Akureyri: Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and dreaming of seeing those iconic Northern Lights, you’ll want to know what this Akureyri: Hunt for the Northern Lights Photography Tour offers. While no tour can guarantee a sighting—since Aurora Borealis depends heavily on weather and solar activity—this experience provides a good shot at catching the sky’s most elusive dance.

What we genuinely like about this tour is its focus on getting away from city lights to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, plus the opportunity to learn how to photograph this natural wonder. On the flip side, the weather can be a real wildcard, and if clouds roll in, you might spend hours out without a visible display. Still, if you’re the kind of traveler who loves stargazing, learning about the night sky, and doesn’t mind a bit of luck, this could be a fitting choice.

This experience suits those who enjoy nature, are prepared for Iceland’s chill, and are eager to improve their night photography skills. It’s less about luxury and more about the adventure of chasing the aurora on a clear night.

Key Points

• Best for photography and stargazing enthusiasts eager to learn tips from guides.
• Weather-dependent experience — good weather increases your chances of seeing the lights.
• Out-of-town location ensures minimal light pollution for optimal views.
• Flexible booking policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Includes hotel pickup—making it easier to get out into the dark sky.
• Tour size is not specified but likely small, given the nature of the activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect

Getting Out of the Light Pollution

The tour kicks off around 9:30 pm from the KEA Hotel Hafnarstræti 87-89. The guides pick you up, or you can meet directly at the designated spot. From there, it’s about escaping the bright, residential lights of Akureyri to find a darker place with a better view of the sky. Expect a drive that lasts a while—possibly several hours—especially if the guides are searching for the clearest skies.

The Journey and the Scenery

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on scenic locations around Lake Mývatn. These areas are chosen based on current weather conditions and Aurora forecasts, which means the guides actively seek the best spots for sky views. The journey itself can be quite scenic, and many travelers find the night drive part of the fun, especially if the weather is clear.

The Northern Lights and Stargazing

Once in a suitable spot, you’ll get the chance to see the Northern Lights if conditions permit. It’s worth noting that Aurora sightings are never guaranteed but depend on solar activity and sky clarity. Some nights might be clouded over, as one reviewer shared—“Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see any Northern Lights due to the weather conditions.” Still, the guide’s effort and local knowledge improve your odds.

Even if the aurora doesn’t appear, you’ll be treated to billions of stars, and you might get a glimpse of the Milky Way if luck is on your side. Guides often give tips on spotting the Aurora and help with night photography, which many travelers appreciate.

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Photography and Learning Tips

This tour emphasizes photography—a great feature if you want to capture the Northern Lights or the starry sky. The guides provide helpful pointers for taking better photos, which can be invaluable for amateurs or those new to night photography. Many guests mention their guides’ friendly demeanor and engaging explanations, making the experience more memorable.

The Practicalities

Duration and Timing

The entire adventure lasts around 2.5 hours, with departures at 9:30 pm, but this can vary based on weather. It’s a relatively short window but enough time to venture out, find a good viewing spot, and hopefully catch some aurora activity.

Price and Value

At $132 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest in Iceland, but it includes hotel pickup and guidance, which adds convenience, especially in a dark and cold environment. Keep in mind, since Northern Lights are unpredictable, the value depends on weather and solar activity. If conditions are unfavorable, you’ll be offered a free rebooking—a thoughtful policy that reduces your risk.

Weather and Clothing

You’ll want to dress warmly—think layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof shoes—since you’ll be waiting outside in the chill, often for extended periods. The tour operators advise bringing weather-appropriate clothing, water, and a camera, making sure you’re prepared for Iceland’s often unpredictable climate.

Cancellation and Flexibility

The tour boasts a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve with the option to pay later, adding flexibility to your travel plans. Remember, the tour can be canceled last minute if weather conditions are poor, so always confirm with the operator after 6 PM on the day of your booking.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews paint a realistic picture. One traveler, EVA, shared, “We didn’t see the Northern Lights because of cloud cover, but the guide was very friendly and drove around for hours trying to find clear skies.” That’s typical of the unpredictable nature of Aurora hunting.

Another guest, Sandra, raved about the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, saying, “Jong was driving around trying to find a clear sky full of stars, and he explained everything about the lights while helping with photos. That made the night special.”

A third reviewer appreciated the engaging explanations and the effort the guides put into making the experience memorable, even if the sky didn’t cooperate.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re excited about stargazing and photographing the Northern Lights, and are prepared for the element of chance, this tour offers a very good opportunity. The guides’ local knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile stand out, especially if the weather cooperates.

However, if your main goal is to guarantee seeing the Aurora, keep in mind that weather conditions are out of the tour’s control—and no experience can promise sightings. Still, the chance to escape light pollution and learn about the night sky makes it a worthwhile outing.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind waiting out the weather and enjoy the experience of venturing into Iceland’s wilderness under a starry sky.

FAQ: Your Northern Lights Tour Questions Answered

• What time does the tour start?
  Usually at 9:30 pm, but check availability to confirm starting times.

• Where does the tour depart from?
  From KEA Hotel Hafnarstræti 87-89, with optional hotel pickup.

• Is the tour suitable for families?
  The tour is mainly outdoors in cold conditions, so suitable for older children who can handle the weather.

• What should I bring?
  Dress warmly—layers, hat, gloves, warm shoes—and bring your camera and water.

• Can I cancel?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What if we don’t see the Northern Lights?
  You’ll be offered a free rebooking, so the experience isn’t lost if the sky stays cloudy.

• How long is the tour?
  Around 2.5 hours, with flexibility depending on conditions.

• Is hotel pickup included?
  Yes, unless you choose to meet at the meeting point.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The operator will decide by about 6 PM if the tour can go ahead, based on weather forecasts.

• Will I see the Milky Way?
  If conditions permit, you might catch a glimpse of the Milky Way along with the Aurora.

In the end, this Northern Lights tour around Akureyri offers a solid chance to enjoy Iceland’s night sky without the city glow, combined with helpful guides and photo tips. While the weather can be unpredictable, the experience of venturing into the dark to chase the aurora is genuinely rewarding for those who love a bit of adventure and natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: