Routes · Europe

Chicago to Iceland: Reykjavík and Akureyri for the northern lights

Chicago → Reykjavík → Akureyri

Northern lights Best season (general guide): Oct–Mar

In winter, Iceland's long nights give good chances of seeing the northern lights. This route spends three nights in Reykjavík and three in Akureyri, in the north. From Chicago you'll fly to Keflavík.

In Reykjavík, the geothermal pools are a warm way to spend a dark afternoon. Evening aurora tours leave the city to find clear skies, and a Golden Circle day trip runs if the roads are open.

A short domestic flight takes you to Akureyri, at the end of a long fjord. Goðafoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn are a day trip away, with lava fields and steaming vents. The nature baths at Mývatn are a good place to wait for dark.

The aurora appears when the sky is dark and clear and solar activity is high. The Icelandic Met Office publishes an aurora and cloud forecast, which helps you choose the best nights. Northern lights tours run from about October to March.

Winter weather can close roads and delay flights, so keep plans flexible and check the forecast every day.

Pacing: winter days are short, with only a few hours of light around the solstice, so plan driving and sightseeing for the middle of the day and keep evenings for aurora watching. If you hire a car, choose a four-wheel drive with winter tyres and check road.is before every drive.

The domestic flight to Akureyri is the easiest way to cross the island in winter, as mountain roads can close in storms. Booking your aurora tours for the start of each stay gives you a second chance if the first night is cloudy if the operator offers a rebooking, so ask when you book.

Dress in layers, with a warm hat, gloves and boots with good grip, as pavements can be icy. Geothermal pools are open in all weather and are a good way to warm up after a cold evening outside.

Partner links may earn LarkTours a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, availability and terms are set by each partner.