Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center

Immersive Northern Lights Experience

Reykjavik welcomes visitors to a place where science and wonder connect under the night sky. The Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center focuses on Iceland’s famous lights, showing how they form in the atmosphere and why they appear over the city each winter. Exhibits explain solar winds, magnetic fields and real-time aurora tracking tools. Guests can watch live feeds from nearby observation spots and learn about local traditions tied to these glowing displays. The center serves as both an educational hub and a gateway for travelers hoping to see nature’s light show firsthand.

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Museum in Reykjavík

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 8.8

General Safety:	9
Accessibility:	8

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5/5

English is widely spoken at Aurora Reykjavik and throughout Reykjavik, ensuring smooth communication and access to detailed information for international visitors.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center Summary

Excellent for learning about the northern lights. Watch immersive displays, learn about aurora science and plan northern lights viewing trips.

Opening hours:

Mon-Sun:

10:00 - 18:00

Public website:

aurorareykjavik.is

Iceland – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type F Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Icelandic Króna (ISK) £1 ≈ ISK 162
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are highly common in Iceland, especially in cities. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, including smaller establishments. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are popular. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not common in Iceland and not expected in restaurants. A service charge is usually included in the bill. Tipping taxi drivers or hotel staff is appreciated but not necessary.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed, especially in designated areas during festivals or outdoor events. Alcohol is also available at licensed venues.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside of many restaurants and public buildings.

Icelandic National Day (June)	Expect parades and celebrations throughout the country. Hotels and tourist spots can get busy.
Christmas (December)	Christmas is widely celebrated, and it’s a great time to visit for festive markets, but accommodation can be more expensive.
Þorrablót Festival (January)	A festival celebrating Icelandic cuisine, it’s a popular time to visit, though some businesses may have reduced hours.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Hreyfill, Reykjavik Taxi
Other:	Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare for sudden changes in climate. Always check weather forecasts before venturing into nature.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center, Iceland

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High season:	Jan. - March, Sep. - Dec.
Shoulder season:	April, Aug.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Real northern lights visible roughly September to mid-April; the centre's exhibition shows them year-round

Don't miss

🌀 Experience the immersive VR aurora simulation
🔬 Learn the science behind the dancing Northern Lights
📸 Capture stunning photos during the outdoor Aurora viewing tours

You've been here?

Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center offers a deep dive into the wonder of Iceland’s most magical natural phenomenon. The museum combines stunning photographs and videos captured by award-winning local photographers with interactive exhibits explaining the science behind the aurora, including solar wind and magnetic field effects.

Visitors can enjoy a cozy 4K movie theater presentation showing timelapse sequences of northern lights dancing over Icelandic landscapes. The world’s first 360-degree Northern Lights virtual reality experience immerses guests in the swirling colors and mesmerizing movement of this celestial display, even when the real lights are hidden by clouds or urban light pollution.

The museum also shares cultural stories and ancient myths from various northern societies, giving a rich context to this natural spectacle. Photo booths and photography simulators teach visitors how to capture the aurora on their cameras. Staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, helping guests plan successful Aurora-spotting tours.

While the center is compact, it’s packed with engaging experiences, though some visitors note it can get busy during peak tourist season. The admission fee is moderate and advance booking is recommended during high demand periods.

Knowledge before you go

Bring headphones for QR audio guides.
Experience VR goggles for immersive 360-degree aurora simulation indoors anytime.
Learn camera settings from staff for real northern lights photography success.
Watch 4K timelapse film on 23-foot screen showcasing Iceland's best aurora displays over iconic landscapes.

How to travel to Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center

The center is a short walk from Reykjavik’s city center and easily accessed via public transportation; bus lines 3 and 14 stop nearby. Visitors arriving from Keflavik International Airport can take a shuttle or taxi into Reykjavik and then use local transit or walk to the museum.

Access summary

From Keflavík Airport (KEF): Airport bus or shuttle to Reykjavík, 45–60 minutes.
From Reykjavík center: 15–25 minutes on foot or short city bus ride.
From Akureyri: 45‑minute domestic flight to Reykjavík, then brief taxi or bus.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center

Reykjavik offers a variety of accommodations near the city center and Grandi Harbour District, ranging from cozy guesthouses to modern hotels, ensuring convenient access to Aurora Reykjavik and other attractions.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Grand Hotel Reykjavik

Reykjavik Natura - Berjaya Iceland Hotels

8.6

Bus Hostel Reykjavik

8.2

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

8.2

Exeter Hotel

8.9

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Packing recommendations for Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

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+54 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 54% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.

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+6 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to ISK) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Reykjavík’s Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center is very safe for visitors. Iceland boasts low crime rates, excellent emergency services and a welcoming tourist culture. The museum’s indoor setting offers secure, well‑lit exhibits, with staff ready to assist in any situation.

Accessibility

The Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center offers excellent accessibility: wheelchair‑friendly entrances, elevators and accessible restrooms. Audio guides and large print displays aid visitors with visual or hearing impairments. However, some exhibit areas are still narrow, so plan ahead for mobility needs.