“One day, I will finally reach the Red House in Iceland”

Finally found the “Aurora Red House” in the Icelandic wilderness! Green light bands wrap around the red roof, warm yellow street lamps illuminate the snow, glaciers glow cold blue in the distance, and my hands holding the camera are shaking—this isn’t just checking in; it’s like stepping into the set of Frozen! 😭 This article thoroughly digs into the guide and pitfalls of finding the Red House. After reading, just copy the plan—don’t wander around in the snow like I did! 1. First, understand! Where exactly is the Iceland Red House? Don’t go to the wrong place! The “Red House location” info on some apps is too messy! After asking three guides, I figured out: the most popular “Aurora Red House” is near the southern town of Vík, specifically on a private farm about 20 km from Vík along Ring Road 1 heading toward Höfn! Key point! Don’t search “Iceland Red House” on navigation (it will take you to an abandoned wooden cabin!). The correct location is “Vík í Mýrdal to Höfn 20km.” Slow down when you see the roadside “red roof + white fence”! I once followed the wrong navigation and got stuck in a snow pit—who understands that kind of despair! 😂 2. Transportation guide: Self-driving vs. group tour? Advice for beginners! Iceland’s winter roads can discourage 90% of self-drivers! I decisively joined a 6-person small group tour, which had many benefits: - Guide checks aurora and cloud maps in real-time, no aimless wandering; - 4WD vehicle with snow chains, stable even in blizzards; - Hot apple cider and warm packs provided, lifesaving at -20°C! If you really want to self-drive: - Rent a 4WD car! Two-wheel drive is nearly impossible on snow; - Download offline maps (no signal in the wilderness) and mark rescue points; - Bring a snow shovel, snow chains, and high-calorie snacks (to avoid getting stuck). 3. Best time + what to wear: Don’t freeze into an icicle just for photos! 1. When is the best time to go? - December to January: Thick snow and many auroras, but only 4 hours of daylight and frequent blizzards; - February to March: Highly recommended! Just the right amount of snow, frequent auroras, and all restaurants open (I went in February, perfect for photos without obstructions); - April to May / September to November: Fewer people but fewer auroras and more rain, good for those who dislike crowds. 2. Dressing formula: Warmth + photogenic! - Base layer: Quick-dry thermal underwear (no pure cotton!); - Middle layer: Thick fleece + wool sweater (choose white/light gray for strong contrast with the red house); - Outer layer: Windproof down jacket + waterproof pants; - Accessories: Fleece-lined snow boots (with crampons!), trapper hat, touchscreen gloves, warm packs (stick to waist and knees). Photo tip: Bring a light-colored scarf; the wind makes it very atmospheric. Avoid black clothing! You’ll look like a “moving black dot” in photos. 4. Photography guide: Even beginners can get great shots! 1. For phone users Turn on “Pro mode”: ISO 800-1600, shutter speed 10-15 seconds, focus set to infinity, use a tripod (press down with stones if windy); - Composition: Place the red house in the lower left or right corner (not in the center!), aurora spread across the top; - Shooting people: Stand 5 meters in front of the red house without moving, use a flashlight to add light (so the face isn’t dark). 2. For camera users Wide-angle lens (16-35mm), aperture below f/2.8, ISO 1600-3200, shutter speed 10-12 seconds; - Tip: Use a flashlight to illuminate the red house walls for clearer details. Avoid pitfalls: Don’t enter private property (you’ll be asked to leave!), don’t use flash, don’t step on unknown snowfields (there are ice cracks!). 5. What to do nearby? Check these spots on the way! 1. Vík Black Sand Beach: 20 minutes from the Red House, black sand and basalt columns, sunlight at 3 PM sprinkles golden dust (wind strong enough to blow people away!); 2. Skógafoss Waterfall: 1 hour drive toward Reykjavík, stunning ice formations in winter, climb the stairs for panoramic views; 3. Icelandic Fish Soup: At “Sudur-Vík” restaurant in Vík, cod and salmon soup served with bread, warms you to the heart. 6. My Red House moment: More touching than the aurora Before coming to Iceland, I was very down, feeling life had no hope. While waiting for the aurora, the green light suddenly wrapped around the red house, warm yellow street lamps clashed with cold green auroras, a nearby girl clapped, and an older man sang Icelandic songs—at that moment, I suddenly understood that beauty doesn’t need chasing; it just waits for you. Finally Iceland’s roads are hard to drive, the wind is strong and cold, and you might wait all night without seeing the aurora, but the moment you see the Red House wrapped in the aurora, all the hardship is worth it. I hope you can also find your own little happiness here—one day, you will reach the Red House in Iceland and also reach your own beauty. ❤️