Reykjavik Northern Lights Superjeep Tour Pickup & Photos

Summary

Chasing aurora from Reykjavik by superjeep with local guides

You’ll chase Iceland’s northern lights from Reykjavik in a superjeep, guided by locals who know where to look—even when it means changing plans last minute. Expect hotel pickup, hot chocolate under the stars, free aurora photos, and stories that stick long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“The elders say the colder it gets, the brighter they dance,” our driver Jón grinned as he cranked up the heater. I didn’t know what to expect—just that we were leaving Reykjavik behind in this beast of a superjeep, tires almost as tall as my little cousin. The city lights faded fast, replaced by a kind of blackness you only get out here. There was this hush inside the jeep, except for Jón’s stories about growing up near Akureyri and how he’d seen every color the northern lights could throw at you. He kept checking some weather app and muttering to himself in Icelandic (I caught “grænt” a few times—green), then suddenly turned off onto a snow-packed track I never would’ve spotted.

I’ll be honest—I thought we’d just park somewhere and wait. But it felt more like a hunt. We met up with two other superjeeps, headlights bobbing on the horizon like slow-moving stars. Everyone piled out into crunchy snow; my boots squeaked with every step and my breath hung thick in the air. Jón handed out hot chocolate—he said it keeps your hands warm even if your nose goes numb (he was right). Then someone gasped and pointed, and there it was: a pale green ribbon unfurling across the sky. Not bright at first, but shifting and stretching until it looked almost alive. I tried to take photos but mostly just stood there with my mouth open. Jón snapped a picture of us with the lights behind—he promised to send it for free, which still feels wild.

The wind picked up after midnight and everyone shuffled back into the jeeps, cheeks red and noses running but nobody really caring. Reykjavík felt far away by then. On the drive back, Jón told us about his favorite failed attempts (“sometimes all you get is clouds—and sheep”). He said if we hadn’t seen anything tonight, they’d let us come again for free. It made me realize how much luck is part of this whole thing—you can plan all you want but sometimes nature just does its own thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights Superjeep Tour

• Hotel pickup at 8pm or 9pm
• Drive out of Reykjavik with superjeeps
• Hunt northern lights based on forecast
• Stop at best viewing locations
• Take photos with northern lights
• Return to Reykjavik hotel around midnight

Top questions

What time does the northern lights superjeep tour from Reykjavik start?

You’ll be picked up at your hotel at 8pm or 9pm depending on season.

How long does the Reykjavik northern lights tour last?

The tour lasts around 4 hours; return is usually by 12am or 1am.

Is hotel pickup included on this northern lights tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

What happens if I don’t see northern lights during my tour?

If you don’t see them, you can rebook another night for free.

How many people fit in each superjeep?

The maximum is 6 passengers per superjeep vehicle.

Are photos included on the Reykjavik northern lights tour?

Yes, guides will take photos of you with the aurora at no extra charge.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 5 years old; families are welcome.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

Dress warmly—layers are key! Everything else is provided.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavik, all national park fees and local taxes covered by your guide team, plus free aurora photos taken during your night out chasing the northern lights together before heading back to town late at night.