NORTHERN LIGHTS TRIP FROM REYKJAVÍK: TIPS & TRICKS TO PLAN YOUR NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNT
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of those bucket-list experiences that Iceland makes unforgettable. With the right planning, cozy gear, and a little luck from Mother Nature, you can witness the night sky dance in green, purple, and pink right above you.
Whether you want expert guidance or prefer a self-guided adventure, here’s how to plan your Reykjavík Northern Lights trip like a pro.
Why Reykjavík Is a Great Base
Reykjavík is ideally positioned for Northern Lights adventures: close enough to dark rural skies, yet with easy access to tours and transport. The biggest challenge in the city itself is light pollution, which is why heading out of town is key.
Before diving into tours and logistics, here’s a quick overview of how to beat the lights and improve your odds of seeing the auroras.
This could be you! Join a northern lights tour for an unforgettable experience
Northern Lights over Hraunfossar – West Iceland
Luna llena en el Parque Nacional Thingvellir, Islandia
Top Northern Lights Experiences – from Reykjavík
While it is sometimes possible to see the northern lights from the Icelandic Capital, it is by leaving the city lights behind that you will experience the Aurora in full force.
Reykjavík is the departure point for most northern lights tours in Iceland. Just get on board, we’ll get you there!
Here are some of the best ways to chase the northern lights away from the city, when based in Reykjavík.
Best Tour Options
Premium Adventure – Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour
Perfect if you want an off-road hunt in style, these tours go beyond the city lights for serious northern lights seekers. Expect free pickup, great photos, hot drinks, and a higher chance of clear skies.
This is a memorable choice if it’s your first visit and you want a guided chase with local insight.
Book here: Northern Lights Superjeep Tour
Northern lights in the wilderness, during a superjeep tour
Northern lights over a frozen lake
Small Group Fun – Northern Lights Small Group Tour
A popular choice for travellers who want expert guidance without the private tour price tag. Includes pickup/drop-off, free photos, casero, and treats.
Find out more: Northern Lights Minibus Tour
Scenic & Unique – Northern Lights by Boat
Seeing the aurora over the water, away from land lights, can create amazing reflections and a special experience. Ferry tours often include comfy seating, bar service, y free Wi-Fi.
Join our Crucero de Auroras Boreales
Budget-Friendly – Auroras Boreales en autobús
A Northern Lights Bus tour is great for travellers on a budget. These tours head out of Reykjavík to darker skies with a guide, hot drinks, y aurora guarantee (free retry if you don’t see them).
Reykjavík northern lights cruise
Private Tours & Special Combos
Looking for something more adventurous, private, or combined with other activities? There are private tours y a las multi-day combos that blend northern lights chasing with glacier hikes, waterfalls, and south coast scenery.
Here are some of our top picks:
- Private Northern Lights Superjeep Tour
- Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights
- South Coast & Northern Lights
- 2-Day South Coast: Ice Cave, Skaftafell and Glacier Lagoon
- 8-Day Package Northern Lights Around Iceland
Find out our hand-picked selection of northern lights excursions and day tours aquí.
Northern lights in the countryside
What to Pack for a Northern Lights Trip
Winter in Iceland is cold, dark, and magical, so let’s get you packed right:
Elementos esenciales de ropa
- Thermal base layers
- Insulated winter coat
- Water- and wind-proof outer layers
- Warm hat + scarf
- Gloves
- Thick wool socks
- Sturdy winter boots
Night-Hunting Gear
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Portable charger + spare batteries
- Tripod + camera with manual settings
- Thermos with a warm drink
Find out more about tips and recommendations for travelling in Iceland in winter aquí.
Useful Tools
- Pronóstico oficial en vivo de la Aurora Boreal (cloud cover + aurora probability)
- Real time cameras – in Reykjavík y la Círculo Dorado
- Road conditions + Travel Alerts
Consejos profesionales: Checking real-time KP index and cloud patterns before you head out and be patient: auroras are fickle but worth the wait!
Aurora Boreal verde y roja
How to Read the Northern Lights Forecast
Auroras are unpredictable, but forecasts help you game-plan your nights.
