Reykjavik: Northern Lights Small Group Tour & Aurora Hunt

Northern lights chase from reykjavik with local guide in winter

You’ll bundle up with a small group outside Reykjavik, following your local guide to wherever the Northern Lights might appear that night. Expect nervous laughter, real-time chasing based on weather updates, and those rare moments when everyone falls silent under shifting green light. It’s not guaranteed, but if you catch even a hint of aurora, you’ll remember how it felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

• Depart from BSI Bus Terminal
• Travel to best Northern Lights location
• Observe Northern Lights if visible
• Return to Reykjavik (time may vary)

The experience

“Is that it?” someone whispered behind me. I honestly couldn’t tell at first. We’d just pulled off somewhere outside Reykjavik (I lost track after the second roundabout), and the bus door let out this little hiss as we stepped into the kind of cold that bites your ears. Our guide, Sigrún, kept checking her phone for aurora forecasts but also just sort of sniffed the air like she could sense something coming. There was this weird silence, except for boots crunching on icy gravel and a couple of us giggling nervously because, you know, what if we saw nothing?

I kept staring at the sky until my neck hurt. The clouds kept moving: sometimes you’d think you saw green, but maybe it was just headlights or your own wishful thinking. Then Sigrún pointed up and said something in Icelandic I didn’t catch (she grinned when I tried to repeat it). Suddenly there was this faint ribbon of light, almost shy at first, curling above us. Not bright or dramatic: more like someone had smudged pastel green across a dark canvas. I could smell diesel from the bus mixed with something sharp and cold in the air, which sounds odd but somehow made it feel realer.

The whole group went quiet for a bit, not awkward, just everyone trying to take it in without blinking too much. Someone tried to take photos but their fingers were too cold and they started laughing. I still think about that hush. It felt like being let in on a secret only Iceland gets to keep most nights. The tour wasn’t fancy. Just a small group, warm bus, good WiFi (someone live-streamed for their grandma), and Sigrún’s stories about chasing auroras as a kid growing up near Akureyri. We didn’t get a wild show or pink streaks or anything like that, but honestly? That little shimmer was enough.

What’s included

Your evening includes comfortable bus fare with WiFi onboard, guidance from a professional local expert who tracks aurora forecasts nightly, and carbon neutral travel thanks to cooperation with Vaxa Technologies before returning to Reykjavik after your hunt for the lights.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour with a meeting pointGuide in English · 21:30

Pickup begins 30 minutes earlierGuide in English · 21:30This option includes pickup from a range of hotels and designated spots in central Reykjavik, beginning 30 minutes before the usual departure. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 21:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 37 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Reykjavik Excursions

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many people are on the Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik?

The maximum group size is 19 people.

Where does the Northern Lights tour depart from in Reykjavik?

The tour departs from BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik.

Is pickup included for the Northern Lights tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Departure is from BSI Bus Terminal.

Are sightings of the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No, sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are a natural phenomenon.

What months can you see Northern Lights in Iceland?

The lights are visible from late August to April in Iceland.

Does the tour include a local guide?

Yes, a professional local tour guide is included.

Is WiFi available during the tour?

Yes, WiFi is available on board the bus.

Are infant seats available on this tour?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available.

How long does the Northern Lights tour last?

The return time can vary depending on conditions each night.