- Aurora Borealis needs dark and partly clear skies to be visible
- The Blue Lagoon sits approximately 20 km from Keflavík Airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula
- Sky Lagoon is in Kopavogur within the Capital Region around Reykjavík
- Iceland's weather and road conditions can change fast
How Lagoon and Aurora Tours Work
Check tour details on booking platforms for the itinerary. Timing of sunset, darkness, sunrise and moonrise shown on forecasts are valid for Reykjavík at 64°08′ N.
Tours may adapt the route if weather shifts, since Iceland's conditions change fast. Always confirm tour policies before you commit.
Most northern lights tour itineraries can be reviewed on booking sites. The lagoon section follows standard entry procedures at the venue.
Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tours
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The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field 5 km from Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Blue Lagoon is located in front of Mount Þorbjörn. The Blue Lagoon is approximately 20 km from Keflavík International Airport.
Sky Lagoon is located in Kopavogur. Kopavogur is in the Capital Region surrounding Reykjavík. The Capital Region has a population of around 252,000. Reykjavík has a population of around 140,000 as of 2026.
| Lagoon | Location | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon | Reykjanes Peninsula, approximately 20 km from Keflavík Airport | Lava field, Mount Þorbjörn backdrop |
| Sky Lagoon | Kopavogur, Capital Region | Check venue details for views and location relative to Reykjavík |
Both venues can be part of evening tours. Read a full comparison of Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon to decide which suits your schedule and preference.
- You cover two experiences in a single evening
- The lagoon portion does not depend on weather
- Both Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are accessible from Reykjavík
- The lagoon soak suits cold winter nights
- Northern lights are never guaranteed
- Clouds shown in green on the aurora forecast map block views
- You spend less time at each activity than separate visits allow
- Check the tour details and policies before you book
Northern Lights Viewing Conditions
The spectacle of Aurora Borealis requires dark and partly clear skies. The aurora forecast map of Iceland shows forecast of cloud cover. Green areas are cloudy and white areas are clear skies. The forecast of auroral activity at midnight uses a scale of 0 to 9.
Higher numbers on the scale mean stronger geomagnetic activity. Cloud cover matters for seeing lights.
The timing of sunset, darkness, sunrise and moonrise shown are valid for Reykjavík. Check live aurora forecasts and safetravel.is before you travel. Safetravel is run by ICE-SAR, The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue. ICE-SAR is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization with over 4,500 volunteers. ICE-SAR is available day and night, year-round.
What Happens If Clouds Block the Aurora
Northern lights are never guaranteed. If clouds hide the sky or auroral activity is weak, you may not see the lights that evening. Check tour terms before you book.
Tour policies vary, so review details on the booking platform. The weather and road conditions in Iceland can change fast.
Read the guide to aurora viewing locations to understand how guides may choose darker spots away from light pollution.
Combining Lagoons with Other Winter Activities
You can pair lagoon visits with daytime excursions. The Golden Circle is a loop of about 300 kilometres from Reykjavík into the southern uplands of Iceland and back. The three primary stops on the route are Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Haukadalur. The geothermal area in Haukadalur contains the geysers Geysir and Strokkur. Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes.
Winter options also include glacier hikes, ice cave visits and snowmobile tours. Check safetravel.is before you go.
Alternatively, spend time on south coast tours. Check day trips from Reykjavík for schedule details and combinations.
Booking and Practical Planning
Check tour details on booking platforms. Some packages may include transport and entry, while others require separate purchase.
Dress in warm layers for outdoor viewing. Bring swimwear and a towel for the lagoon unless the venue provides them. The Capital Region has a population of around 252,000.
Keflavík International Airport is located approximately 50 km southwest of the capital Reykjavík. The airport is linked to downtown Reykjavík via a 50 kilometre journey on the Route 41 dual carriageway. Private companies Flybus, Airport Express and others operate express services to downtown Reykjavík. Explore Blue Lagoon transfer options or Reykjavík airport transfer services to plan connections.
Compare prices, reviews and free-cancellation options before you book.
Check availability →Alternatives to Combination Tours
If you prefer to visit the lagoon and hunt for aurora on separate days, you gain more flexibility. A standalone northern lights boat tour departs from Reykjavík harbour.
Other geothermal pools worth considering include the Secret Lagoon. The Secret Lagoon is known locally as Gamla Laugin. The Secret Lagoon is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. The Secret Lagoon was made in 1891. The Secret Lagoon is located at Hverahólmi, a geothermal area near Flúðir. The Mývatn Nature Baths sit in the north, while the Forest Lagoon and Hvammsvik Hot Springs offer other settings.
Splitting activities means you can dedicate a full evening to aurora chasing. Review information about northern lights timing to plan your trip.
A combined lagoon and northern lights tour saves time but adds the risk of poor aurora visibility. Clouds or low activity may prevent sightings. Check tour details and consider splitting the activities if you want guaranteed time at both.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see northern lights from the Blue Lagoon?
The Blue Lagoon is approximately 20 km from Keflavík Airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Aurora viewing requires dark and partly clear skies. Dedicated aurora tours move to locations chosen by guides.
What is the aurora forecast scale in Iceland?
The forecast of auroral activity at midnight uses a scale of 0 to 9. Higher numbers indicate stronger geomagnetic activity. The aurora forecast map shows cloud cover with green areas cloudy and white areas clear skies.
Is Sky Lagoon closer to Reykjavík than Blue Lagoon?
Sky Lagoon is located in Kopavogur. Kopavogur is in the Capital Region surrounding Reykjavík. The Capital Region has a population of around 252,000. Reykjavík has a population of around 140,000 as of 2026. The Blue Lagoon is approximately 20 km from Keflavík International Airport on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
What happens if clouds block the northern lights on a tour?
Northern lights are never guaranteed. Check tour terms on the booking platform before you book.
