In March of 2017 my wife Liz and I went Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) hunting in Iceland. It’s a popular destination for chasing the Northern Lights hunting, but the results are often mixed. I posted several Northern lights images (links below), but we only had one great nighttime excursion.
The rest of the trip was by no means a bust. Please take a chance.
This location is the Svartifoss Waterfall featuring basalt columns of volcanic rock.
The hike is 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles), each way, from the visitor center, uphill. On the way to Svartifoss, you come across other waterfalls in the gorge. Svartifoss cannot be seen from the road and the hike up to it takes some 90 minutes back and forth with photo stops.
We got lucky. It was cloudy and rainy when we started the hike. The clouds broke for about 15 minutes as we reached the top.
Feature Image Details
For the featured image, I used a Canon 24-105MM F4 L Lens at 28mm for 0.8 seconds at F16.
Anyone with a tripod and reasonable technique could get this shot. The two keys are a tripod and reasonable technique. You need a tripod because you cannot hand hold for anywhere close to a second. Yet, if you do not force the shutter open that long, you cannot get smooth, silky water.
Closeup Detail
For the above shot, I was well off the trail, where I was not supposed to be.
My wife Liz, of saner mind, was not with me. The feature image was taken from the trail or at least reasonably close.
Equipment List
Those interested in my equipment and recommendations can find it here: Mish’s Equipment List.
Iceland Aurora Images
- Iceland Northern Lights, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Búðir
- Iceland Northern Lights, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Búdir, Búdakirkja Church
- Iceland Northern Lights, Snæfellsjökull National Park, Malarrif Lighthouse
Iceland is a fabulous destination. I have an entire series called Iceland in 16 days.
Scroll through my Mish Moments Home Page until you find them. I discuss where to go, where to stay, and what to see. I also have photo tips on many of the best locations.,
Interested in visiting Iceland?
Please see my Iceland Guide. It lists our complete itinerary for a 16-day summer solstice trip.
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Thanks!
Mike “Mish” Shedlock
Your Iceland photos keep moving traveling there higher on my must-do list.
Best time for first trip – Mid-June for Summer Solstice
22 hours of light or more
Do as much of the circle tour as you can, without extending yourself.
Must see regions: Ice lagoons plus Hverir Geothermal Area.
My Days 6-7
https://mishmoments.com/2017/01/06/iceland-in-16-days-day-7-north-iceland-north-iceland-hverir-geothermal-area/
https://mishmoments.com/2016/12/31/iceland-in-16-days-day-6-north-iceland-selfoss-waterfall/
https://mishmoments.com/2017/01/02/iceland-in-16-days-day-6-north-iceland-dettifoss-waterfall/
and 3-4
https://mishmoments.com/2016/12/22/iceland-in-16-days-south-region-jokulsarlon-glacial-lagoon/
https://mishmoments.com/2016/12/23/iceland-in-16-days-south-region-jokulsarlon-arctic-tern-nesting-site/
https://mishmoments.com/2016/12/21/iceland-in-16-days-south-region-jokulsarlon-ice-beach/
If you have 7 days, take two at the ice lagoon, three in the north, the last night in Reykjavik and one more day to do something else, perhaps the golden circle
That may be a bit of a stretch but my schedule was more hectic for a full 16 days
If you have 10 days, the above schedule is easy (two at the lagoon). Add an extra day in the North (4 total) to make it more leisurely. Then you still have another 4 days, say 2 on the Golden Circle and two in Reykjavik.