From Reykjavik: New Year’s Eve Northern Lights Tour

Experience the wonder of Iceland’s skies on New Year’s Eve with this guided Northern Lights tour. Starting in Reykjavik, for around $182 per person, you’ll spend approximately five hours chasing the elusive aurora borealis outside the city’s light pollution, in hopes of catching this spectacular natural light show. Led by friendly, adventure-loving guides, this tour offers not just a chance to see the lights but also an opportunity to enjoy star gazing, warm blankets, hot chocolate, and cookies—all in a cozy, communal atmosphere.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are its flexible approach to finding the lights—your guide will stop at multiple locations if needed—and the inclusion of comforts like blankets and self-serve hot beverages, making it easier to wait patiently in the cold. The tour’s focus on authentic, small-group experiences helps ensure you’re not just another face in the crowd.

However, a consideration worth noting is the reliance on weather and cloud conditions. The tour is dependent on clear skies, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the trip might be canceled—though you’ll be notified by 5 PM on the day of the tour. This unpredictability is part of the Northern Lights game, and it’s wise to keep an open mind.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, comfort, and the thrill of chasing a natural phenomenon in a social setting—perfect for those who want a genuine, memorable way to ring in the New Year in Iceland.

Key Points

• Flexible Location Choices: The end spot varies based on weather, increasing your chances of seeing the aurora.
• Comfort & Convenience: Warm blankets, self-serve hot chocolate, and cookies help keep you cozy while waiting.
• Guided Photography: Your guide will set up camera shots, ensuring everyone has a chance to capture the moment.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 30-40 people, providing a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour only runs if conditions are favorable, so flexibility is key.
• Authentic Experience: Focus on genuine star gazing and aurora hunting, rather than just a scripted show.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the New Year’s Eve Northern Lights Tour

When it comes to Iceland, the Northern Lights are often at the top of travelers’ wish lists, especially on New Year’s Eve. This tour from Reykjavik offers an approachable way to try your luck, combining natural beauty with thoughtful comforts. Led by guides who are passionate about sharing their homeland, this experience is designed to balance adventure with practicality.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from designated Tour Bus Stops in downtown Reykjavik, as well as select hotels outside the city center. This means you don’t need to worry about how to get to a remote location—your transport is sorted. The group size, capped at 30-40 travelers, strikes a nice balance between feeling like a small, friendly group and having enough people to enhance the shared experience.

Traveling outside the city limits is essential for a clear view of the sky. The guides do their best to keep the drive short, especially if the Aurora appears early or if the weather is promising. The flexible plan means that if the lights are active, the group may stay at one good spot longer, increasing the chances of a memorable sighting.

The Journey and the Hunt for Aurora

Once outside Reykjavik, the tour becomes a waiting game—sometimes quite short, sometimes longer. The guide’s role is pivotal here, not only for navigation but also for ensuring everyone stays comfortable and engaged. “We loved the way our guide kept us warm with blankets and set up the camera, making us feel like part of a real adventure,” one traveler recounted. Because the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, it can be elusive, but the guides are experienced at reading the sky and adjusting the location accordingly.

What to Expect During the Tour

As the group settles into the cold night air, you’ll be encouraged to relax and look up. The star gazing here isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a highlight, offering a stunning view of the Icelandic sky, free from city lights. If luck is on your side, you’ll witness the shimmering curtains of green or even pink dancing across the heavens.

The guides set up their cameras during this time, allowing everyone to get photos of the Northern Lights. They also ensure everyone has a chance for a shot, which is especially appreciated since many travelers say the experience of seeing the Aurora is best captured in photos. “My husband and I got some fantastic shots, and the guide even shared the Dropbox link with the photos afterward, which was a lovely touch,” shared one guest.

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Warmth and Snacks

Waiting outdoors in winter can be chilly, but this tour helps you stay warm with blankets and self-serve hot beverages like hot chocolate. Cookies add a sweet touch to the experience and make the waiting more enjoyable. The amenities are simple but thoughtful, turning what could be a cold, uncomfortable wait into a cozy moment of shared anticipation.

The Weather and Cancellations

Weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, and the tour’s success hinges on clear skies. The company makes a call by 5 PM on the day of the tour—if clouds or storms threaten the visibility, they may cancel. You’ll receive a full refund if this happens, so it’s wise to plan flexibly. Many reviewers appreciate this transparency, although some note the disappointment if the lights don’t appear.

The Value of the Tour

At $182, this experience offers a lot for those eager to see the Northern Lights without the expense or hassle of arranging private transport or additional excursions. The inclusion of blankets, hot drinks, and professional photography sharpens the value, giving you comfort and keepsakes without extra charge. The small group size also enhances the feeling of intimacy and makes it easier to ask questions or share the experience with fellow travelers.

Authenticity and Connection

What sets this tour apart is its genuine focus on experiencing Iceland’s night sky—it’s not a scripted show but a real hunt with knowledgeable guides. Many travelers enjoyed the personal touch, with one noting, “Our guide was enthusiastic and made the effort to find the best spots for us, making the experience truly memorable.”

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an authentic Icelandic experience, combining the thrill of hunting for the Northern Lights with comfort and ease. It suits those who are patient and flexible since the Aurora’s appearance can vary, and weather conditions are out of anyone’s control. Families with children 6 and under will appreciate the availability of infant seats and the family-oriented atmosphere. If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll value the guided photo setup and Dropbox photos afterward.

Final Thoughts

For anyone heading to Reykjavik during New Year’s Eve, this Northern Lights tour offers a compelling way to celebrate with a touch of adventure and a lot of natural beauty. It balances the unpredictability of nature with thoughtful amenities, making it a worthwhile experience whether or not the Aurora makes a full appearance.

The small-group setting, warm blankets, and the chance to star gaze under Iceland’s vast sky combine to create a memorable, authentic way to ring in the New Year. Keep in mind the weather-dependent nature of the experience, but with the guides’ expertise, you’ll be in good hands. If you’re eager for a genuine Icelandic adventure that offers both potential spectacle and cozy comfort, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

Will I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
The tour’s success depends on weather and cloud coverage, so while the guides do their best to find clear skies, sightings are not guaranteed. They will decide whether to run the tour by 5 PM on the day.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential. The tour provides blankets, but dressing in layers and bringing a hat and gloves will help you stay comfortable during the wait.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included within Reykjavik, at designated bus stops or select hotels. Be prepared for a wait of up to an hour for pickup.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, infants are welcome, and the company offers infant seats at no extra cost. Children 6 or younger must have a car seat.

What if the weather causes the tour to cancel?
If weather conditions are unfavorable, the tour will be canceled, and you will be notified by 5 PM. You will receive a full refund or can reschedule if available.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about 5 hours, but timing can shift slightly depending on Aurora activity and weather conditions.

Are photos included?
Photos are not taken without the Aurora, but guides will set up cameras and help take group shots. Photos are emailed via Dropbox within 7 days if the Aurora appears.

This carefully balanced tour offers an excellent opportunity to chase one of nature’s most enchanting displays, with enough comforts to keep you wishing for clear skies and a successful sighting. Whether you’re a dedicated aurora chaser or simply eager to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Iceland, this experience delivers a genuine shot at witnessing the Northern Lights in a friendly, relaxed setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: