Good spots in Reykjavík and near to see aurora and go stargazing

Let's say the aurora outlook is good. The weather is nice and you have a rental car to go wherever you want. Where should you go to see the aurora and perhaps go stargazing close to Reykjavík? Here are some of our favorite spots near Reykjavík.

Búrfellsgjá observing hedge

Excellent location near the town of Garðabær overlooking a beautiful geological wonder, a lava channel within a rift valley currently forming. A small hedge made out of trees from the forest nearby provides shelter from the nippy northerly winds. Good place to rest after a hike up Búrfell volcanic crater.

• Driving time from downtown Reykjavík: ~15 minutes
• Pros: Good darkness, shelter from the wind, a beautiful geological scenery, not very crowded
• Cons: Overlooking most of the light pollution from Reykjavík.

Grótta lighthouse

Grótta lighthouse in Seltjarnarnes is the most popular spot within the Reykjavík area to see the Northern Lights.

• Driving time from downtown Reykjavík: ~5 minutes
• Pros: Looking towards north away from most of the light pollution.
• Cons: Often very crowded

Rauðhólar pseudocraters

Rauðhólar is a cluster of pseudocraters formed roughly 5200 years ago when lava flowed over a shallow lake. Interestingly, pseudocraters can also be found on Mars. The red colour comes from iron oxide.

• Driving time from downtown Reykjavík: ~15 minutes
• Pros: Unique environment, good sky, especially towards south.
• Cons: Overlooking light pollution of Reykjavík in northern and western part of the sky.

Lake Kleifarvatn & Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík

The Lake Kleifarvatn and Seltún geothermal area in Krýsuvík is an excellent site to see the aurora.

• Driving time from downtown Reykjavík: ~35-45 minutes
• Pros: Dark sky, stunning geological setting
• Cons: A bit longer drive

Map

An interactive map of these places is coming soon.