Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
Join small-group, private, or combo tours and experience Iceland’s magical night skies.
Discover the magic of Iceland’s Northern Lights with our expert-guided tours. From Reykjavík and beyond, join small groups or private adventures designed to give you the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis. Whether by minibus, super jeep, or as part of a combo tour, our experienced guides know where to find clear skies and unforgettable displays. Explore the tours below and start planning your perfect night under the dancing lights.
- Small groups & private tours
- Local guides
- 5-star reviews
- Free reschedule if no lights.
- No hidden fees
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and our guided tours give you the best chance of seeing this magical display. Our expert guides follow real-time aurora and weather forecasts, taking you far from the city lights to the darkest skies for the strongest sightings.
Choose from small-group adventures, private super jeep tours, yacht cruises, or unique combos such as the Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights. No matter which experience you book, you’ll enjoy expert guidance, local stories, and memories that last a lifetime
Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
Search
Starts from
Time of year
Difficulty
Group Size
Minimum age
What Our Guests Say About Our Northern Lights Tours 🌟
Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour
Northern Lights Yacht Cruise
Small Group Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavík
Northern Lights Private Tour
Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Private Tour
Everything You Need to Know About Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most spectacular shows. They appear when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating glowing waves of green, purple, and pink light across the night sky. For many travelers, witnessing the aurora in Iceland is the highlight of their trip.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
The aurora is visible in Iceland from late August to mid-April, when nights are dark enough. The peak months are September to March, with the strongest activity often around the equinoxes. Tours run almost daily during this season, and guides use detailed forecasts to maximize your chances of success.
Where Can You See the Aurora in Iceland?
While the lights can sometimes be seen from Reykjavík, the city lights reduce visibility. That’s why guided tours take you out to the countryside — places like Þingvellir National Park, the South Coast, or the remote lava fields of Reykjanes. The best viewing spots are dark, open areas with clear horizons.
Why Join a Guided Tour?
Expert knowledge: Guides follow real-time weather and aurora forecasts.
Transportation included: No need to worry about driving icy roads at night.
Small groups: More personal experience and less crowded viewing.
Stories & folklore: Learn Icelandic myths about the aurora.
Photography help: Many guides assist with camera settings to capture the lights.
Most importantly, if the aurora doesn’t appear, many tours offer a free retry or reschedule.
Types of Northern Lights Tours
We offer a wide variety of options so you can choose the style that suits you:
Minibus tours – Affordable, small groups, great for meeting other travelers.
Super jeep tours – Go off the beaten path in comfort and style.
Private tours – Perfect for couples, families, or anyone wanting flexibility.
Combo tours – Northern Lights with glacier hikes, hot springs, ice caves, or sightseeing.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
To capture the aurora, bring a tripod and set your camera to manual mode. Use a wide-angle lens, keep the ISO between 800–3200, and experiment with exposure times from 5–20 seconds. On guided tours, your driver or guide can often assist with setup. Even with just a smartphone, many newer models can take impressive night shots.
What to Wear on a Northern Lights Tour
Aurora hunting can mean standing outside for long periods in winter. Dress warmly in layers, with a windproof outer shell, thermal base layers, gloves, hats, and sturdy winter shoes. Hand warmers and hot drinks can make the experience more comfortable.
What Happens If You Don’t See the Aurora?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never guaranteed. However, many tours offer a free retry on another night if conditions are unfavorable. Some tours also provide additional sightseeing or cultural stops, so the trip is enjoyable even without the lights.
Family-Friendly Aurora Tours
Many Northern Lights tours are suitable for children, and we can provide car seats when needed. Private tours are especially good for families, offering flexibility on timing and stops.
Why Choose Iceland Travel Guide?
We specialize in creating unforgettable experiences for travelers in Iceland. With years of experience, trusted local guides, and a wide range of tour options, we ensure that your Northern Lights adventure is safe, comfortable, and magical. From Reykjavík departures to custom itineraries, we have something for every traveler.
The Northern Lights are one of the most magical experiences you can have in Iceland. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a romantic getaway, our tours offer the perfect way to witness this natural wonder.
Frequently asked questions
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are mesmerizing natural light displays in the sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions like Iceland. They are caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating stunning colors that dance across the night sky.
The prime viewing season runs from late September to mid-April, when long, dark nights provide ideal conditions. For an unforgettable experience, join one of our Northern Lights tours offered by Iceland Travel Guide.
While Iceland offers excellent conditions, the Northern Lights are not guaranteed to appear nightly. However, our expert guides maximize your chances of witnessing this spectacular phenomenon on our dedicated tours.
The best viewing spots include Þingvellir National Park and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Our Northern Lights tours take you to these optimal locations, far from the city lights, ensuring the best experience possible. Check out our tours at Iceland Travel Guide for more details.
Warm, layered clothing is essential! We recommend thermal base layers, insulated jackets, gloves, hats, and sturdy boots. Staying warm is crucial as you may be outside for extended periods while hunting for the lights.
Absolutely! Our tours are designed to be family-friendly. Just check with us regarding any specific age restrictions or considerations for younger children.
Our Northern Lights tours include transportation, an experienced guide, and delightful refreshments like hot chocolate and Icelandic snacks. Plus, if you don’t see the lights, we offer a free retry tour to increase your chances of witnessing this stunning display.
We understand the disappointment if the lights are elusive. That’s why we offer a free rescheduling option to another evening if you don’t see the lights during your tour. Just let us know, and we’ll assist you with the rebooking!
Yes! Our guides are happy to provide tips for capturing the best photos. Bring a camera with manual settings, and we recommend a tripod to achieve stunning long-exposure shots.
While we provide forecasts to help you plan your trip, the Northern Lights are ultimately unpredictable. Sign up for our tours, and our guides will do their best to find the best conditions for viewing.
Tours typically last between 3 to 5 hours, depending on weather conditions and where the best viewing spots are located.
Yes, but to enhance your viewing experience, it’s best to join a tour that takes you away from the city lights. Our Northern Lights tours depart from central Reykjavik to optimal dark locations.
We offer both small group and larger bus tours. Our small group tours provide a more personalized experience, allowing you to enjoy the hunt for the Northern Lights in a cozy setting.
Yes! We offer various packages that combine Northern Lights viewing with other Icelandic experiences. Explore our website to find the perfect combination for your adventure.
As long as you dress appropriately and are mindful of your surroundings, there are minimal risks. Our guides are experienced and prioritize your safety while enjoying the outdoors.
Use a camera with manual settings, set a low ISO, and use a wide aperture for stunning images. Remember to bring a tripod for stability during long exposure shots.
While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights independently, booking a tour with Iceland Travel Guide maximizes your chances. Our experienced guides know the best locations and conditions for optimal viewing.
