Reykjavik: Northern Lights with Icelandic Treats

Key Points

• Duration and departure: The tour lasts 4 hours, starting with a pickup between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM in Reykjavik.
• Main highlight: Witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Icelandic night sky, with guidance to the best viewing spots.
• Comfort features: Warm blankets, hot chocolate, and traditional pastries are provided to keep guests cozy during the viewing.
• Experience limitations: Sightings cannot be guaranteed, as the aurora depends on weather and solar activity. Rescheduling is possible if the lights aren’t visible.
• Suitable for: Guests aged 5 and above, but not wheelchair users or those sensitive to discomfort on off-road tracks.
• Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if weather or plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Reykjavik: Northern Lights with Icelandic Treats—An Overview of the Experience

The Reykjavik: Northern Lights with Icelandic Treats tour offers a 4-hour adventure designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the elusive aurora borealis. Starting with a pickup in Reykjavik, the trip takes you into the Icelandic night, with the guide leading you to the best possible viewing points. The experience is enhanced with warm blankets and hot chocolate, making the cold night sky more comfortable and enjoyable. To add a local flavor, a traditional pastry is included, giving you a taste of Icelandic hospitality.

While the tour’s core promise is to observe the Northern Lights, it is important to remember that aurora sightings can never be guaranteed. The tour operates with flexible scheduling, with the decision on whether it runs made every day until 6 PM based on weather conditions. If the aurora cannot be seen during your booked time, guests are welcome to reschedule or obtain a full refund if the tour is canceled altogether. This approach balances hope with honesty, ensuring a transparent experience.

The Logistics of the Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

This tour departs from Reykjavik, with a pickup window between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM. Due to traffic restrictions in the city center, pickups may occur at one of several bus stops rather than a single designated location. Travelers are advised to check their email before the tour for specific pickup details.

The transport is by minibus, and the journey to the viewing area takes approximately 30 minutes. The route involves a scenic drive with potential stops at various viewpoints, enhancing the chance for a good aurora sighting. The guide leads guests through safety briefings and provides scenic views along the way to enrich the experience. After the viewing, guests return to Reykjavik, completing the 4-hour round trip.

Inside the Minibus: Comfort and Safety Measures

On this tour, comfort is prioritized during the chilly Icelandic night. Guests are supplied with warm blankets to shield from the cold, and hot chocolate is served to warm hands and spirits alike. The vehicle is designed to accommodate the group comfortably, though some reviews note that off-road sections can be bumpy, which may cause discomfort, especially for larger groups.

Safety remains a focus, with guides remaining attentive to road conditions and weather. However, some reviews express concerns about the driving style, particularly when navigating off-road tracks, so guests who are sensitive to rough terrain or motion might want to prepare accordingly.

The Scenic Drive to the Aurora Viewing Spots

The journey takes you through scenic Icelandic landscapes, with the guide sharing insights about the surroundings. The route is carefully chosen to enhance the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, with viewpoints selected for their minimal light pollution and clear skies.

The drive lasts roughly three hours, with the guide providing safety briefings and local explanations along the way. The stops are not fixed but are based on real-time weather and aurora activity, ensuring flexibility. Passengers are encouraged to keep their camera ready for quick shots of the aurora when it appears.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Aurora Viewing Experience Under the Icelandic Night Sky

Once at the selected viewing location, guests are wrapped in warm blankets and invited to relax while watching the sky. The green aurora can sway and shimmer overhead, creating a mesmerizing scene. Guests are encouraged to ask the guide for photo tips—the guides are happy to assist with capturing the moment.

The aurora display depends on weather conditions and solar activity, so while the guide does their best to find clear skies, sightings are not guaranteed. Some reviews highlight occasions where the aurora was visible, describing the experience as spectacular. Others note that partial displays or no lights were seen, but appreciate the effort and comfort provided during the trip.

Tasting Icelandic Delights During the Aurora Hunt

To make the experience more memorable, the tour includes tastes of Icelandic treats, such as traditional pastries. These are served at the viewing spot, adding a local flavor to the night. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate and pastries while waiting for the aurora, making the cold night feel warmer and more inviting.

The hot chocolate is a popular feature, especially appreciated after long waits in the dark. Although a few reviews mention that the pastries were missed or that the focus was more on camera setup, the overall impression is positive, with many enjoying this small taste of Icelandic hospitality.

Who Should Book This Northern Lights Tour?

This tour suits adults and children over 5 years old, with the exception of wheelchair users, as the terrain and vehicle setup are not suitable for mobility aids. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a cozy, guided experience with an emphasis on comfort, such as warm blankets and hot drinks.

Guests should be prepared for potentially cold and bumpy conditions, especially if the vehicle ventures onto off-road tracks. The tour is perfect for nature lovers eager to witness Iceland’s night sky and those comfortable with some uncertainty regarding aurora sightings.

Pricing and Booking Flexibility for the Reykjavik Northern Lights Tour

The tour offers reserve-now, pay-later options, providing flexibility to plan ahead without immediate payment. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, accommodating changes in weather or personal plans. The price point is not specified, but the booking process emphasizes flexibility and transparency.

This policy makes it easier for travelers to decide with confidence, knowing they can cancel or reschedule if conditions aren’t favorable or if plans shift unexpectedly.

Summary: An Icelandic Night Sky Experience Worth Considering

The Reykjavik Northern Lights tour provides a comfortable, guided way to chase the aurora, with warm blankets, hot chocolate, and Icelandic pastries adding to the cozy atmosphere. The tour’s scenic drive and flexible approach to viewing spots increase the chances of a sighting, though it’s important to remember aurora sightings are never guaranteed.

Ideal for those who value comfort and local touches, this tour suits visitors eager to enjoy Iceland’s night sky without too much hassle or discomfort. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, well-organized outing with the possibility of experiencing the Northern Lights, knowing that rescheduling or refunds are available if conditions aren’t right.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 4 hours from pickup to return, typically starting between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Reykjavik, with pickup possibly from various bus stops due to city traffic restrictions.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, gloves, and warm shoes to stay comfortable during the cold night.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children over 5 years old can participate, but wheelchair users are not suitable due to terrain.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
Sightings are not guaranteed and depend on weather and solar activity. The guide makes every effort to find the best viewing conditions.

What happens if the lights aren’t visible?
Guests can reschedule to another day or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled due to weather.

Is food included?
Yes, hot chocolate and traditional pastries are part of the experience, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to terrain and vehicle setup.

Is the tour only in English?
Yes, the guide conducts the tour in English.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
The decision to run the tour is made daily until 6 PM based on weather. If canceled, guests are fully refunded or can reschedule.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, but availability depends on the date, and weather conditions influence whether the tour runs.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the Reykjavik Northern Lights with Icelandic Treats tour fits your expectations for a cozy, scenic, and memorable night searching for the aurora borealis in Iceland.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby