In Search of the Northern Lights

As we gaze, entranced, by the sky’s spectacle, the local teenagers across the street, seem unaware as they munch on burgers from Aktu Taktu.

I felt as if I’ve waited all my life to see the marvels of the aurora borealis. As a child I often studied the pictures in my science encyclopaedia and wondered what it would be like to see them for real. Then, it was just an unattainable dream to me, as I never imagined going to the places where they occur.

Iceland is perfectly situated at the top of the world as it sits directly below the auroral belt.

Certain conditions are required to see the northern lights. Firstly it has to be dark, so during the months from September to April it is best time for viewing.
The sky has to be reasonably clear – clouds have a nasty habit of obscuring the light show. Also fog or mist is not helpful either.
Lastly, for some reason, temperature has an effect, so the colder the better.

If you’re lucky enough to get all three ideal conditions then you’re in for a treat.
I was determined to see something even if we didn’t venture out on a trip into the countryside to see them.
There are several companies that offer a guided bus tour, at a price of course, but if you’re fortunate enough you can see them flash across the sky over Reykjavik, free of charge – nature is generous like that!
Look north, and up, and look hard. Depending on the current intensity and activity of the aurora you may see a wide green band or even curtain-like shapes tinged with red and violet.

We found that the best place to watch the lights is anywhere along the harbour/sea front. This way you get an uninterrupted view of the sky. Take a stroll to the Viking ship sculpture (pictured at the top of this website) and face towards the sea.
As with all natural phenomenon the aurora can be a little unpredictable, so patience is key.

I will always remember witnessing that first sighting, outside Domino’s, of all places. Not very romantic, I know.
There’s something almost magical and hypnotising about the aurora, I could have watched the faint ethereal glow for hours if the cold hadn’t started to make my face uncomfortably numb. Anyway our pizza was ready and we were hungry!

I have most definitely fallen under the spell of the Northern lights, for whenever we return to Reykjavik, and the conditions are right, I cannot stop looking upwards, just to get a glimpse of their luminescent dance.

Photo source: everystockphoto.com