Cozy Northern Lights Tour with Icelandic Treats and Liquor

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights, you might have come across this Cozy Northern Lights Tour offered by Holiday Tours. It’s designed to give travelers a warm, comfortable way to chase the aurora with the help of experienced guides, some local treats, and the convenience of hotel pickup.

What we like about this tour is its focus on making the experience intimate and personal. With a maximum group size of 19, it aims to avoid big crowds, which can be a real plus in popular Northern Lights hunting spots. Plus, the inclusion of hot chocolate and Icelandic Kleina (a sweet pastry) helps keep everyone cozy as you wait under the night sky. Another highlight? The guides are seasoned and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the science behind the aurora.

However, no tour can guarantee you’ll see the lights. Some reviews note that the aurora’s appearance depends heavily on weather and solar activity, which are beyond anyone’s control. The experience is best suited for those who want a guided, relaxed outing rather than a high-stakes chase for the Northern Lights.

This tour is a good fit if you’re after a comfortable, informative, and social way to try to see the aurora, especially if you’re not keen on venturing out alone in the cold. Now, let’s take a detailed look at what makes this experience worth considering—or not.

Key Points

• Maximized chances of seeing the Aurora with an experienced guide
• Comfort focused: hotel pickup, blankets, hot drinks, and Icelandic treats
• Small group size creates a more personal experience
• Flexible location seeking darker spots away from city lights
• Weather-dependent: no guarantee of Northern Lights, as with all aurora tours
• Pricing around $103 for about 4 hours of hunting and comfort

What to Expect on the Tour

This tour generally kicks off around 9:30 pm, right when the skies are typically dark enough for aurora spotting. The experience begins with convenient pickup from your Reykjavik hotel—no fuss about finding meeting points or navigating the city at night. Once aboard, your journey takes you out of town to darker areas with better chances of viewing the Northern Lights.

The Route and Stops

The actual locations vary depending on weather conditions and aurora forecasts, but the goal is always to find a spot with clear, dark skies. Guides are advised to seek out places where crowds are minimal, so you’re not peering at the sky amid city glow or foggy streetlights. This is a big plus, as it often results in a more peaceful, less crowded experience.

The Comforts

A key part of the appeal is the warmth and coziness. The bus or minibus comes equipped with warm blankets, which your guides encourage you to use while waiting for the aurora to appear. This is especially important in Iceland’s chilly winter nights. Meanwhile, hot chocolate and a traditional Icelandic pastry called Kleina are served to keep your spirits warm and your stomachs full. It’s a small gesture but one that adds to the overall experience, making waiting less tiresome.

Learning and Photography

The guides are knowledgeable and willing to share insights about the science behind the aurora borealis, helping you understand what you’re hoping to see. Several reviews mention guides being very informative, with one, Thomas, praised for his generous information and ability to help with phone settings for photos.

When the lights do start to dance, you’ll have the chance to jump out of the vehicle, set up your camera, and snap some shots. Guides often assist with camera settings, which can be crucial given how faint the aurora sometimes appears to the naked eye.

The Reality of Aurora Hunting

Seeing the Northern Lights is never a guaranteed event. Many travelers have had to wait patiently, sometimes for hours, as the aurora depends on solar activity and clear skies. A few reviews mention that despite spending four hours outside, the lights were faint or not visible at all—an unavoidable risk with this natural phenomenon.

Some reviewers appreciated the honesty, noting that they got lucky after multiple reschedules or cancellations. Others found the waiting challenging, especially if the weather was not cooperative or if the aurora was only faint when it appeared. For example, one traveler mentioned that “you definitely need a good camera to capture them”, as the naked eye sometimes struggles to see the faint glow.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, making the experience enjoyable even when the lights weren’t visible. One reviewer called Simon “the absolute best,” and others appreciated the guides’ efforts to find the best spots and teach about the lights.

On the downside, some mentioned the cold—despite blankets—and the challenge of returning late at night, especially for those without hotel pickup. One traveler felt that the hot chocolate and pastry were nice touches but insufficient compensation for the freezing temperatures and the wait.

Is It Worth the Price?

At around $103 for roughly four hours, this tour offers a lot of value in terms of comfort, expert guidance, and the chance to see the Aurora in a relaxed setting. The small group size enhances the personal feel, and the inclusion of Icelandic treats adds a special local touch.

However, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights tours are inherently unpredictable. The price reflects not just the transportation but also the guides’ expertise, the effort to find dark skies, and the added comforts. If your main goal is a relaxed, social, and informative experience rather than a guaranteed sighting, this tour fits well.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for travelers who prefer a more comfortable and less stressful way to chase the aurora. If you’re worried about the cold, don’t want to venture into remote spots alone, or simply enjoy having a guide to tell you about what you’re seeing, this will check those boxes.

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with friends or a small group and want a personal experience. Keep in mind that if you’re eager to see the Northern Lights at all costs, you should be prepared for the possibility of no show—like with any aurora tour.

The Bottom Line

In all, this Cozy Northern Lights Tour offers a well-rounded, comfortable way to experience one of Iceland’s most magical natural phenomena. The combination of expert guides, small group intimacy, and Icelandic treats makes it stand out from more rushed or crowded options. While no one can control the weather or solar activity, the tour’s focus on education, comfort, and local charm makes it a solid choice for many travelers.

If you’re after a relaxed, friendly, and knowledgeable approach to Aurora hunting—especially if you’re willing to wait patiently—this tour might be just what you need. For those who want a guaranteed sighting, it’s worth remembering that nature doesn’t always cooperate, but in Iceland, the journey is often just as memorable as the lights themselves.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Reykjavik hotel, making it very convenient, especially in the late evening.

How long does the tour last? Approximately 4 hours, starting around 9:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to wait for the lights.

What’s included in the price? The price includes transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, hot chocolate, Icelandic Kleina, blankets, and guidance from knowledgeable guides.

Can I see the Northern Lights with my naked eye? Sometimes. Several reviews mention that the lights can be faint, and good photography often requires a camera with night mode or manual settings.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor or the clouds are too thick, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, so check with the provider if you have young children.

What should I wear? Dress warmly in layers, as Icelandic nights can be very cold, especially during winter months.

All in all, this tour offers a cozy, guided approach to chasing the Northern Lights, balancing comfort with a decent chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows. Just come prepared for the possibility of waiting in the cold—sometimes, patience is the key to seeing the lights.