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Uncover the very best Northern Lights excursions in Iceland with my prime picks. Get able to witness the breathtaking dance of the Aurora Borealis!
Yearly, I pack my baggage and head to Iceland, a spot that has grow to be my second house. For almost a decade, I’ve chased the Northern Lights throughout this gorgeous island, making the journey greater than ten occasions. It’s a practice that by no means loses its marvel, and I’m excited to share my ardour with you!
You would possibly marvel, 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 essentially 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 via Could!). I’ll take you thru excursions providing epic views, from the consolation of a luxurious bus to the joys of a snowmobile journey.
Prepared to find the very 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 little thing in relation to witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland. Through the years, I’ve found that the lights start to bop in mid-September, however the actual spectacle normally unfolds from October to March. That is when the nights are longest and darkest, providing essentially 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 improper with these darkish, chilly nights within the winter. The Northern Lights will likely 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
Annually could be barely totally 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 at all times 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 finest time to see the Aurora Borealis attributable to elevated photo voltaic storm exercise. So there’s by no means been a greater time to ebook that journey to Iceland!
The Greatest Iceland Northern Lights Excursions in 2024
Able to plan your journey round the very best Northern Lights views? Let’s take 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 rest, priced at $293.50 per particular person.
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 rest 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 contains resort pickup and drop-off, transportation with Wi-Fi and USB chargers on board, a educated information, and entrance tickets to all sights. Meals and suggestions are usually not included, and the tour just isn’t appropriate for youngsters beneath 14 years. If the Northern Lights are usually not seen, you’ll be able to be part of one other Northern Lights bus tour without 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 particular person, and presents a mix of cultural enjoyable and gorgeous pure magnificence, multi function 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 deliver many years of expertise to find the Northern Lights. Their experience ensures you might have the very best likelihood 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 images beneath the Northern Lights. An expert photographer is 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 dimension (most 16 folks) permits for a customized 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 contains resort pickup and drop-off, a information and photographer, use of Viking costumes and weapons, scorching chocolate, and cookies. Be certain to deliver heat clothes to remain comfy through the evening. This tour just isn’t appropriate for youngsters 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 exhilarating glacier hike and a magical Northern Lights hunt. This final Iceland bucket listing tour is priced at $245.50 per particular person, 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 concerning the glacier.
Go to the enduring Reynisfjara black sand seaside, 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 via 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 possibilities of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Take pleasure in scorching chocolate and cookies whereas ready for the lights. If the Northern Lights are usually not seen, Arctic Adventures presents limitless retries freed from cost.
This tour contains resort pick-up and drop-off, a educated information, a glacier hike with all essential gear, and a Northern Lights tour. Free WiFi is offered on board. Not appropriate for youngsters beneath 8 years, pregnant ladies, or folks with mobility impairments.
4. Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Northern Lights 4×4 Tour
Prepared for an additional Aurora tour in Iceland that may blow your thoughts? Try 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 particular person, guarantees each pure wonders and a customized expertise, restricted to simply six individuals.
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 generally glows in its mist. The ultimate daylight cease is on the stunning Kerið crater lake, shaped by a volcanic eruption roughly 3,000 years in the past.
As evening falls, the hunt for the Northern Lights begins. Iceland’s distant landscapes provide a few of the finest probabilities to see this spectacular pure phenomenon. Your information will navigate the 4×4 to the optimum places, away from mild air pollution, the place the sky is darkest. Deal with your self to scorching drinks whilst you await the auroras to bop throughout the sky.
This tour contains 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 the very best of Iceland’s pure magnificence and historic websites through the day, adopted by the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights at evening. That is positively probably the greatest Iceland northern lights excursions in 2024.
5. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo
Expertise the very best of Iceland’s pure wonders with this full-day tour combining the enduring Golden Circle and an exhilarating Northern Lights hunt. Priced at $122.20 per particular person, 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 depart the town lights behind to hunt out the auroras. Your educated information will take you to the very best spots based mostly on the most recent forecasts, making certain you might have the very best likelihood to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. Study concerning the science behind this pure phenomenon whereas having fun with scorching drinks to maintain heat.
This tour contains round-trip transportation, knowledgeable information, and a number of stops for aurora viewing and images. Be certain to decorate warmly with a number of layers, as you’ll spend time open air in probably 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 particular person, you’ll get a 4-hour night journey that takes you out of the town’s glow and into the center of the Icelandic countryside to hunt for the Aurora Borealis.
The tour kicks off with a handy pickup from choose accommodations and bus stops round Reykjavik. As soon as everybody’s aboard, you’ll head away from the town lights, guided by an professional who is aware of precisely the place to search out the very best spots for aurora viewing. Your information will share fascinating tales and scientific insights concerning the Northern Lights, which is a spotlight for me.
You’ll cease at a number of places, chosen based mostly on real-time meteorological information to provide the finest shot at seeing the lights. Step off the bus to snap some images 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 without cost till you lastly catch the spectacle, legitimate for as much as three years.
This tour contains round-trip transportation, an enticing information, and several other stops for aurora viewing and images. Be certain to bundle up in heat layers and put on sturdy footwear, as you’ll be spending time outdoors within the chilly Icelandic evening.
7. Golden Circle & Northern Lights Winter Small Group Tour
Embark on a magical journey with Arctic Adventures on this 11-hour tour that mixes the very best of Iceland’s iconic websites with an exhilarating Northern Lights hunt. At $204 per particular person, it’s a fantastic 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, often called the “Golden Waterfall,” the place you’ll be able to seize breathtaking images. 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 the very best spots to witness this pure phenomenon, removed from metropolis lights. Take pleasure in scorching drinks whereas ready for the auroras to bop throughout the sky. If the lights don’t seem, you’ll be able to be part of one other tour without cost.
This tour contains round-trip transportation, licensed guides, and free WiFi on board. You’ll want to costume warmly and convey sturdy mountain climbing footwear. Expertise Iceland’s magnificence by day and its enchanting Northern Lights by evening at this one-of-a-kind tour!
8. Akureyri: Northern Lights Images Tour
Escape the town lights and embark on a 3-hour Northern Lights Images Tour with Saga Journey. For $144.02 per particular person, this tour presents an intimate expertise of considered one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.
After a handy pickup out of your Akureyri resort, journey into the countryside or up the mountains. The tour is designed to flee the electrical glow of the town, offering the very 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 evening sky.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are attributable to collisions between particles from the solar and the Earth’s magnetic subject. This pure mild present could be a breathtaking show of inexperienced, yellow, and generally purple or purple lights dancing throughout the sky.
Your information will make it easier to seize these moments, making certain you might have images 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 the very best viewing places.
This tour contains 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 Sizzling Chocolate
Step into the Icelandic evening on a comfortable minibus tour with Take pleasure in Iceland Excursions. For $129.84 per particular person, you’ll be a part of a small group journey, excellent for an intimate Northern Lights expertise.
The journey begins with a pickup out of your Reykjavik lodging. You’ll be whisked away from the town lights to the serene countryside. The small group dimension, capped at 19, ensures a reasonably personalised expertise.
As you agree into the heat of the minibus, your information will share insights concerning the Northern Lights. When you attain the viewing spot, the actual 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 ambiance, paints the sky in gorgeous colours. The unpredictability of the lights provides to the joys, and your information will do their finest to search out the excellent Northern Lights viewing location.
With each evening’s forecast fastidiously monitored, your possibilities of seeing the lights are fairly excessive. Howeer, when you don’t see the northern lights on this tour, they provide a free retry.
This guided tour contains resort pickup and drop-off, transport by minibus, a information, scorching chocolate, pastries, and WiFi onboard. Keep in mind to decorate warmly and convey comfy footwear.
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 Outdated Harbor. Priced from $86.41 per particular person, this 2-hour cruise combines luxurious and nature’s magnificence.
Hop aboard a modern yacht, the place you’ll set sail from the town’s lights to the darkish, open waters of Faxafloi Bay. As you cruise, the panoramic decks provide spectacular views, excellent for recognizing the Northern Lights. The yacht’s three decks guarantee everybody has a fantastic vantage level to seize the auroras in all their glory.