As reading the northern lights forecast is tricky, we have put together a guide for you: How to Read an Aurora Forecast: Your Complete Guide to Not Miss the Northern Lights
Ideal Conditions
- Moderate to high KP
- Clear skies
- Optimal darkness: peak aurora activity
- Away from city lights: unpolluted skies improve visibility
DIY vs. Tour: What’s Best?
Tours are great if:
- You want local guidance and transport
- Roads and weather are unfamiliar
- You’d like photos + hot drinks included
DIY aurora hunting is great if:
- You’re confident driving Icelandic winters
- You want freedom to chase breaks in the clouds
- You have your own camera plan
Both work: locals and travellers alike find success with both approaches. If you’re unsure, booking a tour early in your trip gives you a safety net while you explore independent options later.
Check out our tips and tricks to driving yourself to see the northern lights.
Aurora Expert Grétar Jónsson, owner and CEO of AURORA REYKJAVÍK capturing the Northern Lights at Sólheimarkökull, Iceland
Choose Your First Available Night
Since Northern Lights sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity, tours can occasionally be postponed or rescheduled due to weather conditions.
To improve the likelihood of actually seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland, it’s smart to schedule your Northern Lights tour for the very first night of your trip.
Maximise Your Chances
By planning your Northern Lights adventure early in your stay, you’ll have extra nights as backup options in case you need to try again.
This is why most Northern Lights tours from Reykjavík offer free rebookings or “retry” guarantee. In case of an unsuccessful first Aurora tour, you’ll be able to go again – at no additional cost.
Final Tips for Your Reykjavík Northern Lights Adventure
Book early: the best tours fill up in high season.
Plan multiple nights: auroras don’t show every night.
Stay flexible: weather and aurora activity can change fast.
Bring warm layers: it can get very cold out under the stars.
ÚNETE AL MEJOR TOUR DE AURORAS BOREALES EN ISLANDIA
NUESTROS TOURS MÁS POPULARES
TOUR EN SUPER JEEP DE LA AURORA BOREAL
ASPECTOS DESTACADOS:
✓ Tour guiado premium de Auroras Boreales en un super jeep ✓ Recogida y regreso gratuitos ✓ Fotografías gratuitas de calidad ✓ Chocolate caliente casero ✓ Vehículos con calefacción todo el viaje
TASA DE ÉXITO MÁS ALTA
ENTRADA A AURORA REYKJAVÍK INCLUIDA - AHORRA 3900 ISK
AURORA BOREAL Y COSTA SUR
ASPECTOS DESTACADOS:
✓ OFERTA 2 EN 1: AHORA MÁS DE 2000 ISK ✓ Visita el glaciar Sólheimarjökull ✓ Pasea por la ciudad de Vík ✓ Camina por la playa de arena negra ✓ Contempla las majestuosas cascadas Skógafoss y Seljalandsfoss ✓ Presencia la La danza de las Auroras Boreales MEJOR RELACIÓN CALIDAD-PRECIO AURORAS BOREALES GARANTIZADAS: REINTENTO GRATUITO SI NO SE VEN LAS LUCES
TOUR DE AURORAS BOREALES EN GRUPO REDUCIDO
ASPECTOS DESTACADOS:
✓ Tour de Auroras Boreales en minibus
✓ Fotografías gratuitas de ti bajo las Auroras Boreales
✓ Chocolate caliente y a las pasteles caseros
✓ Recogida y regreso gratuitos
EL TOUR MÁS POPULAR
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES SOBRE LA AURORA BOREAL
¿Cuándo puedo ver las Auroras Boreales en Islandia?
During this long period, Iceland experiences sufficient darkness for the Aurora to be visible at night.
However, chances of experiencing the northern lights vary depending on the time of year. Find out which months are the best for seeing the Aurora here.
¿Puedes ver la aurora boreal durante la luna llena?
¿A qué hora aparecen las auroras boreales?
¿Cuánto duran las auroras boreales?
¿Puedo ver la aurora boreal cuando está nublado?
¿Las auroras boreales sólo aparecen cuando hace frío?
¿Se ven las auroras boreales en toda Islandia?
¿Son realmente coloridas las auroras boreales?
¿Es mejor la luna nueva para ver auroras boreales?
¿Es la luna llena buena para fotografiar la aurora?
Katarina Raker