Aurora Reykjavík

About the museum

Aurora Reykjavík is the country's first and only northern lights centre. It stands at Fiskislóð 53 on Granda and was founded by the photographers Katarina Raker and Grétar Jónsson, who have for years chased and photographed the northern lights. The centre has been open for more than a decade.

Visitors walk through an interactive exhibition on the myths and science of the northern lights, solar storms and the solar cycle, and receive guidance on where and when the lights are best seen. In the cinema hall a film of the northern lights from across the country is shown on a seven-metre-wide 4K screen. Visitors can also learn how to photograph the northern lights and have their picture taken in a northern lights photo box.

An audio guide with a QR code is available in eight languages. The building has a shop and a small café, which can be visited without a ticket.

Highlights

• Interactive exhibition on the myths and science of the northern lights
• Film on a seven-metre-wide 4K screen
• Guidance on photographing the northern lights
• Audio guide in eight languages
• Free parking at the building

Permanent exhibition

• Norðurljósasýningin – Interactive exhibition on the myths and science of the northern lights, with a film, photography tuition and a northern lights photo box.

Admission & discounts

The shop and café are open without an admission ticket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum states that it is fully accessible, with step-free entrances, accessible toilets and free parking at the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The museum is family-friendly, with interactive exhibits and videos. School groups can receive a guided tour.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Granda, about a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Nearby are Whales of Iceland and the Sjóminjasafnið (Maritime Museum).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Shop with northern lights products, jewellery and photographs by Icelandic photographers, and a small café with coffee and home-baked pastries. Both are open without an admission ticket.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit