Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik with Photos & Hot Choc

Watching the Northern Lights dance across Iceland’s winter sky is a dream for many travelers, and this tour promises to turn that dream into reality. While I haven’t personally joined this exact experience, I’ve reviewed plenty of tours like it, and what stands out here is the thoughtful combination of expert guidance, memorable photo opportunities, and cozy seasonal treats.

We love the small group size, which means you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience, and the inclusion of a professional photographer ensures you’ll have stunning keepsakes of the moment. The visit to the Aurora Reykjavik Museum adds a fascinating layer of education about the science and history behind these elusive lights. On the flip side, the tour’s success hinges on weather conditions—so if the skies stay stubbornly cloudy, your chances of witnessing the aurora may be limited.

This experience suits travelers who value comfort, expert insights, and capturing beautiful photos, making it a good pick for first-timers and seasoned aurora chasers alike. If you’re after a relaxed, well-rounded evening with lots of local flavor and a high success rate, this tour could be just right.

Good To Know

• Small Group Experience: More personalized, less crowded, and better chances to ask questions.
• Expert Photography: Guided by a photographer with over 10 years of experience, ensuring quality shots.
• Educational Element: Visit to Aurora Reykjavik Museum to learn about the science behind the lights.
• Inclusive Experience: Hot chocolate, Icelandic pastries, winter overalls, and unlimited driving for optimal viewing.
• Weather Dependent: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed, but the tour offers a free re-try if cloud cover blocks the display.
• Duration & Flexibility: Four-hour tour with multiple pickup and drop-off points, allowing for convenient planning.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Starting Off in Reykjavík

Your adventure begins with a pickup from a range of 20 locations across the city, from central hotels like Hótel Klettur and Grand Hótel Reykjavík to convenient bus stops such as Harpa Concert Hall. This wide choice makes it easy to hop on without much fuss.

Once aboard, the journey kicks off with a visit to Aurora Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Centre. Here, you’ll dive into the science, history, and folklore of the aurora borealis. The center offers an interactive booth to help you understand how to set up your camera, a big plus for photography enthusiasts wanting those crisp shots.

Leaving the City Lights Behind

After the museum, the guide (often a seasoned local with a passion for the skies) takes the wheel—literally. We loved the way this tour emphasizes leaving light pollution behind, ensuring you get the best views of the Northern Lights. The unlimited mileage aspect is particularly advantageous; it means your guide can explore different spots based on real-time weather updates and aurora activity. This flexibility maximizes your chances of witnessing the dancing lights.

From the moment you leave Reykjavík, the surroundings change dramatically. You’ll traverse into the Icelandic wilderness, where the vast, dark skies serve as the perfect backdrop for nature’s most mesmerizing light show. The guide’s knowledge of the best viewing spots means you’re not just hoping for a glimpse—you’re hunting for the perfect window.

Photographic Support & Cherished Memories

One of the standout features is the professional photography service. With over 10 years of experience, the guide will help you capture these fleeting moments and will take high-quality photos that you’ll get via email within a few days. Several reviews highlighted how helpful and friendly the photographer was, with some mentioning how they appreciated the tips on camera settings, especially in low-light conditions.

This personalized touch really elevates the experience. It’s not just about seeing the aurora but also about having stunning images to remember it by. One reviewer noted, “The guide’s photos are stunning and added that extra magic to the night,” which perfectly captures this benefit.

Warmth and Comfort: Icelandic Pastries & Hot Chocolate

No matter how beautiful the sky turns out, Iceland’s cold winter nights are a challenge — but this tour makes it enjoyable. You’ll be served hot chocolate, which, as one reviewer put it, “was the perfect warm-up after waiting in the chilly night.” The addition of traditional Icelandic pastries from a local bakery adds a cozy, local flavor to the evening, making it more than just a sky-watching event.

The winter overalls provided are a thoughtful touch, especially since some guests mentioned that even with layers, it can get quite cold outside. Being wrapped in warm gear while standing under the shimmering lights is a huge plus.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Flexibility & Reassurance

While the tour boasts a 98% success rate in spotting the aurora, weather conditions can still be unpredictable. If clouds block the view, the company offers a free re-entry to another tour within two years—a smart policy that shows confidence in their ability to deliver a good experience.

In cases of bad weather leading to cancellations, you might find the tour rescheduled on a different evening or even receive a full refund. This flexibility adds peace of mind, especially in winter’s unpredictable climate.

Overall Value & Pricing

At $162 per person, this tour is competitively priced given what’s included. The combination of expert guides, unlimited driving, professional photography, and local treats makes it a strong value proposition. If you’ve ever tried to chase the aurora on your own, you’ll appreciate the benefit of a knowledgeable guide who knows exactly where to go and how to maximize your chances.

Pickup & Introduction: The tour begins with door-to-door pickup from multiple central Reykjavik locations, making it accessible regardless of where you stay. The early start means you’re out of the city before too long, leaving the light pollution behind.

Visit to Aurora Reykjavik Museum: Spending about 30 minutes here offers context and education about the northern lights. Understanding the science behind the spectacle enhances appreciation and helps you set your camera for the best shots.

Journey into the Wilderness: The actual drive into the Icelandic countryside is where the magic begins. The guide’s local knowledge shines here, as they select the night’s best viewing spots, balancing weather conditions and aurora forecasts.

Waiting & Viewing: You’ll be encouraged to relax, enjoy hot chocolate, and chat with fellow travelers while waiting for the lights to appear. Expect the guide to assist with photography and share insights about the display when it happens.

Photo Session & Departure: Once the aurora arrives, the guide will help you capture images. You’ll have ample time to soak in the sight, take photos, and enjoy the moment before heading back to Reykjavík.

Return & Drop-off: The tour wraps up with drop-off at your original pickup location, usually within four hours of departure.

• Clothing: While winter overalls are provided, layering warm clothing underneath is advisable, especially if you’re sensitive to cold.
• Photography: Bring a camera capable of manual settings; the guide’s tips can help, but a tripod is recommended for the best shots.
• Weather Dependency: Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the tour’s flexible policy means you’re not left empty-handed if clouds obscure the view.
• Group Size: The small group setting allows for more interaction and tailored experience—something many reviews appreciated.
• Duration & Timing: The four-hour window is ideal for a relaxed yet immersive experience, with some flexibility depending on aurora activity.
• Cost-Benefit: For $162, expect a comprehensive experience that combines education, adventure, comfort, and professional photography.

If you’re someone who loves a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides and high-quality photos, this tour will suit you well. It’s perfect for those who want to learn about the aurora, enjoy local treats, and capture lasting images—without the hassle of driving or worrying about weather.

It’s also a solid choice for travelers who prefer a relaxed, cozy atmosphere while waiting for the lights, thanks to hot chocolate and pastries. Budget-conscious adventurers will find the price reasonable considering all the inclusions, especially the photographs and museum visit.

However, if your priority is guaranteed sightings regardless of weather or if you prefer more flexible, longer tours, you might want to explore other options or prepare for the possibility of rescheduling.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 years old are generally not recommended, possibly due to the late hours and cold conditions.

What should I wear?
While winter overalls are included, dressing in warm, layered clothing underneath is advised to stay comfortable during the wait outside.

How do I know if I will see the Northern Lights?
Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, which are outside the tour’s control. The tour has a 98% success rate but cannot guarantee visibility.

Can I participate if I don’t have a camera?
Yes, but if you want good photos, the guide’s assistance and the provided equipment tips will help you make the most of your shots.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the sky remains cloudy or conditions prevent viewing, you can rebook another tour within two years or get a full refund if canceled due to weather.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, including pickup, museum visit, drive, and viewing time.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes Northern Lights viewing, unlimited mileage, professional photography, guide, hot chocolate, pastries, hotel pickup and drop-off, museum entrance, and winter overalls.

Is there a limit to the group size?
The experience is designed to be small-group, ensuring a more intimate and tailored experience.

When should I book?
During winter, especially from late September to early April, when aurora activity is highest, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

This Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik offers a well-rounded mix of education, adventure, comfort, and memorable photography. It’s ideal for travelers eager to learn about the aurora, enjoy local flavors, and capture breathtaking images, all within a flexible, small-group setting.

The combination of expert guides, unlimited driving to maximize viewing chances, and warm treats makes it a strong value for those wanting an immersive, hassle-free Northern Lights experience. While weather remains the biggest uncertainty, the tour’s policies and small-group approach make it a trustworthy choice.

If you’re looking for a thoughtfully crafted adventure that balances education, comfort, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most incredible light shows, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Note: Always check the latest weather forecasts and booking policies before your trip. The Northern Lights are unpredictable, but with the right approach, your chances of experiencing this natural wonder can be greatly increased.

You can check if your dates are available here: