Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Photos, Snacks & Pickup

Summary

Chasing auroras near Reykjavik with photos snacks & warmth

You’ll leave Reykjavik behind to hunt for the Northern Lights with a small group, bundled in warm jumpsuits and sharing hot chocolate under Iceland’s dark sky. A local guide helps with photos and stories while you wait for the aurora to appear—and if it doesn’t show up, they’ll bring you back again for another try.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how quiet it felt outside Reykjavik — just us and the cold, dark air. Our guide, Jón (he joked his name means “John” everywhere else), handed out these thick winter jumpsuits that made me feel like a marshmallow but honestly saved my toes later. He checked the sky every few minutes, muttering something in Icelandic I didn’t catch. There was this odd mix of excitement and waiting. You could smell snow in the air, that sharpness you only get far from city lights.

I’d read about Northern Lights tours before but didn’t expect how much time we’d spend just sitting together in those fold-out chairs, sipping hot chocolate that tasted faintly of cinnamon. Jón set up tripods for anyone who wanted them and helped me fiddle with my camera settings (I’m still not sure what ISO is). He told stories about growing up here — apparently his grandmother swore the lights were spirits dancing. Someone passed around dried fish and chocolate; weird combo but it sort of worked after a while.

When the aurora finally showed up — pale at first, then brighter green — nobody said much. Just a lot of muffled gasps and one guy whispering “oh wow” like he forgot he was talking out loud. Jón moved quietly between us snapping photos; he promised we’d get them all later. The cold stung my cheeks but I barely noticed then. And if you don’t see anything? They’ll take you out again until you do, which feels fair. I still think about that night sometimes when I see city lights flicker through my window back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

• Leave Reykjavik city lights
• Travel into Icelandic wilderness
• Guide sets up camera equipment
• Enjoy photo session with guests
• Guide prepares hot chocolate and snacks
• Wait and watch for Northern Lights
• Pass breathtaking natural landscapes
• Guide shares insights about landscapes
• Tour heads to best viewing locations

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik last?

The tour length varies depending on conditions but usually lasts several hours into late evening or early night.

Is pickup included for this Reykjavik Northern Lights tour?

Yes, pickup and drop off from select locations in Reykjavik are included.

What snacks are provided during the tour?

You’ll get hot cocoa, cinnamon rolls, pastries, dried fish, chocolate, and premium Icelandic vodka & snaps.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?

If there’s no sighting due to weather or other reasons, unlimited re-runs are offered until you see them (subject to availability).

Are professional photos included on this tour?

Yes, unlimited high-resolution photos taken by your guide are included at no extra cost.

How many people are on each Northern Lights tour group?

The group size is capped at 18 guests for an intimate experience.

Is special clothing provided for cold weather?

Warm winter jumpsuits are provided to keep you comfortable outdoors.

Can beginners get help with their own cameras?

Your guide will assist with camera settings and there are extra tripods available if needed.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off from select Reykjavik locations, warm winter jumpsuits to keep you cozy outside, comfortable outdoor chairs for watching the sky, unlimited high-res photos taken by your local guide (and help with your own camera), plus traditional Icelandic snacks like hot cocoa, pastries, dried fish and even a taste of vodka or snaps—plus free re-runs if you don’t spot the lights right away.