Reykjavik: Northern Lights Comfort Coach with Local Gift

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland and hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, you’ll quickly find that the experience can vary greatly depending on the tour you choose. We’ve come across this particular Northern Lights Comfort Coach experience offered by Magic Iceland Travel, and it caught our eye for its promise of comfort, low-key locations, and a personal touch with a local gift. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, we’ve dug into what makes this tour stand out—and what might give you pause.

What we really like about it is the focus on space and comfort—travellers are taken away from the often crowded, hectic viewing spots. Plus, the use of real-time forecasting and remote locations promises a more peaceful, less touristy experience. The downside? As with any Northern Lights tour, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the aurora. Still, the added comforts and thoughtful touches make it an experience worth considering, especially if you prefer a more relaxed evening rather than a high-energy chase.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who value comfort, quiet, and a personalized experience. It’s a good fit if you’re traveling with a partner, a small group, or simply want to avoid the bus crowds common in many aurora excursions. If you’re after a more social or adventurous vibe, this might feel a bit subdued.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Modern coach with Wi-Fi and an onboard restroom make the trip more enjoyable.
• Remote Locations: Avoids crowded tourist spots, focusing on peaceful, remote areas for better aurora viewing.
• Real-Time Forecasts: The guides monitor weather and aurora activity to pick the best spots.
• Warmth & Refreshments: Complimentary hot drinks keep you cozy as you wait for the lights.
• Local Gift: Each guest receives a unique Icelandic souvenir, adding a personal touch.
• Weather Dependence: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed; weather and cloud cover impact visibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Comfort and Modern Transport

One of the tour’s strongest points is the modern, full-sized coach equipped with Wi-Fi and an onboard restroom. This isn’t your typical cramped bus—it’s a brand-new vehicle designed for comfort. The Wi-Fi allows you to scroll through your own updates or just relax without feeling like you’re stuck in a moving cabin. The restroom is a small but significant perk, especially on a 4-hour trip in winter, saving you from uncomfortable stops or long waits.

Traveling on a comfortable coach also helps set a relaxed tone for the evening. You can sit back, enjoy the scenery, or chat quietly with your companions. The guides generally provide clear explanations about how they monitor aurora forecasts and weather conditions—that transparency helps you understand why certain areas are chosen, which adds a layer of trust to the experience.

Choosing the Best Viewing Spots

Unlike many tours that stick to fixed, sometimes crowded vantage points, this experience is designed to avoid the crowds. The guides use real-time cloud and aurora forecast data to select quieter, more remote locations. This means you’re likely to find yourself in wide-open spaces, away from other groups or vehicles, which greatly enhances the chance for a serene aurora viewing.

One reviewer noted that “it was a really nice tour,” appreciating the quiet countryside and the fact that the locations felt more authentic and less commercialized. Another review mentions that the guide explains how the forecast works, which is helpful if you’re interested in understanding the science behind the phenomenon, or just want reassurance that they’re making good decisions.

The Experience of Watching the Aurora

When conditions are right, you’ll be invited to step off the coach to look for the green arcs, soft glows, or even vibrant full displays. The guides offer simple tips for observing and photographing the lights, which can make your photos much more memorable.

However, it’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are unpredictable. As one reviewer pointed out, “Sightings cannot be guaranteed.” This is true of any aurora tour, but the extra effort to find less crowded spots and the personalized approach adds value to the experience. If the lights don’t appear, you’re welcome to join another trip free of charge—so there’s some peace of mind involved.

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Warmth and Hospitality

Waiting in winter temperatures can be a challenge, but this tour offers complimentary hot drinks during your stops. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference—standing outside in the dark, sipping something warm, while waiting for the sky to light up.

The Local Gift – A Personal Touch

A standout feature is the local Icelandic gift provided to each guest. It’s a small, meaningful item, crafted to add a personal touch and make your aurora experience feel more special. Many travelers appreciate this kind of thoughtful detail, which elevates the tour beyond just a sightseeing trip.

Overall Value for Money

While the price point isn’t explicitly stated, the emphasis on comfort, remote locations, and extras like hot drinks and a gift suggest this is a good value for those looking for a more relaxed, less crowded experience. It’s not a cheap option, but compared to the crowded, standard bus tours, many will find the extra comfort and personalization worth the cost.

The Itinerary – What You Can Expect

The tour begins with a pickup (if selected) or you can meet at the designated meeting point at BUS STOP #12 Höfðatorg. The journey into the countryside takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to settle in and enjoy the scenery. Once there, your guide will set up the experience with explanations about aurora forecasting, which helps you understand what’s happening overhead.

Afterward, you’ll spend approximately 2.5 hours in the remote areas, with stops for sightseeing, photos, and enjoying the winter landscape. Between stops, you can relax in the coach with warm drinks. The locations are carefully picked to avoid the usual crowded viewpoints, giving you a quieter, more intimate aurora experience.

The return journey also takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to reflect on the evening or share photos with fellow travelers.

Specific Stops & Experience

While exact locations aren’t detailed, the focus is on quieter, less trafficked spots. You won’t be herded into large viewing areas full of other buses and travelers. Instead, the guide’s decision-making based on weather and cloud coverage aims to deliver a more peaceful and potentially more rewarding sky-watching session.

Additional Considerations

• The tour lasts about 4 hours total, making it a manageable evening outing.
• It’s suitable for anyone over 6 years old, but kids should be prepared for cold weather.
• The tour is conducted in English, and cancellation is flexible if done 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Traveler Perspectives

From a positive review, we hear: “It was a really nice tour,” highlighting the overall pleasant and comfortable nature of the trip. The focus on remote, quiet locations seems to resonate well with guests seeking a more genuine experience.

On the flip side, not all reviews are glowing. One guest described the initial pickup as disorganized, with pushing and shoving during ticket checks, and complained about the use of torches, camera flashes, and other lights that detracted from the viewing experience. They felt it was overly crowded and too much of a mass-tourist activity, which is worth considering if you’re sensitive to crowds or looking for a more immersive, peaceful outing.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Northern Lights Comfort Coach is well-suited for travelers who prioritize comfort, quiet, and a personal touch. If you dislike large crowds and prefer to experience the aurora in serene surroundings, this tour offers a peaceful alternative to the busier excursions. The inclusion of hot drinks, Wi-Fi, and a local gift makes it feel more special—adding value for those who appreciate thoughtful details.

However, if your main goal is a lively, social adventure, or if you’re on a strict schedule where seeing the lights is the absolute priority, this might not be the perfect fit. Remember, the aurora is a natural phenomenon, so sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the tour’s approach maximizes your chances while delivering a comfortable, less hectic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
It’s suitable for kids over 6 years old, but you should be prepared for cold weather and some sitting outside for viewing.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes Wi-Fi, an onboard restroom, hot drinks, and a local Icelandic gift. Pickup is optional, and you can also meet at the designated meeting point.

Can I join this tour if I don’t have a car?
Yes, pickup is available if you select it during booking; otherwise, meet at the specified location.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 4 hours, including travel and viewing time.

Will I be able to take photos of the Northern Lights?
Yes, guides offer simple tips for photography, but Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
You’re welcome to join a second trip free of charge, weather and seat availability permitting.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, the guide speaks English.

Are there any weather restrictions?
Yes, weather and road conditions can affect the route and timing.

How crowded is this tour?
It’s designed to be crowd-free, avoiding the usual large-bus viewpoints for a more peaceful experience.

In the end, if you’re after a comfortable, peaceful, and personalized Northern Lights trip from Reykjavik, this tour offers a thoughtful blend of modern amenities, remote locations, and genuine Icelandic hospitality. It’s a solid choice for those who value tranquility and a more intimate connection with the night sky—though, like all aurora experiences, patience and a bit of luck are still part of the package.

You can check availability for your dates here: