Private Northern Lights Tour

Experience the Northern Lights with a Private Tour from Reykjavik

If you’re visiting Iceland and eager to catch a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights, this private tour offers a personalized way to do so. Priced at $1,300 per person, it’s a 3 to 5-hour evening adventure that takes you beyond the city lights to some of the best natural dark sky spots. Led by knowledgeable guides—such as David—this tour promises a cozy, intimate experience with a maximum of eight participants.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the focus on avoiding light pollution—which is crucial for aurora viewing—and the warm touches like hot chocolate and biscuits served along the way. It’s these small comforts that make waiting out the elusive lights more enjoyable.

However, a notable consideration is that the exact location isn’t fixed and depends on cloud cover and aurora activity; this means some nights may be more fruitful than others. Also, it’s important to understand that this is a nature-dependent experience, so sightings are not guaranteed. Still, if you’re after a personalized, flexible, and scenic Northern Lights adventure, this tour could be a good fit—especially for those who value small-group intimacy and expert guidance.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with a maximum of 8 travelers
• Transport outside Reykjavik helps reduce light pollution and increases chances of seeing the aurora
• Flexible locations based on weather and cloud coverage
• Warm drinks and snacks enhance the comfort of waiting for the lights
• Rebooking offered free of charge if no sighting occurs
• Weather-dependent experience with a full refund or alternative date if canceled

A Closer Look at the Northern Lights Tour

What’s Included and How It Works

This private Northern Lights tour kicks off with a hotel pickup around 8:30 pm, giving you a chance to comfortably leave the city behind before the sky darkens. The tour is conducted in a Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle, so you can stay connected and maybe even share a few photos during the drive. Once outside Reykjavík, your guide—presumably David—will seek out the best dark-sky spots where the aurora might dance overhead.

Since the exact locations depend on weather and aurora activity, the itinerary is flexible. You might stop at several sites—each offering a different view—if the lights are particularly elusive. This fluid approach allows your guide to maximize your chances, which is a smart move given how unpredictable the Northern Lights can be.

The Journey Beyond Reykjavik

The highlight of this tour is the drive outside the city, away from light pollution that can obscure the aurora’s glow. This is a major advantage, as the lights are notoriously difficult to see from within Reykjavik’s glow. The drive itself is scenic, and depending on the night, your guide might make a few stops to find a clearer view.

From reviews, we learn that some travelers appreciated the guides’ efforts to adapt—changing locations last minute if the weather threatened to ruin the viewing. One reviewer even mentioned that Agnes, their guide, “checked the weather regularly and changed our destination at the last minute to make sure we had the best chance to see them.” That kind of flexibility makes a substantial difference.

What You Can Expect at the Sightings

Once at the chosen dark spot, the wait begins. The tour’s cozy touches—hot chocolate, biscuits, blankets—are designed to keep everyone comfortable as they gaze skyward. The experience is as much about the atmosphere and company as it is about the lights themselves.

It’s worth noting that seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, but many travelers find the experience worthwhile. One reviewer shared that their guide “checked the weather regularly and changed our destination at the last minute,” which paid off with a “fantastic trip to see the Northern lights.” Conversely, there were mentions of nights when no aurora was visible, but the offer to rebook kept the experience low-stress.

Guides and Personal Touch

Guides like David or Ania get high praise for their knowledge and friendliness. Several reviewers specifically mentioned how much they appreciated guides checking the weather and adjusting their plans accordingly. These personal touches can turn a potentially disappointing night into a memorable one, especially when the guide’s enthusiasm keeps spirits high in the cold night air.

Price and Value

At $1,300 per person, this tour is on the pricier side—especially considering the variable nature of aurora sightings. But the value lies in the small group size, the expert guidance, and the warmth and comfort provided during the wait. If you’re someone who cherishes a more personalized experience with fewer fellow travelers, this price reflects the exclusivity and tailored service.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who value small-group intimacy, appreciate flexible planning, and are willing to invest in a more comfortable and personalized experience. It’s ideal for those who understand that aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, and who want a guided, cozy outing that maximizes their chances while actively adapting to conditions.

The Reality of Aurora Viewing

A common thread in reviews is the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights. Some travelers, despite the best efforts of guides, did not see the aurora but appreciated the options for rebooking or returning another night. One reviewer summed it up, saying, “We didn’t get to see the northern lights but that was nobody’s fault,” highlighting that it’s a natural phenomenon beyond human control.

The Sum Up

This Private Northern Lights Tour offers a balanced mix of flexibility, small-group comfort, and expert guidance—key ingredients for a memorable Icelandic experience. While the cost is significant, the personalized attention, cozy amenities, and the chance to see the aurora in a dark-sky setting make it a worthwhile option for travelers wanting a more intimate and adaptable adventure.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who prefer not to be part of large bus groups and who understand that Northern Lights are a natural spectacle with no guarantees. For travelers who are patient, flexible, and eager to learn about Iceland’s night skies, this tour provides a genuine, if sometimes unpredictable, opportunity to witness one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours, starting with hotel pickup around 8:30 pm.

Is the tour private?
This is a private tour for your group only, with a maximum of eight people.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour offers a free rebooking if no aurora is spotted. The guide will do their best to find clear skies and good conditions.

What’s included during the trip?
You’ll be picked up from your hotel or guesthouse, and enjoy hot chocolate, biscuits, and blankets while waiting for the lights.

Can I join if I’m traveling solo?
Yes, the tour is designed for small groups, so solo travelers are welcome and will join a small, intimate group.

What influences the location of the stops?
The exact spots are dependent on weather conditions, cloud cover, and aurora activity, which can change throughout the night.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is Wi-Fi-equipped, providing a comfortable ride outside the city’s light pollution.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, multiple reviews praise the guides’ friendly, adaptive, and weather-aware approach.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, as Icelandic nights can be cold even in summer, especially when waiting outside.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

This Northern Lights tour balances the magic of one of nature’s most stunning phenomena with the realities of weather and natural unpredictability. For those seeking a personalized, cozy, and flexible experience, it remains a compelling choice—and a shot at witnessing the aurora in all its glory.