Northern Lights: Aurora Basecamp Observatory Guided Experience

We booked the Aurora basecamp because it looked like a pretty unique experience. It was warm inside with log burner, hot chocolate and marshmallows to toast on the outdoor fires.

The initial introduction was really informative and really helpful in finding the northern lights.

Although we didn’t see them the first night we were invited back a second night and they were beautiful.

Staff were really friendly and approachable, location is easy to find with ample parking.

Toilets on site.

While we where not able to see the northern lights (because obviously they are a natural phenomenon and they have zero control of weather) the women that was there gave amazing information to help us find the light when better weather conditions where present. With her information we where able to see them the following day. The facilities where clean and very well taken care of and parking was not an issue 10/10 recommend

Booked this at short notice as other northern light tours were cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Picked up by mini bus by reykjavik tours and then dropped off here. Large dome with tables n benches, hot drinks included, short presentation about the lights. Opportunity to just watch the night sky. There was a break in the clouds and we was witness to an amazing show of the lights. Highly recommend visiting here. Knowledgeable staff to ask any question, Free to walk around the base. Very relaxed atmosphere and exciting to wait for the phenomenon.

We went here instead of a bus tour because the forecast wasn’t great and we thought we’d try to “hunt” the northern lights by ourselves. Bibi (?) the man who explained the lights and made himself available for (nerd) questions. Which I took full advantage of. He talked with me for 20 minutes and was so helpful explaining how to read different forecasting websites (NOAA and an Icelandic one). We didnt see anything that night. Too cloudy. But armed with info we set out the next day. It was clear. We started at a spot in Reykjavik. But thought we’d do better back out by base camp. We got there and were patient. Using the info that Bibi shared. And SO AMAZING!!! Forecast was a low chance. But we spotted them. They lasted and grew for more than an hour. We feel so privileged. And couldn’t have done it without this place. Do not miss!!!

I think everyone that goes to Iceland wants to see the Aurora Borealis (aka Northern Lights). There are plenty of ways to do this, like the Aurora Basecamp, bus tours, boat tours, private tours, exploring on your own and many more. After doing a bunch of research we decided to go with the Aurora Basecamp and we are very happy we did.

The Basecamp is located in the perfect location, nice and far from various sources of light pollution. The facilities are very nice, clean, and well kept. The two guides were friendly, knowledgeable and informative. Once everyone arrived, the guides introduced themselves and provided a brief presentation about the Northern Lights. After checking the Aurora forecast, the group headed outside to see if we would be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dancing in the skies.

While we were waiting for the Northern Lights to show up, the guides used that time to go over astrology as well as tips on how to see them.

Luck definitely was on our side and we were able to see the most amazing Northern Lights. The colors are breath taking and it truly is an experience of a lifetime. I would highly recommend the Basecamp and would suggest doing it in the beginning of your Icelandic adventure.

The instructor is amazing.

We saw northern light!

This place is good for family to visit.

Recommend for tourists.

So helpful! We had transfers booked but unfortunately basecamp had to cancel due to not enough uptake. They were really helpful in ensuring we could still visit. On arrival the dome is toasty warm and the option to wander in and out is great. Added bonus of onsite toilet too. Very knowledgeable guide and we were lucky to see the lights

I've previously been on a Northern Lights bus tour on a prior trip to Iceland and had a terrible experience, and spent that entire time wishing we'd done our own research and gone out in a car.

The Aurora Basecamp is a great alternative to those bus tours. Instead of standing around in the middle of nowhere with 12 other bus loads of people in -17°c with no control over where you go and when you leave, and no access to toilets or hot drinks, you can hang out at the Basecamp! There is a warm pod with low lighting, seats, toilets, hot drinks, gentle music, and a north-facing window. If you want to wait patiently inside, the staff will tell you if there is an appearance of an aurora so that you can either go to the window or go outside. There are also outdoor seats and a fire pit if you prefer to patiently wait outside. There is also a short lesson in a separate pod, which explains how to spot the aurora in the sky and the signs to look out for, as well as the conditions required to see it. This definitely makes it easier to find it yourself, but it is important to remember that you are never guaranteed to see an aurora, even if you do everything right! They do allow you to return free of charge if you don't see an aurora, and we were very lucky that we saw an aurora on a return visit to the Basecamp. We could also see the current volcanic eruption in the distance!

As a neurodivergent person, I really appreciated the low lighting and quiet atmosphere, as well as the flexibility to come and go as we pleased. The staff were fairly hands off as well, which is just fine with me, but they were always available to talk and answer questions.

I definitely recommend booking this early in your trip to equip yourself with knowledge and understanding needed.

This place cannot be faulted at all. I booked a trip on 24th February 2024 at short notice and was impressed by everything from start to the finish at midnight.

My guides were David and Afor and they were simply outstanding. Both were friendly, knowledgeable and only too happy to help. It was a real pleasure speaking to them both and I was assured that "there is no such thing as a silly question, only silly answers".

Yes, you can sit outside and watch the lights for free but if you did you would miss... 1) The exhibition 2) The warmth of the facilities on site 3) The hot chocolate 4) The toasted marshmallows 5) The intimacy of like-minded travellers 6) The excitement and joy of the group when Aurora made a brief and tantalising appearance and the whoops of joy that followed 7) The outside and inside fires 8) The chats with the guides and last bit not least 9) The atmosphere within the facility.

It was a great experience and was made even better by finding out about the current research being carried out at the base.

A stunning setting, a stunning facility and a stunning trip. Thank you both 👍.

The photos I took are not the best but give a glimpse of what I might see next time.

Went with a small bus tour for two nights, didn’t had any luck.

We saw the aurora basecamp by incident and decided to go there.

There is a dome where you can stay inside, nice and warm. You can also get hot chocolate or tea. They are open untill 12pm. You get some great tips about how to look at the aurora and after hours of waiting we got very lucky!

If you have a rental car I would recommend going to the aurora basecamp instead of a small bus tour.

Really nice people who set up the basecamp with love.