Northern Lights from Reykjavik – The best tours
The Northern Lights season has begun in the Nordic countries. If you are planning to visit, I recommend a trip to Iceland. The Northern Lights are a breathtaking sight, and witnessing the Aurora Borealis put on a show in the sky will be one of the most stunning moments you’ll experience. I can’t recommend it enough, and there are several excellent tour companies that arrange tours in Iceland.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The sky painted in shades of green and purple, like nature’s very own masterpiece.
It was the darkest and coldest night but it was a very good sign as this is when the Aurora Borealis are strongest and require clear skies to appear.
What’s the best Northern lights tour from Reykjavik?
I booked my tour with GetYourGuide and I’m so glad I did because it was truly the best tour I’ve done with them. The tour guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also had a genuine passion for the Northern lights. This made the experience even more special. You could tell he loved chasing the Northern lights. He shared fascinating stories about the science behind this natural phenomenon.
Standing beneath the Northern Lights felt like witnessing pure magic in motion
I booked the small group Premium Northern Lights tour and it was the best tour I did. We were promised we’d see the lights and we did.
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This image was taken on my iPhone which doesn’t do it justice as the Aurora Borealis were so visible.
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The tour guide drove to another location where the Northern lights appeared which he tracked on an app.
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Which month is best for Northern lights in Iceland?
The peak times change each year, but the best months are from mid-October to March. The tours usually start between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. They rarely last until 2 a.m., as their duration depends on when you see the Northern Lights. If, by any chance, you don’t see the lights at all, your ticket remains valid for at least two years, should you return to Iceland and book the same tour.
What to wear for Northern Lights Tour?
Thermal, fleece and waterproof clothes should be your choice of clothing. Wear thermal tops and bottoms but make sure they are made of wool or synthetics. Avoid wearing cotton material as it holds sweat against your skin which will make you colder. The next layer of clothing should be a fleece sweater or wool jumper. The last layer should be windproof, and waterproof winter parkas or coats. Wear hiking boots, gloves and hats to keep your hands and head warm.
What happens on the Northern Lights tour?
On the day of your tour, the tour guide will send you a message if the time changes. They track the Northern Lights and plan the best possible time to pick you up from your hotel or bus stop. My tour guide picked me up around 10:30 p.m. We drove outside of Reykjavik to three different locations as he tracked the lights using an app. The tour lasts between two and three hours, depending on the locations and how long you spend on the road. The guide stops at various locations to look for the Northern Lights, if they appear. You will also be provided with hot chocolate and refreshments, likely Icelandic chocolate bars. These are definitely needed, as the nights can be extremely cold. A warm drink will help keep you warm as you stand beneath the darkest skies and brightest stars. It’s truly a magical night.
For more day tours in Iceland, A Guide to Sky Lagoon is a must-read for visiting the best luxury lagoons in Iceland. Another good read full of useful information for planning your itinerary to Iceland is How to See the Best of Iceland in 3 Days. For hotels Where to stay in Reykjavik has the most central hotels suited for all budgets.
