Northern lights centre on the Old Harbour with displays on the science and folklore of the aurora, a high-definition film and a dark room with an aurora forecast.
Aurora Reykjavik is a northern lights centre at Grandagarður 2 in the Grandi harbour district, a short walk west of the Old Harbour. It is designed for visitors who want to understand the aurora borealis, or who have visited during a season or weather when the real lights are not visible. The exhibition explains the science behind the aurora, including solar wind, the Earth's magnetic field and the atmospheric reactions that create the green, pink and violet colours. It also shares folklore and historical beliefs about the lights in Iceland and other northern regions. A high-definition film shows aurora displays recorded in Icelandic landscapes, and a dark room recreates conditions for viewing the lights, with an aurora forecast displayed so visitors can see current activity levels. Photographic displays and information on camera settings help visitors prepare to take their own pictures later, which is useful for travellers planning a night tour from Reykjavik, Iceland. A typical visit takes about one hour. The centre is compact, so it fits into a short stop in the Grandi area, which also has cafés, restaurants and other attractions such as FlyOver Iceland and the harbour-side whale-watching departures. Tickets cost about ISK 3,900 for adults, about ISK 1,900 to 2,900 for children aged 6 to 16, and under-6s enter free. The centre is quietest on weekday mornings, while winter afternoons, when cloud or short daylight make outdoor options less appealing, can bring more visitors. The centre suits rainy days, and the walk from Harpa takes around 15 minutes along the waterfront.
| Admission | Adult About ISK 3,900 (~$31) · Child About ISK 1,900-2,900 (~$15-23) ages 6-16; under 6 free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, confirm hours on aurorareykjavik.is |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Cloudy winter days when the real aurora is hidden |
| Getting there | 15-minute walk from Harpa; city buses serve Grandi |
| Address | Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavik |
Location
Grandagarður 2, 101 Reykjavik
64.1547, -21.9475 View on map
Highlights
- Exhibition on the science and folklore of the aurora
- High-definition film of northern lights displays
- Dark room with a live aurora forecast
- Photography tips for capturing the lights
- Compact, one-hour visit in the Grandi harbour district
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a cloudy winter day when the real aurora is hidden.
- Use the photography guidance before joining a night tour.
- Check opening hours on aurorareykjavik.is before going.
- Combine with FlyOver Iceland and other Grandi attractions nearby.
- Children under 6 enter free.
When to visit
Cloudy winter days, when the real aurora is hidden, are ideal. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Accessibility
The centre is in a modern building and is generally step-free. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm access with the centre before visiting.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About one hour covers the exhibition, film and dark room.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes. Children aged 6 to 16 pay a reduced price, under-6s are free, and the film and dark room are engaging for most ages.
Does it replace seeing the real aurora?
No. It explains and simulates the lights, but seeing them in the sky depends on weather and solar activity.
How do I get there?
It is a 15-minute walk from Harpa, and city buses serve the Grandi area.