From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and hoping to catch that elusive, shimmering dance of the Northern Lights, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. It’s offered by EastWest and has earned a solid 4.7 out of 5 from over 500 reviews, which says a lot about its popularity and reliability. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty convincing picture of an experience worth considering.

What really draws us in? First, the small-group setup with a maximum of 19 people means you’ll avoid the crowds and get a more intimate, personalized experience. Second, the tour’s focus on creating a cozy, memorable night with warm blankets, hot chocolate, and Icelandic donuts makes it feel welcoming—even in the cold. That said, one point to consider is that viewing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed—a reality with any aurora tour, depending on weather and solar activity.

This tour suits travelers who love a combination of adventure, comfort, and a bit of photography magic. If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides and the chance to capture stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis, you’ll likely find this tour a good fit. But if you’re expecting a guaranteed sighting or traveling with very young children, keep in mind some limitations.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances comfort and personalization.
• Weather and aurora activity are unpredictable; sightings depend on nature.
• Includes hot chocolate, Icelandic donuts, and cozy wool blankets for warmth.
• Free photos help you keep a lasting memory of the experience.
• The itinerary is carefully planned based on weather forecasts for the best chance to see the lights.
• Rebooking options are available if the lights aren’t visible on your scheduled night.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

This tour is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights while keeping the experience relaxed and comfortable. Traveling in a minibus allows the guides to find the best vantage points and avoid crowded areas, which is a big plus for those of us who dislike large, noisy bus tours. The journey generally lasts around 4 hours, with pickup from one of 24 designated locations in Reykjavik—making it convenient whether you’re staying downtown or nearby.

How the tour begins

Expect to be picked up roughly 30 minutes before departure. The pickup spots are varied—ranging from hotels like Hótel Ísland and Hilton Reykjavik Nordica to bus stops near Hallgrimskirkja and the Reykjavík Lights by Keahotels. If your hotel isn’t listed, just contact the provider for guidance, as they’re quite helpful with logistics.

The journey and locations

The guides are experienced and will base their choices on weather forecasts to position you in the best spots. Sometimes, this means a gentle chase across the countryside or dark spots away from city lights. Several reviews mention that guides are determined to find the lights, even if the forecast is uncertain. One reviewer noted that the guide “did everything he could to make sure we saw the lights,” which is quite reassuring.

What you’ll do during the tour

Once you reach a suitable location, the anticipation builds. The guides will often share insights about the science and stories behind the Northern Lights, adding an educational touch. When the sky puts on its show, you’ll enjoy the view wrapped in Icelandic wool blankets—a thoughtful touch that keeps you warm during those chilly nights. Hot chocolate, Icelandic donuts (kleina), and sometimes pastries are offered to keep spirits high and bodies warm.

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Photography and memories

A standout feature is the free professional photos taken during the tour. Many reviews highlight how guides are eager to take pictures of everyone with the Aurora overhead, allowing you to leave with stunning images as keepsakes. One reviewer raved about the photos, saying, “they really are something to behold, like something straight out of a sci-fi film.” This service is particularly helpful because capturing the lights on your own can be tricky without a tripod or experience.

The potential downsides

Of course, the biggest caveat with Northern Lights tours is the uncertainty of the display. Weather conditions, cloud cover, and geomagnetic activity all play roles in whether you’ll see the lights that night. Many travelers mention that if the lights don’t appear, they have the chance to join another tour at no extra cost, which adds some peace of mind. The tour is also not suitable for children under five or travelers with mobility issues, mainly because of the cold and the walking involved.

What the reviews say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many travelers praising guides for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication. One reviewer called their guide “incredible,” and another mentioned how a guide “went extra miles to make sure we saw the show.” Hot chocolate and donuts are often mentioned as small but meaningful touches. Several reviews emphasize the quality of the photos and how guides go above and beyond to help capture the moment.

The Value of This Tour

Pricing is around $144 per person for a 4-hour experience, which appears fair given the inclusion of transportation, warm blankets, hot drinks, snacks, and free photos. When compared to other aurora tours, which often include similar features, this package seems to strike a good balance between comfort and adventure. The small-group aspect adds value, as it prevents the experience from feeling crowded or rushed.

It’s worth noting that because the tour adapts to weather and aurora activity, it’s best to approach it with flexibility. If the lights don’t make an appearance on your first night, you can rebook for another try within two years, which is a generous option. Plus, if the weather cancels the tour altogether, you’ll get a full refund—another sign of the tour provider’s confidence in their service.

Who It’s Best For

This tour is ideal for adventurers who want a comfortable, well-organized night out chasing the Northern Lights. It suits travelers who appreciate small groups, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to get professional photos. If you’re in Iceland early in your trip and want a reliable way to see the aurora, this tour fits the bill. It’s less suited for very young children or travelers with mobility issues, given the winter conditions and walking requirements.

For those who love a mix of science, storytelling, and cozy comfort, this tour offers a memorable experience. And if your main goal is photos and a relaxing night sky display, you’ll likely be very pleased with what you get.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed on this tour?
No, sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides do everything they can to find clear skies, and if you don’t see the lights, you can rebook for another night for free within two years.

What should I bring for the tour?
Dress warmly, as it takes place during winter evenings. Warm clothing, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes are recommended to stay comfortable.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, with pickup starting 30 minutes before departure. The timing may vary based on availability.

Are hot drinks and snacks included?
Yes, hot chocolate, Icelandic donuts (kleina), and pastries are provided to keep everyone cozy and energized.

Can I get photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The guides take professional photos of guests with the Northern Lights, and they’re shared afterwards, so you leave with great memories.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is not suitable for children under five or those with mobility issues. It’s best for families with older children who can handle winter conditions comfortably.

What if I stay in downtown Reykjavik?
The pickup points are spread across the city, including bus stops near downtown hotels like Harpa, Hallgrimskirkja, and others, so it should be convenient.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, there’s a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Rebooking is available if the lights aren’t visible on your scheduled night, within a 2-year window.

Wrapping It Up

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik seems to strike a good balance between comfort, intimacy, and adventure. Travelers who prioritize personalized service and high-quality photos will enjoy the guiding expertise and cozy touches such as wool blankets and hot cocoa. The flexibility of rebooking if the lights don’t show and the small-group setup make it a safe choice for those eager to maximize their chances under the stars.

However, keep in mind that nature’s show is unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee you’ll see the Aurora on any given night. For those willing to embrace the possibility of an elusive display, this tour offers a well-organized, friendly environment to chase the northern lights—an experience many review attendees find unforgettable.

If you’re after a reliable, intimate, and photo-friendly Northern Lights adventure in Iceland, this trip from Reykjavik is a solid pick. Just dress warmly, keep your expectations flexible, and prepare for a magical night filled with sky-high wonder.

You can check availability for your dates here: