Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour & Pro Photos Small Group

Summary

Chasing the northern lights from Reykjavik with laughter, pro photos and hot chocolate breaks

You’ll join a small group leaving Reykjavik to chase down the northern lights with an expert local guide who knows where to find them each night. Expect pro-quality aurora photos (way better than your phone), hot chocolate breaks in a heated minibus, stories about Icelandic legends, and maybe even some goofy Viking helmet moments under those wild green skies.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the minibus in Reykjavik was how warm it felt inside — honestly, I’d been dreading the cold more than I’d admit. Our guide, Jón, greeted us with this big grin and handed out gingerbread cookies before we even left the city lights behind. He said they were his grandmother’s recipe but winked like maybe he was making that up. The group was small enough that nobody felt lost in the shuffle; just a handful of us bundled up and half-awake, joking about how we’d all tried (and failed) to photograph the northern lights on our own before. Someone asked if we’d really get professional aurora photos — Jón just nodded and patted his camera bag like it was some kind of secret weapon.

We drove for what felt like forever — time gets weird in the dark outside Reykjavik — pulling over now and then while Jón checked his phone for aurora forecasts. He explained why you can’t just go to one spot every night; it’s a bit of a hunt, chasing clear skies and solar winds. At one stop, he started telling us about Icelandic myths around the northern lights (something about foxes sweeping sparks into the sky?), which made me forget for a second that my toes were freezing. The air smelled sharp and clean out there, almost metallic. I kept craning my neck at every faint shimmer overhead — impatient, maybe — but nobody seemed too worried about waiting. There was this weird camaraderie in shuffling around in the dark together.

When the aurora finally showed up (I nearly missed it because I was fumbling with my thermos), Jón hustled us into place and started snapping those pro photos he promised. It’s wild how much better they looked on his screen than anything from my phone; green ribbons that actually glowed instead of blurry smudges. We even took turns posing with these Viking helmets he brought along — someone tried to say “skál” properly and got everyone laughing so hard we almost forgot to look up again. The whole thing felt kind of silly but also perfect? Anyway, I still think about that sky sometimes when I’m back home staring at streetlights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights hunt from Reykjavik

• Depart from Reykjavik
• Chase Northern Lights at various locations
• Search best spot for aurora viewing

Top questions

How many people are in each Reykjavik northern lights tour group?

The tour uses minibuses for small groups to keep things intimate—no large crowds.

What happens if we don’t see the northern lights?

You get unlimited free retries until you do see the aurora on another night.

Are professional photos included on this Reykjavik aurora tour?

Yes, your guide is a professional photographer who takes high-quality aurora and group pictures during the tour.

Is transportation included from Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup is included from central Reykjavik locations for your convenience.

Do they provide snacks or drinks during the tour?

You’ll get hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies to warm up during stops.

Can anyone join or is it physically demanding?

The experience is suitable for all fitness levels—no strenuous activity required.

Will we learn about Icelandic culture or folklore?

Your guide shares stories about both the science and mythology behind Iceland’s northern lights.

Are there any fun extras on this northern lights trip?

You can pose with Viking props like helmets or weapons for playful group photos under the aurora.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from Reykjavik by heated minibus, guidance from a local expert who chases down clear skies each night, professional-grade aurora photography (with fun Viking props if you want), plus hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies whenever you need to warm up—and unlimited free retries if you don’t catch the lights on your first try.