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Experience the magic of Iceland’s Northern Lights | Tours & tips

Q: Are small group tours available?

The {experience type="POPUP" id="26607" text="Icelandic Super Combo"} offers limited group sizes for a more personalized experience. With a smaller crowd, you can engage more with your guide, ask questions, and even adjust your itinerary based on real-time conditions.

Northern Lights

Chasing the Northern Lights | An unforgettable Icelandic adventure

There’s something truly magical about standing beneath a velvety dark sky in the crisp Icelandic chill, as vibrant waves of green, purple, and pink dance across the horizon. For most travelers, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is a dream come true, often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And there is no place better to witness this breathtaking display than in Iceland. With its awe-inspiring landscapes, minimal light pollution, and clear, dark skies, Iceland offers some of the best, most uninterrupted views of the Aurora Borealis, making it a must-visit destination for anyone eager to chase the lights.

Why go on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?

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Unmatched viewing conditions

Sitting just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is perfectly positioned for a front-row seat to the Northern Lights. Unlike crowded cities where streetlights can dull the show, Iceland’s dark, clear skies and wide-open landscapes allow the Aurora Borealis to take center stage, painting the sky with shimmering greens, purples, and pinks.

Things to note before booking Northern Lights night tours

Combining your Northern Lights tour with a visit to the Golden Circle is the best way to explore Iceland’s most iconic attractions in a single day. In the morning, journey through a stunning array of natural wonders, including the Thingvellir National Park, the erupting geysers, and the Gullfoss waterfall. As night falls, cap off your day with a thrilling chase to see the breathtaking Northern Lights illuminating the Arctic sky.
All Golden Circle Northern Lights tours include transfers from Reykjavik, with some offering direct pick-up services from your accommodation for added convenience.
Most Northern Lights tours keep group sizes small to ensure a more comfortable and personalized experience for everyone. With fewer people, you can adapt to weather conditions and change locations quickly to improve your chances of seeing the lights.
While sightings aren’t guaranteed, Golden Circle Northern Lights tours go above and beyond to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. Expert guides closely monitor the KP index and whisk you away to the most remote locations for the best sightings of the Aurora Borealis. In case you do not see the lights, you can join the next available tour free of charge and continue your adventure.
Chasing the Northern Lights is an incredible experience, but it often means staying out late in Iceland’s chilly, biting temperatures. If you are traveling with children, keep in mind that most tours have a minimum age requirement of 8 years to ensure the experience is enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Pick the perfect Northern Lights tour for your dream experience

Experience

Transfers

To Know

Duration

Golden Circle trip + Northern Lights tour

Included

Minimum age: 8 years

9 to 12 hours

Golden Circle day tour + Northern Lights + Blue Lagoon

Included (with pick-up)

Minimum age: 14 years

15 hours

What to expect on your Northern Lights tour?

From scenic drives to expert guidance, every step of a Northern Lights tour is curated to give you the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis in all its glory. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect during your journey, that’s as magical as the lights themselves!

Your journey begins as you are picked up from your hotel or designated meeting point in Reykjavik. Once aboard your comfortable tour vehicle, your expert guide will share insights into Iceland’s fascinating natural history and why it is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
Depending on the weather and solar activity, your guide may take you to renowned locations like the Thingvellir National Park, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, or perhaps a hidden gem known only to locals.
Once you have reached the perfect spot, your guide will familiarize you with the Northern Lights, what causes them, how to predict their appearance, and the folklore surrounding the Aurora.
With the stage set and camera ready, enjoy the serene beauty of the Icelandic wilderness, perhaps sipping on a hot drink from your guide while you wait beneath the stars.
Your comfort is a priority throughout the tour. Stay warm with cozy blankets, hot drinks, and even snacks during the wait. Our vehicles are heated, so you can rest and recharge between stops if needed.
On some tours, the Northern Lights experience is combined with other Icelandic adventures. Depending on your chosen tour, you can stop by iconic landmarks like the Thingvellir National Park and Gullfoss Falls along the Golden Circle route, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, or explore volcanic craters and glacial lagoons.
Once the show is over, your guide will safely transport you back to your accommodation. In case, you do not see the Northern Lights, you can join another tour free of charge.

Whether the lights dazzled you in full glory or you caught only a hint of their magic, you will walk away with unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.

A visual guide to the Icelandic Northern Lights

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Plan your Northern Lights adventure

Timings

Getting there

Visitor tips

General Northern Lights tour timings:

October 1 to March 14: 9pm to 12am
August 25 to September 30 & March 15 to April 15: 10pm to 1am

Best time to visit: Late September to early April is the best time to catch the Northern Lights in Iceland. During these months, the nights are long and dark, giving you plenty of opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis. The winter months, especially from November to February, offer the clearest skies and the longest nights. While the lights can be seen anytime it’s dark enough, the snowy landscapes add to the magic, making your Northern Lights experience even more special.

Meeting point: Reykjavik Terminal in Skogarhlio
Address: 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
Find on maps

Direct transfers: Many Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour operators, including stops at the Kerid Crater and the Blue Lagoon, offer direct, pick-up services from your accommodation. We recommend you opt for such tours, including transfer services for a more seamless sightseeing experience.
Bus services: The bus operator Reykjavik Excursions offers several daily departures. The journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Buses are comfortable, with Wi-Fi on board, and provide a scenic ride through the Icelandic countryside.
Car rental: If you are up for a more flexible approach, you can rent a car from Reykjavik to reach Skogarhlio. It takes about 2 hours and allows you to take scenic detours and explore other attractions along the way.

Visitor tips to go in Iceland for Northern Lights

Dress in layers but not too many layers: Iceland's winters are cold, but don’t over-layer. You must be comfortable and mobile while outside waiting for the lights to appear. Opt for thermal base layers and a windproof outer shell.
Consider the moon phases: The phase of the moon can impact visibility. A full moon can wash out the lights, making it harder to see them. New moon nights, with darker skies, offer better viewing conditions. Check the moon calendar before planning your Northern Lights chase.
Set up your camera early: If you want to photograph the lights, don’t wait until they appear to figure out your settings. Remember, you have to capture vibrant waves swirling around the sky, so adjust your exposure for the best balance of light and contrast.
Bring a mat: You might be stranded outside for quite some time to catch the best sightings of the Northern Lights. It will be difficult to sit on the icy ground, so bring a padded seat or foam mat to be more comfortable.

Best places to go in Iceland for Northern Lights

Thingvellir National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Thingvellir offers wide-open spaces and minimal light pollution. The park’s deep fissures, majestic rift valleys, and crystal-clear lakes make it a perfect backdrop for the Aurora Borealis.

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Beyond the Northern Lights | Places to add to your Iceland itinerary

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Geysir Geothermal Area

A true Icelandic wonder, the Geysir geothermal park is home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes, sending boiling water soaring up to 30 meters in the air. Walk past the area’s hot springs and bubbling mud pots, while you wait for Strokkur’s next dramatic eruption!

Myths and legends surrounding the Northern Lights

One of the most common Icelandic beliefs is that the Northern Lights are the spirits of young women who have passed away. These spirits are said to swirl through the heavens in long, flowing gowns, creating the vibrant waves we see from below.
In some parts of Iceland, people believed that the lights could foretell the future. Bright, vivid lights were considered a positive omen, while faint lights were thought to signal hard times ahead.
Viking sagas sometimes mention the Northern Lights as a symbol of strength and valor. It was said that the lights were the spirits of fallen warriors, lighting the way to Valhalla, the mythical hall of the gods, where brave warriors would gather after death.
There is another cautionary tale associated with the lights. It was believed that if a woman looked directly at the Northern Lights while pregnant, her child might be born with a cleft lip or other physical deformities. As a result, expectant mothers were warned to avoid gazing at the dazzling lights during pregnancy.

Frequently asked questions about the Northern Lights in Iceland

Can I see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik?

Yes, while you can spot the lights from Reykjavik, we recommend booking Northern Lights guided tours. These tours lead you to remote locations outside the city for the best possible sightings.

Can I combine a Golden Circle tour with the Northern Lights?

The best way to experience Iceland’s best is to pair your Northern Lights chase with a Golden Circle day tour. Spend the day exploring iconic spots like Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Falls, before heading out in the evening to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis.

Are small group tours available?

The Icelandic Super Combo offers limited group sizes for a more personalized experience. With a smaller crowd, you can engage more with your guide, ask questions, and even adjust your itinerary based on real-time conditions.

Are guided Northern Lights tours better than exploring on my own?

Given the unpredictable nature of Northern Lights sightings, we highly recommend booking a guided tour to maximize your chances. Local guides track the KP index and monitor weather conditions, ensuring you are taken to the best remote spots with clear, dark skies. And if you don’t catch the lights, you can join another tour at no extra cost.

Can I combine my Northern Lights tour with other attractions?

To make the most of your visit, it’s best to pair your Northern Lights chase with a full day of sightseeing. Golden Circle and Northern Lights tours allow you to explore a variety of landscapes in one day. Walk between tectonic plates at Thingvellir, watch bubbling mud spots and geysers, and stop by hidden gems like the Kerid Crater. You can also relax at the Blue Lagoon before heading out to chase the Northern Lights at night.

How long does a typical Northern Lights tour last?

Most Northern Lights tours last around 3 hours but be prepared to spend some time outside waiting for the lights to appear. If you combine your Northern Lights chase with a Golden Circle tour, set aside a full day; these tours typically last between 11 and 15 hours.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?

While sightings can never be guaranteed, local guides do everything they can to improve your chances, from tracking the KP index to keeping an eye on weather conditions. If you don’t catch the lights on your tour, you can join another one at no extra cost.

Are children allowed on these tours?

Yes, children are welcome on most Northern Lights tours, though the minimum age is typically 8 years old. Keep in mind that these tours can run late and involve cold temperatures, so make sure your child is comfortable with the conditions before booking.