Iceland is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. The island in the North Atlantic fascinates with its landscapes, which are characterised by volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and hot springs. One of the best ways to explore Iceland on the road is to rent a campervan. A road trip through this unique country is the perfect way to experience its beauty. Northern lights hunting is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss out on when visiting Iceland. Find out now why Iceland is ideal for a road trip and how to get the most out of your journey.
The charm of Iceland – an overview
Iceland attracts travellers from all over the world with its incomparable nature. The variety of landscapes is simply impressive. The island’s geothermal activity creates a unique environment that is both spectacular and calming. Major attractions such as the famous Gullfoss waterfall, the Strokkur geyser and the Blue Lagoon guarantee unforgettable experiences.
One of the highlights is for sure Northern Lights hunting. The Aurora Borealis, as the Northern Lights are scientifically known, is a fascinating natural phenomenon that is particularly visible in the winter months. This phenomenon is caused by the interaction of solar winds with the Earth’s magnetic field. The colourful flashes of green, blue and sometimes red that seem to be dancing across the sky are an unforgettable spectacle. Iceland is one of the best countries to experience this natural wonder, thanks to its location near the magnetic pole and low light pollution in many parts of the country.
Road trip to Iceland: When and where to observe the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are best observed between September and March. During these months, the nights are long and dark enough. You will find the best conditions in areas with minimal light pollution. This means that you should move away from brightly lit cities and urban centres.
An ideal place to observe them is the Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that guarantees an excellent view of the sky alongside geological wonders. The peaceful surroundings and the dark night provide perfect conditions for observing the Northern Lights. The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is another fantastic place to see the Northern Lights. Here you can admire the lights above the icebergs, creating a particularly magical setting.
In addition to these places, there are other remote locations in Iceland that are ideal for Northern Lights hunting. The region around Akureyri in the north of the country also offers perfect options, especially if you stay away from the city and enjoy the lights away from the city lights. There are also places near Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, that are well located for observation. These include the Reykjanes peninsula, which is close to the city.
Discover Iceland – more than just the Northern Lights
The road trip through the country offers many more fascinating natural wonders and experiences. The Golden Circle Route is one of the most popular routes and takes you to the three famous sights: Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir. This route gives you a wonderful overview of some of Iceland’s most impressive geological features.
Another highlight is the south coast of Iceland, where you will find some of the country’s most famous waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss guarantee spectacular views and great photo opportunities. The black sand beach of Reynisfjara, known for its striking basalt columns, is another highlight that you should definitely visit.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula in the west of Iceland is often referred to as ‘Iceland in miniature’, as it combines many of the country’s typical landscape features in a small area. Arnarstapi, a charming village on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with impressive cliffs and rock formations. They are perfect for hiking and photography.
In the north of the country you will find the town of Akureyri, also known as the ‘capital of the north’. This town is known for its vibrant city life and access to the geothermal wonders of Lake Myvatn. This area is famous for its hot springs, pseudocraters and lava formations.
If you’re looking for less touristy places, the Westfjords are an excellent destination. This remote region has spectacular landscapes and impressive waterfalls such as the Dynjandi waterfalls. The Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords are also a fantastic place for watching puffins.
Why a road trip to Iceland is worthwhile
A road trip to Iceland is one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of this country. The combination of Northern Lights hunting, the impressive natural wonders and the flexibility that a campervan offers makes this road trip an unforgettable adventure.
Iceland has spectacular natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights as well as a multitude of attractions that will make your stay varied and exciting. The freedom that a campervan hire gives you on your road trip allows you to explore this impressive landscape at your own pace and discover fascinating places.
Whether you want to admire the Northern Lights over the glaciers, explore the waterfalls of the south coast or discover the hidden treasures of the Westfjords, Iceland has something for everyone. So pack your bags and set off on an adventure you won’t easily forget.