From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing the elusive dance of the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik might be on your radar. Offered by ICELANDIA, this guided trip promises the chance to see the Aurora in its full glory, with the option to rejoin if luck isn’t on your side the first time. It’s a popular pick among travelers eager to tick off this bucket-list phenomenon, but like all natural wonders, it’s unpredictable.

What’s great about this tour? First, it’s relatively affordable at $69 per person, and it includes a guided experience with an expert who shares insights and stories along the way. Second, the option to rebook for free if the lights don’t show up on your first try provides some peace of mind. But, of course, there’s a catch — seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, since their appearance depends on weather conditions and solar activity.

This tour suits those who are flexible, patient, and ready to brave the cold for a glimpse of one of nature’s most stunning displays. If you’re pressed for time or expecting a guaranteed show, this might not be the perfect fit. However, if you’re open to a bit of luck and love the idea of a guided adventure in the dark Icelandic night, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for many travelers.
• Flexible rebooking policy offers a second chance if the Aurora doesn’t appear initially.
• Expert guides enrich the experience with local knowledge and stories.
• Unpredictable sightings mean patience and good weather are essential.
• Comfortable transportation and options like Wi-Fi on the bus add convenience.
• Dress warmly — layers and proper footwear are crucial for outdoor viewing in Iceland’s cold nights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Reykjavik Northern Lights Tour

This 3-4 hour guided excursion from Reykjavik is designed to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis while providing a comfortable, engaging experience. The tour departs from the BSI bus terminal, and you’ll be picked up or meet at this familiar spot, ready for your night-time adventure.

The experience starts with a bus ride into the countryside or other strategic locations, chosen based on weather conditions and Aurora forecasts. The guide will share stories, facts, and tips, helping you understand what you’re seeing and how to capture it on camera. Most of the journey revolves around finding a suitable dark spot with clear skies — the key to Aurora viewing.

The Locations

The exact locations visited depend on the weather and Aurora forecast on the night of your tour. This flexibility is both a strength and a potential frustration. The guide will choose the best spot available, often away from light pollution, to give you the best chance to see the dancing lights. Reviews mention that some guests ended up in the perfect spot, with lights lingering for over 30 minutes, creating breathtaking scenes.

The Experience on the Night

Once at the chosen spot, the real magic begins. If the Aurora appears, it lights up the sky with vibrant colors—greens, pinks, purples—moving and shimmering in ways that words can hardly do justice. Several reviews highlight how spectacular these moments can be, with some lucky travelers witnessing hours of Aurora activity, or even experiencing what one reviewer called “an experience of a lifetime.”

However, the tour isn’t just about the lights. Expect long periods outdoors in very cold conditions, especially in winter. Dress in multiple warm layers and wear comfortable, insulated shoes. Some guests mention that the experience can be very cold, but the occasional hot beverage or freshly baked waffles available at some sites help make it more bearable.

Guides and Group Size

The guide’s role is vital. Many reviews praise guides like Alex, Birta, Thor, and Daisy for being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and helpful. They’ll give tips on camera settings and share stories to keep the group entertained. The group sizes vary, but large buses are common, which means you’re sharing the experience with fellow travelers, sometimes quite a few.

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Snacks, Comforts, and Extras

While refreshments are not included, some tours offer hot drinks or baked goods for purchase, making waiting outdoors a bit easier. A notable perk is the Wi-Fi on the bus, allowing you to share your photos or check updates in real time.

How Good Is the Value?

At $69, this tour offers a decent price for what it promises—a guided night under the Arctic sky with a chance at seeing the Northern Lights. The rebooking policy is a real bonus, especially since Aurora sightings depend heavily on luck. Many reviews note that the guides are helpful and responsive, and some even mention that they saw the lights after multiple attempts.

That said, because sightings are not guaranteed, the value hinges on your flexibility and expectations. If you’re okay with a bit of uncertainty and want the comfort of a guided trip, this tour can be quite rewarding. If seeing the Aurora is your only goal, keep in mind that weather and solar activity play big roles in the outcome.

The Experience: An Honest Breakdown

The journey begins at the BSI bus terminal, where the bus departs in the early evening. The ride into the countryside can take about an hour or more, depending on conditions. The guides use their knowledge and weather updates to pick the best viewing spot — sometimes a remote field, other times a quiet area away from city lights.

What we loved was the personal stories and explanations from the guides, which brought a local flavor to the night. Several guests shared that their guides went beyond expectations, with one guide even singing an Icelandic song, adding fun and personality to the trip.

The outdoor part is where patience really pays off. You’ll spend considerable time outside, bundled up and gazing at the sky, waiting for the lights to appear. Many reviewers mention standing in the cold for long periods, but also describe the moment they finally saw the Aurora as breathtaking. Some lucky travelers saw hours of dancing lights, while others only glimpsed faint movements, which is entirely normal.

The Not-So-Great Bits

The main drawback is that the Aurora is unpredictable. Several reviews recount that the lights didn’t appear on the first night but were seen on a second attempt, free of charge. Weather plays a huge role—cloud cover, wind, or snow can obscure the view, regardless of how good the guides are.

Plus, because the tour is quite flexible and moves around based on conditions, some might feel the experience is a bit variable. The group size can be large, and the outdoor waiting can be taxing in severe cold. There’s also the element of luck — if nature doesn’t cooperate, you might not see the Aurora at all, but at least you’ll get a second chance.

Practical Tips

• Dress very warmly — layers, insulated gloves, hats, and waterproof shoes are a must.
• Bring a camera and tripod — guides often offer tips on exposure settings.
• Be patient — the Aurora can appear late in the night or stay hidden altogether.
• Check your emails before the tour for any updates or changes due to weather.
• Arrive 30 minutes early at the meeting point for a smooth start.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after a budget-friendly, guided experience with the option to try again if the Northern Lights don’t show on the first night, this tour offers a lot. The expert guides and flexible locations increase your chances, and many travelers have had truly memorable experiences. The price point is fair, especially considering the chance to rebook for free — a feature many reviews appreciate.

However, keep expectations realistic. The Aurora is elusive by nature, and no tour can promise a sighting every night. If you’re okay with this uncertainty and are prepared for outdoor cold nights, this trip could be a highlight of your Iceland adventure.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy guided tours, don’t mind waiting outdoors, and are looking for a cost-effective way to see one of Iceland’s most famous natural phenomena. It’s less about luxury and more about shared adventure and the hope of witnessing one of the sky’s greatest shows.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on conditions and the timing of Aurora sightings.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik, with options for pickup. Be ready 30 minutes prior.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The tour offers a rebooking option if you don’t see the Aurora the first time.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in multiple layers, wear comfortable shoes, and consider bringing a camera with a tripod.

Can I get hot beverages or snacks?
While not included, hot drinks and baked waffles are available for purchase at some locations.

What if the weather is bad?
The guide will select the best available location based on weather forecasts. If cloudy or snowy, your chances decrease.

Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, Wi-Fi is offered on the bus, so you can share photos or check updates.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The description doesn’t specify, but since it involves outdoor night-time activity in cold weather, it’s best for older children or teens who can tolerate cold and outdoor conditions.

What if I don’t see the lights?
You’ll be allowed to join the tour again at no extra cost, giving you another shot at seeing the Aurora.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Travelers who are flexible, enjoy guided group experiences, and are okay with unpredictable weather and outdoor cold nights will find this tour a good choice.

In the end, this Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik offers a genuine chance to see one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays, with the comfort of guidance and the safety net of rebooking. It’s perfect for open-minded travelers eager for a memorable adventure — no guarantees, but plenty of hope.

You can check availability for your dates here: