Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour – Pro Aurora Photos – Small Group

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the elusive beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland, this tour from Aurora Viking promises a well-organized, personable experience with plenty of chances to see those shimmering skies. It’s a small-group adventure where you’re not just along for the ride—you’re actively hunting for the auroras with the help of knowledgeable guides who won’t give up until the skies cooperate.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the dedication of the guides to finding clear skies and maximizing your chances. Second, the opportunity for pro-quality photos—think Viking weapons and poses included. Third, the flexibility to try multiple times if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating on your first attempt. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the tour can be quite cold, and if you’re prone to disappointment, not every night guarantees a sighting.

Perfect for travelers who want an active, engaging experience and value expert guidance, this tour balances fun, comfort, and the hope of one of Iceland’s most iconic sights.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with a small group of up to 18 travelers enables more flexibility and interaction.
• Expert guides are dedicated to finding the best spots and tracking the auroras, often traveling extra kilometers for clear skies.
• Multiple attempts mean you’re not limited to just one shot at seeing the Northern Lights, increasing your chances.
• Pro photography and Viking-themed fun add a memorable, visual element to the adventure.
• Comfort and warmth are prioritized with hot cocoa, blankets, and a cozy transport setup.
• Real-time weather and aurora tracking make this tour practical and responsive to conditions, with a high success rate.

What to Expect from the Tour

Pickup & Initial Briefing

Your adventure begins with pickup from several locations in Reykjavik, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying. Guides such as Emil, Jonas, or Felix greet you with enthusiasm and professionalism, setting the tone for an exciting night. Expect to receive some background on the Northern Lights, how they form, and what to look for—knowledgeable guides like Kobe and Jonas make complex science accessible and fun.

The Hunt for Clear Skies

Once on the road, your driver and guide will monitor weather forecasts, aurora predictions, and cloud cover, adjusting the route to maximize your chances. Reviews highlight how guides like Jonas and Emil actively seek out dark, secluded spots away from city lights—think lakes and open fields—where the sky is clearer and the viewing is better.

Multiple Stops & Flexibility

Unlike fixed locations, this tour could take you to several spots depending on the conditions. For example, some nights you’ll visit Aurora Reykjavík, which is the Northern Lights Center, to get a close-up, educational experience. Other nights, you’ll venture out into the countryside, where darkness and minimal light pollution offer ideal viewing.

The Experience in Action

Expect to spend 3-5 hours out, with guides often making two or more stops, sometimes in different locations, to increase the odds of catching the aurora dance. Many reviewers mention how guides like Felix and Jonas are persistent and attentive—driving extra kilometers, watching the skies, and adjusting plans to ensure you get the best possible experience.

The Pro Photos & Viking Fun

One unique aspect of this tour is the chance to play with Viking weapons or strike fun poses for photos—adding a playful, Icelandic twist. Plus, guides with professional photography skills will take high-quality shots of you with the Northern Lights, providing great memories and social media-worthy snaps.

Warmth & Comfort Measures

Cold weather is part of Iceland’s charm, but guides go out of their way to keep guests warm. Hot cocoa, cookies, blankets, and even extra layers are standard offerings. Jessy and other reviewers mention how these touches make a cold night much more bearable.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start: Pickup from designated Reykjavik spots, where guides will brief you on the plan for the night and the current aurora forecast.

Stop 1: Aurora Reykjavík Center – This local center is often part of the initial or final stop. While it’s indoors, it’s a good warm-up and educational hub, giving you some background info and a chance to see the Northern Lights exhibit. It’s free, and many find it a useful primer.

Main Hunting Grounds: The core of your journey involves traveling to different locations as weather conditions change. Expect to be out for a few hours, with stops lasting around an hour each at the least. Locations are chosen based on cloud cover, aurora activity, and darkness levels, often in remote spots like lakes or open fields.

Final Stop & Return: If the lights appear, guides will focus on capturing your photos, offering Viking props and fun ideas to make your experience unique. Once the tour concludes, you’ll be driven back to Reykjavik, often with hot cocoa in hand and plenty of stories about the night’s hunt.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many reviews emphasize the professionalism and perseverance of guides like Jonas and Felix. For example, one reviewer said Jonas “did not give up until we found the aurora,” and another praised Emil for traveling extra kilometers to find clear skies, showing how dedicated the team is to giving you a shot at the lights.

Guests also appreciate the informative commentary, which adds depth to the experience. Kobe and Felix are often complimented for their friendliness, patience, and ability to take fantastic photos—even when the aurora is faint or clouds threaten to obscure the view.

The value for money is another consistent theme. At $165 per person, the tour offers a flexible, guided adventure with multiple attempts, professional photos, and cozy extras—making it a worthwhile investment for such a natural spectacle.

The Practical Side: Transport & Duration

The tour lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours, which is enough time to chase the lights without feeling rushed. Pickup is offered from various Reykjavik locations, adding convenience. The group size is kept small (up to 18 people), fostering a more intimate atmosphere and allowing guides to give personalized attention. The transportation is a comfortable minibus, equipped for winter conditions.

Analyzing the Cost & Experience

For $165, travelers get more than just a chance to see the Northern Lights—they experience a tailored, engaging hunt with guides committed to finding the best spots. The tour’s emphasis on flexibility, multiple attempts, and professional photography makes it stand out from more static options. Guests also rave about the warm touches like hot cocoa and blankets, which are essential in Iceland’s chilly nights.

While weather unpredictability remains a factor, the tour’s strategy of tracking forecasts and moving locations enhances the likelihood of success. Even if the auroras don’t appear, many reviewers mention enjoying the journey, the company, and the overall effort made by guides like Kobe, Emil, and Jonas.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Aurora Viking largely lives up to its stellar reputation. If you’re after a personalized, fun, and well-organized Northern Lights experience with high chances of success, this is a top pick. The guides’ dedication, combined with flexible locations and professional photos, offers excellent value for the price.

It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate expert guidance, enjoy a good adventure in the cold, and want to maximize their chances of witnessing one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. Just remember, patience and warm clothing are key—Mother Nature is unpredictable, but with this team, your odds are as good as they get.

FAQ

How many people are in the group?
The tour caps at 18 travelers, creating a more intimate and flexible experience.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup from several Reykjavik locations is included, making it easy to join the adventure.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly—think layers, thermal wear, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear—as you’ll be outside for a few hours in cold temperatures.

Can I try multiple times if I don’t see the lights initially?
Absolutely. The guides are committed to hunting for the best conditions and will make several stops if needed.

What kind of photos can I expect?
Guides with professional photography skills will take high-quality pictures, often with Viking props and fun poses, which you can keep as souvenirs.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 3 to 5 hours, depending on weather conditions and aurora activity.

What happens if the weather is cloudy?
The tour relies on good weather; if conditions are poor, you might be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Northern Lights tour offers a compelling mix of expert guiding, flexible hunting, and memorable photos—all within a cozy, small-group setting. If chasing the auroras in Iceland appeals to you, this experience could well be a highlight of your trip.