Best Midnight Sun Viewing in Iceland 2026
Iceland is one of the world's premier destinations for midnight sun viewing, with 7 top spots offering this experience. Experiencing the phenomenon of the sun remaining above the horizon at midnight, casting golden light across Arctic and sub-Arctic landscapes in the summer months — the counterpart to the polar night's northern lights. The midnight sun creates extraordinary long golden-hour photography conditions that can last for hours, and the psychological experience of perpetual daylight is simultaneously beautiful and disorienting. Nordkapp in Norway, Abisko in Sweden, and Reykjavik in Iceland are the most accessible places to witness this phenomenon. In Iceland, the activity is typically best experienced during May to July (Arctic Circle and above) — when conditions align perfectly with the country's unique polar landscape.
Top 7 Spots for Midnight Sun Viewing in Iceland
Akureyri earns an aurora score of 8/10 and is particularly noted for: Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik. An excellent base for midnight sun viewing with well-established local operators.
Húsavík earns an aurora score of 8/10 and is particularly noted for: Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing. An excellent base for midnight sun viewing with well-established local operators.
Egilsstaðir earns an aurora score of 7/10 and is particularly noted for: Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail. An excellent base for midnight sun viewing with well-established local operators.
Ísafjörður earns an aurora score of 7/10 and is particularly noted for: Adventurous travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic and remote landscapes with excellent aurora viewing. An excellent base for midnight sun viewing with well-established local operators.
Mývatn earns an aurora score of 7/10 and is particularly noted for: Travellers wanting to combine geothermal bathing under the aurora with Iceland's most dramatic volcanic scenery. An excellent base for midnight sun viewing with well-established local operators.
Reykjavik earns an aurora score of 7/10 and is particularly noted for: First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes. An excellent base for midnight sun viewing with well-established local operators.
Snæfellsnes earns a solid aurora score of 6/10 and is particularly noted for: Photographers wanting Iceland's most iconic aurora foregrounds within a convenient self-drive from Reykjavik. An excellent base for midnight sun viewing with well-established local operators.
Practical Tips for Midnight Sun Viewing in Iceland
- 1Book midnight sun viewing tours at least 4–8 weeks ahead during peak season — popular operators sell out fast.
- 2Wear moisture-wicking base layers, a mid-layer fleece, and a wind/waterproof outer shell. Temperature extremes are common in Iceland.
- 3Most reputable operators include transport from the nearest town. Confirm pickup arrangements when booking.
- 4Travel insurance that covers outdoor activities and extreme weather cancellations is strongly recommended.
- 5Shoulder-season visits (start/end of May to July (Arctic Circle and above)) often offer the best combination of conditions and availability.