Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik with Photos & Hot Choc

Exploring Iceland’s Northern Lights with a Professional Touch

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the elusive dance of the Aurora Borealis, this Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik offers a well-rounded experience that balances education, adventure, and comfort. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a thoughtfully organized outing that caters to travelers seeking more than just a fleeting glimpse.

What makes this tour stand out? First, its high success rate of 98% means you’re more likely than not to see the lights. Second, the professional photographers guiding the group ensure you won’t just enjoy the spectacle but also leave with stunning photos to remember. Lastly, the combination of local Icelandic treats and museum visits adds a warm, cultural touch to what can otherwise be a cold, dark night.

However, one potential consideration is that Northern Lights sightings aren’t guaranteed, depending on weather and solar activity. While the tour offers a full refund or rebooking if cancelled due to bad weather, you’re still relying on natural phenomena that can’t be promised.

This experience suits those who value expert guidance, photography, and culture. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a more curated, educational, and memorable outing than a simple bus ride. If you’re prepared for the possibility of a missed viewing, this tour offers excellent value and a cozy, immersive experience.

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Key Points

High success rate of 98% for Aurora sightings, increasing your chances of witnessing the lights.
Includes a visit to Aurora Reykjavik Museum to learn the science and history behind the phenomenon.
Guided by professional photographers who help you capture the moment with high-quality photos.
Small group setting and unlimited mileage mean personalized attention and flexibility.
Warm Icelandic pastries and hot chocolate add a comforting touch to the chilly night.
Weather-related cancellations are fully refundable or rebookable, easing concerns about unpredictable Icelandic weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Northern Lights Tour

Looking for more options in Iceland? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Starting Point: Reykjavík and Aurora Reykjavik

The tour kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup from Reykjavík, eliminating the hassle of finding your way. Your first stop is the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Centre, a smart move because it grounds you in the science and lore of the Aurora Borealis. Here, you’ll learn about the history, the science, and even get a chance to set up your camera at the dedicated booth. This prep session means you’ll be ready to snap your photos when the lights appear—an important perk for anyone wanting to capture memories.

The museum’s atmosphere offers a relaxed introduction, making it suitable even for those who aren’t already Aurora aficionados. The guides, like the highly experienced team from Gravel Travel, are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the science behind this natural wonder.

Journey into the Icelandic Wilderness

Once you’ve absorbed the Aurora insights, your adventure begins—leaving the glow of Reykjavík behind and heading into the dark, expansive wilderness. This is a key part of the experience, as light pollution from the city can obscure the aurora, and this tour’s unlimited mileage allows the guides to find the clearest, most promising spots for viewing.

The route can vary, depending on weather and aurora forecasts, but the guides aim for high-probability locations. The fact that the tour can adapt and explore different areas is a plus, maximizing your chances of witnessing the lights dancing overhead.

The Magic of the Aurora

When the Northern Lights appear, they often do so unexpectedly, flickering and swirling in vibrant greens, pinks, and purples. The guides’ photography expertise shines here; they assist in framing shots, adjusting settings, and capturing the moment. Several reviews mention that the photos sent afterward are of high quality, allowing you to relive the experience with professional-grade images.

The guides are not just there to snap pictures—they’re also skilled storytellers and scientists, explaining the phenomena and answering questions, creating an educational layer to the awe-inspiring visuals.

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Cultural and Culinary Delights

A highlight of the tour is the cozy break for Icelandic pastries and hot chocolate. You’ll warm your hands and your heart with these treats, which are sourced from a local bakery—adding authenticity and supporting local businesses. This is not just a snack; it’s a sensory experience, especially when coupled with the ethereal glow above. It’s a thoughtful inclusion, turning a potentially frigid night into a warm, convivial gathering.

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Return and Reflection

After spending hours chasing the lights and capturing photos, the tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your Reykjavík accommodation. Even if the aurora remains elusive, the re-booking policy and full refund options provide peace of mind, and the visit to the Aurora Reykjavik Museum keeps the learning alive.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

This tour offers good value by including hotel pickup and drop-off, hot chocolate, local museum entrance, and professional photography at the price of $161 per person. The unlimited mileage is a notable benefit, giving guides flexibility—crucial in chasing the elusive auroras.

The key exclusion is warm clothing, which is essential given the cold Icelandic winter nights. While winter overalls are provided for adults, travelers should dress in layers, bringing hats, gloves, and thermal wear to stay comfortable.

Practical Tips for Your Northern Lights Adventure

Dress warmly; layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear are essential.
Bring your camera; although the guides offer professional photography, a smartphone or camera with manual settings will help you get the most out of the experience.
Be flexible with timing; Aurora sightings are weather-dependent, so patience is necessary.
Arrive prepared for a late night; tours typically run in the evening and can last several hours.
Book early; the small group size and high demand make this tour popular, especially during peak Aurora season.
Check the cancellation policy; if bad weather prevents a sighting, you can re-book or get a refund.

Final thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that combines education, local culture, and professional guidance. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora while also capturing stunning photos. The inclusion of local pastries and museum visits adds a warm, personal touch that turns a simple night chase into a memorable adventure.

While natural phenomena by nature can’t be guaranteed, the tour’s flexible approach, knowledgeable guides, and high success rate make it a strong choice for your Icelandic bucket list. If you’re seeking a blend of science, cultural authenticity, and the chance to witness an extraordinary light show, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You will receive Northern Lights viewing with unlimited mileage, a professional photographer, hot chocolate, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík, entrance to the Aurora Reykjavik Museum, and winter overalls for adults.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. If the lights don’t appear, the tour provider offers another tour within two years or a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
While not explicitly stated, these tours typically run during the evening and can last several hours, allowing plenty of time for chasing the lights and enjoying the experience.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is not included, so layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear are essential to stay comfortable during the cold night.

Can I bring my own camera?
Absolutely. The guides set up a booth for camera settings, but bringing your own device will help you capture the moment.

What if I want to rebook due to weather?
You can rebook a different evening free of charge, or get a full refund if the tour is canceled due to bad weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 8 years, likely due to the late-night hours and cold conditions.

How many people are in a group?
It’s a small-group tour, though the exact number isn’t specified. The small group size enhances personalized attention and flexibility.

How do I book or pay?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

In all, this tour combines a high success rate, expert guidance, cultural touches, and photographic expertise—making it a worthwhile choice for those eager to chase the Northern Lights in Iceland with comfort and confidence.