From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour

Planning a trip to Iceland and eager to see the legendary Northern Lights? This 4-hour tour from Reykjavik promises an adventurous evening far from city lights, with plenty of opportunities to catch the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky. While it’s not guaranteed — nature being nature — the experience offers much more than just a chance to see the lights. It’s about the journey, the scenery, and the expertise of guides who know how to read Iceland’s weather and sky.

One of the things we love about this tour is its flexibility — if the lights don’t appear on your first try, you’re entitled to unlimited retries at no extra cost. Plus, the guides are often praised for their knowledgeable, friendly attitude, making the experience both fun and informative. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the uncertainty of seeing the Aurora, which depends heavily on weather conditions and cloud cover. Still, if you’re patient and well-prepared, this tour offers a good chance to witness one of nature’s most captivating phenomena.

This experience works best for adventurous travelers who don’t mind waiting outdoors in cold weather and who appreciate guided expertise. Families, couples, or solo explorers looking for an authentic Northern Lights chase will find value here — especially those who want to combine scenic Icelandic countryside with the thrill of a natural light show.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience with knowledgeable guides who give insightful information about the Aurora Borealis.
• Flexible re-tries ensure you can go out again if the lights are elusive on your first attempt.
• Scenic countryside drive away from city lights increases your chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Real-time weather checks help the guides choose the best locations, maximizing your chances.
• Comfortable transportation with Wi-Fi onboard helps pass the time on the way to viewing spots.
• Price point of $70 per person offers a good value, especially considering the expertise and flexibility included.

What to Expect: A Detailed Look at the Tour

The Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup from over 40 different locations in Reykjavik, ranging from bus stops near Harpa to hotels like the Fosshotel Baron and Reykjavík Lights by Keahotels. This extensive list makes it easier to find a convenient spot, although note that pickup in front of hotels in the city center isn’t possible; instead, you’ll wait at a nearby bus stop.

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy Wi-Fi onboard, which makes the roughly 40-minute drive into Iceland’s countryside feel a little more comfortable. The bus is described as comfortable and well-equipped, though some reviews mention that getting on the bus can be a bit hectic — people tend to push and shove as everyone tries to get a good seat. Still, the guides do their best to keep everyone organized.

The Scenic Drive and First Stop

The journey is part of the fun. You’ll travel into areas far from the bright city lights, into Iceland’s rural landscapes, where the sky’s darkness offers the best conditions for Aurora viewing. The guides use their weather expertise to select the best spot on the night, often stopping at a scenic viewpoint or near a lighthouse, as one traveler noted.

One reviewer mentioned a stop near a lighthouse where, after waiting for 1-2 hours, they saw only faint white lights that looked green in photos. However, the bus then made an unexpected stop on the way back, and suddenly, the Aurora appeared vividly in the sky — a reminder that patience and luck are part of the experience.

The Aurora Viewing Experience

When the guides spot a good chance, they’ll ask everyone to step outside and look up. If the weather cooperates, you might see the Aurora swirling in various shapes, colors, and patterns — from gentle green ribbons to more dramatic, moving displays. Several reviews describe the Aurora as “spectacular,” with some travelers lucky enough to witness hours of dancing lights.

One guest reminisced about a guide who was especially passionate, providing detailed explanations about how the lights work, which adds a layer of understanding and appreciation to the visual spectacle. Others appreciated the opportunity for photos, with guides often giving tips on how to capture the best images.

Waiting and Flexibility

A recurring theme from reviews is the waiting game — Aurora sightings are not guaranteed, and visitors need patience. Some travelers waited multiple hours, while others had the luck of seeing the lights quickly. The unlimited retries policy is a huge plus, allowing participants to go out again on a subsequent night if the conditions aren’t ideal.

One reviewer shared that they didn’t see the Aurora on their first night but rebooked and had a stunning show on the next attempt. The guides are usually upfront about the weather’s impact, informing guests early if the tour might be canceled due to heavy clouds or adverse conditions.

End of the Tour and Drop-off

After about four hours, the bus takes you back to Reykjavik, with many drop-off points scattered across the city. The reviews highlight that the guides and drivers are attentive, often offering to drop guests near their accommodations, even if it’s an unscheduled stop — a thoughtful gesture that adds to the overall value.

The Value of This Northern Lights Tour

At $70 per person, considering the inclusions — bus transport, expert guides, Wi-Fi, and the possibility of re-taking the tour at no extra charge — this experience is quite reasonable. The guides’ knowledge and ability to pick the best spots based on weather make a significant difference, especially since Aurora sightings are unpredictable.

What makes this tour stand out is the emphasis on flexibility and customer satisfaction. You’re not just paying for a one-time shot; you’re paying for expertise, patience, and the chance to see one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world.

Worthwhile for:

• Those seeking a guided, insightful experience rather than a solo chase.
• Travelers who are comfortable waiting outdoors in cold weather.
• Families or couples who want a memorable, scenic night out.
• Anyone who appreciates a good value with retries included.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Dress warmly — layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential since you’ll be outside for extended periods.
• Bring a camera — guides often give tips on capturing the lights, but a tripod might help if you want clear photos.
• Be patient — Aurora sightings depend on weather and cloud cover, so patience and a positive attitude go a long way.
• Check the weather forecast — the tour provider decides whether to go ahead based on conditions, usually by 5 PM daily.
• Arrive prepared for a possibly long wait — some reviews mention waiting for hours before seeing the Aurora.

FAQ

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup is available from over 40 different locations in Reykjavik, starting approximately 30 minutes before the tour departs. Note, pickup directly at hotels in the city center isn’t possible; you’ll need to wait at designated bus stops.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
If the lights are not visible on your scheduled night, you’re entitled to free unlimited retries. You can rebook to go out again at no extra cost, increasing your chances of experiencing the Aurora Borealis.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, waiting, and viewing time. The actual Aurora experience can be as brief or as long as the sky cooperates.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and beverages are not included. You might want to bring snacks or hot drinks, especially if you’re waiting outdoors for a while.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, guides often give tips on photography, and Wi-Fi onboard helps pass the time. A tripod is recommended if you want to capture long-exposure shots of the Aurora.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, families with children are welcome, but remember to dress warmly and be prepared for outdoor waiting. The tour is family-friendly and many reviews highlight children’s excitement at witnessing the lights.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik offers a practical, flexible, and well-guided way to chase the Aurora Borealis. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value expert guidance and the reassurance of unlimited retries, making it a relatively risk-free way to experience this natural wonder. The scenic countryside drive, combined with insightful guides, makes it more than just a lights hunt — it’s an Icelandic adventure that’s worth the price.

While nature doesn’t always put on a show, the combination of local expertise, beautiful surroundings, and the thrill of waiting outdoors in Iceland’s winter creates an experience that’s as memorable as the lights themselves. Pack warm, bring patience, and enjoy the journey — the Aurora might just surprise you.