Short Northern Lights Breaks — Largest Selection & Cheapest Prices Guaranteed

You don’t need weeks to see the aurora borealis. Many northern lights tours in Iceland offer an unforgettable glimpse of the Arctic sky in just 2 to 5 days. Most start in Reykjavik and include expert guides, northern lights accommodations, and scenic routes past icy waterfalls and volcanic plains.

Whether you choose winter vacation packages, guided multi-day tours, or self-drive trips, each experience is designed to give you the best chance to see the northern lights.

Top 3 Best Short Northern Lights Packages in Iceland

While you could spend a week chasing the aurora borealis across Iceland, these winter packages are perfect for travelers who want to see the northern lights on a tight schedule. Below are some of the best options for short aurora borealis holidays in Iceland.

1. 3-Day Northern Lights Winter Package with the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon: Perfect for travelers staying in Reykjavik, this getaway combines a guided northern lights tour, Golden Circle exploration, and a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon.
2. 4-Day Northern Lights Vacation Package with Golden Circle & South Coast: This Iceland northern lights vacation package combines top attractions with an aurora adventure. Visit the Golden Circle and South Coast to chase the northern lights.
3. 5-Day Northern Lights Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon: Ideal for adventurous travelers, this northern lights trip from Reykjavik includes ice caving, a Blue Lagoon visit, and guided aurora hunts.

Top 3 Self-Drive Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

Short self-drive tours in Iceland give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Follow a flexible route, chase the northern lights, and discover hidden gems along the way. Here are some of the best winter itineraries in Iceland for independent travelers:

1. 3-Day South Iceland Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour with Ice Caving: Enjoy a short Iceland aurora holiday on this flexible self-drive trip. Explore South Iceland’s waterfalls, black sand beaches, and ice caves during the day, then chase the aurora borealis at night.
2. 4-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour of the Golden Circle & South Coast: Perfect for travelers based in Reykjavik, this Iceland northern lights tour offers freedom and adventure. Explore Iceland's top attractions and witness the aurora borealis at your own pace.
3. 5-Day Northern Lights Self-Drive Tour with the Golden Circle & Jokulsarlon: Spend each night chasing the aurora on this northern lights tour from Reykjavik. Visit the Golden Circle, explore the highlights of the South Coast, and admire the iconic Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

Best Northern Lights Multi-Day Tours in Iceland

If you’re short on time but still want to see the aurora borealis, these multi-day northern lights tours in Iceland are perfect for you. Each itinerary blends daytime adventures with guided evening hunts, giving you the best chance to witness the aurora during a brief winter escape.

1. 2-Day South Coast Winter Trip to Jokulsarlon & Ice Cave: This short northern lights tour in Iceland is ideal for travelers with limited time. Visit the Jokulsarlon, explore an ice cave, and enjoy a northern lights trip in Iceland’s South Coast.
2. 3-Day South Coast & 2-Day Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Explore glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula for quiet nights and an incredible Iceland northern lights trip.
3. 3-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour to the Golden Circle, South Coast & Glacier Lagoon: Join an expert-led aurora borealis trip in Iceland. Visit the Golden Circle, explore the South Coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and visit an ice cave.

Top 6 Northern Lights Day Tours in Iceland

If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss the magic, these northern lights day tours from Reykjavik are the perfect solution. Each aurora borealis day trip in Iceland takes you to clear, dark skies for the best chance to see the northern lights during a brief visit.

1. Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik: This affordable northern lights tour in Iceland is perfect for travelers with limited time. Board a comfortable bus, travel to prime aurora-viewing spots in Iceland, and enjoy expert local guidance.
2. Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour from Reykjavik with Free Photos: Take your aurora experience to the next level with this Iceland northern lights excursion. Ride a Super Jeep to remote locations and capture the magical night.
3. Northern Lights Boat Tour from Reykjavik: Chase the northern lights away from the water on this aurora tour in Reykjavik. Cruise Iceland’s coastal waters and enjoy unobstructed night skies away from city lights.
4. Northern Lights & Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik: See Iceland’s iconic landmarks on this guided northern lights tour in Iceland. Explore geysers, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes by day, then scan the skies for the northern lights by night.
5. Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik: Relax and recharge on this Iceland northern lights trip. Soak in the Blue Lagoon’s warm waters before joining an evening excursion to see the aurora borealis.
6. 6-Hour Whale Watching & Northern Lights Boat Tour from Reykjavik: Double your Arctic adventure on this unique Iceland northern lights excursion. Spend the day spotting whales, then stay aboard for a magical evening hunting the aurora borealis.

Accessible Spots to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

You don’t need to venture deep into Iceland’s wilderness to witness the northern lights. These short, easy-to-join tours from Reykjavik handle the logistics for you, taking you to Iceland’s most promising aurora spots without any hassle.

1. Grotta Lighthouse: Just 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers), Grotta Lighthouse is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Reykjavik. Its coastal location provides dark skies, unobstructed views, and a peaceful setting for aurora watching.
2. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon: See northern lights at Jokulsarlon with floating icebergs. Reachable by a 4–5 hour drive from Reykjavik or with South Coast tours, it’s perfect for a quick northern lights excursion in Iceland.
3. Snaefellsnes Peninsula: About a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik, remote areas like Kirkjufell and Djupalonssandur offer dramatic landscapes and minimal light pollution. For the best experience, join a 2-day Snaefellsnes northern lights tour.
4. Golden Circle: Visit Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park by day, then enjoy aurora viewing at night. Enjoy it on a 4-day winter self-drive tour on the Golden Circle for a flexible sightseeing experience.
5. South Coast: See the northern lights above waterfalls, glacier lagoons, and black sand beaches away from city lights. Easily accessible from Reykjavik, a 3-day Iceland aurora borealis tour to the South Coast combines top sights with expert guidance.
6. Blue Lagoon: Just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik, this world-class geothermal spa combines relaxation and aurora viewing. Join a northern lights and Blue Lagoon tour for a convenient and memorable short northern lights break in Iceland.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

If you’re wondering when to visit Iceland for northern lights tours, the best time is from late September to mid-April. Long, dark nights and clear skies give you the highest chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

Peak aurora activity usually occurs between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, though sightings can happen earlier in the evening. During winter, Iceland experiences up to twenty hours of darkness around the winter solstice, which falls each year on December 21st.

Be sure to monitor both the aurora forecast and Iceland’s weather conditions to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights.

What to Expect About Short Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

Northern lights trips in Iceland range from evening tours departing Reykjavik to multi-day winter vacation packages that explore nearby highlights. You can chase the aurora by bus, Super Jeep, or boat, with many tours also visiting waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and other iconic natural wonders.

Even on a short northern lights break, you can see the aurora borealis at its best. Local guides monitor conditions, choose the best viewing spots, and share expert tips on how to photograph the northern lights.

If weather conditions or visibility aren’t ideal, most Iceland aurora borealis tours offer free rebooking or flexible cancellation options. This ensures you’ll always have another chance to catch the lights.

Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland

Seeing the northern lights in Iceland doesn’t require a long trip. Follow these expert tips to maximize your chances of spotting the aurora during a short northern lights break.

• Visit between late September and mid-April for the darkest skies and highest aurora activity.
• Northern lights usually appear between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, when the skies are darkest.
• Head to dark-sky spots like Grotta Lighthouse or Thingvellir National Park for clear views.
• Check both the aurora and weather forecasts before heading out.
• Join guided aurora tours for expert insights, photo tips, and access to the best viewing locations in Iceland.
• Dress warmly in layers, as you’ll likely spend extended periods outside at night.
• Bring a camera and a tripod to capture the aurora with long exposures.