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
Full moon aurora at Þingvellir National Park, Iceland
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, hot chocolate, 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, and free Wi-Fi.
Join our Northern Lights Cruise
Budget-Friendly – Aurores boréales en bus
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, and 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 et 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 here.
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:
Clothing Essentials
- 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 here.
Useful Tools
- Official Live Aurora Forecast (cloud cover + aurora probability)
- Real time cameras – in Reykjavík and the Cercle d'or
- Road conditions + Travel Alerts
Conseils de pro : Checking real-time KP index and cloud patterns before you head out and be patient: auroras are fickle but worth the wait!
Green and red northern lights
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?
Excursions 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.
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OUR BESTSELLER
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POINTS FORTS:
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FREE ADMISSION TO AURORA REYKJAVÍK – SAVE 3900 ISK
NORTHERN LIGHTS & SOUTH SHORE
POINTS FORTS:
✓ 2IN1 OFFER: SAVE OVER ISK 2000 ✓ Visit Glacier Sólheimarjökull ✓ Stroll around the town Vík ✓ Walk at the . ✓ See the majestic waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss ✓ Witness the Northern Lights dance BEST VALUE FOR MONEY NORTHERN LIGHTS GUARANTEE: FREE RETRY IF NO LIGHTS ARE SEEN
EXCURSION EN PETIT GROUPE DES AURORES BORÉALES
POINTS FORTS:
✓ Northern Lights Tour in a small bus
✓ Free photos of you under the Northern Lights
✓ Homemade hot Chocolate et Pastries
✓ Prise en charge et retour gratuits
MOST POPULAR TOUR
FAQ ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Quand puis-je voir les aurores boréales en Islande ?
Can you see the Northern Lights during a full moon?
What time do the northern lights show up?
How long do the northern lights last?
Can I see the northern lights when it is cloudy?
Do the northern lights only appear when it is cold?
Are the northern lights visible all over Iceland?
Are the northern lights really colourful?
Is a new moon better for aurora viewing?
Is the full moon good for aurora photography?
Katarina Raker