From Reykjavik: New Year’s Eve Northern Lights Tour

Traveling to Iceland around New Year’s Eve offers a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays — the Northern Lights. While Reykjavik itself offers a charming city vibe, seeing the Aurora borealis is best achieved with a dedicated tour that takes you away from the light pollution. This guided evening excursion from the capital promises not only the chance to spot this elusive phenomenon but also a cozy, well-organized experience that combines adventure with comfort.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guidance helps maximize your chances of seeing the lights, as experienced guides are adept at reading cloud coverage and Aurora activity. Second, the warm blankets, hot beverages, and cookies create a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for waiting out the sometimes unpredictable display. Lastly, the opportunity to capture photos with the guide setting up the camera is a real bonus for travelers wanting memories to cherish.

However, a potential downside might be the dependence on weather conditions. Since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, there’s no 100% guarantee of seeing them on any given night. Also, the tour’s reliance on meeting in Reykjavik city means travelers staying outside the city will need to arrange their own transportation to the pickup points.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who value a balance of guided expertise, comfort, and the authentic experience of hunting the Aurora in Iceland’s stunning winter landscape. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a 5-hour evening outing, looking for an intimate and memorable way to ring in the New Year.

Good To Know

• Expert guidance enhances your chances of Aurora sightings.
• Cozy amenities like blankets and hot chocolate make waiting comfortable.
• Flexible location choices depend on weather conditions for optimal viewing.
• Group size can be up to 30-40 people, fostering a social yet intimate atmosphere.
• Photo opportunities are included, with guides helping set up shots.
• The tour price offers good value considering the experience and included amenities.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Northern Lights New Year’s Eve Tour

How the Tour Works: Logistics and Planning

The tour begins with a pickup at designated spots in downtown Reykjavik or nearby hotels—this is convenient if you’re centrally located. Expect the journey to take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions, as guides aim to get you outside the city’s light pollution as efficiently as possible.

Group size varies throughout the season, but generally, you’ll be with about 30 to 40 fellow adventurers. While this might sound a bit crowded for some, the atmosphere tends to be lively and friendly. The larger group helps keep costs reasonable, but the guides are skilled at ensuring everyone gets personal attention when it comes to photos and comfort.

The Drive and Location Selection

Once outside the city, the route is flexible. The guide assesses cloud coverage and Aurora activity, choosing the best spots for viewing. Locations aren’t pre-determined, which means your experience can change night to night. This adaptability is crucial because weather in Iceland can be unpredictable—clear skies are a must for optimal Aurora sightings.

The drive itself offers a chance to enjoy the winter landscape—think snow-covered fields and distant mountains—before settling into a viewing spot. The journey is kept as short as possible to maximize your time under the stars.

Waiting for the Aurora: Comfort and Atmosphere

Waiting in the cold can be a challenge, but the tour thoughtfully provides blankets, making it easier to stay warm while you scan the sky. The self-serve hot chocolate and cookies add a touch of comfort, turning the waiting game into a cozy experience.

Guides are attentive in helping everyone get the perfect shot. Many reviews mention the guides’ effort in setting up cameras to capture the lights, ensuring that even those without professional equipment leave with quality photos. If the Aurora appears, your guide will email the images via a Dropbox link within a week, giving you a chance to relive the moment.

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The Aurora Experience: Natural and Unpredictable

Seeing the Northern Lights is always a bit of a waiting game, with clouds and solar activity playing a big role. As one reviewer notes, “it’s often a waiting game for this beautiful phenomenon, but it is always worth it.” The guides do their best to find the best viewing spots, and if weather conditions aren’t ideal, the tour might be canceled—decisions are made by 5 PM on the day of the tour, and you’ll be notified if that’s the case.

Why the Tour Offers Great Value

For $182 per person, this experience covers transportation, blankets, hot drinks, cookies, and photography help. Considering how much effort goes into maximizing your chances of a sighting and the comfort provided, it’s a fair price for a memorable night.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want to combine the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights with the comfort of a guided, organized trip. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer not to drive themselves in winter conditions, and who enjoy a social atmosphere with fellow Aurora enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Yes, especially if you’re visiting Iceland during the winter months and are eager to see the Aurora Borealis on New Year’s Eve. The combination of expert guidance, cozy amenities, and the natural spectacle make this tour a compelling choice for anyone looking to make their Iceland trip unforgettable.

The tour’s flexible approach—adapting location based on weather—means your chances depend partly on luck, but the guides’ local knowledge and experience significantly improve your odds. Plus, the opportunity to capture professional-looking photos while wrapped in blankets is a real highlight.

It’s a solid value for a guided Northern Lights hunt, blending adventure with comfort, and providing a warm, friendly environment to ring in the New Year under the Icelandic sky.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation to and from Reykjavik, blankets, self-serve hot beverages, cookies, and photography assistance. Photos of the Aurora will be emailed within 7 days if captured.

Do I need to bring my own camera?
While guides will help set up photos with their equipment, bringing your camera or smartphone is recommended to capture the moment yourself.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm clothing — layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy winter boots are advisable, as you’ll be outside for a good part of the evening.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, and infants can be accommodated at no extra cost. For children 6 years or younger, a car seat must be arranged.

What happens if the weather isn’t clear?
The tour relies heavily on clear skies for Aurora viewing. If weather conditions aren’t favorable, the tour may be canceled, and you will be notified by 5 PM on the day of the trip.

Is there a maximum group size?
The group can be up to 30-40 people, depending on the season. This size balances social atmosphere with personalized guidance.

Can I join the tour if I’m staying outside Reykjavik?
Pickup and drop-off are only included within Reykjavik. If you’re outside the city, you’ll need to make your way to the designated meeting points.

Overall, the From Reykjavik: New Year’s Eve Northern Lights Tour offers a well-organized, cozy, and potentially spectacular way to welcome the New Year in Iceland, making it a worthwhile addition to your winter adventure plans.

You can check if your dates are available here: