From Reykjavík: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos

Witness the magic of the Northern Lights with this Reykjavík-based tour offered by TrollExpeditions. Priced at $111 per person and lasting 3.5 hours, this small-group experience takes you away from city lights to seek out the Aurora Borealis in comfort. Travel in a heated minibus, enjoy hot chocolate, and receive complimentary digital photos of your moment under the celestial display.

This tour is ideal for those who want a personalized experience with flexible rebooking options if the lights don’t appear on your first try. With professional guides leading the way and real-time forecasting, you’re in good hands. However, it’s important to remember that, as with all Aurora tours, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings are not guaranteed. The tour suits travelers prepared for warm clothing and eager to enjoy a cozy, adventure-filled evening out of Reykjavík.

Key Points

• Price: $111 per person for a 3.5-hour guided Northern Lights experience
• Departure Point: Central Reykjavík, with hotel pickup included
• Travel Comfort: Journey in a heated minibus designed for comfort
• Viewing Strategy: Guides choose locations based on real-time weather and cloud forecast
• Extras: Hot chocolate, a chocolate bar, and free digital photos of you with the Aurora
• Rebooking Option: If the lights don’t appear, rebook for free on another night

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Begins with Reykjavík Hotel Pickup

This tour starts with hotel pickup in central Reykjavík, ensuring a smooth beginning to your Northern Lights adventure. Pickup times begin around 9:00 PM, and it may take up to 30 minutes to gather all participants from various locations. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off means you avoid the hassle of self-driving in the dark, allowing you to relax before heading out into the countryside.

Once everyone is on board, the guide leads the group on a 1.5-hour drive away from city lights, traveling in a small, cozy minibus. This vehicle is well-suited for navigating narrow or less accessible roads, making it easier to reach prime viewing spots.

Seeking Aurora in the Icelandic Night Sky

After the initial drive, the guide chooses the best viewing location based on current weather conditions, forecast, and cloud coverage. The goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, which can display in stunning shades of green, pink, red, and violet.

The guide actively searches for the optimal spot, making adjustments if weather conditions change. This flexibility is a key part of the experience, with the guide’s expertise ensuring you spend your time where the Aurora is most likely to appear. When the lights do show, you’ll have ample time to marvel at the celestial display and take complimentary photos against the vibrant sky.

Enjoying Hot Cocoa and Light Refreshments Under the Night Sky

While waiting for the Aurora to appear, the tour provides freshly made hot chocolate and a chocolate bar to keep everyone warm and satisfied. This small touch adds to the cozy atmosphere, making the experience more enjoyable, especially in the chilly Icelandic night.

Guides take care to create a relaxed environment, allowing guests to chat, take photos, or simply enjoy the mesmerizing light show. The hot drinks and snacks, combined with the dark, starry backdrop, help turn a potentially cold night into a warm, memorable moment.

The Convenience of Complimentary Digital Photos

A standout feature of this tour is the free digital photos captured by the guides. These high-quality images feature you against the stunning Aurora, providing a lasting memory of this unforgettable experience. No need to worry about taking photos yourself—this service adds a personal touch and helps preserve your Icelandic adventure.

The photos are delivered after the tour, giving you a chance to relive the experience or share it easily with friends and family.

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Flexibility with Rebooking if the Aurora is Mysterious

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is the free rebooking option. If the Northern Lights do not appear during your scheduled outing, you can rebook for another night at no extra cost. This policy offers peace of mind, knowing that your chance to see the Aurora isn’t limited to one try.

Recent reviews highlight the effectiveness of this approach, with guides and providers going above and beyond to ensure guests get a second chance if the conditions aren’t right initially. This flexibility makes the tour a safer choice for a successful Northern Lights experience.

The Stops Include a Scenic Viewpoint and Smooth Return

The itinerary involves two main stops: the initial pickup and drive, and a viewpoint where the Aurora is monitored closely. The guide provides about an hour at this location to observe the sky and capture photos. The entire experience is paced comfortably, with 1.5 hours spent traveling to the spot, allowing for anticipation and relaxation.

Finally, the group is returned to central Reykjavík after approximately 3.5 hours total, making it easy to plan the rest of your evening or get some rest for the next day.

The Experience with Guides and Customer Service

Guests frequently praise the professional guides for their dedication, friendliness, and expertise. In particular, guides such as Nelu and Alex have been noted for their enthusiasm and effort in finding the Aurora, despite unpredictable conditions. Their friendly approach and willingness to rebook if needed contribute significantly to the overall satisfaction.

The tour’s flexibility and responsiveness, especially regarding weather challenges, create a trustworthy and enjoyable experience, even for those who have tried multiple times before without success.

Practical Tips and What to Bring

To make the most of this tour, guests should dress warmly with weather-appropriate clothing. Since the tour takes place at night in Iceland’s cold climate, layers, hats, and gloves are advisable. The tour’s hot cocoa and snacks help, but being prepared for the chilly conditions ensures comfort throughout the experience.

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 PM, so arriving prepared and on time is essential for a smooth start.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Iceland Aurora Experiences

While multiple tours from Reykjavík offer Northern Lights viewing, this tour’s inclusion of complimentary photos and free rebooking are notable advantages. The small-group setting and professional guides make it stand out for personalized attention and flexibility.

Other similar experiences may have comparable itineraries, but this tour’s reputation for dedicated guides who actively chase the Aurora and the warm, cozy amenities make it an attractive choice for travelers seeking a stress-free evening under the stars.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience appeals to those who want a comfortable, guided Aurora hunt with warm refreshments and photo keepsakes. It’s suited for travelers who appreciate flexibility—especially the option to rebook if the Aurora doesn’t appear on the first night.

It’s also ideal for anyone who prefers small-group atmospheres over large, bus-sized tours, and for those who value professional guidance and personalized service during their Northern Lights adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pickup point included in the tour price?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in central Reykjavík are included, and pickups start around 9:00 PM.

What should I bring for the tour?
Guests should wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during the nighttime outing in Iceland’s chilly climate.

Can I rebook if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Absolutely. The tour offers a free rebooking on another night if the Aurora doesn’t make an appearance, providing reassurance for travelers making an effort to see the lights.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is 3.5 hours, including travel time, waiting at the viewpoint, and the return to Reykjavík.

Are photos included?
Yes, the tour provides complimentary digital photos of you with the Aurora, taken by the guide and sent afterward.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, it’s designed as a small-group experience, which allows for more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

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