Best sunset spots in Iceland
Icelandic sunsets last hours — in September the sun crosses the horizon at a shallow angle and the light bleeds into blue hour for two full hours. Here is where to catch it.
Sunset over the Icelandic coast with mountains silhouetted
In Reykjavik
Grotta lighthouse at the western tip of Seltjarnarnes is the classic — a 30-minute walk or short drive from the centre, with an open ocean view and a warm foot bath to soak in while you watch. Free. Check the tide before you go; the causeway floods.
Perlan hill in Oskjuhlid gives a panoramic view including Snaefellsjokull glacier on clear evenings. The Sky Lagoon at Karsnes has a swim-up horizon over the bay if you can time your entry ($75 admission).
South Coast
Reynisfjara black sand beach at sunset is unbeatable — the basalt columns turn gold, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks silhouette. Still respect the sneaker waves.
Dyrholaey promontory 10km east catches the sun sinking behind the arch — best in April-May and August-September when the sun sets over the sea. Vestrahorn mountain near Hofn is the eastern equivalent, with black sand dunes ($10 entry via Viking Cafe).
Snaefellsnes and the north
Kirkjufell mountain at sunset with the waterfall in the foreground is Instagram's favourite Icelandic shot for good reason. Best light is late September to October.
In Akureyri, the Forest Lagoon ($55) faces west over Eyjafjordur — a soak-and-sunset combo. For free, drive up to Sulur mountain viewpoint above the town.
Timing it right
Iceland has no true sunset from mid-May to late July — the sun dips but never sets. Best sunset months are September to March. In late September, sunset is around 7pm; in December, 3:30pm.
Blue hour lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours here — much longer than lower latitudes. Do not rush off after the sun is down; the best colours often come after.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Depends on season — 3:30pm in December, midnight-plus in late June (it does not fully set from mid-May to late July).
Grotta lighthouse on Seltjarnarnes for the classic open horizon, or Perlan hill for the panoramic city angle.
Not usually — you need proper darkness. Aurora typically appears from 9pm onwards in winter, well after sunset colours have faded.
Yes, from around May 20 to July 20 the sun barely sets. It never gets fully dark and sunset colours last most of the night.
Hotels in Iceland
More guides to Iceland
All guides
Itineraries · 7 min read
48 hours in Iceland
Two days is tight, but enough for the Golden Circle, a soak in a geothermal pool, and one long night out in Reykjavik. Here is how to spend 48 hours without wasting a single one.
Itineraries · 9 min read
One week in Iceland
Seven days is the sweet spot for the full Ring Road — 1,332km of black beaches, glaciers, fishing towns and hot pots. Here is a realistic day-by-day loop starting and ending in Reykjavik.
Itineraries · 7 min read
Iceland in 3 days on a budget
Iceland is expensive but not impossible. Three days for under $500 excluding flights is doable if you sleep in hostels, cook, and swim in municipal pools instead of the Blue Lagoon.
Pick a town on the Ring Road, check real prices, and know that every booking funds a verified tonne of carbon removal.