Photography tour – Northern light Hunting from Akureyri

A Closer Look at the Northern Lights Hunting Tour from Akureyri

If you’re heading to Iceland and want to chase the elusive Northern Lights, this Northern Lights Hunting tour from Akureyri is a solid choice. Priced at around $145 per person, it offers a 2 to 3-hour window of adventure, with hotel pickup included, making it convenient for travelers staying in Akureyri. Led by a knowledgeable driver-guide, this tour takes you outside the city’s light pollution to hunt for the aurora borealis in a cozy, small-group setting.

We particularly appreciate that the tour is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience. Two aspects stand out: the expert guidance, which makes spotting the lights more enjoyable and less stressful, and the perfect timing—starting at 9:30 pm—when the sky is typically at its darkest. One thing to consider, however, is weather dependency; the Northern Lights are unpredictable, and if the conditions aren’t right, the tour may be canceled with a full refund.

This experience is especially suited for those who value authentic travel moments and enjoy the thrill of chasing natural phenomena rather than just sitting and waiting. It’s ideal for travelers with flexible schedules, keen to learn from guides, and eager to avoid the pitfalls of light pollution that often obscure the sky in more urban settings.

Key Points

• Authentic Aurora Experience: Venture outside Akureyri’s city lights for a better shot at seeing the Northern Lights.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and local tips.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour operates in all weather, but sightings are not guaranteed; cancellations are possible if conditions are poor.
• Short and Sweet: A 2-3 hour window makes it manageable for most travelers, fitting easily into evening plans.
• Small Group: With a maximum of 18 participants, the experience feels personal and less rushed.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, especially after a late night.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The tour begins at Hótel Kea by Keahotels in Akureyri, where you meet your guide and fellow travelers. From there, the journey heads out to Eyjafjardarsveit, roughly a 20-minute drive from the city center. This spot is deliberately chosen for its minimal light pollution, giving you a clearer view of the night sky—crucial when trying to catch the Northern Lights.

Expect to spend around two hours here, standing outside in often chilly conditions, gazing upward. The guides will give you insights into the science and folklore behind the aurora borealis, making the experience educational as well as visually stunning. Many reviews highlight how Max, the guide, was knowledgeable and engaging, which turns what could be a cold wait into an interesting conversation.

What Makes This Stop Special?

Eyjafjardarsveit’s dark skies are one of the best features of this tour. As Max notes in reviews, it’s a perfect spot to escape the city lights and see the northern lights in all their glory. Travelers often comment on how lucky they felt to witness the lights dancing in the sky, describing the experience as “amazing” and “beyond words.”

Transportation and Comfort

The mini bus used for this tour is comfortable and equipped for Icelandic weather—think warm blankets and windows that can be opened if you need a breath of fresh air. Since the tour is relatively short, it’s easy to hop in and out for quick photos or to stretch your legs during the stops. The pickup service from your hotel reduces stress and lets you focus on the lights.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

Since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The tour operates rain, snow, or clear skies, but if the weather is truly poor, the tour can be canceled for safety and visibility reasons. In such cases, you’ll receive a full refund or be offered to reschedule. The guides will keep an eye on the forecast and sky conditions to optimize your chances, and if conditions are unfavorable, they’re happy to offer a free re-book.

Value for Money

At $144.60 per person, this tour offers good value considering the small-group size, expert guidance, and the potential to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Remember, the experience is about hope and timing—but with guides who know where to look and how to interpret the sky, your chances improve significantly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re a traveler who appreciates authentic experiences and wants to combine adventure with learning. It suits those who don’t mind cold evenings outside and are willing to be flexible about sightings. Families with children—advised to be accompanied by adults—will find this a memorable outing, especially if children are interested in science or folklore.

It’s also a good choice for solo travelers or couples wanting a small-group environment, where conversation and shared awe take center stage. If your goal is to check the Northern Lights off your Iceland bucket list with the help of seasoned guides, this tour ticks those boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tour duration?
The Northern Lights Hunting tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, starting at 9:30 pm, which is perfect for fitting into an evening after daytime activities.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Hótel Kea by Keahotels in Akureyri and concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you the hassle of navigating to a meeting point in the dark.

What should I wear?
Since you’ll be outside in Iceland’s often chilly evenings, dress warmly with layers, including waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Most bookings are made about 43 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on weather and demand; check directly with the provider.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
No worries—if the sky doesn’t cooperate, the tour can be canceled with a full refund, or you might be offered to rebook free of charge.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally suitable for most travelers with a basic level of mobility.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the guide, transportation, and hotel pickup/drop-off. Food and drinks are not included unless specified.

What are the chances of seeing the Aurora?
While sightings are not guaranteed due to the natural variability, having a knowledgeable guide and a dark sky location maximizes your chances.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a convenient, guided way to see the Northern Lights near Akureyri, this tour offers a solid blend of expertise, comfort, and adventure. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate small-group experiences and want the best odds of witnessing this breathtaking phenomenon—weather permitting, of course.

While it may not guarantee sightings every single night, the combination of expert guidance, careful location choice, and flexible policies makes it a dependable choice in the Icelandic winter. It’s a wonderful way to turn a chilly night into a memorable highlight of your Iceland trip, especially if you’re new to aurora hunting or simply want the reassurance of a guided effort.

If you’re a traveler who loves authentic moments and values local insight, this tour can help you make the most of Iceland’s famous natural spectacle—an experience you’ll talk about long after you’ve left the northern skies behind.