Northern Lights Chase in Iceland

Chasing the aurora borealis in Iceland is like playing a beautiful game of chance with nature. After spending two weeks traversing the country's winter landscape, I learned that seeing the northern lights isn't just about luck—it's about patience, preparation, and knowing where to look.

The journey began in Reykjavík, but the real aurora hunting started once I left the city's light pollution behind. The South Coast proved to be an ideal base, with the small town of Vík offering perfect dark sky conditions. Here's what most guides won't tell you: the best aurora viewing spots are often just off the Ring Road, where you can quickly pull over when the lights appear.

I discovered that the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon isn't just spectacular during the day—it's also one of the most magical spots to witness the northern lights. The dancing green lights reflecting off the ice chunks create a double display that's worth the cold night wait. Pro tip: bring hand warmers and thermal flasks of hot chocolate; you might be outside for hours.

What many don't realize about aurora hunting is that it's as much about the journey as the destination. Between light shows, Iceland's winter landscape offers its own spectacular display. The black sand beaches of Reynisfjara covered in snow, the steam rising from geothermal vents against a white landscape, and the crystalline ice caves beneath Vatnajökull glacier all become part of the adventure.

Photography tips that I learned the hard way:

• Invest in good fingerless gloves - you'll need dexterity for camera settings

• Bring extra batteries - they drain quickly in the cold

• Learn your camera's manual settings before the trip

• Download an aurora forecast app

• Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for better access to viewing spots

The best time for aurora hunting is between September and March, with peak darkness from November to February. But here's what surprised me: some of the best shows happened on partially cloudy nights, with the lights dancing between cloud breaks, creating an even more dramatic display.

Accommodation strategy matters too. I found that staying at farms or guesthouses away from towns provided the best viewing opportunities. Many have aurora wake-up calls, and the hosts often know local spots where tour buses don't go.

Beyond the lights, winter in Iceland offers unique experiences: ice cave exploring, winter hiking on glaciers, and soaking in hot springs while surrounded by snow. These activities make the trip worthwhile even if the aurora proves elusive on some nights.

Remember that patience is key—I waited four nights before my first significant sighting, but when it happened, time seemed to stop as green and purple lights danced across the sky, making every cold hour of waiting worth it.