A little patience.
A sky full of possibility.
The darker months bring the chance to watch the aurora. Choose a clear evening and give yourself time to look up.
NORTHERN LIGHTS AT HVERADALIR
Earth below.
Wonder above.
Geothermal warmth, rising steam and a sky alive with possibility. Discover an extraordinary place to look for the northern lights, close to Reykjavík.
A NIGHT THAT FEELS A WORLD AWAY
The city is close.
The night feels extraordinary.
As daylight fades, Hveradalir reveals a different kind of magic. The hills become silhouettes, warm water catches the lights of the lodge, and steam drifts into the Icelandic night.
When darkness, clear skies and auroral activity come together, green curtains can move above this geothermal valley. Close to Reykjavík, it is a remarkable setting for an evening that combines the power of the earth with the wonder of the sky.
A little patience.
Steam below.
Colour above.
Volcanic hills, still pools and the historic lodge give your evening a foreground with a character of its own.
Make the night
your own.
Pair the possibility of northern lights with geothermal warmth. The valley, Mud Bath and visitor facilities are open 24/7.
THE EARTH IS ALIVE. SO IS THE EVENING.
Come for the sky.
Stay for the warmth.
There is something special about stepping into warm geothermal water with cool Icelandic air around you. Add the possibility of northern lights above the hills, and a simple bathing moment becomes an evening to remember.
Begin with a walk on the marked paths or settle into the Mud Bath. Bring swimwear and a towel, shower before bathing, and follow the information at the pots. Natural water temperatures and conditions can vary.
Meet the Mud BathExplore the geothermal valleyHVERADALIR UNDER A DIFFERENT LIGHT
A familiar valley.
An extraordinary sky.
Green light over the lodge. Reflections in the pools. The photographs from a Hveradalir evening show the kind of setting you can discover here after dark.
A LITTLE COMFORT FOR A WINTER EVENING
Warmth close by.
Time for the sky.
Come prepared for the outdoors, with the essentials here to make your visit more comfortable.
The Mud Bath
Free access to geothermal warmth and volcanic mud. Bring your own swimwear and towel.
New changing facilities
A place to change before and after the bath, with shower facilities for bathers.
WC for all visitors
Good toilet facilities for guests coming for the valley, the baths or the night sky.
Open 24/7
The area, baths, changing facilities and WC are open all year, around the clock.
Baths and valley access are free. Parking is paid separately; follow the parking information on site.
A LITTLE PLANNING. ROOM FOR WONDER.
Give the evening
its best chance.
Northern lights follow nature’s own rhythm. Plan around the darkness and the weather, then leave a little time in your evening for the unexpected.
- 01
Choose the darker months.
Roughly September to April is the main season to look for northern lights in Iceland. Choose an evening when the sky is properly dark.
- 02
Watch the clouds and the forecast.
Auroral activity and a clear or partly clear sky both matter. Check the Icelandic Met Office forecast before setting out, along with current weather and road conditions.
- 03
Come ready to pause.
Bring warm layers, sturdy footwear and a torch. Stay on marked paths, watch for ice, and use your light considerately around other visitors.
- 04
Let the camera take its time.
A steady camera or phone support helps at night. Try night mode, keep the lens clean and include the lodge, hills or water in your frame.
GOOD TO KNOW
A few things
before you come.
A little preparation leaves more time to enjoy the place.
Visitor informationWhy look for northern lights at Hveradalir?
The geothermal valley, volcanic hills, historic lodge and pools create a distinctive setting close to Reykjavík. You can combine an evening under the sky with the warmth of the Mud Bath and visitor facilities on site.
When is the best time to look?
Choose a dark evening in the colder part of the year, roughly September to April. Darkness, cloud cover and auroral activity determine what you can see. Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast before travelling.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon and may not appear during your visit. The valley and geothermal warmth offer an experience of their own while you wait.
Are the baths and facilities open at night?
Yes. The geothermal area, Mud Bath, changing facilities and WC are all open 24/7, year-round.
Do I need a ticket or guided tour?
The valley and Mud Bath are free to visit. Parking is paid separately through the on-site parking arrangement. This is an independent visit; no guided northern-lights tour is included.
What should I bring for an evening visit?
Dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to bathe, and shower before entering the water. Follow marked routes and on-site guidance after dark.