Top Locations for Northern Lights Photography in Akureyri 2026

Akureyri serves as a perfect hub for aurora hunters visiting North Iceland in 2026. The city provides a dramatic mix of snowy mountains and dark coastal waters. Finding the best spots for northern lights photography in Akureyri 2026 requires some local knowledge. We will help you find the most scenic locations for your winter photoshoot.

This guide highlights the top locations for capturing stunning images of the night sky. Each spot offers unique features like reflections, forests, or high mountain views. You will learn about the best gear and techniques for professional results. Prepare your camera for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Arctic.

Kjarnaskógur Forest for Dark Skies

For official information, visit Visit Iceland.

For official information, visit Visit Akureyri.

Kjarnaskógur remains one of the most popular locations for local photographers in Akureyri. This forest is located just south of the airport and provides excellent shelter from wind. The tall trees create a natural frame for the dancing lights above the valley. You can find many clearings that offer an unobstructed view of the northern sky.

Light pollution is very low in this area compared to the city center. This darkness allows the colors of the aurora to appear more vivid in your camera sensor. You should bring a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady on the uneven forest floor. Exploring the trails during the day helps you find the best composition before dark.

Parking is available near the main entrance for easy access to the photography zones. Many photographers prefer the higher trails for a better perspective of the Eyjafjörður fjord. Remember to bring a headlamp with a red light setting to preserve your night vision. This spot is included in many northern lights tours Akureyri offers for winter visitors.

The forest also has several wooden cabins that make for charming foreground subjects. These structures provide a sense of scale against the massive Icelandic sky. Lighting the cabin slightly with a phone can create a warm glow in your photo. This technique is called light painting and adds a professional touch to your work.

Capturing Reflections at Glerárvirkjun

The Glerá river runs through the heart of the city and offers unique water features. Glerárvirkjun provides a scenic dam and waterfall area that looks amazing under the aurora. Moving water adds a dynamic element to your long-exposure photographs of the night sky. The contrast between the white water and green lights is truly spectacular.

You will find several safe platforms for setting up your photography equipment near the river. Ensure your tripod legs are secure on the icy rocks near the water edge. The sound of the rushing river adds to the magical atmosphere of your night shoot. Most visitors find this spot very convenient because it is close to major hotels.

Check the northern lights forecast in Akureyri 2026 before you head out. Strong solar activity will reflect beautifully in the calm pools of the Glerá river. Use a wide-angle lens to capture both the waterfall and the sky in one frame. This location is perfect for those who want dramatic landscape shots near town.

Parking at the university nearby provides a short walk to the river banks. Wear sturdy boots with ice grips to navigate the slippery paths safely. The area is well-lit at the start but gets darker near the water. You will enjoy the peaceful sound of the river while you wait for the lights.

Pollinn Waterfront Cityscape Views

Pollinn is the calm water area right in front of the Akureyri city center. This spot is ideal for photographers who want to include city lights in their aurora photos. The reflection of the town in the still water creates a beautiful mirror effect. You can capture the iconic Akureyrarkirkja church against the backdrop of the dancing green lights.

Walk along the shoreline path to find different angles of the harbor and mountains. The lights of the city provide enough illumination to see your camera settings easily. However, you must be careful with lens flare from the nearby street lamps. Using a lens hood will help block unwanted light from hitting your camera glass.

This area is easily accessible by foot for anyone staying in the downtown Akureyri hotels. You can quickly retreat to a warm cafe if the temperatures drop too low. Photography here is best when the winds are low and the water surface is flat. It offers a classic North Iceland view that every traveler should try to capture.

You should also explore the area near the Hof Cultural Center. The modern architecture of the building reflects the green aurora in its glass windows. This creates a futuristic look for your northern lights photography collection. It is a favorite spot for local artists during the winter months.

Svalbarðseyri Coastal Perspectives

Drive just fifteen minutes across the fjord to reach the tiny village of Svalbarðseyri. This location offers a stunning view back toward Akureyri and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The yellow lighthouse on the shore provides a fantastic focal point for your aurora compositions. You will find plenty of space to set up without other tourists in your shot.

The coastal road provides several pull-off areas that are safe for parking your vehicle at night. Having a car allows you to move quickly if the clouds begin to cover the sky. You should dress in layers because the wind off the fjord can feel very cold. Consult our guide on what to wear for northern lights tours for the best comfort.

The lighthouse at Svalbarðseyri is one of the most photographed landmarks in the entire region. Its bright color pops against the deep blue and green hues of the night sky. Many professional photographers spend hours here waiting for the perfect moment of solar activity. It is a peaceful spot that highlights the natural beauty of the Icelandic coast.

Most travelers visit this spot during the daytime to scout the best angles. You can see the entire span of the mountains across the water from here. The village remains quiet at night so please respect the local residents. Turn off your car headlights as soon as you park your vehicle.

Mt. Hlíðarfjall High Altitude Views

Driving up toward the Hlíðarfjall ski resort puts you above many of the coastal clouds. This higher elevation offers a panoramic view of the fjord and the city below. The mountain peaks provide a rugged foreground that looks majestic under the glow of the aurora. You will find several large parking lots that are open for public use at night.

The air is often clearer at this altitude, which results in sharper stars in your photographs. You can use the ski lift towers or cabins as interesting industrial elements in your shots. Be prepared for colder temperatures and stronger winds as you climb higher up the mountain. Always check the road conditions before driving up the steep mountain road in winter.

This spot is perfect for capturing the aurora when it is low on the northern horizon. You have a clear line of sight toward the Arctic Circle from this vantage point. Many local photography groups meet here to share tips and enjoy the display together. It is a fantastic location for both beginners and experienced night sky photographers.

Check the local weather station for wind speeds before you drive up. High winds can make it difficult to keep your tripod steady for long exposures. Sometimes the clouds sit low in the valley while the mountain remains clear. This creates a sea of clouds effect under the bright green aurora.

Essential Camera Gear and Settings

Taking great photos of the northern lights requires specific equipment for the best results. You must have a camera that allows for manual control over ISO and shutter speed. A fast lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or wider is highly recommended for night. Wide-angle lenses are best for capturing the scale of the lights across the sky.

Tripods are mandatory because your exposures will likely last between five and fifteen seconds. Even the smallest movement will make your images look blurry and unprofessional. Bring several spare batteries and keep them warm in an inner pocket of your jacket. Cold weather drains battery power much faster than you might expect during a normal shoot.

Remote shutters or using the built-in timer will prevent camera shake when you press the button. Clear filters should be removed from your lens to avoid strange circular patterns in your photos. Manual focus is necessary because autofocus systems cannot see the lights in the dark sky. Focus on a distant star or a bright city light to get everything sharp.

Bring extra microfiber cloths to wipe condensation off your camera lens. Moving from a cold car to the warm air creates fog on the glass. Keep your camera in a sealed bag when you return indoors to prevent moisture. This simple step protects your expensive electronics from water damage over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akureyri offers some of the most diverse photography opportunities in the Arctic region. Whether you prefer forest settings or coastal lighthouses, you will find the perfect shot here. Remember to stay patient and dress warmly for your night adventures in 2026. Use these tips to capture the magic of the northern lights and share them with the world.

Key Takeaways

• Visit Kjarnaskógur forest for the darkest skies near the city center.
• Use a sturdy tripod and manual focus for sharp night sky images.
• Check the aurora forecast regularly to time your photography sessions perfectly.
• Explore Svalbarðseyri for a unique lighthouse and fjord composition.

Related reads: polarcityguide.com, akureyri winter travel guide 2026, private northern lights tour packages from akureyri iceland 2026.