Best places for aurora photography in Iceland

The Lake Mývatn region, in North Iceland, is known for its unique volcanic and geothermal landscapes. It is considered one of the best places in the north to see the northern lights, especially when combined with winter activities like snowshoeing.

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers dark skies and a fascinating geological and historical backdrop. The combination of the diverging tectonic plates and the history of the first Icelandic parliament makes it a unique place for aurora photography.

Jökulsárlón is famous for its floating icebergs that calve from the Vatnajökull glacier, creating a surreal landscape. The reflection of the auroras in the lagoon's calm waters, among the icebergs, offers unique and magical photographic opportunities.

Adjacent to Jökulsárlón, this black sand beach is adorned with crystalline ice fragments washed ashore by the tide. The contrast between the sparkling ice, dark sand, and the auroras in the sky provides dramatic and unique photographic compositions.

Skógafoss is one of Iceland's largest and most majestic waterfalls, with an impressive 60-meter drop. Its imposing presence makes it a spectacular foreground for capturing the northern lights, adding drama to the composition.

This stunning waterfall in North Iceland, with its semicircular shape, is a magnificent location for aurora photography. The mist it generates and the river can reflect the aurora's colors, even with some cloudiness, creating ethereal images.

This distinctive rock formation on the north coast, often called 'the basalt rhinoceros,' provides a unique and interesting foreground for aurora photography. Its silhouette against the night sky creates memorable compositions.

This picturesque coastal village, with its black sand beaches and the iconic Reynisdrangar rock formations, offers dramatic backdrops for aurora photography. The church on the hill and the cliffs add unique compositional elements.

Seljalandsfoss is a unique waterfall that allows visitors to walk behind its curtain of water. This feature offers an unusual and creative perspective for photographing the aurora, either through the water veil or with the waterfall as a dynamic foreground element.

This volcanic region, with its geothermal landscapes, cliffs, and dark coastlines, is the quickest way to escape Reykjavik's lights. It offers flexibility to chase auroras if the forecast suddenly improves, with numerous observation points.

Known as 'Iceland in miniature,' this peninsula offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, from mountains and cliffs to beaches and lava fields. This variety provides countless dark and picturesque backdrops for northern lights photography.

Vestrahorn is a dramatic mountain with black sand dunes and the possibility of reflections in the water, offering varied and spectacular compositions. Its imposing silhouette against the night sky is a perfect backdrop for the northern lights.

As the capital of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður benefits from a more northerly latitude and a smaller urban population. This translates to more hours of darkness and a significant reduction in light pollution, increasing opportunities for aurora sighting and photography.

Located in the far northeast of Iceland, Raufarhöfn is one of the country's most remote and northernmost villages. Its location guarantees very dark skies and excellent opportunities for northern lights observation and photography, away from any light pollution.