From Reykjavik: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Cocoa & Photos

Imagine standing under a star-studded Icelandic sky, wrapped in a warm wool blanket, hot cocoa in hand, as shimmering curtains of aurora borealis dance above you. That’s exactly what this Northern Lights tour offers—an opportunity to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena in a setting designed for comfort and authentic experience. Starting from the capital of Reykjavik, this 4-hour journey (price: $144 per person) takes you beyond the city lights, to locations carefully chosen based on weather forecasts to give you the best chance of seeing the lights.

What we love about this tour is the small group size—a maximum of 19 people—which means fewer crowds and a more intimate experience. The guides are clearly passionate about the science and stories behind the Aurora, often going the extra mile in search of clear skies. Plus, the complimentary photos taken during the tour mean you’ll have lasting memories without the hassle of snapping your own in the dark. One downside to consider is the inherent unpredictability of the Northern Lights—if they’re shy on any given night, the tour offers rebooking options, which is reassuring.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized outing without the crowds, and who appreciate authentic Icelandic touches like hot chocolate, pastries, and wool blankets. It suits those willing to bundle up and who understand that nature’s show can sometimes be elusive. If you’re an avid photographer or just want a chance to see the auroras in a cozy, friendly environment, this tour will likely delight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Small group size enhances intimacy and comfort during the experience.
Expert guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to finding the best viewing spots.
Includes hot chocolate, Icelandic donuts, and wool blankets for warmth and enjoyment.
Free photos help you preserve your memories without extra effort.
The tour is reschedule-friendly, allowing rebooking if the lights don’t appear.
Best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, authentic atmosphere and are prepared for winter weather.

Want to capture memories? We've looked into these other photo experiences in Reykjavik

A Closer Look at the Experience

What You Can Expect from This Tour

Starting from multiple pickup points in Reykjavik, the tour sets you on a 4-hour adventure that balances flexibility with a focus on maximizing your chances to see the Northern Lights. The minibus transportation is a thoughtful touch—smaller than large coaches—allowing guides to navigate to remote, darker locations away from city lights, which is crucial for good Aurora viewing.

The journey generally begins about 30 minutes before departure, with pickup points at popular spots like Harpa, Hotel Cabin, and City Hall. While certain downtown hotels aren’t accessible due to local regulations, the bus stops are conveniently located and easy to find. You should arrive early, as a prompt start ensures plenty of time to chase clear skies.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Stop 1: The tour kicks off with a pickup at one of 24 locations around Reykjavik, offering travelers flexibility and ease. The guide then takes you on a scenic drive out of town, where the darkness and open skies create perfect conditions for Aurora sightings.

Stop 2: The core of the experience involves stopping at a secret, carefully chosen location for optimal viewing and photography. Here you’ll have time to stare up at the sky, listen to guides share stories and science about the lights, and most importantly, wait for the show to start.

Stop 3: After the lights have danced across the sky—or if they’re shy—your guide may move you to another location, maximizing your chances of witnessing this natural wonder. The tour ends with drop-offs at 24 possible destinations around Reykjavik, ensuring convenience regardless of where you’re staying.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Comforts and Extras

One of the biggest perks? The tour provides cozy Icelandic wool blankets—a thoughtful touch for chilly evenings—and hot chocolate with Icelandic donuts (kleina), which taste even better in the cold. These little comforts make standing outside under the stars much more enjoyable.

While you're exploring Reykjavik, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Photography

Guides are eager to capture the moment, offering complimentary photos of you with the aurora. Multiple reviews mention how pleased travelers are with the photos, which are taken with professional equipment and shared quickly afterward. As one reviewer put it, “the photos were amazing and made the experience even more memorable.”

The Guides and Their Role

Across reviews, guides like Mikaela, Devin, and Arin receive high praise for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication. They’re determined to help you see the lights, often changing locations or adjusting plans based on weather updates. Their stories and science explanations add a layer of understanding that elevates the experience beyond just waiting in the cold.

The Unpredictability of Aurora Viewing

A key aspect of this tour—and all Northern Lights experiences—is the nature of the phenomenon itself. Even with expert guides and careful planning, there’s no guarantee the lights will appear. However, the tour’s rebooking policy—offering a free second try within two years if the lights don’t show—is a fair way to manage expectations.

Analyzing the Value

At $144 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the included amenities: transportation, expert guides, warm blankets, hot chocolate, pastries, and free photos. For travelers seeking a comfortable and engaging way to witness the Aurora, the small-group setting is a big plus, avoiding the overcrowded feel of larger tours. The flexibility and rebooking policy provide peace of mind, especially given the unpredictable nature of weather and solar activity in Iceland.

While it’s not a luxury experience, the emphasis on authentic, cozy, and informative elements makes this a well-rounded choice for most visitors. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer smaller groups and appreciate guides who are passionate and knowledgeable.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with winter weather and outdoor conditions. It’s ideal if you value a personal touch—small groups, professional photos, and a friendly guide—and want to maximize your chances of seeing the lights without the hassle of self-driving or large bus crowds. If you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want a relaxed, authentic experience, you’ll find this offering appealing.

The Sum Up

This Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik balances comfort, authenticity, and expertise. Its smaller group sizes, knowledgeable guides, and thoughtful extras make for a memorable adventure, even for those who’ve never seen the Aurora before. The inclusion of hot chocolate, Icelandic pastries, and warm blankets ensures you’ll stay cozy despite the cold, while the free professional photos help you keep the experience alive long after the sky has cleared.

While the Aurora remains a natural phenomenon—meaning there’s always a chance you might not see it—this tour’s rebooking policy offers reassurance. It’s a smart choice for travelers who appreciate personalized service and are willing to embrace the unpredictability of Iceland’s winter skies.

If your primary goal is to enjoy a relaxed, authentic, and well-organized Aurora-chasing experience, this tour ticks most boxes. It’s especially suitable for those who value good value and want to avoid large crowds, all while enjoying the best chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at various times depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
The price ($144) covers pick-up and drop-off, a minibus ride, an English-speaking guide, hot chocolate, wool blankets, Icelandic donuts (kleina), and free photos.

Are there specific pickup locations?
Yes, there are 24 possible pickup points around Reykjavik, including bus stops and hotels. Departure times start about 30 minutes after pickup.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
If the lights don’t appear during your tour, you can join another tour free of charge within two years, subject to availability.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5 years, and not suitable for those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring warm clothing suitable for winter nights, including hats, gloves, and layered clothing.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

What if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions lead to cancellation, you will receive a 100% refund. The guides monitor forecasts carefully.

Are the photos really free?
Yes, guides take complimentary photos of you with the Aurora and share them afterwards, so you don’t need to worry about capturing the moment yourself.

In summary, this Northern Lights tour offers a cozy, well-organized way to experience one of Iceland’s most iconic natural displays, with knowledgeable guides and thoughtful touches that turn a cold night into a warm memory.