A Northern Lights observatory has opened this month on the site of an old lava mine in Iceland, providing visitors with front row seats to the celestial dance.
Aurora Basecamp is a new Northern Lights viewing hub in Iceland. Part observatory, part education centre and part basecamp, it provides visitors with a cosy and comfortable space in which to take in the ethereal beauty of aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, if the conditions are right. Located in Hafnarfjörður, a mystical and cosmic town about 12km south of Reykjavík, the basecamp is open to organised tours, as well as individuals who are looking for an ideal starting point on their stargazing journey.
How and where to see the Northern Lights in 2019
Made up of two geodesic domes, specially designed to withstand the harsh conditions of an Icelandic winter, Aurora Basecamp has low-lit, heated viewing platforms from which to observe the dark nights. Hot chocolate and tea are available to warm up in between lookout walks on the otherworldly lava field that surrounds the basecamp.
Visitors can take pictures and speak to guides, who will teach them about the area and offer tips on how best to capture the enchantment of the light display. The phenomenon is only visible on a clear and dark night, and if the conditions aren't right, Aurora Basecamp will provide a Northern Lights show, projected onto the dome itself.
Aurora Basecamp is open from 6pm until 10pm daily but as the nights grow longer in winter, the opening hours may extend. Adult entry is 3900 ISK (£25.50/US$31.40), while entry for six to 18-year-olds is 1900 ISK (£12.40/US$15.30). Included in the price are parking, admission and a guided tour in the dark park and a warm beverage. Online booking is necessary as the domes can only hold a limited number of people each night.
