From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

A Perfect Winter Day in Iceland: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

If you’re visiting Reykjavik in winter, this tour offers a compelling way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty—without straying too far from the city. For around $261, you get an 8-hour adventure that combines a leisurely soak in the famous Blue Lagoon with a nighttime quest to see the Northern Lights. The experience is well-designed for those eager to relax and marvel at Iceland’s iconic sights in a single day.

What we particularly love about this experience is how it balances luxury relaxation with the thrill of Aurora hunting. The Blue Lagoon’s silica mud masks and geothermal waters are both indulgent and rejuvenating—perfect after a long day of travel or winter sightseeing. Plus, the Northern Lights tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, offers a genuine chance to witness one of nature’s most captivating displays.

A potential consideration is that the Northern Lights are weather-dependent. If the sky refuses to cooperate, sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the good news is you can rejoin the tour free of charge. This makes it flexible for travelers who want to keep their options open. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure, especially visitors with one day to squeeze in some of Iceland’s highlights.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate comfort, authentic experiences, and a well-organized schedule. Whether you’re coming for the iconic Blue Lagoon or the elusive Northern Lights, you’ll find value—and a bit of magic—packed into this 8-hour journey.

Key Points

• Balance of relaxation and adventure: Soak in the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon, then go Aurora hunting at night.
• Comfort included: Blue Lagoon Comfort Package with silica mud mask, towel, and drink.
• Flexible and weather-dependent: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed, but rebooking is free if missed.
• Guided experience: Professional local guides on the Northern Lights tour add expert insight.
• Convenient transfers: Return transfers from Reykjavik are included, with free Wi-Fi on the bus.
• Timing matters: The tour starts around 1:00 PM, with free time for dinner before heading out for the Northern Lights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour kicks off at the BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, where you’ll meet your guide and hop onto a comfortable coach equipped with free Wi-Fi—adding a modern touch to a traditional sightseeing day. The first highlight is the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa. Departing around 2:00 PM, the transfer takes you roughly an hour to this otherworldly landscape of lava fields and moss-covered rocks.

Once there, you’ll enjoy the Blue Lagoon Comfort Package, which is a thoughtful inclusion. It grants you access to the lagoon, use of a silica mud mask—known for its skin-softening properties—along with a towel and a drink of your choice. The lagoon’s milky-blue waters are warm and soothing, and the silica mud masks are a big hit, as many reviews highlight the way they leave skin feeling extra firm and incredibly soft. Chloe’s review captures this well: “The blue lagoon was fantastic with a smooth and timely transfer,” and she appreciated the unparalleled relaxing atmosphere.

What makes the Blue Lagoon experience so appealing isn’t just the warm waters, but the scenery—a mix of rough volcanic terrain and lush moss that makes every dip feel like a step into another world. The lagoon is well-equipped with modern facilities, and you can spend as little or as long as you like, making it flexible for different travel styles.

After a couple of hours, around 4:15 PM, your coach returns you to Reykjavik. Here, you have some free time—perfect for grabbing dinner, exploring, or just relaxing before your evening adventure. Many travelers, like Laura, sing the praises of the guides: “Micha was enthusiastic, humorous and a great guide,” which adds a personal touch to the experience.

At around 8:30 PM, you’ll be picked up for the Northern Lights tour. This part of the evening is largely weather-dependent; your guide studies forecasts and chooses the best spots to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. The journey might take you away from city lights, into darker, clearer skies where the Northern Lights dance overhead. Gregor’s review captures the magic: “Very nice to experience both world wonders on the same day,” emphasizing how the tour’s logistics make it straightforward.

The Northern Lights tour typically lasts until midnight, giving you about 2-3 hours of potential Aurora viewing. During this time, your guide provides explanations and tips—like how to set your camera to capture the lights, which many reviewers found helpful. If the sky stays stubbornly clear and the lights appear, many travelers find this a once-in-a-lifetime moment. If not, you’re welcome to try again on a future night for free, which offers peace of mind.

Practical Details and Tips

This tour is a solid value when you consider the included amenities: the Blue Lagoon entry, silica mud mask, towel, a drink, and transfers. The price of $261 might seem steep, but it bundles several high-demand experiences into one day, saving you time and effort. The comfort of the coach, plus free Wi-Fi, makes the long transfers more enjoyable.

Remember, you need to dress warmly—layered clothing, hats, gloves, and waterproof gear are essential, especially for the Northern Lights part, which involves waiting outside in cold weather. The Blue Lagoon offers rental suits and towels, but many prefer bringing their own thermal wear to stay cozy.

While the tour is suitable for children over 2 years, younger kids might find the outdoor Northern Lights hunt a bit chilly or late at night. Still, many families do enjoy the experience, especially with the guide’s tips on keeping warm and comfortable.

The tour’s flexibility is also a plus. If weather conditions are unfavorable, you might find the Aurora tour canceled or rescheduled, but the policy allows free rebooking. This is crucial because urban light pollution and weather can sometimes spoil Aurora sightings.

Why This Tour Matters for Travelers

This experience offers a balanced glimpse of Iceland’s winter allure with minimal fuss. It’s ideal for those who want to relax in a geothermal spa and then chase the elusive Northern Lights without trying to organize separate trips. The guides are knowledgeable, and many reviews praise their enthusiasm and professionalism. The included silica mud masks are an added bonus, giving you a bit of that spa indulgence.

It’s also a good choice for travelers who value comfort and convenience—transfers, Wi-Fi, and flexible booking policies help make this a stress-free experience. The combination of iconic attractions and the chance to see one of nature’s most stunning displays makes it worthwhile.

However, it’s worth noting that sightings are not guaranteed, which is common for Aurora tours worldwide. But the tour’s flexibility to reattempt without extra cost is a strong plus, especially for first-time visitors who want to maximize their chances.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a stress-free, all-in-one experience—a good blend of relaxation and adventure. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to tick off two bucket-list experiences in one day. It also suits those who appreciate the comfort of guided tours and the chance to learn from knowledgeable guides.

If you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group looking for a curated experience with local insights, this tour delivers. It’s also great for families with children over 2, provided everyone is dressed warmly and prepared for outdoor winter conditions.

For travelers seeking an authentic, memorable Icelandic experience that combines nature, comfort, and a touch of magic, this tour offers a compelling option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a comfort admission ticket to the Blue Lagoon, silica mud mask, towel, a drink of your choice, return transfers, and a guided Northern Lights tour with free Wi-Fi on the bus.

Can I rent bathing suits and towels at the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, bathing suits and towels can be rented at the Blue Lagoon if you prefer not to bring your own.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including waterproof clothing, hats, and gloves. The Northern Lights part involves waiting outside in cold weather, so thermal or insulated clothing is recommended.

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather conditions and aurora activity. If you don’t see the lights, you can rejoin the tour free of charge on another night.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children over 2 years old can participate, but keep in mind they will need to be dressed warmly. Younger children might find outdoor Aurora hunting chilly, so prepare accordingly.

How long does the Blue Lagoon visit last?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours at the Blue Lagoon, which is enough time to relax, enjoy the silica mud mask, and take photographs.

What time does the tour start and end?
The Blue Lagoon transfer departs around 1:00-2:00 PM, and the Northern Lights tour usually begins around 9:00 PM, returning around midnight. Check availability for exact times during your booking.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of Iceland’s geothermal relaxation and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights show. It’s suitable for travelers who value comfort and guided expertise while wanting to experience two of Iceland’s most iconic natural phenomena. With flexible rebooking options and thoughtful inclusions, it makes for a memorable winter day in Reykjavik—perfect for those seeking a taste of Iceland’s natural magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: