Aurora Reykjavik, Reykjavik (must see)

Aurora Reykjavík is a relatively recent addition to the cultural landscape of Reykjavík, created to focus entirely on one of the country’s most iconic natural phenomena: the aurora borealis. Founded and run by a team of local northern lights experts and award-winning photographers, the centre was conceived as both an educational space and a visual archive, bringing together years of field experience, photography, and research into a single, accessible exhibition. It also offers a reliable, year-round way to experience the northern lights, regardless of weather conditions.

The exhibition explains how the aurora forms—from solar activity to its interaction with Earth’s atmosphere—while also presenting the myths and beliefs different cultures have attached to the lights over centuries. Interactive displays and touchscreens allow visitors to explore how the colors change depending on altitude, while weather screens provide current aurora forecasts. Throughout the space, staff are available to help plan a northern lights outing and offer practical advice on when and where to go.

One of the main highlights is the visual component. A dedicated cinema presents a 30-minute film projected on a seven-meter-wide screen, with footage captured across Iceland over seven years by leading photographers and videographers. Visitors can watch from bean bags, wrapped in sheep fur, creating a relaxed, immersive setting. Complementing this is a 360-degree virtual reality experience that places visitors directly beneath the lights.

The centre also includes a photography section with a hands-on simulator, where visitors can test camera settings and learn how to capture the aurora effectively before heading outdoors. Located in the Grandi harbour district—an area known for its transformation from an industrial zone to a cultural hub—the museum fits naturally into Reykjavík’s evolving streetscape, with most visits lasting around an hour.