Private Northern Lights Tour with hot chocolate & sweets

Chasing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience for many travelers heading to Iceland, and this private tour offers a cozy, personalized way to see the aurora borealis. Instead of joining a large group, you’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle just for your party—up to three people—making it a more intimate and flexible adventure.

What we love about this experience is the customized route, tailored on the fly with real-time weather and aurora forecasts; the warmth and comfort provided by blankets, hot chocolate, and sweets; and the insightful storytelling about the science and folklore of the aurora. However, it’s worth noting that aurora sightings are never guaranteed—a natural gamble that hinges on weather, solar activity, and a dash of luck.

This tour suits travelers who value personalized attention, want to avoid large crowds, and are eager for a flexible, cozy experience. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative, and well-catered chase, this could be your ideal choice.

• Private, personalized experience with just your group and guide
• Real-time forecast tracking optimizes your chances of seeing the aurora
• Comfort amenities include blankets, hot chocolate, and sweets
• Multiple photo stops with easy tips for capturing the lights
• Flexible route and timing to adapt to weather and aurora activity
• Insightful stories about the science and folklore behind the Northern Lights

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This private Northern Lights tour is designed with comfort and flexibility in mind. From door-to-door pickup in Reykjavík, your dedicated guide (who’s often described as knowledgeable and friendly) will take charge of the journey. They’ll track real-time space weather forecasts, cloud cover, and road conditions to find the clearest, darkest skies, far away from city glow—key for witnessing the aurora in all its glory.

The only thing you need to bring is warm clothing, including thermal layers, a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and insulated footwear. Arctic nights can be brutal, even in Iceland’s milder winter months, so dressing warmly isn’t just recommended—it’s essential.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Transportation & Logistics

The tour uses a private vehicle that’s heated and WiFi-enabled, so you can stay connected and even share the experience with friends or family. The duration is around 3 to 4 hours, but the guide remains flexible—if the conditions are promising, they’re happy to stay longer or reposition for better viewing.

Reviewers mention a smooth, comfortable ride, with plenty of room to stretch, relax, and enjoy the scenery on the move. The door-to-door service ensures you won’t have to worry about finding pickup points or navigating unfamiliar roads.

Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup in Reykjavík

The tour kicks off with convenient pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavik, which means you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics. The guide will then explain the plan for the night and how they’ll monitor weather and aurora activity.

Photo Stops and Scenic Detours

Depending on the forecast, the guide might take you to a southern region of Iceland, with at least one designated photo stop. These stops are chosen for their dark skies and minimal light pollution—ideal for capturing photos of the lights. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guide explained the science behind the aurora, making the experience both fun and educational.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Under the Night Sky

Once at the viewing spot, you’ll settle into the warmth of blankets and sip hot chocolate (with Sweets like cinnamon rolls often included). The guide will be sharing stories about the science and folklore of the aurora, adding depth to the visual spectacle. If the lights appear, you’ll get tips for capturing them with your phone or camera—helpful because Aurora photography can be tricky without guidance.

Return to Reykjavík

After the show, or if conditions shift, your guide will drive you back to your accommodation, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free experience. Many reviewers highlight the personalized attention and how much they appreciated the flexibility of the route based on real-time data.

What’s Included & How It Adds Value

• Private vehicle and guide ensure tailored attention and comfort
• Door-to-door pickup and return make logistics effortless
• Real-time forecast tracking increases chances of seeing the aurora
• Warm blankets, hot chocolate, and sweets add cozy comfort during cold nights
• Multiple photo stops provide opportunities to capture the lights and the Icelandic landscape
• Stories and insights deepen understanding of the aurora’s science and cultural tales

Pricing and Value Considerations

At $1,040 for a group of up to three people, this tour is priced higher than shared chases or larger-group excursions. However, the personalized experience and luxury of flexibility can justify the cost for travelers seeking exclusivity and comfort.

The inclusion of amenities like blankets, hot chocolate, and WiFi adds to the perceived value, especially given the chilly, potentially uncomfortable conditions outside. Those who value customized attention and avoiding crowded tours will find this package a worthwhile investment.

Real Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer appreciated that the guide is “very knowledgeable about the science and culture,” which made the experience more meaningful. Others noted they felt cared for and comfortable, with one saying, “We appreciated the warm blankets and hot chocolate, especially since it was freezing outside.” Several mentioned that the flexibility to relocate based on weather made a significant difference in their chances of seeing the lights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for small groups or couples who want a private, relaxed, and customizable Northern Lights chase. If you prefer a personalized, cozy outing with plenty of photo opportunities and a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits the mark.

It’s also ideal for travelers who value comfort and prefer to avoid large, crowded tours. While the price may seem high, the added flexibility, amenities, and personalized approach often translate into a richer, more relaxed experience.

This private Northern Lights tour offers a thoughtful blend of comfort, flexibility, and engaging storytelling. You’ll enjoy the benefit of a dedicated guide who actively tracks the best conditions, plus the cozy perks of blankets and hot chocolate—making the cold nights far more bearable. The customizable route and multiple photo stops help ensure you maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder in a relaxed, intimate setting.

If you’re after a personalized experience that prioritizes comfort and flexibility, and don’t mind investing in a more exclusive outing, this tour delivers on those fronts. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a calm, educational, and well-catered chase after the aurora borealis.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages, but keep in mind that dressing warmly and sitting outdoors in cold weather is required.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour maximizes your chances with real-time forecast tracking and flexible routing, sightings depend on weather and solar activity, and cannot be guaranteed.

What should I wear for this tour?
Dress very warmly, with thermal layers, a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and insulated footwear to stay comfortable during outdoor viewing.

How long is the tour?
The typical duration is 3 to 4 hours, but your guide remains flexible to stay longer if conditions are promising.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers private transportation, guide, door-to-door pickup and drop-off, real-time aurora tracking, blankets, hot chocolate, sweets, WiFi, and parking fees.

Can I join again if I don’t see the Aurora?
Yes, if the lights don’t appear, you’re welcome to join the next available Northern Lights private tour at no extra cost, subject to availability.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is heated, WiFi-enabled, and provides enough room for a relaxed ride while you enjoy the scenery.

Are there any additional costs I should know about?
The tour fee covers most expenses. However, bring cash or card for any personal souvenirs or extra snacks.

Do I need prior photography experience to get good photos?
No, the guide offers simple tips for capturing the lights with your phone or camera, making it accessible even for beginners.

How far from Reykjavík do we travel?
Depending on the forecast, the guide may drive 30 minutes to a few hours from Reykjavík to find the best skies.

This detailed review should help you decide whether this private Northern Lights tour fits your Iceland adventure—balancing the magic of the aurora with the comfort and flexibility you deserve.

You can check if your dates are available here: