Iceland: Aurora Basecamp for fans of the Northern Lights

If you’re looking for the mystical “Aurora Borealis” in Iceland, you can now get the best tips at the Aurora Basecamp in Hafnarfjörður – the first learning and training center for big and small Northern Lights hunters on the island. The new base camp consists of three glass domes amidst a vast lava landscape, which look like space stations on Mars in the scene of a science fiction film.

The approximately 150 square meter “Aurora Lounge” forms the heart of the base camp. On the basis of simulated northern lights, the guests of the Northern Lights Guides learn about the spectacular natural spectacle over a hot chocolate or a cup of tea. The real northern lights can be watched from the glass dome, protected from the wind and cold, or outdoors at the Basecamp. Campfires, benches and small hideaways are waiting here.

In addition, the experienced guides provide personal tips. For example, they reveal the best places to observe the “Aurora Borealis”. This is also the idea behind the Aurora Base Camp in the southwest of Iceland: The tourists should learn how to discover the Northern Lights safely and with the right knowledge. Because they often go too far to escape the light pollution. But you should try to avoid direct light sources like street lights.

“My personal tip is always a clear view to the north, as the northern lights often appear low on the horizon – look for the Big Dipper in the sky,” advises Kormákur Hermannsson, founder and owner of the Aurora Base Camp. At the same time, he encourages visitors to simply enjoy the spectacle and not spend their time wrestling with the camera – because the lights often disappear as fast as they come.

The Aurora Basecamp can be reached from Reykjavík in 20 minutes by rental car. Places can be reserved on the website. The entrance fee is ISK 3,900 (about EUR 29) for adults and ISK 1,900 (about EUR 14) for children. Children below 12 enters for free. The Basecamp is open every day from 8pm to midnight. According to Hermansson, the northern lights are best seen between August and April. The ideal conditions are a clear sky and a high degree of solar activity.

Click here for the website of the Aurora Basecamp