season, so booking in advance is recommended.

Accessibility

Aurora Reykjavik is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

While Aurora Reykjavik’s exhibits have no age limits, some northern lights tours have minimum age requirements for kids.

What to pack

Headphones for audio guides, a camera for capturing the northern lights on a tour

What to wear

It’s always best to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, lots of warm layers, and waterproof outerwear in chilly, rainy Iceland—especially if you’re going on an outdoor excursion to see the aurora borealis.

Not allowed

Don’t plan your northern lights tour for the end of your Iceland trip. Book it at the beginning, so if your excursion gets canceled due to bad weather or poor visibility, you can reschedule it.

Amenities

Gift shop, café, audio tours in multiple languages, free parking

Address

Aurora Reykjavik is located in Reykjavik’s Grandi neighborhood, which juts out into the bay and sits northwest of downtown. It’s within a 30-minute walk of the Harpa concert hall, National Museum of Iceland, and other attractions, but you can also drive, take the bus, or get there on a hop-on hop-off tour.

Driving

From the Reykjavik airport, take Suðurgata toward downtown, then follow Route 49 to Aurora Reykjavik and park on-site. The drive takes about 10 minutes.

Public transportation

City buses 3 and 14 run through central Reykjavik and stop at Fiskislóð, just a few steps from the Northern Lights Center.

Best times to visit

Aurora Reykjavik is open from morning to evening. If you’re going on a northern lights tour, head to the museum beforehand for photography tips—ideally in the quiet late-afternoon period.

Best days to visit

It’s wise to visit Aurora Reykjavik on your first day in town, so you’re prepared to see and capture the northern lights for the rest of your trip.

Best months to visit

Iceland’s northern lights viewing season typically runs from early September to mid-April. October and March are often excellent months to catch the spectacle.