Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland during winter, chasing the Northern Lights is probably high on your list—and for good reason. This Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik offers a cozy, guided way to try and catch this elusive spectacle. We’ve looked into what this experience delivers, and here’s the scoop to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

One of the things we really like about this tour is the personalized experience—it’s small-group, which means more individual attention from your guides. Plus, the hot chocolate and warm bus environment sound like a simple but much-appreciated touch when battling the cold. On the flip side, a consideration is that Aurora sightings are not guaranteed, which is true of any Northern Lights tour, but this company offers a free retry if you don’t see them the first time.

This tour is probably best suited for travelers who want a reliable, guided experience rather than going it alone in the wild. If you’re okay with the possibility of clouds or no show, but want a comfortable, well-organized way to spend an evening hunting the lights, this could be a good choice.

Key Points

• Small group size provides more personalized attention from guides.
• Free retry tour if you don’t see the Northern Lights on your first attempt.
• Weather-dependent experience, so sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• Comfortable transportation with a cozy bus, hot chocolate, and warm gear.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Pricing around $106 per person offers good value for a premium experience in prime viewing conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Northern Lights Tour

This isn’t just about sitting in a bus and hoping for the best. It’s a guided quest that combines education, comfort, and flexibility. The tour typically lasts around 4 hours, with various pickup times depending on availability. You’ll be picked up from hotels and bus stops in Reykjavik, and the journey begins in the evening when darkness falls—prime time for the Aurora Borealis.

The guides will share fascinating facts about what causes the Northern Lights, explaining how particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere. This knowledge enriches the experience, especially if you’re curious about the science behind this natural wonder. They will take you to areas selected for their minimal artificial light pollution, increasing your chances of a clear view.

Since the locations visited vary, you might find yourself in different spots each night, depending on where meteorologists predict the best viewing conditions. The tours are weather-dependent, which is a common theme in Aurora hunting—cloud cover, snow, or wind can all affect the visibility. That’s why the operator offers a free retry within three years, which many reviews highlight as a real plus.

Stops for photos are included, so you’ll have chances to capture the display—an important feature for many visitors. And if you’re worried about missing out, the option to join a Northern Lights bus tour free of charge if you don’t see the lights initially, offers peace of mind.

Transportation and Group Size

The transport is a comfortable, modern bus, and the small group size—usually fewer people—means more space and better chances to move around or chat with your guide. From reviews, guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, often going above and beyond to ensure everyone has a great experience.

Picking up from hotels or bus stops can take up to 30 minutes, so punctuality is helpful. The journey is part of the experience, as you travel away from the city’s glow, into darker, clearer skies.

Price and Value

At about $106 per person, this tour falls into the more premium price range for Northern Lights excursions, but reviews suggest the value is there. The small-group setting, hot chocolate, knowledgeable guides, and free retry policy add up to a well-rounded experience, especially considering the effort guides make to find the best spots. For travelers who seek a more personal, guided hunt rather than a large bus tour, this price point seems fair.

Some reviews mention that this experience is worth the extra money, thanks to its comfortable transport and focused approach. Others highlight the hot chocolate and photos as small touches that make the experience memorable.

The Experience in Practice

What really sets this tour apart is the dedication of the guides. Multiple reviews mention guides like Roman, Mikael, John, and Axel, who are praised for their vigilance, knowledge, and enthusiasm. They keep looking for clear skies and better locations, often moving multiple times to improve the chances of seeing the lights. One reviewer described the guide as a “Northern Lights whisperer,” which is a charming way to put it.

The hot chocolate and Icelandic chocolates are small touches that comfort you during long, cold waits. Reviewers frequently talk about these extras, along with the professional photos some guides take—helpful if you want to remember the experience without the hassle of camera settings in the dark.

However, as with any Aurora tour, seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed. Cloud cover, weather conditions, and solar activity all play roles. Many reviews reflect this reality but appreciate that the company is responsive and offers a free second chance. Several travelers mention going on different nights, with some lucky enough to see stunning displays on their second try after a first night with no sighting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Location and Stops

The tour doesn’t stick to a single spot. Instead, it involves moving to locations with the highest chance of clear skies, which can vary depending on the weather. This flexibility is crucial, especially in Iceland’s unpredictable winter weather.

Locations visited are chosen based on meteorological predictions and real-time conditions, meaning your guides are actively working to get you the best view possible. You might find yourself on the coast, in open fields, or away from city lights—each setting offering unique photo opportunities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is great if you value guided expertise and a small-group environment. It suits travelers who don’t mind the possibility of no sighting but want a comfortable, well-organized way to experience the Northern Lights. If you’re traveling with children over 8 and are prepared for cold weather, it can be suitable, but keep in mind the tour can be tiring and weather-dependent.

It’s also ideal for those who want peace of mind, knowing they can rebook within three years if they don’t see the aurora on their first try. If you’re someone who appreciates hot chocolate, professional photos, and a guide’s knowledge about the science behind the Aurora, this tour ticks those boxes.

The Sum Up

For anyone seeking a personalized, reliable way to try and see the Northern Lights in Iceland, this tour offers a lot. Its small-group setting makes it more intimate, and the hot chocolate, guidance, and free retry options add value that many larger tours can’t match. It’s a good pick for travelers who want a balanced mix of comfort, education, and adventure.

That said, it’s important to remember that nature is unpredictable—no tour can guarantee a sighting. But with guides who are committed, knowledgeable, and persistent, your chances are as good as they get. If you’re okay with the possibility of cloud cover or no show and want a well-organized, friendly experience with a focus on quality, this tour could be just right.

Ultimately, if you’re after a memorable, guided hunt for the Northern Lights with a solid safety net, this tour is worth considering. Just dress warmly, bring your patience, and keep your fingers crossed for a magical display overhead.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for children over 8 years old, as the tour can be tiring and cold for younger kids. The experience involves being outdoors in winter weather, so be prepared.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
You’re entitled to join a free retry tour within three years, which many reviews highlight as a great way to maximize your chances without additional cost.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is around 4 hours, with pickup times depending on availability. This makes it a manageable evening activity.

Are meals or dinner included?
No, but refreshments like hot chocolate and Icelandic chocolates are provided during the tour to keep you warm and happy.

What should I wear?
Dress weatherproof and warm clothing, including layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear. The guides advise bringing suitable clothing to stay comfortable during the outdoor stops.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, the stops are planned for you to take photographs of the Aurora if it appears. Some guides even help with camera settings or take photos for you.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Absolutely. Cloud cover, snow, and other weather conditions can affect visibility. The guides monitor weather predictions and will move to locations with the best chances, but sightings are never guaranteed.

If you’re after a friendly, guided chase with a good shot at seeing the Northern Lights, this tour seems to balance comfort, expertise, and flexibility pretty well. Just be ready for cold weather, stay patient, and enjoy the adventure when those lights finally dance overhead.

You can check availability for your dates here: