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.
Cost Breakdown
Iceland is one of Europe's most expensive destinations. Self-drive rental is a common transport choice.
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
Official Channels
Packing List for Reykjavik
Interactive checklist with clothing layers, gear, and activity-specific items — based on real weather data.
View packing list →Get Aurora Alerts
Reykjavik is rated 7/10 for aurora. Get a free email alert the moment Kp hits 5+ — so you never miss the lights.
Sign up free →🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Reykjavík 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
Íslenski 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
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 agencyHow Does Reykjavik Compare?
Side-by-side breakdowns featuring Reykjavik
Iceland vs Norway for Northern Lights
The two most popular aurora destinations — Iceland's volcanic landscapes versus Norway's Arctic coast. Which is right for you?
Mývatn vs Reykjavik
Iceland's most dramatic volcanic region versus the accessible capital — which gives the better aurora experience in Iceland?
Iceland vs Finland for Northern Lights
Two of Europe's top aurora destinations compared — Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes against Finland's serene Lapland wilderness and glass igloos.
Iceland vs Sweden for Northern Lights
Iceland's accessible aurora scene compared to Sweden's Abisko — statistically one of the best aurora viewing spots on Earth.
Alaska vs Iceland for Northern Lights
North America's aurora capital Fairbanks versus Europe's most popular aurora destination. Two very different experiences.
Canada vs Iceland for Northern Lights
Yellowknife's aurora oval location versus Iceland's volcanic aurora playground — North America vs Europe's best.
Reykjavik vs Tromsø for Northern Lights
The two most popular city-based aurora destinations in the world. Which delivers better?
Reykjavik vs Akureyri for Northern Lights
Iceland's capital versus its charming northern second city — Akureyri sits much further north with darker skies and far less urban light pollution. Both are excellent bases for Iceland's aurora season, but they offer very different experiences of the country.
Reykjavik vs Fairbanks for Northern Lights
Europe's most popular aurora city versus North America's aurora capital — two very different destinations that frequently appear in the same search. Reykjavik is easily accessible from both sides of the Atlantic; Fairbanks is America's premier dedicated northern lights base.
Húsavík vs Reykjavik for Northern Lights
Iceland's whale watching capital in the north versus the capital city — Húsavík sits much further north with darker skies and better aurora probability while also offering the country's best whale watching. Reykjavik is the easy, internationally connected option.
Popular Activities in Reykjavik
Explore activity guides for everything you can do here
More Destinations in Iceland
Other aurora spots to explore in the same country
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
Ísafjörður
Adventurous travellers seeking Iceland's most dramatic and remote landscapes with excellent aurora viewing
Nearby 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