Favor to remain heat? Head inside to the comfy bar and lounge space. Right here, you’ll be able to sip on a drink, chill out, and await the sunshine present to start. The yacht supplies heat blankets to maintain you comfortable whilst you benefit from the view from outdoors.
This tour presents flexibility with non-obligatory resort pickups in Reykjavik. As soon as aboard, the captain and crew will navigate to the very best spots for viewing the lights, away from metropolis mild air pollution. Whereas sightings can’t be assured, if the lights don’t seem, you’ll be able to reschedule for an additional attempt at no further value.
Don’t neglect to deliver your digicam to seize the colourful greens, pinks, and whites of the auroras. Costume warmly with comfy footwear, and prepare for an unforgettable night on the water.
Be part of this Northern Lights Yacht Tour for a mix of consolation and journey, and profit from 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 rest 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 prime sights.
Begin your afternoon with a go to to the enduring Blue Lagoon. Situated amidst a lava subject, this geothermal spa is thought 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 Package deal 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 the town. As evening falls, the journey continues with a Northern Lights hunt. A brand new and cozy coach with Wi-Fi will take you away from the town lights to the very best spots for aurora viewing, guided by specialists who research the aurora forecasts meticulously.
This 8-hour tour contains 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 evening of unimaginable experiences!
Whereas sightings can’t be assured attributable to climate dependency, the tour presents a free ticket to attempt once more when you don’t catch the lights in your first outing.
12. Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
Think about moving into the crisp Icelandic evening, 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 particular person, presents an intimate expertise with small teams, making it really feel like a personal journey moderately than a typical tour.
As soon as picked up out of your Reykjavik lodging, you’ll depart the town lights behind and head into the darkness. The guides at Northern Lights Bus are seasoned specialists, armed with the most recent meteorological information to take you to the very 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 concerning the Aurora Borealis. You’ll find out how photo voltaic particles work together with the Earth’s ambiance to create this mesmerizing spectacle. When the lights do seem, you’ll be prepared together with your digicam, due to the useful images suggestions offered.
The tour contains stops at a number of places, providing you with ample time to seize images and soak within the magnificence. Sizzling 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 snug, 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 contains 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 includes 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, house 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 Seashore 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 Seashore. The spotlight of the tour is an ice caving expedition.
Transportation is in a snug minibus, making certain a comfortable experience 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 resort each evening. The accommodations are in a distant space, which will provide you with a entrance row seat to see the Aurora!
Regularly requested questions (FAQs) about Iceland’s finest aurora excursions
Get all of your questions answered about the very 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 provide distinctive Northern Lights experiences in Iceland:
- Arctic Adventures: Recognized for his or her educated guides and numerous tour choices, together with small group excursions and tremendous jeep adventures.
- Reykjavik Excursions: Presents bus excursions that depart from Reykjavik, offering comfort and luxury.
- Grey Line Iceland: Options Northern Lights excursions with added bonuses, similar to scorching chocolate and Icelandic pastries.
- Superjeep.is: Supplies an intimate expertise with off-road adventures, excellent for reaching distant viewing spots.
What ought to I put on on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?
Dressing warmly is important for a snug 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 towards Iceland’s unpredictable climate. Don’t neglect a hat, gloves, a shawl, and heat socks. Sturdy, waterproof boots are additionally essential, as it’s possible you’ll be strolling on snow or ice.
What are the possibilities of seeing the Northern Lights on a tour?
Whereas seeing the Northern Lights can by no means be assured attributable to 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 provide a free second tour when you don’t see the lights in your first try, enhancing your odds.
What sorts of Northern Lights excursions can be found in Iceland?
Iceland presents quite a lot of Northern Lights excursions to go well with totally different preferences:
- Bus Excursions: Ultimate for these searching for a snug 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 mild 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, excellent 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 further actions like glacier mountain climbing or geothermal bathing.
What different actions could be mixed with a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?
Many Northern Lights excursions provide 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: Calm down 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 evening.
- Glacier Mountaineering: Mix an exhilarating glacier hike with a Northern Lights tour for an unforgettable journey.
