Reykjavík: 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour

Reykjavík: 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour Review

Planning a trip to Iceland? This 5-day tour offers a balanced mix of iconic sights, stunning landscapes, and the chance to witness the elusive Northern Lights. While it’s packed with highlights, it also provides enough comfort and flexibility to keep the experience enjoyable.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the knowledgeable guides who bring the destinations to life, the breathtaking views at every turn, and the well-organized itinerary that maximizes your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. A potential consideration? Since Aurora sightings depend on weather conditions, it’s not guaranteed — so patience and a little luck are key. This tour suits those eager to explore Iceland’s natural beauty in depth, with a good chance of witnessing its famed night sky marvel.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Iconic Sights: From Geysir to Gullfoss, you’ll visit Iceland’s most famous attractions.
• Unique Landscapes: Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and Black Sand Beach offer unforgettable photo ops.
• Expert Guidance: Guides like Sigga and Gudni are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Comfort & Convenience: Accommodation with private bathrooms and modern buses make travel smooth.
• Northern Lights: The tour maximizes your chances, but natural phenomena remain unpredictable.
• Value for Money: Four nights’ stay, guided tours, and unique experiences make this a compelling package.

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Iceland Adventure

This tour is designed for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Iceland’s natural wonders, with the added thrill of hunting for the Northern Lights. It balances sightseeing, cultural insights, and comfort, making it ideal for those new to Iceland or travelers wishing to combine outdoor adventure with cozy nights.

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The experience begins in Reykjavík, with guests making their way to the meeting point on Day 2. From there, it’s a well-paced journey covering the Golden Circle, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and a geothermal greenhouse. The final night is spent relaxing at the Blue Lagoon, a perfect way to unwind after days of exploration. The trip wraps up on Day 5 with transfers back to Keflavík Airport.

Day 2: The Golden Circle and Friðheimar Greenhouse

Your adventure kicks off with the classic Golden Circle, which includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss. These sites are must-sees; Þingvellir offers geological wonders and a touch of history, Geysir’s erupting hot springs are mesmerizing, and Gullfoss’ powerful cascade is breathtaking.

What sets this tour apart is the visit to Friðheimar geothermal greenhouse. Here, you’ll see tomatoes thriving in the geothermal heat and meet Icelandic horses. This stop isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s a chance to see how Iceland harnesses its geothermal energy creatively. Many guests mention how much they enjoyed learning about local practices, with one reviewer noting, “The greenhouse was unexpectedly charming, and the horses were lovely.”

Overnight accommodation in Vík means you’re in prime position for the Northern Lights hunt. The guide’s local knowledge plays a big role here — they’re quick to point out good spots or provide tips on viewing if the conditions are right.

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Day 3: Glaciers and Diamond Beach

Moving east, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is a standout, where floating icebergs create a surreal landscape. If weather permits, seals are often spotted lounging on the ice, adding to the magic. Close by, Diamond Beach displays ice chunks washed ashore on black sands, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Guests mention that the glacial views are genuinely spectacular, and many find the interplay of ice, light, and dark sands utterly captivating. Skaftafell in Vatnajökull National Park is also included, offering lush hiking trails and the unique Svartifoss waterfall, framed by basalt columns.

Day 4: South Coast Highlights and Blue Lagoon

The southern coast is a showcase of Iceland’s volcanic activity and waterfalls. Stops include Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. Skógafoss’ thunderous cascade and the opportunity to walk behind Seljalandsfoss are highlights many travelers treasure.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is another iconic stop, with its basalt sea stacks and powerful waves. The atmosphere here often leaves visitors speechless — so much so that some reviews highlight how they could spend hours photographing the striking landscape.

In the evening, soaking in the Blue Lagoon can cap off your trip. Many guests find it worth the extra cost for the mineral-rich waters that relax tired muscles and soothe the soul. Remember to bring swimwear if you booked the bathing option — the lagoon is a popular and relaxing end to your adventure.

Day 5: Departure and Final Thoughts

On your last day, you’ll return to Keflavík Airport. The tour’s flexibility means you can arrange transfers ahead of time if needed or make your own way back. This seamless end to your trip allows you to reflect on the breathtaking sights and the stories shared by your guides.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Knowledgeable Guides: Guests consistently praise the guides like Sigga and Gudni for their friendly demeanor and deep insights. Their local expertise transforms each stop into a story, making the landscapes come alive.

Comfort and Convenience: Staying in hotels with private bathrooms simplifies the experience, especially after long days of sightseeing. The modern buses are spacious, and luggage restrictions are relaxed compared to other operators, ensuring your gear is safe and comfortably stored.

Authentic Experiences: Visiting Friðheimar Greenhouse and Icelandic horse stables adds a personal touch, showing how Icelanders live and work with their environment. These stops offer a glimpse into local life beyond tourist spots.

Picture-Perfect Landscapes: The scenery is truly jaw-dropping. Whether it’s floating icebergs at Jökulsárlón or the wild black sands of Reynisfjara, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. Many reviewers note how these sights exceeded their expectations.

Northern Lights Potential: While the Aurora is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, the tour’s schedule and locations maximize your odds. Nighttime hunts in Vík or nearby areas are often successful, especially when guided by locals who know the best spots.

Value for Cost: With four nights of accommodation, expert guidance, and access to key attractions, this tour offers solid value. The chance to see Iceland’s top sights with a knowledgeable group makes it a worthwhile investment.

Practical Details

The tour runs over five days, with departure times around 09:00 on Day 2, giving you a relaxed start after arriving in Reykjavík. It’s suitable for most travelers over five years old but not recommended for young children under five. The package includes breakfast at the hotels and visits to attractions like Friðheimar, but meals at the other stops and Blue Lagoon admission are optional extras.

Transportation is in modern, spacious buses, and luggage restrictions are not an issue — a relief for those carrying extra gear or packing for winter conditions. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility, and you pay later to lock in your spot.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Icelandic tour offers a well-rounded journey through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. It’s ideal for travelers who want the comfort of guided tours, the chance to see iconic sights, and hope to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights — though patience is key.

The mix of natural wonders, cultural stops, and cozy accommodations delivers great value, especially considering the diversity of landscapes experienced. Guides like Sigga and Gudni are praised for their enthusiasm and local knowledge, enriching your understanding of Iceland’s environment and traditions.

While the Aurora isn’t guaranteed, the tour’s carefully crafted itinerary and the best possible locations increase your chances significantly. If you’re after a comprehensive, manageable way to explore Iceland’s highlights and enjoy some of its most photogenic scenery, this tour offers a compelling option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided throughout the tour?
Yes, all transportation is in spacious, modern buses for your comfort, covering all stops on the itinerary.

Are airport transfers included?
No, transfers to and from Keflavík Airport are not included but can be arranged upon request.

What is the accommodation like?
Guests stay in hotels with private bathrooms for four nights, offering comfort after busy days of sightseeing.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour maximizes your chances with nighttime hunts, Aurora sightings depend on weather conditions and are not guaranteed.

What should I bring for the Blue Lagoon?
If you choose to visit the Blue Lagoon, remember to bring swimwear, as you’ll want to soak in the mineral waters.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for travelers over 5 years old, but younger children may find the long days a bit tiring.

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

In summary, this tour offers a fantastic snapshot of Iceland’s natural beauty and is perfect for those looking to combine adventure with comfort. The knowledgeable guides, diverse sights, and the potential Northern Lights make it a memorable way to experience Iceland’s wilderness — just keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!

You can check if your dates are available here: