Travel from Reykjavík through volcanoes, glaciers, black-sand beaches and icy lagoons while chasing the Northern Lights. This 8-day loop balances big landscapes with practical guidance—hotel nights, winter gear, and a Northern Lights Academy to increase your odds of seeing the aurora.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The coach eases out of Reykjavík before dawn and the island outside the window is all shadow and suggestion—low clouds rolling across lava fields, a distant glacier rim like a pale horizon. On clear nights the tour aims the same way: away from town lights into the wide Arctic dark where the aurora can paint the sky green and violet. By day the itinerary reads like a crash course in Iceland’s raw processes—volcano, glacier, river, sea—delivered with practical stops and a guide who knows where to look.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers comfortable with short hikes and standing at viewpoints; minimal endurance required but expect uneven terrain and stairs.
Wildlife
History
Þingvellir is the site of Alþingi, the world’s oldest surviving parliament, and sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where tectonic plates diverge.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing fragile moss and nesting birds; Iceland emphasizes low-impact tourism and trail protection.
Reserve your spot on the 8-Days Northern Lights Exploration Tour from Reykjavík today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for variable conditions
Temperatures swing dramatically; use a base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell to stay comfortable day and night.
Bring a tripod for aurora shots
Long exposures are necessary for northern lights; a compact tripod and spare batteries will improve your photos.
Use provided shoe spikes when icy
The operator supplies spikes—wear them on glacier beaches and icy walkways to avoid slips.
Keep a charged phone and offline maps
Cell service can be spotty in remote areas; download maps and carry a power bank for longer days.
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry and provides grip on wet basalt and icy paths.
fall
Insulating layers + waterproof shell
Protection from wind, rain, and low temperatures during long outdoor stops.
winter
Tripod and extra batteries
Necessary for night aurora photography and long-exposure shots at Jökulsárlón.
winter
Daypack with water bottle
Carry snacks, layers, and electronics for short walks between coach stops.