From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos

The From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos offers a warm and personalized way to witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis. Priced at $144 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this tour departs from multiple pickup points in Reykjavik, making it easy to join no matter where you’re staying in the city. Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour emphasizes small group sizes—a maximum of 19 people—to ensure an intimate experience free from the crowds of larger buses.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on comfort and memorable moments: cozy Icelandic wool blankets, hot chocolate, and Icelandic donuts keep everyone warm and content while waiting for the lights. The flexible approach to chasing the auroras, based on weather forecasts and real-time conditions, increases the chances of a spectacular display. With free photos included, visitors leave with lasting images of this natural wonder, making the experience even more special.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $144 per person and lasts around 4 hours.
• Departure and Pickup: Multiple pickup points across Reykjavik, starting 30 minutes before departure.
• Small Group Size: Max of 19 participants for a more personal experience.
• Comfort and Warmth: Includes Icelandic wool blankets, hot chocolate, and donuts.
• Expert Guidance: An English-speaking guide leads the journey, ensuring informative commentary.
• Photo Package: Complimentary professional photos of the Northern Lights and your group.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting the Evening from Reykjavik’s City Centers

This Northern Lights tour begins with pickups from 24 different locations across Reykjavik, including popular spots like Hallgrimskirkja, Harpa Concert Hall, and various hotels and bus stops. The flexibility of pickup points allows for a smooth start, especially since the tour emphasizes convenience and accessibility.

Once everyone is collected, the minibus departs toward the best viewing locations based on weather updates. The smaller vehicle size helps avoid crowded spots and allows the guide to find the optimal vantage points, often away from city lights, for the best aurora sightings. Travelers are advised to be ready 30 minutes prior at their pickup point and dress warmly in winter clothing, as Iceland’s evenings can be quite cold.

The Experience of Chasing the Northern Lights

The core aim of this tour is to maximize chances of seeing the aurora borealis. The guides are highly experienced and dedicated; reviews praise guides like Rosie, Mikaela, Devin, and Arin for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and perseverance. They carefully monitor weather conditions and aurora activity and are willing to reschedule or try different locations to get a glimpse of the lights.

While the display of the Northern Lights depends on natural factors and cannot be guaranteed, the tour’s flexible approach, combined with real-time weather assessment, enhances the likelihood of witnessing this stunning phenomenon. If the lights are visible, you’ll enjoy watching the sky dance with vibrant colors, and if not, the tour allows you to join another session free of charge.

Cozy Comforts Under the Icelandic Night Sky

To make waiting more enjoyable, the tour provides Icelandic wool blankets that keep everyone warm despite the cold night air. Plus, hot chocolate and Icelandic donuts (kleina) are served, adding a sweet touch as you gaze upward. Many reviews highlight how these comforts enrich the experience, making the chilly evenings more tolerable and the moments more memorable.

The guide often takes the opportunity to share fascinating facts and stories about the Northern Lights and Icelandic culture, adding depth to the viewing experience. Photographers in the group appreciate the complimentary photos, which are taken professionally to capture the lights and your moments, with some reviews describing these images as truly stunning.

The Itinerary and Key Stops

While the exact route varies depending on weather conditions, the tour consistently includes a secret stop for photography and sightseeing. The guide leads the group to dark, open areas away from city lights, often near natural features or open fields, to ensure optimal viewing conditions.

At each stop, travelers can expect a peaceful, dark environment, perfect for catching the aurora’s vivid display. The stops are carefully chosen to balance wide-open skies with safety and comfort. The small group size means everyone can comfortably enjoy the spectacle and take photos without feeling crowded.

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The Role of the Guide in Creating a Memorable Night

The guides in this tour are frequently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and dedication. Reviews mention guides like Haukur, Arni, Devin, Michaela, Ionut B, and others, highlighting their ability to find the best viewing spots, share interesting facts, and take quality photos.

Many guides go beyond just driving; they are passionate about the aurora and Iceland, making the experience warm and engaging, even in the cold. Their sense of humor, patience, and enthusiasm help keep the group upbeat, especially on nights when the lights are elusive.

The Photos and Souvenirs You Take Home

One of the tour’s standout features is the complimentary professional photos. Guides use high-quality cameras or smartphones to capture the lights and the group, ensuring everyone has lasting memories. Many reviews rave about the stunning images—some describe them as like scenes from sci-fi films—which add a priceless element to the experience.

Since the photos are free, you can focus on enjoying the moment without worry. Some guides also share interesting stories or facts about the science of the aurora while taking pictures, enriching the overall experience.

Practicalities: What to Bring and Expect

Since this tour takes place during Iceland’s winter months, warm clothing is essential. The tour does not accommodate wheelchairs or strollers, nor are infant seats available, so it is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with cold conditions and standing outdoors for periods. The pick-up process requires guests to wait at specific bus stops designated on the list, especially if staying in downtown Reykjavik.

In case of poor weather or low aurora activity, the tour can be canceled with a full refund, or travelers can reschedule for another night at no additional cost. As the tour emphasizes flexibility and weather monitoring, it aims to give the best chance of seeing the lights while prioritizing safety and comfort.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value for Money

At $144 per person, this tour’s inclusion of hot chocolate, donuts, wool blankets, and free photos makes it a comprehensive package. The small-group size and expert guidance enhance the likelihood of a successful aurora sighting, compared to larger, more impersonal tours. The multiple pickup points and flexible scheduling cater well to different travelers’ needs.

The consistently high 4.7-star rating based on 521 reviews reflects strong satisfaction, with many praising the guides’ professionalism and enthusiasm. The ability to rejoin another tour free of charge if the lights are not seen on the first night adds reassurance.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Northern Lights Tour

This tour suits travelers who value personalized service, comfort, and flexibility. It works well for those who prefer smaller groups and want a relaxed experience with a focus on photography and storytelling. The tour’s emphasis on warmth and snacks makes it ideal for visitors wary of Iceland’s cold nights.

However, it may not be suitable for children under 5, people with mobility issues, or those needing wheelchair access. Travelers should be prepared for winter weather and outdoor conditions, and it’s best for those who don’t mind waiting in the cold for a chance to see the aurora.

Reykjavik Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos: Final Thoughts

This tour delivers a personalized, comfortable, and well-organized way to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland. The combination of expert guides, small group size, warm essentials, and free professional photos creates a memorable outing, especially for those hoping to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora.

While no aurora tour can promise a sighting every night due to natural variability, the flexible approach and experienced guides significantly increase the odds. This experience is most suitable for travelers looking for a relaxed, cozy night under Iceland’s dark skies—perfect for capturing incredible images and creating lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this Northern Lights tour?
The tour costs $144 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from multiple pickup locations across Reykjavik, starting 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential, as the tour takes place outdoors at night in winter.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it is not suitable for children under 5 years.

Are the stops at natural locations?
Yes, the guide chooses dark, open areas away from city lights for optimal viewing.

Can I join another tour if I don’t see the lights?
Yes, if the auroras are not visible, you can rejoin another tour free of charge.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

What is included in the package?
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off, hot chocolate, Icelandic donuts, wool blankets, an English guide, and free photos.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?
In case of poor weather, the tour is canceled with a full refund or you can reschedule at no extra cost.

How good are the photos taken during the tour?
The professional photos are highly praised and many describe them as stunning, capturing the aurora in vivid detail.

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