Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes
About Reykjavik
Reykjavik is Iceland's capital and the world's most accessible starting point for northern lights and arctic adventures. Sitting at 64°N, it's just below the ideal auroral zone, but its unique position makes it a hub for day trips to prime viewing areas — Þingvellir, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and coastal viewpoints where light pollution drops dramatically. The city itself shuts off street lights in some districts on good aurora nights. Iceland's volcanic geology means you can combine the northern lights with unique geothermal experiences: hot springs, geysers, and lava fields lit by the aurora create surreal landscapes. The midnight sun summer season draws an entirely different crowd. With direct transatlantic flights from New York (5h), Reykjavik serves as many travellers' gateway to the Arctic.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | +1°C | 19h | High |
| Feb★ Best | +1°C | 14h | High |
| Mar★ Best | +2°C | 9h | Med |
| Apr | +5°C | 4h | Low |
| May | +9°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +9°C | 4h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | +5°C | 11h | High |
| Nov★ Best | +2°C | 17h | High |
| Dec★ Best | +1°C | 19h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Keflavík International Airport, 45min from the city. Direct flights from USA, UK, and most European capitals. WOW Air and Icelandair hubs.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Boutique Hotels
- ✓Northern Lights City Hotels
- ✓Guesthouses
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $200/day in Reykjavik. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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CityHub Reykjavik
Hverfisgata 46, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotel
Local 101 Vesturbær
Ránargata 4a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotel
ODDSSON Downtown Hotel
Háteigsvegur 1, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotel
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
Suðurlandsbraut 2, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotel
Hótel Frón
Laugavegur 22A, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotelReykjavík Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Nauthólsvegur 52, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotelDay Dream Vesturgata17
Vesturgata 17, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotelReykjavik Peace Center
Vogasel 1, 109 Reykjavík, Iceland
lodgingOld Town Reykjavik
Kirkjustræti 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
guest houseMidtown Reykjavik by Heimaleiga
Entrance on Grettisgata, Vegamótastígur 9, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Reykjavík Kitchen
Rauðarárstígur 8, 105 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurant
Old Iceland
Laugavegur 72, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
tourist attraction
Matarkjallarinn
Aðalstræti 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurant
Sjávargrillið
Skólavörðustígur 14, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurant
Icelandic Street Food
Lækjargata 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurantÍslenski Barinn - The Icelandic Bar
43W8+QP5, Ingólfsstræti 1a 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurantSkál!
Njálsgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurantGrillmarkaðurinn
Lækjargata 2a, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurant101 Reykjavik Street Food
Skólavörðustígur 8, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
restaurantKol Restaurant
Skólavörðustígur 40, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
fine dining restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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The Reykjavik Food Walk
Klapparstígur 101, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
point of interest
Wake Up Reykjavík
Klapparstígur 25, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
point of interest
Hidden Iceland
Fiskislóð 18, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
tour agency
Free walking Tour Reykjavik CityWalk
Austurvöllur, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
point of interest
Your Friend In Reykjavik
Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
tour agencyIceland Paradise Tours
Áshamar 18, Hafnarfjörður, 221 Reykjavík, Iceland
airport shuttle serviceYour Day Tours
Klettagarður 11, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland
travel agencyTours & Activities in Iceland - Troll.is
Fiskislóð, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
point of interestArctic Adventures
Klettagarður 11, 104 Reykjavík, Iceland
tourist attractionReykjavik Excursions by Icelandia
Vatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
travel agencyNearby Destinations
Snæfellsnes
Photographers wanting Iceland's most iconic aurora foregrounds within a convenient self-drive from Reykjavik
Ísafjörður
Adventurous travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic and remote landscapes with excellent aurora viewing
Vík í Mýrdal
Landscape photographers wanting volcanic drama and ice caves alongside aurora opportunities
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Related Destinations
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Egilsstaðir
Independent travellers exploring the Ring Road who want authentic Iceland beyond the tourist trail