It’s time to light the lights

The spectacular and haunting illuminations of the northern lights can be seen across much of the Arctic region from Russia to Canada, and those who have experienced it say it’s well worth wrapping up and heading out into the freezing darkness to catch a glimpse. If you want to view them in a little more comfort you can watch the spectacle from a steamy natural hot spring rockpool in the Westfjords of Iceland. The region is actually one of the best places to see the aurora borealis as it is largely uninhabited and therefore has almost no light pollution. Hikers also flock here for the unspoiled valleys and crags, and the most natural thermal pools in the country. Now is the time to go, as not only is January to March the best viewing season, but this winter is predicted to host their most spectacular display in a generation.  If you don’t want to miss it, visit www.westfjords.is/ for more info. Farmstays such as Heydalur Farm offer hot pools, activities such as ice fishing or horseriding.