Every year, millions of visitors flock to Iceland, drawn by the mesmerising spectacle of the Aurora Borealis. For many, witnessing the Northern Lights is the ultimate Arctic bucket-list experience, with tourists frequently spending hundreds of pounds on guided excursions to catch a glimpse.
The Prime Time for a Celestial Display
The natural light show typically becomes visible between 10pm and 2am from September to early April. However, the optimal viewing window falls between November and January, when the extended hours of darkness provide a perfect canvas. Excitement is building for 2025, which meteorologists tip to be the best year to see the Northern Lights in over a decade. This is due to the peak of the sun's 11-year activity cycle, promising more frequent and vibrant displays.
The tourism industry has capitalised on this forecast. Numerous operators now sell trips with 'guaranteed' sightings, backed by money-back promises. Prices start from around £49 for a basic evening trip and can soar into the thousands for luxurious, personalised packages.
The Viral Tour-Bus Hack Taking TikTok by Storm
Amidst this costly landscape, one holidaymaker has shared an unconventional and budget-friendly tip that has gone viral online. TikTok user Jamiel (@jami_el0) posted a video advising fellow travellers: "And suddenly you get the idea to follow that tour bus in Iceland and hope it brings you to see the Northern Lights."
The clip, viewed over 1.3 million times, shows a couple discreetly tailing a white van before parking and enjoying the auroral display. The hack sparked a lively discussion, with others sharing similar tactics. One commenter admitted to following museum tour groups for free insights, while another recounted successfully tracking a jungle walking tour in Costa Rica to spot wildlife.
Reactions ranged from "Omg I haven’t been using my free will properly" to praise for the "genius idea."
Expert Tips for DIY Aurora Hunting
While apps like Hello Aurora, My Aurora Forecast, and Glendale can help track solar activity and likelihood, their accuracy is still dependent on clear skies. British meteorologist John Griffiths offers his expert advice for hopeful aurora chasers.
Location is key, he notes. The lights are "much clearer" in dark sky areas like forests, away from light pollution. However, a strong display can still be visible from busier spots. "Where there are clearer skies and less light, you will see it, but there's nothing stopping you from seeing it in the city if it's particularly strong," Griffiths explains.
Top recommended locations in Iceland include:
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Thingvellir National Park
- The Westfjords
- North Iceland
Griffiths confirms that "it's absolutely possible to do it on your own" with some research and app assistance. The trade-off is the potential for long, cold vigils, whereas a guide handles all the logistics. He urges everyone to experience the "beautiful" and "a bit magical" phenomenon at least once.
