Reykjavik: Aurora Museum Entry & Northern Lights VR Experience

Summary

Northern lights myths science and virtual reality in reykjavik

You’ll step inside Reykjavik’s only aurora museum for stories and science about the northern lights, then slip on a VR headset to watch them swirl overhead. Try hands-on exhibits, catch a timelapse film of Icelandic skies, and pick up practical tips from locals before heading back out — maybe still thinking about those colors long after.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the windy Grandi Harbour street and right into Aurora Reykjavík, and it honestly felt like slipping into a different world — warm, low-lit, all these soft greens and purples swirling on the walls. There was this faint hum of voices (mostly Icelandic, I think) and the quiet shuffle of boots on the floor. Our guide, Sigrún, smiled and waved us over to a wall covered in old legends about the northern lights — Sámi stories, Inuit tales, even something about foxes sweeping sparks across the sky. I tried to pronounce “revontulet” (Finnish for aurora), but Sigrún just grinned and said I was close enough. Not sure she meant it.

The science part was cooler than I expected. They had these interactive displays where you could twist knobs to see how particles crash together up in the atmosphere — it’s weirdly satisfying. The air smelled faintly of wool sweaters and coffee from somewhere behind the counter. We watched this 4K timelapse movie in their tiny theater — thirty minutes of Icelandic skies just lighting up and fading out again. At one point, someone behind me whispered “wow” so quietly I almost missed it. It made me want to see the real thing even more.

I wasn’t sure about the VR bit (I get dizzy sometimes), but I gave it a shot anyway. You put on this headset and suddenly you’re standing out in some frozen field with green ribbons dancing right above your head — honestly, my heart sped up a little. Afterward we hung around fiddling with their photo simulator, trying to get that perfect fake aurora shot. Sigrún gave us tips for reading forecasts (“clouds are your enemy,” she said) before we wandered back outside into Reykjavik’s cold night air feeling… not exactly like experts, but definitely more hopeful.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Center

• Explore northern lights myths and folklore
• Learn science of the Aurora Borealis
• Watch 4K timelapse Aurora movie
• Experience 360° northern lights VR
• Get tips for Aurora hunting and photography

Top questions

Is Aurora Reykjavík suitable for kids or families?

Yes, all ages are welcome and exhibits are interactive; infants can be brought in strollers.

Where is Aurora Reykjavík located?

It’s in Reykjavik’s Grandi Harbour District, easy to reach by public transport or on foot from central areas.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most people spend 1–2 hours exploring the museum and watching the movie or trying VR.

Is there wheelchair access at Aurora Reykjavík?

Yes, all areas including restrooms are wheelchair accessible; transportation options nearby are accessible too.

Do they give tips for seeing real northern lights?

Yes, staff offer practical advice on reading forecasts and camera settings for aurora hunting.

What languages do guides speak?

Mainly English and Icelandic; written info covers several languages as well.

Is there food or drink available inside?

Coffee is available at reception but no full café or restaurant inside.

Are tickets included or do you pay extra?

Your entry ticket covers all exhibits including movie and VR experience; no extra fees required.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Aurora Reykjavík with access to all multimedia exhibits, mythology displays from Arctic cultures, a 4K timelapse aurora movie screening, hands-on science activities, use of the world’s first northern lights virtual reality headset experience, plus expert advice from local staff on how to spot or photograph the aurora yourself before you leave.