3-Day Northern Lights Hunt and Glacier Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness — mostly short walks, some uneven surfaces and standing for photo stops
Overview
Spend three days tracing Iceland’s volatile edges — rift valleys, waterfalls, a glacier lagoon and black sand beaches — with two nights based near Vík and guided Northern Lights hunts. This practical tour balances big sights with local insight and multiple chances to see the aurora.
3-Day Northern Lights Hunt and Glacier Lagoon Tour from Reykjavik
Select participants and date
On the first night the bus slips out of Reykjavík and the city lights thin into a black, starlit highway. You feel the country change around you: low basalt hills give way to steam vents and snow-scoured plains, and the guide keeps an eye on the sky, ready to pull the group into a roadside stand where the Milky Way and, if fortune favors you, the aurora, stretch overhead.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in waterproof layers
Winds and ocean spray are common along the south coast; a breathable waterproof jacket and insulating mid-layer will keep you comfortable during long photo stops.
Bring a tripod for night photography
A sturdy tripod and a camera you can set to long exposures drastically improve aurora shots and low-light images of Jökulsárlón.
Keep a reusable water bottle
Tap water in Iceland is clean and cold — refill at accommodations to stay hydrated on long driving days.
Mind the waves at Reynisfjara
Sneaker waves can be unpredictable; stay well back from the surf and follow guide instructions at the black sand beach.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Seals at Jökulsárlón
- Seabirds on the south coast
History
Þingvellir is where the Icelandic Althing — one of the world’s oldest parliaments — met from 930, its law rock sitting along the tectonic rift.
Conservation
Much of the south coast runs through protected areas like Vatnajökull National Park; stay on marked paths to protect fragile moss and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Reykjavik
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell jacket
Protects against wind-driven rain and ocean spray which are common on the south coast.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Layers trap heat during long nights of aurora watching and chilly glacier visits.
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Provide traction on wet volcanic sand, boardwalks and slippery waterfall viewing areas.
Compact tripod and remote shutter
Essential for long-exposure photos of the Northern Lights and low-light glacier scenes.