Reykjavik: Northern Lights With Icelandic Treats and Liquor

Reykjavik’s Northern Lights tour offers an enchanting experience for those seeking to witness the breathtaking auroras. This 4-hour minibus adventure provides hotel pickup, scenic drives, and the comfort of plush blankets. Theres some good traditional Icelandic treats and warm drinks while a knowledgeable guide shares insights and photography tips. With a complimentary second outing if the lights aren’t visible, this tour ensures a memorable winter experience. However, there’s more to uncover about the tour’s specific details and what makes it a must-do activity for visitors to the Icelandic capital.

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Key Points

This Northern Lights tour in Reykjavik does not include liquor or alcohol; it offers hot chocolate, traditional Icelandic pastries, and warm blankets instead.
The tour provides a 4-hour minibus experience with hotel pickup, a 30-minute drive to a prime Northern Lights viewing spot, and 3 hours of exploration.
Pickup times vary by season, with the September to April slot being 8:30 PM to 9 PM, and the May to August slot being 9:30 PM to 10 PM.
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 and has limited wheelchair accessibility due to uneven terrain, with intoxication strictly prohibited.
If the Northern Lights are not seen, the tour company offers a complimentary second outing to try again.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Reykjavik Northern Lights and Icelandic Treats tour provides an opportunity to experience Iceland’s natural wonder for a price starting from $140.29 per person.

Experience Iceland’s natural wonder with the Reykjavik Northern Lights and Icelandic Treats tour, starting at $140.29 per person.

This 4-hour minibus tour includes hotel pickup, a 30-minute drive to a viewing point, and 3 hours of scenic exploration with a guide.

Warm blankets and hot chocolate enhance the experience, while the chance to try traditional Icelandic pastries adds a cultural touch.

Guests can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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

Pickup Times and Itinerary

Depending on the time of year, the tour pickup times vary. From September 1st through April 30th, the pickup is scheduled between 8:30 PM and 9 PM. During the summer months of May through August, the pickup is slightly later, between 9:30 PM and 10 PM.

| Time of Year | Pickup Times |

| — | — |

| 1-30 September & 1-30 April | 9:30 PM – 10 PM |

| 1 October – 31 March | 8:30 PM – 9 PM |

The itinerary includes a 30-minute bus ride to the viewing point, followed by 3 hours of scenic driving and a guided tour. Afterward, the tour returns to Reykjavik.

Northern Lights Viewing Experience

Once the pickup time arrives, the tour heads out towards a prime Northern Lights viewing spot. Over the 30-minute drive, guests can enjoy the scenic landscapes and camaraderie of fellow travelers.

Upon arrival, the group disembarks to a viewing area:

Guests disembark to a viewing area, where hot chocolate, pastries, and plush blankets keep them warm as they gaze upward for the Aurora Borealis.

Hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic pastries are served to keep everyone warm and energized.
Plush blankets are provided for added comfort as guests gaze upwards, hoping to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.
The driver-guide offers insights and points out the optimal vantage points for photography.

Should the Northern Lights prove elusive, the tour includes a complimentary second outing.

Onboard Amenities and Complimentary Offerings

As guests board the minibus, they’re greeted with a range of onboard amenities and complimentary offerings.

Hot chocolate is served to keep them warm and cozy during the night’s adventure. Soft, plush blankets are provided to ensure maximum comfort as they gaze upon the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Plus, the tour offers the opportunity to sample traditional Icelandic pastries, allowing guests to enjoy the local culture.

With these thoughtful inclusions, the tour aims to enhance the overall experience and create lasting memories for its participants.

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Recommended Attire and Packing Essentials

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Northern Lights experience, visitors are advised to pack appropriately. The tour requires warm, layered clothing as temperatures can drop significantly during the evening hours.

Age and Accessibility Restrictions

The Northern Lights tour isn’t suitable for all travelers.

Children under 5 years old aren’t permitted on the tour. Wheelchair users are also unable to participate due to the uneven terrain and limited accessibility at the viewing locations.

The tour operator emphasizes that intoxication, alcohol, and drug use are strictly prohibited during the excursion. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Intoxication, alcohol, and drug use are strictly prohibited during the excursion to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Guests are advised to dress warmly and bring appropriate attire, as the tour can be physically demanding in the cold Icelandic weather.

Tour Operation and Sighting Guarantee

While the Northern Lights are a captivating natural phenomenon, their appearance is ultimately subject to weather and environmental conditions beyond the tour operator’s control.

This tour’s operation is decided daily until 6 PM, and sightings aren’t guaranteed. Guests should be aware of the following:

Tour may be cancelled or rescheduled due to unfavorable weather or light conditions.
Refunds are available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour doesn’t operate on certain dates, so customers should check the schedule.
Though a second tour is offered if no lights are seen, sightings can’t be promised.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

Nineteen reviews have been left for this Northern Lights tour, resulting in an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Customers praised the knowledgeable guide and comfortable transportation. However, some criticized communication issues, tour timing, and lack of amenities.

One reviewer noted a successful sighting, while others expressed frustration over cancellations and delays.

Despite these mixed experiences, the tour offers a chance to view the Aurora Borealis and try traditional Icelandic treats.

Potential customers should weigh the pros and cons to determine if this experience aligns with their expectations and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the Northern Lights tour. The tour operator states that the tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old or wheelchair users, indicating that only humans can participate in the experience.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

You don’t need to purchase tickets in advance for this Northern Lights tour. The tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour company offers discounts for group bookings. Groups of 4 or more can get a 10% discount on the per-person price. Advance booking is recommended, as availability can be limited during peak Northern Lights viewing season.

Can I Take a Break During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for breaks during the 4-hour experience. Passengers can take short stops to stretch their legs or use the restroom as needed during the scenic drive and guided tour to the Northern Lights viewing point.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The set 4-hour itinerary includes a 30-minute bus ride to the viewing point and 3 hours of scenic drive and guided tour before returning to Reykjavik.

The Sum Up

The Reykjavik Northern Lights tour offers a memorable experience to witness the captivating aurora borealis. With hotel pickup, a cozy minibus, and knowledgeable guides, guests can enjoy traditional Icelandic treats and hot drinks while photographing the mesmerizing light show. The tour’s sighting guarantee and complimentary second outing ensure travelers have the best chance to see the natural phenomenon, making it an enticing choice for anyone visiting Reykjavik.

You can check availability for your dates here: