Reykjavik: 4x4 Northern Lights Tour with Cocoa & Pastries

Summary

Chasing auroras in Iceland’s wild night sky with cocoa warmth

You’ll ride out of Reykjavik in a small group 4x4 with a local guide watching for clear skies. Warm up with cocoa and pastries while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear — your guide will help you capture photos too. There’s laughter, stories, and those quiet moments under Iceland’s wild sky that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Reykjavik when the city lights faded and the world outside the 4x4 just turned into this kind of quiet blue-black. Our guide, Jón, kept glancing at his weather app and telling us stories about how his grandmother used to sing to the Northern Lights — apparently you’re not supposed to whistle at them? I tried anyway. Didn’t work, but Jón just grinned and passed around hand warmers. The heater was on but my nose still felt like it might fall off.

When we finally stopped (somewhere that looked like nowhere), it was so silent I could actually hear the snow crunching under everyone’s boots. The air tasted cold — like metal and something sweet from the pastries they handed out. Hot chocolate steamed up my glasses, which made me laugh because I couldn’t see anything for a second. There were maybe ten of us, all shuffling around in the dark, trying not to slip while Jón fiddled with his camera tripod. He showed me how to set my phone so I wouldn’t just get blurry green blobs if the lights showed up.

I didn’t expect much — you never know with these things — but then someone gasped and there it was: this slow green ribbon flickering overhead. Not as bright as Instagram makes it look, honestly, but better somehow. Softer. We all just stood there for a minute not saying anything, except for Li who tried to say “aurora borealis” in Icelandic and made everyone laugh (especially Jón). The whole thing lasted maybe twenty minutes before fading out again. It felt quick and endless at the same time, if that makes sense.

On the way back to Reykjavik I kept thinking about that silence under the sky — and how even though my toes were numb and my phone battery died (classic), I wouldn’t have traded that weird little moment for anything. Still think about it sometimes when I see city lights now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights tour with refreshments

• Pickup from Reykjavik meeting point
• Travel by 4x4 minibus to viewing spots
• Guide explains Northern Lights science and folklore
• Enjoy hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries
• Watch and photograph Northern Lights
• Return to Reykjavik drop-off point

Top questions

How long does the Reykjavik 4x4 Northern Lights tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this Northern Lights tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik are included.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic pastries during the outing.

Will there be a guide on the tour?

Yes, an expert local guide leads the tour in English and Spanish.

Can I get help taking photos of the Northern Lights?

Your guide will help you capture photos of the aurora during the experience.

How many people are on each tour group?

The groups are small for a more personal experience.

Is this Northern Lights tour suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

What vehicles are used on this day trip from Reykjavik?

You’ll travel in private 4x4 minibuses designed for Icelandic winter conditions.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off at your Reykjavik accommodation by private 4x4 minibus, guidance in English or Spanish from a local expert, WiFi onboard if you want it (though honestly you might forget your phone), plus steaming hot chocolate and fresh Icelandic pastries handed out while you wait beneath the stars — all before heading back warm and tired but happy.