Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photos & Hot Chocolate

Summary

Waiting for the aurora outside Reykjavik with hot chocolate and laughter

You’ll leave Reykjavik behind for a real chase under Iceland’s dark skies, bundled in wool blankets with homemade hot chocolate in hand. Local guides keep watch for the Northern Lights — sometimes it takes patience, but when they appear, it’s pure magic. Pro photos capture that moment so you don’t have to fumble with your phone. There’s laughter, cinnamon rolls, and a sense of wonder you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

The headlights cut through this kind of blue-black you only get outside Reykjavik — not quite midnight, but close. Our guide, Jón, kept glancing at the sky as we left the city lights behind. He handed out thick wool blankets (Icelandic wool is scratchier than I thought, but warm) and told us about his grandma’s cinnamon roll recipe. The van smelled like chocolate and cardamom by the time we stopped. I remember thinking: if we don’t see anything tonight, at least there’s this.

We waited a while — maybe an hour? Hard to say; time gets weird when you’re staring up at nothing but stars and your own breath fogging in front of your face. Jón kept checking his phone for updates from other guides scattered around the countryside (“Looks better north of Þingvellir,” he’d mutter). Someone tried to pronounce “aurora borealis” in Icelandic and everyone laughed — even Jón, who said he still messes it up sometimes. It felt like a bunch of strangers slowly thawing out together, literally and otherwise.

When the Northern Lights finally showed up — pale green at first, then suddenly bright and moving — there was this hush. Nobody said anything for a second. Then cameras started clicking (the pro photographer snapped a shot of me with my hood half-off; I look ridiculous but happy). The cold didn’t matter anymore. I still think about that quiet just before the lights appeared. You know when something feels bigger than you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

• Pick up in Reykjavik Capital Area
• Drive away from city light pollution
• Go to best location for Northern Lights
• Wait for Northern Lights to appear
• Change location if visibility improves

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included or from the closest bus stop if downtown.

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

You can join again for free as many times as needed until you see them (pending availability).

Are professional photos included on this Reykjavik Northern Lights tour?

Yes, high quality professional photos are included at no extra cost.

What food or drinks are provided during the tour?

You get homemade hot chocolate made from real Icelandic chocolate and cinnamon rolls from a top bakery.

How long do we wait to see the Northern Lights?

The waiting time varies depending on visibility; sometimes it may take an hour or more.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as there is minimal walking involved.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points in Reykjavik.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off (or nearest bus stop), WiFi onboard, homemade hot chocolate made with real Icelandic chocolate, fresh cinnamon rolls from one of Iceland’s best bakeries (plus kleina pastry), thick wool blankets to keep you warm outside Reykjavik, free professional high-quality photos under the aurora, and an experienced local driver-guide who keeps tabs on where visibility is best each night before returning late to your accommodation.