Reykjavik: Northern Lights Adventure Tour with Hot Chocolate

Trying to catch the elusive Northern Lights in Iceland is a bit like chasing a ghost—thrilling, unpredictable, and sometimes frustrating. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, based on detailed reviews and thorough information, it’s clear this experience is crafted for those eager to see one of nature’s most incredible displays with guidance and comfort along the way.

What we love about this tour is its expert-guided approach, the warm, cozy transport, and the sweet touch of hot chocolate to keep spirits high while waiting in the cold. Plus, the possibility of a free retry if you don’t see the lights on your first attempt is a major bonus. One consideration is that Northern Lights sightings depend heavily on weather conditions, so patience and a bit of luck are key.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, informative, and comfortable way to chase the Aurora Borealis, especially if you’re concerned about the cold or unfamiliarity with Iceland’s weather. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate the chance of seeing the lights more than once, thanks to the flexible rescheduling options.

Good To Know

• Expert guidance increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights
• Comfortable transportation away from city lights maximizes viewing potential
• Weather dependency means sightings are not guaranteed
• Flexible options for rescheduling or free retries add peace of mind
• Includes hot chocolate, making waiting in the cold a little sweeter
• Longer nights with later start times can sometimes improve visibility

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

The Reykjavik Northern Lights Adventure is a thoughtfully curated experience designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis without sacrificing comfort. For many travelers, the thought of venturing into the dark Icelandic countryside in a cozy, air-conditioned bus with a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference.

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, patience, and friendliness. Several reviews mention how guides like Rachel and Cathrin go the extra mile—explaining the science behind the lights, helping with camera settings, and patiently waiting for the skies to clear. This personal touch can turn a potentially cold and uncertain night into a truly memorable adventure.

The transportation aspect ensures you’re far from the light pollution of Reykjavik, which can vastly improve your odds of seeing the Aurora. The buses are described as comfortable, with some even equipped with small toilets, a thoughtful addition for long waits. Plus, the hot chocolate—a simple yet appreciated touch—keeps your hands warm and spirits high.

Most travelers find that the tour’s flexibility is a big plus. If weather conditions aren’t right, the free retry policy or rescheduling to the next evening means you don’t miss out on the Northern Lights altogether. Many reviewers appreciate how the guides monitor weather and aurora forecasts, patiently waiting for the right moment to stop and look upward.

However, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed—they’re a natural phenomenon, after all. Cloud cover or solar inactivity can keep the skies quiet, no matter how skilled your guides are at chasing the lights.

The Itinerary: Step-by-Step Breakdown

Pickup and Departure

The tour begins with pickups from five convenient locations in Reykjavik, starting about 45 minutes before departure. This flexibility means you can choose a nearby spot—whether it’s City Hall, the Culture House, or near the Old Harbour—to minimize early-morning hassle.

From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable coach or bus for a 30-minute drive away from the city lights. The direction of the drive depends on weather conditions—your guide will choose the best spot based on current forecasts. Some reviews note that getting away from light pollution is crucial, and this guided approach ensures you’re heading to the most promising locations.

First Photo Stop & Scenic Drive

Once outside the city, the group makes a photo stop—a perfect opportunity to snap some shots of Reykjavik’s skyline against the dark Icelandic sky. The drive often takes you into areas with clearer, darker skies, depending on cloud cover and aurora forecasts.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Main Northern Lights Viewing and Sightseeing

The core of the tour lasts around two hours, during which your guide will give insights about the science of the Aurora Borealis—how solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating those mesmerizing greens, pinks, and purples. Several reviews mention guides like Rachel and Clermont, who are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness—offering tips on capturing the lights with your camera, which can be tricky in low-light conditions.

You’ll stop at carefully chosen spots, with the guides monitoring the sky for activity. If the auroras appear, you’ll have ample time to take photos and marvel at the dancing lights. Reviewers describe seeing everything from faint arcs to vivid green curtains, with some capturing red and purple hues on their phones and cameras.

Warm-up and Refreshments

Throughout the wait, travelers enjoy hot chocolate, which many mention as a highlight. It’s a comforting treat that makes standing outside in the cold more bearable—especially as the guides encourage patience, explaining that sometimes the lights only reveal themselves after a wait.

Return and Drop-offs

After a total of around 3.5 hours, the coach returns to Reykjavik, stopping at the original pickup points. The tour concludes with passengers feeling both satisfied and a bit awestruck, thanks to the guides’ expertise and the stunning natural spectacle.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides

Reviewers consistently mention their guides’ expertise, with some calling Rachel “super friendly and very informative,” and others praising Cathrin for “magnificent knowledge” about the Northern Lights. Guides help with camera settings and explain the natural science behind the phenomenon, enriching the experience beyond just watching the sky.

Comfort and Convenience

The air-conditioned buses and multiple pickup points make this tour accessible and comfortable. The small toilet facilities onboard are a thoughtful addition, especially given the length of waiting times. Plus, the hot chocolate and flexible scheduling (free retries or rescheduling) add real comfort and peace of mind.

Flexibility in Location and Timing

The tour doesn’t follow a rigid route but instead adapts based on weather forecasts, which is essential in Iceland, where weather can change rapidly. The later start times also help accommodate the longer days of the Icelandic spring and autumn, giving more opportunity for clear skies.

The Rare Chance of a Free Retry

Many reviews mention the free retry policy—if the Northern Lights aren’t visible, you get a second chance at no extra cost, which is a significant value-add in a natural phenomenon that’s hard to predict.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While the experience is generally praised, seeing the Northern Lights still depends heavily on weather and solar activity. Several reviews mention cancellations due to clouds or lack of activity, which are beyond the tour’s control. Some travelers wish the tour started later, around 10:30 pm, for better chances after sunset, though this might depend on the weather and location.

The tour duration of 3.5 hours might feel short for those wanting a longer experience, but most find it sufficient to get a good shot at witnessing the lights. Also, meals are not included, so consider bringing snacks if you plan to be out for a while, especially if you’re sensitive to cold.

Pricing and Value

At a typical price point, this tour offers good value for the comprehensive experience—guided explanations, transportation, hot chocolate, and the possibility of multiple attempts. Compared to spontaneous trips into the dark countryside, you benefit from expert guidance and logistical ease, which can be priceless in a location where weather conditions are unpredictable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who value comfort, expert guidance, and flexibility. It’s ideal for those not keen on driving themselves or unfamiliar with Icelandic weather patterns. The inclusion of hot chocolate and the chance to see the Aurora more than once makes it appealing to those looking for a relaxed yet immersive experience.

It’s also perfect for families or couples who want a manageable, well-organized adventure without a long, cold hike or complicated arrangements. However, it’s not suitable for very young children under 8 or guests with mobility issues, as standing outside in cold weather is necessary.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own warm clothing? Yes, you should wear warm layers as waiting outside in Iceland’s chilly night can be cold, even in spring or autumn.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour? Sightings depend on weather, cloud cover, and solar activity. The tour offers a free retry if you don’t see them initially.

What locations does the tour visit? The guide will select the best spot based on weather conditions, often away from city lights, to maximize your chances.

How long does the tour last? The total experience takes approximately 3.5 hours, including pickups, drives, stops, and the main viewing time.

Are there any food options included? No meals are included, but hot chocolate and sometimes other snacks are provided to keep you warm.

Can I reschedule if the weather is poor? Yes, you can reschedule to the next evening or opt for a free retry if the tour is canceled due to weather.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s recommended for ages 8 and up; younger children and guests with mobility issues might find it less comfortable.

Final Thoughts

The Reykjavik Northern Lights Adventure Tour with Hot Chocolate strikes a good balance between comfort, expert guidance, and the thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most captivating displays. While Aurora sightings are never guaranteed, the tour’s flexible approach and knowledgeable guides make it a strong choice for travelers eager to chase the lights without worry.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who prefer not to drive, want a cozy experience, and appreciate the added bonus of hot chocolate while waiting in the cold. If you’re prepared for the unpredictability of the Northern Lights, this tour offers a reliable, enjoyable way to try your luck in Iceland’s dark winter nights.

In summary, this experience is perfect for curious travelers who want a guided, comfortable, and informative outing. It’s a practical choice for those valuing expert insights, flexible scheduling, and a warm, friendly atmosphere—all set amidst some of the best Aurora-viewing conditions the world offers.

You can check if your dates are available here: