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Uncover one of the best Northern Lights excursions in Iceland with my high picks. Get able to witness the breathtaking dance of the Aurora Borealis!
Yearly, I pack my luggage and head to Iceland, a spot that has turn out to be my second residence. For almost a decade, I’ve chased the Northern Lights throughout this gorgeous island, making the journey greater than ten instances. It’s a practice that by no means loses its surprise, and I’m excited to share my ardour with you!
You would possibly surprise, why hearken to me? Properly, I’ve explored nearly each nook of Iceland and sampled quite a few excursions. My suggestions are constructed on years of direct expertise, and I goal to information you to probably the most awe-inspiring Northern Lights experiences throughout your keep in Iceland.
Let’s discover this European gem collectively this fall, winter, or spring (sure, you’ll be able to even see the Aurora by means of Could!). I’ll take you thru excursions providing epic views, from the consolation of a luxurious bus to the fun of a snowmobile journey.
Prepared to find one of the best Northern Lights excursions in Iceland in 2024-2024? Let’s dive in!
👉 Flight Tickets
👉 Iceland Lodging
👉 My Favourite Tour
Greatest Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Timing is every part in terms of witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland. Over time, I’ve found that the lights start to bounce in mid-September, however the true spectacle normally unfolds from October to March. That is when the nights are longest and darkest, providing probably the most vibrant shows.
I’ve visited Iceland throughout each season, and I can inform you, nothing beats the clear nights of fall and spring for recognizing the Northern Lights. Particularly, I’ve had nice success seeing the Aurora in October/November and March. I’ve had far more luck seeing them then versus within the winter, as there’s much less precipitation and cloud cowl. To not point out, the hotter temps make standing outdoors for hours extra bearable!
However you additionally actually can’t go mistaken with these darkish, chilly nights within the winter. The Northern Lights shall be there- it’s only a query of whether or not or not there’ll no clouds so you’ll be able to see them.
Useful Ideas for Catching the Peak Northern Lights Exercise
Every year could be barely completely different, relying on photo voltaic exercise and climate situations. I like to recommend checking this Aurora forecast by the Icelandic Meteorological Workplace earlier than and through your journey. There’s additionally all the time a component of luck concerned. Simply since you are in Iceland throughout peak Aurora season doesn’t imply you’re assured to see the lights. Cloud situations are simply as necessary as photo voltaic exercise!
NASA scientists and astronomers have predicted that 2024 and 2025 would be the greatest time to see the Aurora Borealis as a result of elevated photo voltaic storm exercise. So there’s by no means been a greater time to e-book that journey to Iceland!
The Greatest Iceland Northern Lights Excursions in 2024
Able to plan your journey round one of the best Northern Lights views? Let’s have a look at the excursions that may get you there.
1. Reykjavík: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Aurora Tour
Expertise three iconic Icelandic sights in sooner or later on this complete tour from Reykjavík. The tour, led by BusTravel Iceland, presents an ideal mix of sightseeing and leisure, priced at $293.50 per individual.
Begin your day with a handy pickup from considered one of 23 places in Reykjavík. The primary cease is Thingvellir Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, the place you’ll have 45 minutes to discover the rift valley and historic websites. Subsequent, go to the gorgeous Gullfoss Waterfall for an hour, adopted by an 80-minute cease on the Geysir Geothermal Space, the place you’ll witness the Strokkur geyser erupting.
Afterward, head to the Kerid Crater, a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake, for a 20-minute go to. A brief break in Selfoss permits for refreshments earlier than you proceed to the Blue Lagoon. Right here, you’ll take pleasure in two hours of leisure within the geothermal spa, full with a towel, silica face masks, and a free drink.
The day concludes with an thrilling Northern Lights hunt. Journey removed from metropolis lights to optimum viewing spots, armed with scorching chocolate to maintain heat. Your information will assist with photograph settings to seize the proper aurora second. After a mesmerizing night, you’ll be dropped off again in Reykjavík.
This tour consists of lodge pickup and drop-off, transportation with Wi-Fi and USB chargers on board, a educated information, and entrance tickets to all sights. Meals and ideas will not be included, and the tour just isn’t appropriate for kids beneath 14 years. If the Northern Lights will not be seen, you’ll be able to be part of one other Northern Lights bus tour at no cost inside 36 months of your reserving.
2. Reykjavík: Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Viking Weapons
Take pleasure in a singular and intimate Northern Lights tour with Aurora Viking. This small group tour is $139 per individual, and presents a mix of cultural enjoyable and gorgeous pure magnificence, multi functional night.
Begin your journey with a handy pickup from considered one of 11 places in Reykjavík. The tour, lasting about 4 hours, is guided by Kolbeinn and Emil, house owners of Aurora Viking, who convey a long time of expertise find the Northern Lights. Their experience ensures you may have one of the best probability of seeing the Aurora Borealis, even when different excursions won’t.
The tour’s spotlight is its interactive Viking theme. You’ll have the prospect to attempt on Viking costumes and deal with museum replicas of Viking weapons for memorable photographs beneath the Northern Lights. An expert photographer is readily available to seize high-quality photos of each the aurora and your Viking portraits.
Through the tour, take pleasure in native pastries and scorching chocolate to maintain heat. The small group measurement (most 16 folks) permits for a personalised expertise and entry to unique spots away from the massive bus crowds. If the Northern Lights don’t seem, Aurora Viking presents limitless retries freed from cost till you see the lights, legitimate for 36 months out of your reserving.
The tour consists of lodge pickup and drop-off, a information and photographer, use of Viking costumes and weapons, scorching chocolate, and cookies. Make certain to convey heat clothes to remain snug through the night time. This tour just isn’t appropriate for kids beneath 7 years previous.
3. South Coast, Glacier Hike, and Northern Lights Winter Tour
Set out on a full-day journey with Arctic Adventures to expertise the gorgeous South Coast of Iceland, mixed with an exciting glacier hike and a magical Northern Lights hunt. This final Iceland bucket checklist tour is priced at $245.50 per individual, which is a small worth to pay for the jam-packed itinerary.
The day begins with a morning pick-up from Reykjavik, heading first to Seljalandsfoss waterfall, the place you’ll be able to stroll behind the cascading waters. Subsequent, take pleasure in an exhilarating glacier stroll on Sólheimajökull, guided by a licensed professional who will share insights in regards to the glacier.
Go to the enduring Reynisfjara black sand seashore, recognized for its basalt columns and Reynisdrangar cliffs, adopted by a cease at Skógafoss waterfall, the place you’ll be able to climb 527 steps for panoramic views.
Journey by means of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, catching glimpses of volcanoes like Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla. Return to Reykjavik round 7:00 PM for dinner earlier than the Northern Lights tour.
The Northern Lights hunt takes you away from metropolis lights, maximizing your probabilities of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Take pleasure in scorching chocolate and cookies whereas ready for the lights. If the Northern Lights will not be seen, Arctic Adventures presents limitless retries freed from cost.
This tour consists of lodge pick-up and drop-off, a educated information, a glacier hike with all needed tools, and a Northern Lights tour. Free WiFi is on the market on board. Not appropriate for kids beneath 8 years, pregnant girls, or folks with mobility impairments.
4. Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Northern Lights 4×4 Tour
Prepared for one more Aurora tour in Iceland that may blow your thoughts? Take a look at this one by Attempt Iceland Excursions, combining the enduring Golden Circle with an exhilarating Northern Lights chase in a rugged 4×4. This ten-hour journey, which prices $213.85 per individual, guarantees each pure wonders and a personalised expertise, restricted to only six members.
Your day begins with a complimentary pickup out of your lodging in Reykjavik. The tour’s first cease is the historic Þingvellir Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website recognized for its distinctive geological formations and historic significance. You’ll then journey to the geothermal space of Geysir, the place you’ll be able to witness the spectacular Strokkur geyser erupting each jiffy.
Subsequent, go to the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, aptly named ‘Golden Falls’ for the golden hue that typically glows in its mist. The ultimate daylight cease is on the lovely Kerið crater lake, fashioned by a volcanic eruption roughly 3,000 years in the past.
As night time falls, the hunt for the Northern Lights begins. Iceland’s distant landscapes supply a number of the greatest probabilities to see this spectacular pure phenomenon. Your information will navigate the 4×4 to the optimum places, away from gentle air pollution, the place the sky is darkest. Deal with your self to scorching drinks whilst you look forward to the auroras to bounce throughout the sky.
This tour consists of round-trip transportation, knowledgeable information, complimentary Wi-Fi on board, and scorching drinks. Meals just isn’t included, so pack some snacks or a meal.
Expertise one of the best of Iceland’s pure magnificence and historic websites through the day, adopted by the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights at night time. That is undoubtedly probably the greatest Iceland northern lights excursions in 2024.
5. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo
Expertise one of the best of Iceland’s pure wonders with this full-day tour combining the enduring Golden Circle and an exciting Northern Lights hunt. Priced at $122.20 per individual, this 9-hour journey by ICELANDIA presents nice worth.
Start your journey with a pickup from Reykjavik’s BSI bus terminal. The primary cease is Þingvellir Nationwide Park, the place you’ll see the assembly level of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Subsequent, head to the Geysir geothermal space to look at the Strokkur geyser erupt, sending boiling water excessive into the air. Then, marvel on the highly effective Gullfoss waterfall, an Iceland gem, the place glacial waters plunge right into a deep canyon.
After exploring the Golden Circle, return to Reykjavik for a brief break. Within the night, the Northern Lights hunt begins. Board a spacious bus and go away town lights behind to hunt out the auroras. Your educated information will take you to one of the best spots based mostly on the newest forecasts, making certain you may have one of the best probability to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. Study in regards to the science behind this pure phenomenon whereas having fun with scorching drinks to maintain heat.
This tour consists of round-trip transportation, knowledgeable information, and a number of stops for aurora viewing and images. Make certain to decorate warmly with a number of layers, as you’ll spend time outside in doubtlessly chilly situations.
6. Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik
Should you’re itching to see the Northern Lights with out spending a fortune, this budget-friendly bus tour from Reykjavik is ideal for you. For simply $66.56 per individual, you’ll get a 4-hour night journey that takes you out of town’s glow and into the guts of the Icelandic countryside to hunt for the Aurora Borealis.
The tour kicks off with a handy pickup from choose motels and bus stops round Reykjavik. As soon as everybody’s aboard, you’ll head away from town lights, guided by an professional who is aware of precisely the place to search out one of the best spots for aurora viewing. Your information will share fascinating tales and scientific insights in regards to the Northern Lights, which is a spotlight for me.
You’ll cease at a number of places, chosen based mostly on real-time meteorological knowledge to provide the greatest shot at seeing the lights. Step off the bus to snap some photographs of the dazzling show. If luck isn’t in your aspect and the lights don’t present, don’t fear—you’ll be able to be part of one other tour at no cost till you lastly catch the spectacle, legitimate for as much as three years.
This tour consists of round-trip transportation, an interesting information, and several other stops for aurora viewing and images. Make certain to bundle up in heat layers and put on sturdy sneakers, as you’ll be spending time outdoors within the chilly Icelandic night time.
7. Golden Circle & Northern Lights Winter Small Group Tour
Embark on a magical journey with Arctic Adventures on this 11-hour tour that mixes one of the best of Iceland’s iconic websites with an exciting Northern Lights hunt. At $204 per individual, it’s a terrific worth for all of the cool sights and landmarks you’ll get to see!
Begin your journey at 1:00 PM with a pickup from Reykjavik. First, discover Þingvellir Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Website the place the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Subsequent, marvel on the Geysir scorching spring space, the place you’ll be able to watch Strokkur geyser erupt each jiffy.
The tour then takes you to the gorgeous Gullfoss waterfall, generally known as the “Golden Waterfall,” the place you’ll be able to seize breathtaking photographs. After visiting these exceptional websites, return to Reykjavik for a dinner break.
Within the night, head out once more for the Northern Lights hunt. Your professional information will discover one of the best spots to witness this pure phenomenon, removed from metropolis lights. Take pleasure in scorching drinks whereas ready for the auroras to bounce throughout the sky. If the lights don’t seem, you’ll be able to be part of one other tour at no cost.
This tour consists of round-trip transportation, licensed guides, and free WiFi on board. Remember to costume warmly and convey sturdy climbing sneakers. Expertise Iceland’s magnificence by day and its enchanting Northern Lights by night time at this one-of-a-kind tour!
8. Akureyri: Northern Lights Images Tour
Escape town lights and embark on a 3-hour Northern Lights Images Tour with Saga Journey. For $144.02 per individual, this tour presents an intimate expertise of considered one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.
After a handy pickup out of your Akureyri lodge, journey into the countryside or up the mountains. The tour is designed to flee the electrical glow of town, offering one of the best situations for viewing the Northern Lights. Guided by knowledgeable, you’ll not solely hunt for the proper photographic moments but in addition immerse your self within the serene great thing about the Arctic night time sky.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are attributable to collisions between particles from the solar and the Earth’s magnetic discipline. This pure gentle present generally is a breathtaking show of inexperienced, yellow, and typically crimson or purple lights dancing throughout the sky.
Your information will assist you to seize these moments, making certain you may have photographs to recollect this once-in-a-lifetime expertise. Benefit from the small group setting, which permits for a extra personalised expertise and the flexibleness to maneuver to one of the best viewing places.
This tour consists of transportation, knowledgeable information, and WiFi onboard. Whereas sightings can’t be assured, Saga Journey presents a singular and memorable strategy to chase the Northern Lights within the quiet, darkish expanses of Iceland’s winter panorama.
9. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Scorching Chocolate
Step into the Icelandic night time on a comfy minibus tour with Take pleasure in Iceland Excursions. For $129.84 per individual, you’ll be a part of a small group journey, good for an intimate Northern Lights expertise.
The journey begins with a pickup out of your Reykjavik lodging. You’ll be whisked away from town lights to the serene countryside. The small group measurement, capped at 19, ensures a reasonably personalised expertise.
As you compromise into the heat of the minibus, your information will share insights in regards to the Northern Lights. When you attain the viewing spot, the true magic begins. Wrapped in heat blankets, take pleasure in scorching chocolate and Icelandic pastries like ‘Kleinur’ or ‘Kanilbollur’ whilst you gaze on the celestial show above.
The tour’s spotlight is, in fact, the Northern Lights. This pure phenomenon, attributable to photo voltaic particles colliding with the Earth’s environment, paints the sky in gorgeous colours. The unpredictability of the lights provides to the fun, and your information will do their greatest to search out the good Northern Lights viewing location.
With each night time’s forecast rigorously monitored, your probabilities of seeing the lights are fairly excessive. Howeer, should you don’t see the northern lights on this tour, they provide a free retry.
This guided tour consists of lodge pickup and drop-off, transport by minibus, a information, scorching chocolate, pastries, and WiFi onboard. Bear in mind to decorate warmly and convey snug sneakers.
10. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour
For a singular Northern Lights expertise, be part of Sea Journeys Reykjavík on a yacht tour from Reykjavik’s Previous Harbor. Priced from $86.41 per individual, this 2-hour cruise combines luxurious and nature’s magnificence.
Hop aboard a smooth yacht, the place you’ll set sail from town’s lights to the darkish, open waters of Faxafloi Bay. As you cruise, the panoramic decks supply spectacular views, good for recognizing the Northern Lights. The yacht’s three decks guarantee everybody has a terrific vantage level to seize the auroras in all their glory.
Choose to remain heat? Head inside to the comfortable bar and lounge space. Right here, you’ll be able to sip on a drink, calm down, and look forward to the sunshine present to start. The yacht offers heat blankets to maintain you comfortable whilst you benefit from the view from outdoors.
This tour presents flexibility with optionally available lodge pickups in Reykjavik. As soon as aboard, the captain and crew will navigate to one of the best spots for viewing the lights, away from metropolis gentle air pollution. Whereas sightings can’t be assured, if the lights don’t seem, you’ll be able to reschedule for one more attempt at no further price.
Don’t overlook to convey your digital camera to seize the colourful greens, pinks, and whites of the auroras. Gown warmly with snug sneakers, and prepare for an unforgettable night on the water.
Be a part of this Northern Lights Yacht Tour for a mix of consolation and journey, and take advantage of Iceland’s pure wonders. That is considered one of my favourite Iceland northern lights excursions, palms down!
11. From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour
Prepared for an unforgettable Icelandic journey? This tour by ICELANDIA is an ideal winter combo, providing a day of leisure on the Blue Lagoon adopted by a night chasing the Northern Lights. For $229, it’s a implausible strategy to expertise two of Iceland’s high sights.
Begin your afternoon with a go to to the enduring Blue Lagoon. Situated amidst a lava discipline, this geothermal spa is understood for its therapeutic waters and surreal panorama. Dive into the nice and cozy, milky-blue waters, apply a silica mud masks, and let the stress soften away. The Consolation Bundle ensures you get a towel, a refreshing drink, and that well-known masks.
After absorbing the tranquility of the Blue Lagoon, you’ll return to Reykjavik with some free time to seize dinner and discover town. As night time falls, the journey continues with a Northern Lights hunt. A brand new and cozy coach with Wi-Fi will take you away from town lights to one of the best spots for aurora viewing, guided by consultants who examine the aurora forecasts meticulously.
This 8-hour tour consists of Blue Lagoon admission, round-trip transfers, a information, and free Wi-Fi on the bus. Simply keep in mind to decorate warmly and be prepared for a day and night time of unimaginable experiences!
Whereas sightings can’t be assured as a result of climate dependency, the tour presents a free ticket to attempt once more should you don’t catch the lights in your first outing.
12. Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
Think about getting into the crisp Icelandic night time, anticipation constructing as you set off on a quest to witness considered one of nature’s most breathtaking shows. This premium Northern Lights tour, priced at $94.92 per individual, presents an intimate expertise with small teams, making it really feel like a non-public journey relatively than a typical tour.
As soon as picked up out of your Reykjavik lodging, you’ll go away town lights behind and head into the darkness. The guides at Northern Lights Bus are seasoned consultants, armed with the newest meteorological knowledge to take you to one of the best spots for aurora sightings. Their enthusiasm and data make the journey as enlightening because the vacation spot.
As you enterprise into the Icelandic countryside, your information will share fascinating tales and information in regards to the Aurora Borealis. You’ll learn the way photo voltaic particles work together with the Earth’s environment to create this mesmerizing spectacle. When the lights do seem, you’ll be prepared along with your digital camera, because of the useful images ideas supplied.
The tour consists of stops at a number of places, supplying you with ample time to seize photographs and soak within the magnificence. Scorching chocolate is served to maintain you heat and comfortable.
The unpredictability of the Northern Lights provides a contact of suspense to the tour. If the lights don’t present, no worries – you’ll be able to be part of one other tour freed from cost inside three years. This dedication ensures you get the expertise you got here for.
Able to chase the lights? This Iceland Aurora tour is a implausible strategy to witness the magic of the Northern Lights in a cushty, small-group setting.
13. Three-Day South Coast Winter Tour with Ice Cave
Expertise Iceland’s gorgeous South Coast on this 3-day winter tour from Reykjavik. At $937, this tour consists of lodging, breakfast, sightseeing, and knowledgeable information. You’ll discover iconic websites like Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss waterfalls, Strokkur Geysir on the Golden Circle, and the black sand seashores of Reynisfjara. As well as, you’ll get to discover an ice collapse Vatnajökull Nationwide Park.
- Day 1 incorporates a go to to the the well-known Golden Circle and go to Kerið Volcanic Crater. The tour covers Þingvellir Nationwide Park, Gullfoss Golden Waterfall, and the Haukadalur Geothermal space, residence to the Strokkur Geyser.
- Day 2 takes you throughout the South Coast of Iceland, beginning with the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the close by hidden waterfall of Gljufrabui. You’ll proceed to Skógafoss waterfall to witness the Skógá River’s highly effective 60-meter drop. The day additionally features a go to to the world-famous Black Sand Seaside of Reynisfjara, with its darkish volcanic sands and dramatic volcanic rock formations.
- On Day 3, you’ll dive deep into Vatnajokull Nationwide Park. You’ll stroll on the shores of the Glacier Lagoon and the ice-scattered Diamond Seaside. The spotlight of the tour is an ice caving expedition.
Transportation is in a cushty minibus, making certain a comfy trip as you’re taking within the winter landscapes. What I like most about this tour is that it pairs epic sightseeing with northern lights alternatives on the lodge each night time. The motels are in a distant space, which provides you with a entrance row seat to see the Aurora!
Continuously requested questions (FAQs) about Iceland’s greatest aurora excursions
Get all of your questions answered about one of the best northern lights journeys in Iceland with our informative FAQs.
What are the highest tour firms for Northern Lights excursions in Iceland?
A number of respected tour firms supply distinctive Northern Lights experiences in Iceland:
- Arctic Adventures: Identified for his or her educated guides and numerous tour choices, together with small group excursions and tremendous jeep adventures.
- Reykjavik Excursions: Provides bus excursions that depart from Reykjavik, offering comfort and luxury.
- Grey Line Iceland: Options Northern Lights excursions with added bonuses, reminiscent of scorching chocolate and Icelandic pastries.
- Superjeep.is: Supplies an intimate expertise with off-road adventures, best for reaching distant viewing spots.
What ought to I put on on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?
Dressing warmly is important for a cushty Northern Lights tour. I like to recommend sporting a number of layers, together with thermal underwear, a heat sweater, and an insulated jacket. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are really useful to guard in opposition to Iceland’s unpredictable climate. Don’t overlook a hat, gloves, a shawl, and heat socks. Sturdy, waterproof boots are additionally essential, as chances are you’ll be strolling on snow or ice.
What are the probabilities of seeing the Northern Lights on a tour?
Whereas seeing the Northern Lights can by no means be assured as a result of their unpredictable nature, tour firms enhance your probabilities by taking you to the absolute best places based mostly on real-time aurora forecasts and climate situations. Many firms additionally supply a free second tour should you don’t see the lights in your first try, bettering your odds.
What forms of Northern Lights excursions can be found in Iceland?
Iceland presents a wide range of Northern Lights excursions to go well with completely different preferences:
- Bus Excursions: Ultimate for these in search of a cushty and inexpensive possibility, departing from main cities like Reykjavik.
- Tremendous Jeep Excursions: Provide a extra adventurous expertise, taking you off-road to much less accessible places with minimal gentle air pollution.
- Boat Excursions: Depart from Reykjavik and supply a singular perspective of the lights from the ocean, away from metropolis lights.
- Personal Excursions: Tailor-made experiences with personalised itineraries, best for small teams or households.
How lengthy do Northern Lights excursions usually final?
Northern Lights excursions normally final between 3 to five hours, relying on the kind of tour and the gap traveled to search out optimum viewing situations. Some prolonged excursions might last more, particularly in the event that they embody extra actions like glacier climbing or geothermal bathing.
What different actions could be mixed with a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?
Many Northern Lights excursions supply the choice to mix with different Icelandic sights:
- Golden Circle Excursions: Go to Þingvellir Nationwide Park, Geysir Geothermal Space, and Gullfoss Waterfall earlier than chasing the lights.
- Blue Lagoon: Chill out within the geothermal spa earlier than heading out for a night tour.
- Ice Caving: Discover gorgeous ice caves through the day and hunt for the aurora at night time.
- Glacier Mountain climbing: Mix an exciting glacier hike with a Northern Lights tour for an unforgettable journey.
