Board a short-night coach from Reykjavík to remote viewing spots for a chance to see dancing auroral curtains. This accessible, three-hour tour focuses on maximizing sky visibility with expert guides and convenient pickup.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A pale coach slides out of Reykjavík into the nitrogen-bright night and the city’s sodium lamps fall away like breadcrumbs. Participants settle into thick blankets as the sky widens—a black bowl where green curtains and violet strands can suddenly appear. The tour places travelers beyond light pollution on quiet coastal or high-ground vantage points, where the auroral oval often threads above lava fields and winter-bare moss.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires short, sometimes uneven, walks to viewpoints.
Wildlife
History
Icelandic sagas and folk tales often mentioned lights in the sky; while modern explanations are scientific, auroras remain woven into local cultural storytelling.
Conservation
Tours should avoid trampling moss and private fields; stick to established pullouts and follow guide instructions to protect fragile substrates and breeding seabird colonies.
Reserve your spot on the Reykjavik Aurora Borealis Northern Lights Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop quickly while waiting; thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers and a windproof outer shell keep you comfortable.
Bring a tripod
A steady tripod and remote shutter let you capture long exposures; set ISO 800–1600 with a 10–20 second exposure as a starting point.
Plan for late starts
Aurora activity peaks late at night; if you’re sensitive to late hours, rest during the day and expect a late return to Reykjavík.
Charge phones and bring a thermos
Cold drains batteries fast—keep spares warm in an inner pocket and bring a warm drink to stave off chill while standing still.
Insulated jacket
A down or synthetic insulated jacket provides critical warmth during long stationary viewing.
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Tripod
Necessary for long-exposure aurora photography to avoid blur.
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Thermal base layers
Keep core temperature stable during cold nights and windy stops.
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Spare batteries and power bank
Cold shortens battery life—carry spares and a power bank kept warm in an inner pocket.
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