From Reykjavik: Extreme Northern Lights Tour with Dinner

From Reykjavik: Extreme Northern Lights Tour with Dinner — A Truly Icelandic Night Out

If you’re chasing the Northern Lights across Iceland, this tour from Reykjavik is designed to give you a serious shot at witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Starting around 5 PM and returning anywhere from 1 to 5 AM, you’ll hop into a small, cozy group (limited to 10 people) and set out on a 12-hour adventure that takes you all the way to Akureyri, or anywhere along that route where the Aurora might be putting on a show. Add in a traditional Icelandic lamb or bean soup, a professional photographer to help you get that perfect shot, and Viking costumes for fun photos, and you end up with more than just a sighting — it’s a memorable cultural experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the flexibility of travel. Covering a broad area increases your chances of a sighting since Aurora activity can be unpredictable and region-specific. Second, the added fun of Viking-themed photos and professional photography. We loved how playful and immersive the Viking costumes made the experience, turning photographs into souvenirs that will make friends back home jealous.

A potential drawback? The long, late-night hours—this isn’t suited for those who prefer early nights or have trouble staying out until dawn. Plus, since the tour is weather-dependent, seeing the Aurora isn’t guaranteed, although you can rebook for free if you don’t spot the lights on your first try.

This experience suits travelers who are comfortable with extended nights, want a flexible, extensive search for the Aurora, and enjoy cultural moments like Viking costumes and Icelandic food. If you’re after a fun, authentic, and well-organized Aurora-chasing trip, this one could fit the bill.

Key Points

• Flexible Route: Drive to Akureyri or locations in between, increasing your chances of Aurora sightings.
• Cultural Fun: Viking costumes and weapons for photos, adding a playful Icelandic flavor.
• Professional Photography: Capture high-quality images of the Aurora, with photos provided after the tour.
• Traditional Food: Warm lamb or bean soup is included, perfect for keeping warm on a chilly night.
• Unlimited Retry: If you don’t see the Aurora, rebook for free — but you must notify the operator.
• Small Group Size: Max 10 people, ensuring a more personal experience and better chances for photos.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Route and Locations

This tour takes you from the heart of Reykjavik into the Icelandic wilderness, with the main goal of reaching areas with optimal Aurora viewing conditions. The route to Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, opens up a wide range of viewing spots, including iconic landmarks like Kirkjufell when weather permits. Although the official itinerary is flexible, the goal is to cover as much ground as needed to catch the Aurora in the clearest sky.

Traveling in a small minibus with a professional guide, you’ll appreciate the intimacy this affords. The guide, often knowledgeable and friendly, will keep you informed about Iceland’s landscape, weather patterns, and the science behind the Northern Lights, making the long drive both interesting and comfortable.

The Dinner and Cultural Touches

When night falls, a warm bowl of traditional Icelandic lamb soup or vegetarian bean soup awaits you. This isn’t just sustenance—it’s part of the Icelandic experience, offering a taste of local cuisine in the dead of night. It’s easy to appreciate how warming and hearty the food is after hours under the cold Icelandic sky.

Adding a playful Viking element, the tour provides Viking costumes and weapons sourced from a local museum. This isn’t just for laughs—taking photos in Viking outfits adds a unique, fun twist to your Iceland trip. Guests have said that the costumes help create photos that often turn out surprisingly well, especially with the Aurora in the background.

Photography and Aurora Sightings

A major highlight is the opportunity to capture high-definition photographs of the Aurora with professional help. A guide or photographer will assist with camera settings, so you aren’t left fumbling in the dark. These photos often turn out excellent, and you get digital copies afterward, ready to print or share.

Since Aurora activity is unpredictable, the tour offers a no-lose policy: if you don’t see the lights on your first night, you can rebook for free, provided you notify the operator beforehand. This flexibility is valuable, especially since weather and solar activity can be capricious.

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The Practicalities

The tour runs for about 12 hours, with pickup at 5 PM and return between 1 and 5 AM. It’s a small group experience, keeping it cozy and allowing for personalized attention. Given the late hours, travelers should come prepared with warm clothing—layers, thermal wear, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear are a must.

The tour is not suitable for very young children, wheelchair users, or anyone with mobility issues due to the late hours and outdoor nature of the experience. Also, alcohol and smoking are prohibited during the trip, maintaining safety and comfort for all.

What the Reviews Say

Guests consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, who go out of their way to make the experience memorable. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about Iceland and the Aurora, making the long night both educational and fun.” Others highlight the pictures taken during the Viking costume segment, describing them as “fun and surprisingly beautiful,” especially when the Aurora was active.

While not guaranteed to see the Aurora, travelers appreciate the rebooking policy, which offers peace of mind. The included southern Icelandic food is also a hit, warming everyone up after hours in the cold.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This Northern Lights tour is a solid choice for adventurers who want to maximize their chances of a sighting, thanks to the broad route coverage. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy a mix of culture and nature, with added fun in dressing up as Vikings and taking memorable photos. The small group size and professional guidance ensure a more personalized, engaging experience.

If you’re okay with late nights and the unpredictability of the Northern Lights, this tour offers good value—especially with the free rebooking if luck doesn’t strike the first time. It’s perfect for travelers who seek an authentic Icelandic adventure, with a chance to photograph the Aurora in a lively, fun atmosphere.

FAQ

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Yes, but since the Aurora depends on weather and solar activity, sightings are not guaranteed. If you don’t see it, you can rebook for free by notifying the operator.

What’s included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, a traditional lamb or bean soup, high-definition pictures, professional photography, Viking costumes for photos, and the unlimited rebooking option.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential. Think layers, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots, as you’ll be outside for several hours.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, and most children under 7 or 8 may find the late hours challenging. Always check with the provider if you have very young children.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for about 12 hours, from around 5 PM to between 1 and 5 AM, depending on conditions.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Cloud cover can block the Aurora, but the guide will do their best to find clear skies in different locations. Rebooking is available if you don’t see the lights.

Are cameras provided?
You should bring your own camera, but the guide will assist you with settings to capture the best photos of the Aurora.

Can I see iconic Icelandic landmarks on this tour?
While the primary focus is Aurora viewing, stops in areas like Kirkjufell are possible if weather and timing permit.

Is food included?
Yes, a warm Icelandic lamb or bean soup is included to keep you warm during the night.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No refunds are given if you cancel later or if the Aurora is not seen, unless you rebook.

In summary, this Extreme Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik offers a blend of adventure, cultural fun, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a flexible, small-group experience with added touches of Icelandic culture and photography. If you’re prepared for late nights and optimistic about Aurora sightings, this tour could turn your Iceland trip into a luminous memory.

You can check availability for your dates here: