Reykjavik Northern Lights Tour & Aurora Museum Entry

Chasing the Aurora from Reykjavik: What Does It Actually Take to See It?

You're picked up in Reykjavik in the evening and driven into the dark countryside with a guide who hunts for clear skies and signs of the Northern Lights. The 3–5 hour tour includes hot chocolate, free photos if the aurora appears, and access to the Aurora Museum. If weather cancels the tour, you can rebook for another date at no cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights jeep tour from Reykjavík

• Pick up in Reykjavík in evening
• Travel by jeep to countryside
• Watch for Northern Lights with guide
• Enjoy Icelandic landscape views
• Guide shares nature and aurora info

The experience

What if you flew all the way to Iceland and the sky stayed dark the whole time? That's the thing about chasing the Northern Lights. You can't force them to show up, but you can put yourself in the best possible position to catch them if they do. This tour picks you up in Reykjavik around 9 p.m. and drives you out past the city lights into the countryside, where an expert guide spends the next 3 to 5 hours scanning the sky and reading the clouds for gaps where the aurora might break through. The jeep keeps you warm while you're watching, and they've got hot chocolate with optional Brennivin or rum to keep you occupied during the wait.

The guide isn't just looking up. They know the Icelandic landscape well enough to pick the best dark spot for the night, and they'll talk about what you're driving past: the fields, the mountains, the way the country looks when there's almost no light pollution. If the clouds don't cooperate and the lights don't show, you don't lose the money. The tour comes with unlimited retries, which means you can rebook for another night within two years if weather or cloud cover gets in the way. That's the real safety net here, not a guarantee but a second (or third, or fourth) chance.

If you do see the lights and want a photo, they'll take one of you with the aurora in the frame at no extra cost and help you dial in your camera settings if you're shooting yourself. Tripods are available to rent. The groups stay small, which means the guide can actually see who's in the jeep and adjust the hunt accordingly. And because your ticket includes entry to the Aurora Museum in Reykjavik, you can visit before or after the tour. It's open during regular hours, so you can slot it in whenever it fits your schedule.

What’s included

• Evening pickup from your Reykjavik location (starting at 9 p.m.).
• guided jeep hunt through the Icelandic countryside.
• expert guide who reads the sky and selects the best viewing spot.
• hot chocolate with optional Brennivin or rum.
• free professional photo of you with the Northern Lights if they appear.
• tripod rental available.
• entry to the Aurora Museum at your leisure.
• small-group format.
• unlimited retries if weather cancels the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 21:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 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.

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Gravel Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to hunt for the Northern Lights without arranging your own transport or timing. The guide handles the search strategy and the jeep keeps you warm during the wait, and the unlimited retries mean a cloudy night doesn't end your chances.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 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.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins at 9 p.m. and can take up to 30 minutes depending on your location in Reykjavik.

What if I don't see the Northern Lights?

The tour includes unlimited retries. If weather or clouds prevent viewing, you can rebook for another night within two years at no extra charge. If the tour is cancelled due to bad weather, you receive a full refund or rebook option.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs 3 to 5 hours, depending on conditions and how long the guide needs to find the best viewing location.

Is photography included?

Yes. If the Northern Lights appear, the guide will take a free photo of you with the aurora. They also assist with camera settings and rent tripods if you want to shoot yourself.

What's included in the ticket?

Pickup from Reykjavik, the guided jeep tour, hot chocolate with optional alcohol, entry to the Aurora Museum, and free photos if the lights appear.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes. You'll be in a jeep most of the time, but the guide may stop for short walks to find better viewing spots.

How many people are in a group?

Groups are kept small. If there have been several cancellations in a row due to weather, group size may grow slightly, but the focus stays on keeping numbers manageable.

When can I visit the Aurora Museum?

Your ticket gives you access to visit the Aurora Museum at any time during their regular opening hours, before or after your tour. Check the official website for hours.

What if the tour is cancelled?

The operator sends a cancellation email before 6:30 p.m. if weather is too poor. You'll receive a full refund or the option to rebook for another date.