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Reykjavik Northern Lights

Our most recommended Reykjavik Northern Lights

Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

1. Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

Embark on an evening trip to see the Aurora Borealis. Hear fascinating facts about them from your guides, visit the Aurora Museum, and search to see the lights firsthand. Depart the bright lights of Reykjavík city center to see the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis. Also known as the “Northern Lights,” it is one of the most spectacular shows during winter months. Head for wherever meteorologists have predicted the lights will be at their best. To get stunning views of the sky you will aim for areas with no artificial light. Hear explanations of how the Aurora Borealis is caused as a result of the gaseous particles in the earth’s atmosphere colliding with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere. Benefit from an itinerary that includes stops for you to go outside and take photographs. The locations visited differ from day to day, but you will head in the direction with the most chance of seeing Mother Nature at work. As the tour is weather-dependent, and sightings are not guaranteed, you are also invited to join another Northern Lights tour free of charge if the lights don’t appear.  Explore the Northern Lights in the Aurora Museum. The Northern Lights tour includes a complimentary ticket for a self-guided visit to the museum in Reykjavik, valid on the day you join the tour, from the time you receive confirmation that the tour is on.

Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

2. Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

Travel from Reykjavik on a quest for one of nature’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Marvel at this breathtaking display as the northern lights dance across the night sky and light up the heavens. Hunt for the Aurora Borealis in the darkness of Iceland's countryside on a 4-hour tour that operates from September to April. If the lights are not visible during the tour, you can easily reschedule for free. Hop in a premium minibus and enjoy a more intimate experience with better chances to hunt down the auroras. Get plenty of free time and prepare for spontaneous encounters. As an added perk, booking this northern lights tour also gives you a free ticket to visit the Aurora Museum in Reykjavik. The free entrance is only valid on the day you join the tour from the time it is announced whether the tour is on (by email and on the website). 

Reykjavik: Perlan Museum Wonders of Iceland Entrance Ticket

3. Reykjavik: Perlan Museum Wonders of Iceland Entrance Ticket

At Perlan you truly get to know Iceland, an island born of fire and ice. You feel the forces of nature and learn how Iceland was formed. Explore seabirds in a lifelike cliff and go on a cinematic underwater journey around Iceland. You explore the world’s first real indoor ice cave and learn all about glaciers at an interactive exhibition. The Icelandic Museum of Natural History also has an interactive and engaging exhibition at Perlan. There, you discover the mysteries of water in Icelandic nature; its unique features, life, and qualities. Finally, sit back in a first-class Planetarium to go on a virtual journey through the sky and experience the amazing Northern Lights all year around.

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

4. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Tour

Witness the wonders of the Golden Circle and marvel at the Northern Lights on a combo tour from Reykjavik. See the Gullfoss waterfall, the bubbling pools at Geysir, and the tectonic rift at Thingvellir National Park. When night falls, go hunting for the Northern Lights in the countryside with a specially trained Northern Lights guide. Experience the dramatic scenery and natural phenomena of Iceland on a 2-part combination tour, starting with a morning tour of the legendary "Golden Circle." Depart Reykjavik to visit Iceland's 3 iconic natural treasures, including the Þingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Waterfall. Discover where the earth's North American and Eurasian plates are being pulled apart at Þingvellir, and watch the geothermal waters and steam spout skywards from the geyser at Geysir geothermal area. Admire the cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall, where a glacial river thunders 32 meters into a canyon. Then, take a 3 to 6-hour break and grab dinner before your evening Northern Lights tour. When night falls, search for the elusive Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in the Icelandic wilderness, depending on the weather forecast and visibility conditions. Only visible during the winter months, the spectacular phenomenon is one of Iceland's biggest and most magical draws.

From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Tour with Photos

5. From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Guided Tour with Photos

Hunt for the aurora borealis on a guided group tour from Reykjavik. Witness the unique starry sky with the flash of light cutting across the Icelandic landscape. Curl up in warm blankets with hot chocolate and snacks. The journey will go outside of the city limits away from as much light pollution as possible, the northern lights are harder to see from Reykjavík. The end location is not pre-determined as it will depend on the cloud coverage and activity in the evening. The drive will be kept as short as possible and you might stop at several locations as the lights can be quite elusive. It is often a waiting game for this beautiful phenomenon, but it is always worth it. As you search for the aurora borealis, your guide will set up their camera for photos of your group. Your tour guide will ensure everybody gets an opportunity for a photo. Round off your night with a hot drink while stargazing in good company.

Reykjavik: Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Tour

6. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Luxury Yacht Tour

See the incredible northern lights from the panoramic decks of a luxurious yacht on this guided tour. This tour is perfect for those looking for an awe-inspiring experience watching the celestial display of the aurora borealis. Meet your captain and crew at Reykjavik's Old Harbor, where you'll board the luxury yacht. You will sail among the small islands in Faxafloi Bay and along the coast of Reykjavik before the yacht begins to sail away from the lights of the city. This will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the northern lights to the fullest. The panoramic triple deck area allows every passenger to enjoy the breathtaking colors of the aurora, and to capture some amazing photos of the green, pink, and white light. If you wish to stay inside during the trip, you will find a lovely bar and lounge area inside where you can relax in comfort.

Northern Lights by Boat in Reykjavik

7. Northern Lights by Boat in Reykjavik

Hunting the northern lights from the ocean is an amazing experience; sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavik and seeing the aurora borealis out on the North-Atlantic ocean, with beautiful mountains and the city lights in the backround, is something you won't ever forget. This unique tour takes about 2 hours, departing from Reykjavik´s old harbour in a luxurious boats, either Rósin or Andrea. Enjoy great views of the beautiful coastline of the capital on the way out to search for the northern lights. In only 15-30 minutes you will be at a prime location away from the city lights, perfect for viewing the auroras. Please remember that this tour is highly dependent on correct weather conditions. Cancellation may occur if the circumstances are not in your favour.  When the northern lights forecast looks good - but if it is too windy to go out on sea - guests will be taken out for a northern lights tour on a small private bus to hunt for the lights on land. They will be offered a spot on the next available northern lights cruise free of charge.

Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise

8. Reykjavík: Northern Lights Cruise

The stage is set to experience one of nature’s most magnificent phenomena on this tour of the Northern Lights in Iceland, starting with an informative talk before boarding the Elding II in Reykjavik Harbor. Docked just a few steps from the meeting point, where you can watch time-lapse videos and look at images and information boards about the lights, Elding II boasts a nice heated lounge where you can sit down to enjoy light refreshments, or head out to the viewing platform wrapped up in the provided warm overalls. Settle down for Mother Nature to start her tricks as your guide keeps you well informed and calls out once the Northern Lights begin. Of course, nothing in nature is guaranteed, but the expert guide and captain will always check the weather and forecast before the tour to optimize your chances of a view. With the glow of the city in the background, set out in search of the spectacle from the darkness of Faxaflói Bay. On a clear night, you may be lucky enough to see them swirling and dancing across the sky in dramatic shapes, colors, patterns, and sizes.

Reykjavik: Super Jeep Northern Lights Tour

9. Reykjavik: Super Jeep Northern Lights Tour

Don't miss the opportunity to see the Northern Lights during your winter stay in Iceland. Hunt down the aurora borealis and learn the science and folklore surrounding this unique phenomenon for a truly unforgettable experience. After getting picked up from your hotel in Reykjavik, hop in your super jeep and head to some of the most remote and hidden viewing locations that not even regular 4x4s can reach. The Northern Lights are an unpredictable natural phenomenon so sometimes it takes time and patience to find them. Maximize your experience with samples of typical Icelandic snacks. Try traditional Icelandic pastry, kleina, and liquor, Brennivín. Sit under warm wool blankets and sip on hot chocolate as you watch the lights dance above you before returning to Reykjavik.

From Reykjavík: Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

10. From Reykjavík: Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour

Search for the Northern Lights in the comfort of a super jeep. Go where tour buses can't and learn all about this amazing natural phenomenon from an English-speaking guide in a small group setting. Discover firsthand why people from all over the world flock to Iceland in the winter in search of the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are a memorable site and everyone who has seen them will tell you why – they are completely mesmerizing. Given cloudless skies and a little bit of luck, sightings can occur from autumn to early spring. The locals say that the colder it is, the more vibrant and intense the colors will be. Swirling and swaying overhead, the Northern Lights are usually greenish yellow but white, red, and pink lights also frequently appear.

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Frequently asked questions about Reykjavik

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Reykjavik?

The best day trips and excursions from Reykjavik are:

Sky Lagoon

Other Sightseeing Options in Reykjavik

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What people are saying about Reykjavik

Overall rating

3.9 / 5

based on 540 reviews

We took 2 trips with this company as our first trip was unsuccessful and we had tour guide Renne and driver Abraham for both and they were both amazing, so helpful and went absolutely above and beyond for us. Renne was so knowledgable and explained everything in such clear detail for us about where the northern lights come from etc. We managed to catch a glimpse of the lights from the bus on our second trip and it was amazing!! When our first trip was unsuccessful it was very easy to rebook for free. I would 100% recommend booking your trip with this company!!

After 3 nights of cancellations due to cloudy skies, we were so lucky to get to go with Daniel the guide to see the Northern lights. he is so well informed, so kind and so knowledgeable that was a pleasure to share this experience with him. i learned a lot n enjoyed it a whole bunch. Daniel made it very very interesting n took us to 3 different places chasing Aurora to make sure we got a good sighting. 100% recommendation!!

My friend and I bought separate tickets but for the same tour and we where divided in different buses, the guide was so nice and made everything he could to keep us together. This made the experience a 100% better. At our first stop we where able to see a show of the northern lights, it was amazing. Truly a bucket list moment.

Although the weather was not the best, the day was brilliant. The blue lagoon lived up to all the hype! The tour guide Tom Ragnarson was brilliant, very informative, interesting and full of stories, definitely made the trip an even better one.

Prompt pickup. Comfortable coach. Good viewing sites.