Chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland: An Unexpected Adventure

In December 2021, my friend Josie and I found ourselves on an unexpected adventure in Iceland. Neither of us are exactly fans of the cold, but somehow, there we were, bundled up and braving the snow-dusted winter of Iceland. And let me tell you, it was every bit as magical as it was freezing.

One of the biggest reasons we went? The Northern Lights, of course! We’d heard so much about the dazzling displays, but our tour guide made it clear from the start that they weren’t guaranteed. Still, we couldn’t help but hope for a glimpse of those famous lights.

We headed out on an evening boat tour, wrapped in layers of clothes and anticipation. Snow blanketed the landscape, and it was just too beautiful to sit inside the boat—even though it was absolutely freezing. Josie and I claimed our spot at the very front, letting the icy wind whip our faces and the boat’s rocky motion send splashes of water our way. Romantic, right?

After what felt like an hour of drifting away from the lights of the mainland and deeper into the cold, dark waters, our hopes began to dim. I could feel doubt creeping in as I stared out into the blank sky, wondering if we’d end the night with nothing more than frostbite.

But then… magic. It started with one little light, then two, then three, until streaks of green and purple danced across the sky, like nature’s own fireworks. It was hands-down one of the most memorable moments of my life—a bucket list item checked off in the most stunning way possible.

It was a true wow moment. And despite the freezing air and numb fingers, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky to be alive. This wasn’t just a trip; it was an experience that will stay with me forever.