A 90-minute guided observatory designed to teach you how to read the Northern Lights and improve your odds of a sighting. Low-lit outdoor spaces, plasma-tube demonstrations and hot chocolate make this an efficient primer for aurora hunting around Reykjavik.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Step out into a low-lit courtyard where cold air bites and the sky opens wide — this is Aurora Basecamp just outside Reykjavik. Benches ring firepits; guides move between small groups, pointing to winks of light and explaining what the night sky is doing. Inside, a compact exhibition and a real-time plasma tube demonstration translate auroral science into plain sight before you step into the dark.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing or sitting outdoors in cold conditions for up to 90 minutes
Wildlife
History
Icelandic accounts of auroral sightings stretch back centuries; modern observatories like Aurora Basecamp translate folklore into observational science for visitors.
Conservation
Minimize light pollution by using low-light areas and avoid off-road driving — stick to marked roads and parking to protect fragile moss and geothermal terrain.
Reserve your spot on the Northern Lights: Aurora Basecamp Observatory Guided Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer early
Temperatures drop quickly at night — wear thermal base layers and an insulated outer shell to stay comfortable for 90 minutes or more.
Keep batteries warm
Cold drains camera and phone batteries fast; keep spares close to your body and bring a USB power bank.
Follow guide advice
Guides monitor KP indices and local cloud cover — their route and timing choices maximize your chance to see the aurora.
Mind the ground
Paths can be icy; use steady footwear and take care around firepits when moving between viewing spots.
Insulated, windproof jacket
Protects against wind chill during extended outdoor viewing.
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Warm hat and gloves
Preserves core warmth and keeps fingers functional for operating cameras.
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Sturdy, insulated boots
Provides traction on icy paths and keeps feet dry through cold evenings.
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Spare camera batteries or power bank
Keeps devices powered in cold conditions when batteries deplete faster.
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