For Northern Lights
Northern Lights Special (3 nights)
Orcas & Aurora (4 nights)
Volcanoes & Northern Lights (4 nights)
For Midnight Sun
Essential Iceland (7 nights)
Introducing Iceland (10 nights)
Around Iceland (14 nights)
RECOMMENDED
HOLIDAYS
discover-the-world.co.uk 13
In this context of light, without doubt the two
most sought after experiences driving visitors to
Iceland are the northern lights and midnight sun.
Destined never to coincide, these cosmic rivals
both have their own appeal.
Ethereal, mesmerising and never the same twice,
the enduring appeal of the aurora borealis is
not difficult to understand. Put simplistically
they are caused when solar particles react with
atmospheric gases around the Polar Regions and
the results are stunning. Typically green, though
sometimes multi-coloured, these shimmering
lights can illuminate a dark sky like nothing else.
With the possibility of a display occurring any
night between September and April within the
auroral zone, yet under the caveat that they
cannot be guaranteed, this elusive natural
phenomenon continues to enchant and tease
aurora hunters in equal measure.
Iceland is one of the most accessible destinations
within this zone and offers superb countryside
locations, away from artificial light, from which
to view displays.
By contrast the midnight sun is less fickle with
the sun in Iceland barely setting from late May
through to the end of July. Of course, this doesn't
mean it's always sunny during this period, but
you can guarantee it will be light! And on days
with little or no cloud, the golden glow is simply
magical radiating off the island's natural features.
This perpetual, yet changing light is a dream for
photographers and is excellent for maximising
your chances of exploring. It is also surprisingly
energising meaning you can pack so much more
into your itinerary or simply spend an extra hour
or two in the hot tub.
Midnight sun © RTH Sigurdsson