Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
Discover the largest selection of northern lights tours and holidays in Iceland. Choose from various options for the surest way to see the aurora borealis.
Find a unique experience
Select starting location
Select dates
Starting dateFinal date
Add travelers
1 traveler
Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to Northern Lights in Iceland
Northern Lights Tours & Holidays
Refine the results by using the filters
Sort by: Popular
We offer so much more
Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages
Frequently asked questions
What's the best northern lights tour in Iceland?
Here are the northern lights tours that offer the best experience:
1. Super Jeep northern lights hunt with free photos: It includes hotel pickup, you'll get to ride in a Super Jeep, and you'll get beautiful photos of yourself with the aurora borealis!
2. Northern lights tour from Reykjavik: It also includes photos and is popular among travelers staying in the capital. You'll head out to great viewing spots with a guide who will capture beautiful photos of you with the aurora borealis, and it includes refreshments.
1. Super Jeep northern lights hunt with free photos: It includes hotel pickup, you'll get to ride in a Super Jeep, and you'll get beautiful photos of yourself with the aurora borealis!
2. Northern lights tour from Reykjavik: It also includes photos and is popular among travelers staying in the capital. You'll head out to great viewing spots with a guide who will capture beautiful photos of you with the aurora borealis, and it includes refreshments.
What's the cheapest northern lights tour in Iceland?
These are the cheapest northern lights tours for your time in Iceland:
1. 2-hour northern lights tour by boat from Reykjavik: See the aurora on a boat ride from Reykjavik harbor. Getting to the boat is very easy if you're staying in the downtown area.
2. Affordable three-hour northern lights bus tour: It includes pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavik, and you'll travel in a convenient bus with a tour guide telling you everything you need to know about the aurora.
1. 2-hour northern lights tour by boat from Reykjavik: See the aurora on a boat ride from Reykjavik harbor. Getting to the boat is very easy if you're staying in the downtown area.
2. Affordable three-hour northern lights bus tour: It includes pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavik, and you'll travel in a convenient bus with a tour guide telling you everything you need to know about the aurora.
What types of northern lights tours are available in Iceland?
There are several types of Iceland aurora tours to choose from:
1. Bus tours: An affordable and popular group of tours with an excellent option being this northern lights tour from Reykjavik. You can also travel in a minibus with fewer people, like with this magical 4-hour northern lights tour.
2. Small group: Personalized experiences with fewer people, providing a more intimate atmosphere. This northern lights tour with free photos and refreshments is one of the best aurora tours available!
3. Private tours: A fantastic option if you'd like to travel alone with friends or family. This private and personalized northern lights hunt is a good choice.
4. Super Jeep tours: Add some thrills to your experience with an off-road adventure to remote viewing areas. This northern lights Super Jeep tour is highly rated and includes free photos!
5. Boat tours: You can see the northern lights from the sea for a unique perspective. A popular option is this 2-hour northern lights boat cruise from Reykjavik, which brings you out on Faxafloi bay.
6. Multi-day tours: Combine northern lights hunting with other activities for different lengths of time. We recommend this 8-day guided winter northern lights tour for an ultimate aurora adventure. It brings you around the whole country with a focus on seeing the aurora!
1. Bus tours: An affordable and popular group of tours with an excellent option being this northern lights tour from Reykjavik. You can also travel in a minibus with fewer people, like with this magical 4-hour northern lights tour.
2. Small group: Personalized experiences with fewer people, providing a more intimate atmosphere. This northern lights tour with free photos and refreshments is one of the best aurora tours available!
3. Private tours: A fantastic option if you'd like to travel alone with friends or family. This private and personalized northern lights hunt is a good choice.
4. Super Jeep tours: Add some thrills to your experience with an off-road adventure to remote viewing areas. This northern lights Super Jeep tour is highly rated and includes free photos!
5. Boat tours: You can see the northern lights from the sea for a unique perspective. A popular option is this 2-hour northern lights boat cruise from Reykjavik, which brings you out on Faxafloi bay.
6. Multi-day tours: Combine northern lights hunting with other activities for different lengths of time. We recommend this 8-day guided winter northern lights tour for an ultimate aurora adventure. It brings you around the whole country with a focus on seeing the aurora!
What's the best northern lights vacation package?
These are the best options for a northern lights holiday in Iceland:
1. 3 day northern lights tour: It includes visits to the Golden Circle, South Coast, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and an ice caving experience. It has an incredible average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 950 reviews and costs around $999 USD.
2. 5-day northern lights winter vacation package: It has an excellent 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 500 travelers and includes the South Coast, ice caving, and a visit to the Blue Lagoon. It costs around $1,167 USD.
All northern lights tour packages let you enjoy the best of Iceland while using every opportunity to see the aurora borealis!
1. 3 day northern lights tour: It includes visits to the Golden Circle, South Coast, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and an ice caving experience. It has an incredible average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 950 reviews and costs around $999 USD.
2. 5-day northern lights winter vacation package: It has an excellent 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 500 travelers and includes the South Coast, ice caving, and a visit to the Blue Lagoon. It costs around $1,167 USD.
All northern lights tour packages let you enjoy the best of Iceland while using every opportunity to see the aurora borealis!
Are there northern lights tours from Reykjavik?
Yes, there many northern lights trips that depart from Reykjavik, such as this 4-hour northern lights minibus tour. It has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 100 travelers, and you'll be able to enjoy a small group experience that includes hot chocolate and an Icelandic sweet treat.
How much is a tour to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The price can range from between 60 and 70 USD for a bus tour up to 110 USD for unique tours like boat cruises. There is also a wide range of private northern lights tours that are more costly as they offer a more exclusive experience.
Are northern lights tours in Iceland worth it?
Iceland northern lights tours are an excellent way to see the aurora borealis, and they are well worth it for the ease they provide.
These Iceland tours have helpful guides that will share interesting stories and bring you to the best aurora-spotting locations based on years of experience. Many of the northern lights tours in Reykjavik even offer hotel pickup for departure, bringing you straight out into nature!
These Iceland tours have helpful guides that will share interesting stories and bring you to the best aurora-spotting locations based on years of experience. Many of the northern lights tours in Reykjavik even offer hotel pickup for departure, bringing you straight out into nature!
How long does a northern lights tour in Iceland last?
It depends on which northern lights Iceland tour you choose. Many of the most popular northern lights tours take between 2 and 5 hours.
However, you could book a whole northern lights vacation package, which lasts multiple days. These Iceland holidays focus on northern light hunting while you explore the countryside!
However, you could book a whole northern lights vacation package, which lasts multiple days. These Iceland holidays focus on northern light hunting while you explore the countryside!
What happens if a northern lights tour in Iceland is canceled?
If a northern lights tour is canceled due to weather conditions, most tour companies will offer a refund or the option to reschedule the tour for another night. It's important to check the cancellation policy of the tour company before booking.
Are northern lights tours guaranteed to see the aurora borealis?
Unfortunately, Iceland northern lights sightings can not be guaranteed as they are a natural phenomenon that depends on solar activity and weather conditions. Tour operators try to predict them the best they can and find hot spots for northern lights activity for visitors to enjoy.
However, many tour operators offer a “free rebooking” policy or allow you to join another tour if you don’t see them the first time.
We, therefore, recommend going on a northern lights trip early during your visit to Iceland, so you have time to go again if needed!
However, many tour operators offer a “free rebooking” policy or allow you to join another tour if you don’t see them the first time.
We, therefore, recommend going on a northern lights trip early during your visit to Iceland, so you have time to go again if needed!
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The best time to see the northern lights is during the winter, from September to early April when the nights are the longest, and the skies are the darkest.
In Iceland, daylight hours are shorter throughout the winter months, providing more opportunities to see the magnificent aurora borealis.
You'll need clear skies and low light pollution, but the more hours of darkness, the better your chances are of catching them during your trip!
In Iceland, daylight hours are shorter throughout the winter months, providing more opportunities to see the magnificent aurora borealis.
You'll need clear skies and low light pollution, but the more hours of darkness, the better your chances are of catching them during your trip!
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The best locations to see the northern lights close to Reykjavik include Thingvellir National Park, the Hvalfjordur fjord, and the Reykjanes peninsula.
The northern lights are most visible anywhere where there is minimal light pollution, and there are many beautiful locations around Iceland where you can see them. Catching the northern lights at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is a truly magical experience!
Sometimes, when they are strong, the northern lights can be seen from downtown Reykjavik.
The northern lights are most visible anywhere where there is minimal light pollution, and there are many beautiful locations around Iceland where you can see them. Catching the northern lights at the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is a truly magical experience!
Sometimes, when they are strong, the northern lights can be seen from downtown Reykjavik.
What region in Iceland is best for spotting the northern lights?
Northern lights are regularly seen in all regions of Iceland as long as the sky is dark and clear. With the right conditions, you'll have no issue seeing the northern lights from Reykjavik.
However, North Iceland has shorter sunlight hours than other parts of Iceland in the winter, meaning an even higher chance you’ll see northern lights there.
However, North Iceland has shorter sunlight hours than other parts of Iceland in the winter, meaning an even higher chance you’ll see northern lights there.
What should I wear on a northern lights tour in Iceland?
As aurora tours often involve standing outdoors in cold weather, dress warmly and in layers, including thermal clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy boots. It's always best to dress warmer than you think you'll need!
It's also wise to pack a battery pack for your phone, as phone batteries get depleted faster in cold conditions. If you plan to photograph the northern lights, bring gloves with touchscreen functionality so you don't have to take them off in the cold night.
It's also wise to pack a battery pack for your phone, as phone batteries get depleted faster in cold conditions. If you plan to photograph the northern lights, bring gloves with touchscreen functionality so you don't have to take them off in the cold night.
Can I take a northern lights photography tour in Iceland?
Yes, there are several northern lights photography tours in Iceland to choose from. This northern lights tour in a Super Jeep is the best option. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 180 travelers.
This 4-hour small-group northern lights tour is also an excellent option, as you'll travel with an aurora expert and a photographer!
This 4-hour small-group northern lights tour is also an excellent option, as you'll travel with an aurora expert and a photographer!
What kind of camera do I need to capture the northern lights?
To take photos of the northern lights, you will need a camera with manual settings, such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A sturdy tripod is also recommended, as you will need to take long exposure shots to capture the lights. A tripod will help prevent any camera movement that will ruin the shots.
It's important to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly.
It's important to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly.
What are the best DSLR camera settings for capturing the northern lights in Iceland?
For photographing the northern lights, camera settings depend on the intensity of the aurora. In general, you should: Set your camera to manual mode; focus your lens to near infinity; use a shutter speed between 4–30 seconds (depending on the aurora's movement and intensity); adjust the ISO between 800–1600 (higher ISO may be needed for dimmer auroras, but can cause excessive noise); select the widest aperture available (e.g., f/2.8 or f/4) to capture more light; and mount your camera on a tripod to avoid camera shake during long exposures.
For further advice, see the full guide on photographing the northern lights in Iceland.
For further advice, see the full guide on photographing the northern lights in Iceland.
What are the best conditions to see the northern lights in Iceland?
First of all, the sky should be clear so clouds aren't blocking your view of the northern lights. You should check the Icelandic cloud cover forecast and weather forecast to find the best places to go.
Ideally, the solar wind activity should be high, which causes the aurora to become more vivid. You can check solar activity using the Iceland aurora forecast.
However, the only thing you can control is the amount of light around you. Avoid brightly lit areas and seek wide plains or other remote environments so you can see the sky clearly.
Ideally, the solar wind activity should be high, which causes the aurora to become more vivid. You can check solar activity using the Iceland aurora forecast.
However, the only thing you can control is the amount of light around you. Avoid brightly lit areas and seek wide plains or other remote environments so you can see the sky clearly.
Why are the northern lights so common in Iceland?
Iceland is situated well above the 60° north latitude line, the lowest point from which the northern lights are regularly seen. The dark and long nights during the winter in Iceland also make auroras more prominent and easy to spot.
Do the northern lights happen every night in Iceland?
The rate of the northern lights depends on the power of the solar storms occurring on the sun some 93 million miles away. The stronger the solar storms, the more active the northern lights are in Iceland.
2025 is actually a great time to see the northern lights in Iceland as the sun is experiencing a solar maximum. It's a period of heightened solar activity, which can lead to beautiful northern lights displays.
However, even if a solar storm is strong, the conditions must be right to see them. Therefore, they're not visible if it's bright outside, if it's cloudy, or if the light pollution in the city is too strong. Factoring in all requirements, the northern lights are, on average, visible about 3–4 days a week in Iceland during winter.
2025 is actually a great time to see the northern lights in Iceland as the sun is experiencing a solar maximum. It's a period of heightened solar activity, which can lead to beautiful northern lights displays.
However, even if a solar storm is strong, the conditions must be right to see them. Therefore, they're not visible if it's bright outside, if it's cloudy, or if the light pollution in the city is too strong. Factoring in all requirements, the northern lights are, on average, visible about 3–4 days a week in Iceland during winter.
What are the chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland?
The chances depend on weather conditions, solar activity, and light pollution, so this will depend on many factors. Clear, dark skies and increased solar activity offer the best opportunities.
Checking helpful tools like the aurora forecast in Iceland provides an idea of your chances each night!
Checking helpful tools like the aurora forecast in Iceland provides an idea of your chances each night!
Can you see the northern lights in Reykjavik, Iceland?
Yes, even surrounded by street lights, sometimes the aurora is so bright and strong that you can view the northern lights in Reykjavik. However, that is uncommon, and ideally, you should go outside of the city where it's darker. If you can't get out of Reykjavik, there are some places in the city where light pollution is low, such as the Grotta lighthouse, the surrounding area of Perlan, or the Klambratun park.
Can you see the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, under ideal conditions, you may be able to see the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon. When aurora activity is high and the sky is clear, it is possible to see the aurora from the Blue Lagoon as long as the light pollution from the area is not too strong.
To try this, you'll need to book your Blue Lagoon admission for the evening.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a combined experience with this Blue Lagoon and northern lights tour from Reykjavik. You'll be able to visit the famous geothermal spa before heading out on an aurora borealis trip!
To try this, you'll need to book your Blue Lagoon admission for the evening.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a combined experience with this Blue Lagoon and northern lights tour from Reykjavik. You'll be able to visit the famous geothermal spa before heading out on an aurora borealis trip!
What are the northern lights?
The northern lights are natural light displays caused by the interaction of solar particles with the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in vibrant colors in the night sky.
Their scientific name is the aurora borealis, and both terms are commonly used interchangeably.
Their scientific name is the aurora borealis, and both terms are commonly used interchangeably.
What colors are the northern lights in Iceland?
In Iceland, the northern lights are most commonly green, but they can also be purple, red, pink, white, and blue if they are particularly strong and conditions are good. The colors are more vibrant if the aurora is strong, but what you see varies from person to person. A DSLR camera can pick up the colors better than the naked eye.
What causes the northern lights in Iceland?
The natural phenomenon called the northern lights is caused by solar wind particles interacting with the Earth's magnetic field.
Because Earth's magnetic energy is strongest at the poles, it causes the solar particles to discharge and release energy in Earth's atmosphere.
As Iceland is relatively close to the North Pole, this energy is visible as colorful streaks of green, purple, and pink light in the sky.
The same effect happens on the other side of the world, where they're known as the southern lights or aurora australis.
Because Earth's magnetic energy is strongest at the poles, it causes the solar particles to discharge and release energy in Earth's atmosphere.
As Iceland is relatively close to the North Pole, this energy is visible as colorful streaks of green, purple, and pink light in the sky.
The same effect happens on the other side of the world, where they're known as the southern lights or aurora australis.
What time of day is best to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The best time of day to see the northern lights in Iceland is during the evenings and nights in the winter. Since the days are short during the Icelandic winters, it can be dark outside as early as 5 pm which can make the aurora visible in ideal conditions.
Can I see the northern lights in the summer in Iceland?
At the height of summer in Iceland, you cannot see the northern lights because of the extended hours of daylight.
However, there is a small chance of seeing them in Iceland in late August when autumn is approaching and the nights get darker. However, the chances of seeing the aurora are much better in Iceland's winter months when aurora borealis tours operate.
However, there is a small chance of seeing them in Iceland in late August when autumn is approaching and the nights get darker. However, the chances of seeing the aurora are much better in Iceland's winter months when aurora borealis tours operate.
How long do northern lights sightings in Iceland last?
This will depend on the conditions. If the sky is clear, aurora activity is high, and you're viewing them from a dark area (free from light pollution), the northern lights in Iceland might last for longer periods of time.
Aurora sightings in Iceland can last anywhere from 10–15 minutes to 1-2 hours!
Aurora sightings in Iceland can last anywhere from 10–15 minutes to 1-2 hours!
Can I see the northern lights on my own in Iceland?
Yes, it's possible to see the northern lights on your own in Iceland. For this, it's recommended to rent a car and head outside city limits to remote areas. However, joining a guided tour is recommended for the best chance of seeing the lights, as the tour guides are experienced in finding the best viewing spots and can provide additional information about the phenomenon.
Do I need to book a tour to see the northern lights?
Yes, it’s possible to see the northern lights on your own, but you may have a better chance of seeing them on a tour. This is because guides know the best locations and conditions for optimal visibility and will bring you straight to the best places.
Install Iceland’s biggest travel app
Download Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Iceland’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
