Northern Lights Tours & Trips in Iceland
Ever wanted to stand under the Aurora Borealis as colors dance across Iceland's night sky. ExploresThingvellir's continental split, Geysir's shooting springs, Jokulsarlon's glacier lake, and the Blue Lagoon's warm waters. Chase the Northern Lights through Reykjavik, Furnas, and the Golden Circle. Iceland's mystery is ready.
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I did a customised version of this trip with Arctic Adventures. Going in I had a rough idea of what to expect, glaciers, waterfalls, maybe some Northern Lights if I got lucky. Came away with so much more than that. The landscapes are unreal. Did the glacier hike on Vatnajökull with crampons strapped on, which was a first for me and easily one of the best things I’ve ever done. Jökulsárlón was breathtaking, ice caves and lava tunnels were brilliant fun, and the black sand beaches genuinely don’t look real in person. Then the Northern Lights turned up properly one night near Hof, dancing about for a good half hour right above us. Absolutely magical, and a lovely surprise on top of everything else. What made the trip though was how well the whole thing was put together. Pacing was spot on, no rushing between stops and no filler days padding it out. Guides were fantastic, properly knew their stuff and great company on the longer drives. Hotels and food were way better than I’d expected too, nothing flashy, just well chosen and comfortable after long days out in the cold. Every day brought something new and the whole group was buzzing by the end of it. You really do come away feeling like you’ve seen the best of Iceland, not just the postcard version. The Arctic Adventures team were absolute stars throughout. Felt looked after the whole way, never felt like just another group being shuffled along. Would do it again tomorrow.
5 Day - Northern Lights, Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice CaveThe tour was great. The guide was knowledgeable and a safe driver, providing suggestions to modify the itinerary with the changing weather while not leaving anything out. I also appreciated his option of lunch on the go to maximize daylight hours in late November. The glacier walk itself was a highlight, though I will say more than depicted in the guide. We walked for quite some time both to get to the glacier and then on the glacier.
Iceland Northern LightsThe trip was incredible, as was out guide Eliza. We saw so much in just a few days and still had time to slow down and relax at the guesthouse. Cannot recommend the trip enough.
Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
Our traveler's Moments
10 best Northern Lights Iceland tour packages
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NadineIceland travel expert at TourRadar
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5 Day - Northern Lights, Golden Circle, South Coast, Jökulsárlón & Ice Cave
“Fast paced and fun. You must be fit and ready to tackle the environment.”
Georgina, traveled in March
Aurora viewing opportunities abound from multiple locations: Reykjavik harbor cruises, dark skies near Kirkjubæjarklaustur, and Vatnajökull glacier backdrops. Expert guides select optimal viewing spots based on weather forecasts.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Seljaland, Vik, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Jokulsarlon, Skaftafell, FjadrargljufurSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Arctic Adventures From
- US$1,628
Iceland Northern Lights
“The experience was fantastic. It was a great way to get acquainted with Iceland.”
Brian, traveled in November
Hotel Laki's dark-sky location near Kirkjubaejarklaustur provides perfect aurora viewing conditions. Your days include Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, and Diamond Beach visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Seljaland, Eyjafjallajokull, Skogafoss, Reynisdrangar Cliffs, Reynisfjara, Myrdalsjokull, Jokulsarlon, Hvolsvollur, GullfossSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,923
10% Off- US$2,640
Iceland Northern Lights & Golden Circle
“Absolutely fantastic. 5 Stars all the way”
Amanda, traveled in March
The Alftrod guesthouse, positioned away from city lights, offers prime aurora viewing during two dedicated nights. By day, visitors tour Thingvellir National Park and Geysir Hot Springs, while evenings are spent seeking Northern Lights in rural locations with expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Dover, Gullfoss, Solheimajokull, Skogafoss, Seljaland Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,139
20% Off- US$1,711
Iceland's Fairy Tale: Aurora Borealis, Geysers and Waterfalls
“Everything went exactly according to the itinerary.”
Veronika, traveled in April
Duration 5 days Destinations Keflavik, Selfoss, Skogafoss, Kerid Volcano, Gullfoss, Haukadalur, Geysir, Thingvellir National Park, Hraunfossar, Reykjavik Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
20% Off- US$728
The countryside near Hveragerdi provides excellent aurora viewing opportunities. Daytime adventures include Solheimajokull Glacier trekking, Strokkur Geysir watching, and visits to Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Kvernufoss waterfalls.
Duration 5 days Destinations Reykjavik, Gunnuhver, Hveragerdi, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Secret Lagoon, Seljaland, Skogafoss, Solheimajokull Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,076
30% Off- US$2,154
4 Day - Snæfellsnes, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon
“Everything was so beautiful and breathtaking. The activities were fun and on time.”
Luna, traveled in January
Strategic positioning across Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Vatnajökull National Park provides excellent aurora viewing chances. While guides monitor nightly forecasts, daytime adventures include ice caves, glacier lagoons, and black sand beaches.
Duration 4 days Destinations Reykjavik, Reykholt, Djupalonssandur, Kirkjufell Mountain, Skogafoss, Reynisfjara, Vik, Jokulsarlon Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Arctic Adventures From
30% Off- US$1,384
Duration 8 days Destinations Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Secret Lagoon, Geysir, Skaftafell, Reynisfjara, Hraunfossar, Snæfellsnes, Arnarstapi, Stykkisholmur Age Range Ages 18-32 Operator Topdeck From
30% Off- US$2,669
What our customers ask about Northern Lights Tours & Trips in Iceland
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The prime viewing season spans from September to April with the best opportunities occurring between November and March. Data from TourRadar shows success rates peak in September at 88% followed by October at 74% with November and December at 62% and 63% respectively. Places like Hotel Stracta in Hella provide excellent viewing spots from their grounds and outdoor hot tubs away from urban light pollution.
What are the must-visit locations for Northern Lights viewing in Iceland?
The most reliable viewing locations are found at Thingvellir National Park the south coast near Vik Kirkjubaejarklaustur area and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. These spots offer dark skies and natural backdrops for aurora viewing. Daytime excursions include visits to Gullfoss waterfall Geysir geothermal area and Seljalandsfoss waterfall. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The dramatic landscape is amazing. Just watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky was so incredible."
What accommodation options are available on Northern Lights tours?
Accommodations range from urban hotels in Reykjavik such as Hotel Klettur and Hotel Cabin to rural properties like Hotel Laki in Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Each location is chosen for its strategic position in prime viewing areas. A TourRadar guest reports: "The accommodations were nice clean and comfortable. Having Northern Lights wake-up calls at the countryside hotels was a great feature."
What activities are typically included during daytime on Northern Lights tours?
Daylight hours feature exploration of Iceland's natural wonders including the Golden Circle attractions Blue Lagoon geothermal spa and glacier walks at Vatnajökull. Visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls round out the experience. According to a TourRadar visitor: "The days were packed with amazing sights like the explosive Strokkur geyser and black sand beaches making the evening Northern Lights hunts even more special."
How many nights should I plan for a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?
Most successful trips require 4-5 nights minimum with 6-7 days offering better viewing chances and a more relaxed schedule. Popular spots like Hotel Laki near Kirkjubaejarklaustur typically host guests for 2-3 nights. One TourRadar participant shared: "The 5-day trip was perfect - we saw the lights twice and had plenty of time to explore Iceland's natural wonders."
What weather conditions are best for seeing the Northern Lights?
Success depends on clear dark skies with minimal cloud coverage. Winter temperatures can reach -15°C particularly around Vatnajökull National Park. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Take LOTS of warm clothing. Be prepared to wait for the Lights - they are not like Oxford Street and come on with a switch but they are so much better!"
Are Northern Lights sightings guaranteed on tours?
No tour can guarantee aurora sightings but operators design itineraries to maximize viewing potential through multiple nights in key locations like Kirkjubaejarklaustur. As one TourRadar guest observed: "We were fortunate to see the Northern Lights on our very first night but the tour was packed with plenty of other amazing and unforgettable experiences making it worthwhile regardless."
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