Top 13 Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (2026-2027)

537

I’ve been chasing the Northern Lights across Iceland for nearly a decade now, and the 2026-2027 season is looking like another strong one. Solar Cycle 25 peaked in 2024-2025, but aurora activity is still elevated and forecasters expect bright, frequent displays through 2027 before things start to taper off. If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, this is the window.

I’ve tested dozens of Northern Lights tours in Iceland over the years, from budget bus rides to super jeep expeditions and yacht cruises out of Reykjavík’s Old Harbour. These 12 are the tours I recommend for the 2026-2027 season, updated with current availability and fresh picks where older tours have dropped off. Every link on this page has been checked and is bookable right now!

👉 Flight Tickets
👉 Iceland Accommodations
👉 My Favorite Tour

My Favorite Northern Lights Tours in Iceland at a Glance

Ready to discover the best Northern Lights tours in Iceland for 2026-2027? Here’s a quick look at my favorite picks, covering everything from budget bus tours to super jeep adventures and yacht cruises. I’ve checked every link and listing on this page to make sure it’s bookable for the coming season.

• Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Aurora in One Day: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Aurora Tour
• Viking Theme with Pro Photos: Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Viking Weapons
• Secret Lagoon Alternative to the Blue Lagoon Combos: Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon & Aurora Chase
• Off-Road Super Jeep Aurora Hunt: Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour
• Akureyri Photography Tour for Northern Iceland: Northern Lights Photography Tour
• Aurora Hunting from the Water: Northern Lights Yacht Tour
• Blue Lagoon + Northern Lights in One Day: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour
• Small-Group Premium Evening Tour: Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
• Multi-Day South Coast with Ice Cave: Three-Day South Coast Winter Tour with Ice Cave

Keep reading for the full breakdown of each tour, including what’s included, who it’s best for, and the rebooking policies in case the aurora doesn’t show. I’ve organized them so you can compare formats quickly and find the right fit for your trip.

1. Reykjavík: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, and Aurora Tour

This full-day tour from Reykjavík by BusTravel Iceland packs three of Iceland’s biggest draws into a single day. You’ll hit all three Golden Circle stops (Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall), swing by the 3,000-year-old Kerid Crater, then soak in the Blue Lagoon before heading out to hunt the aurora after dark. The Blue Lagoon entry comes with the Comfort Package (towel, silica face mask, and a drink). Plus, you get around 90 minutes of free time back in Reykjavík to grab dinner before the evening leg.

The Northern Lights portion takes you well beyond the city glow, with your guide chasing cloud-free skies and dark horizons. You’ll stop at a few different spots based on conditions, sipping hot chocolate while you wait for the aurora to show. I’d recommend letting your guide help with camera settings here, especially if you’ve never tried to shoot the lights before.

The bus has Wi-Fi and USB charging, and pickup/drop-off from central Reykjavík hotels is included. If the Northern Lights don’t appear, you can rejoin BusTravel Iceland’s evening aurora bus tour on another night for free, valid for 36 months. I wouldn’t book this one with kids under 14, and meals and tips aren’t covered.

2. Reykjavík: Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Viking Weapons

This small-group tour by Aurora Viking is the one I’d point you toward if you want something more personal than a big coach experience. The group caps at 18 people, and the minibus can reach spots the larger buses can’t. The tour is run by the owners, Kolbeinn and Emil, who have decades of aurora-hunting experience between them. It’s around four hours, with pickup from central Reykjavík.

The Viking angle is what makes this one stand out. You get museum-replica weapons and costumes to mess around with, and a professional photographer on board capturing high-quality shots of both the aurora and your group. Some of those Viking portraits come out incredible, and some come out hilariously bad! Either way, you’re going home with photos you’d never get on a standard tour.

While you wait for the lights, there’s hot chocolate and gingerbread to keep you warm, and the guides keep the energy up with stories and activities. If the aurora doesn’t show, Aurora Viking offers unlimited free retries with no expiry limit, which is one of the most generous rebooking policies I’ve seen on any Iceland tour. I’d book this for your first night in Reykjavík to give yourself backup nights if you need them. Not suitable for kids under 7.

3. South Coast, Glacier Hike, and Northern Lights Winter Tour

If the Blue Lagoon feels too touristy for your taste, the Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon & Aurora Chase swaps it for the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir, Iceland’s oldest thermal pool. It’s a better fit for anyone who wants a quieter, more low-key soak. You still get the full Golden Circle route (Kerid Crater, Geysir, Gullfoss, Thingvellir National Park) plus two hours in the water before heading back to Reykjavík for a dinner break. The Northern Lights safari heads out after dark with an expert guide chasing clear skies.

The Secret Lagoon is smaller and surrounded by natural hot springs and steam vents, with none of the spa-complex feel you get at the Blue Lagoon. I prefer it for that reason. Entrance is included in the tour price, though you’ll need to bring your own towel or rent one. Kerid Crater entry is also covered.

Meeting point is the blue and red bus stop outside Fosshotel Reykjavík, not hotel pickup, so plan around that. Hot chocolate is included on the aurora portion, meals are not. Check the operator’s rebooking policy at time of booking if the Northern Lights don’t appear, because the listing doesn’t spell out the retry terms as clearly as others on this list. Not suitable for children under 2.

4. Reykjavik: Golden Circle & Northern Lights 4×4 Tour

For anyone who wants to get further off-road than a standard bus tour allows, the Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour from Reykjavík by Arctic Adventures is built for exactly that. A super jeep can reach remote highland and mountain spots that coaches and minibuses simply can’t access, which means less light pollution and fewer other tour groups around you. The group is kept small, and your English-speaking guide picks locations based on experience and live conditions.

I think this is the best pure aurora-hunting experience on the list if seeing the Northern Lights is your top priority and you’re less interested in combining it with sightseeing. You get hot chocolate, Icelandic treats, a warm wool blanket, and free photos from your guide, so you can leave the camera stress to someone else. Pickup is from your Reykjavík accommodation, including private apartments and Airbnbs, which not every operator offers.

If weather forces a cancellation (decided by 6:15 PM on the day), you can rebook or get a full refund. If the tour goes ahead but the aurora doesn’t show, there’s no refund, but you get unlimited free retries on the Northern Lights Minibus Tour, valid for three years. Not suitable for kids under 6.

5. From Reykjavik: Golden Circle and Northern Lights Combo

This 9-hour combo by ICELANDIA covers the Golden Circle by day and a Northern Lights hunt by night. You’ll visit Thingvellir National Park, watch Strokkur geyser erupt at the Geysir geothermal area, and see Gullfoss waterfall up close. It’s one of the better-value options on this list if you want both experiences in a single day.

After the Golden Circle, you’re back in Reykjavík with a few hours free before the evening bus heads out. Your guide picks viewing spots based on live aurora and weather forecasts, moving away from city light to give you the best chance. I’d layer up more than you think you need for this part, because you’ll be standing outside for a while.

Pickup is from the BSI Bus Terminal, not your hotel, so plan for that. Food and drinks aren’t included, and I’d eat during that evening break before heading back out. If the Northern Lights don’t show, you can rejoin the tour another night for free.

6. Iceland: Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik

This 4-hour bus tour by BusTravel Iceland is a no-frills Northern Lights option. It’s what I recommend if you want to chase the aurora without committing to a full-day combo. You meet at a central Reykjavík bus stop (no hotel pickup on this one), board the coach, and head out of the city to wherever the meteorological forecasts look best that evening. Hot chocolate is included, and the guide explains the science behind the lights while you’re out there.

The tour stops at multiple locations depending on conditions, with time to get off the bus and photograph the aurora at each one. Where you end up changes every night, which keeps it interesting but also means you need to dress for extended time outdoors in unpredictable weather. I cannot stress this enough with Iceland in winter. Layer everything, bring a windproof outer, and wear proper boots.

If the Northern Lights don’t appear, you get one free retry on another evening. If you’re leaving Iceland before the next available tour, BusTravel Iceland gives you an open ticket valid for three years, which is a nice safety net if your trip is short. Not suitable for kids under 6.

7. Golden Circle & Northern Lights Winter Small Group Tour

This 11-hour combo by Arctic Adventures pairs a Golden Circle afternoon with a Northern Lights hunt after dark, all in a minibus with a certified guide. You’ll visit Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring area (where Strokkur erupts every 6-10 minutes), and Gullfoss waterfall. Pickup is at 1:00 PM from authorized Reykjavík pickup points.

Between the two legs, you’re dropped back in central Reykjavík with free time to eat before the Northern Lights pickup at 9:30 PM outside Reykjavík City Hall. Note that it’s two separate tours joined together, so the evening pickup location may differ from where you were collected in the afternoon. I’d grab dinner somewhere close to City Hall to keep things simple.

The rebooking policy here is worth reading carefully. If Arctic Adventures cancels the Northern Lights leg due to weather (they’ll email by 6:15 PM), you get a full refund for that portion or a free rebook. If the tour goes ahead but the lights don’t appear, there’s no refund, but you can rebook another evening for free. There’s free Wi-Fi on board, and food and drinks aren’t included.

8. Akureyri: Northern Lights Photography Tour

This 3-hour photography tour by Saga Travel departs from Akureyri, which is a big advantage if you’re spending time in northern Iceland. Akureyri sits further north than Reykjavík with far less light pollution. I’d argue it gives you a better starting position for aurora photography. Your guide drives you into the countryside or up into the mountains, well away from any artificial light.

The group is kept small, and a professional guide helps you find and photograph the lights. You’ll get copies of any aurora photos taken during the tour, which saves you the headache of figuring out long-exposure settings in the cold. A hot drink and an Icelandic treat are included to keep you going.

If you’re building an itinerary around northern Iceland or the Diamond Circle, I’d slot this in as an evening add-on. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Akureyri is included, along with Wi-Fi on board. Sightings can’t be guaranteed, and the tour is weather-dependent.

9. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Hot Chocolate

A good option if comfort on the bus is a priority for you. The Northern Lights Coach Tour with Local Hunters uses a full-size modern coach with a toilet and Wi-Fi on board, which makes a difference on a 4-hour winter evening compared to a cramped minibus. The guides adjust the route in real time based on live cloud cover and aurora forecasts rather than following a fixed itinerary, and they’ll hit multiple locations in a single night if conditions demand it.

The photography help is a nice touch here. Your guide walks you through camera and smartphone settings for shooting the Northern Lights, so you’re not fumbling with ISO and shutter speed in the dark while the aurora is overhead. Hot chocolate is included, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Reviews consistently flag the guides as standouts, which I can see from the GYG ratings.

Meeting point is Bus Stop #12 Höfðatorg if you’re making your own way there, with hotel pickup available if you select it at booking. One free retry is offered if the Northern Lights don’t appear, subject to availability, so I would book this early in your trip to leave room for a second attempt. Not suitable for kids under 6.

10. Reykjavik: Northern Lights Yacht Tour

If you’ve seen every minibus-style Northern Lights tour in Iceland and want something different, this yacht tour by Sea Trips Reykjavík is the one I’d book. You board at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, sail out through Faxaflói Bay, and watch for the aurora from three panoramic deck levels with nothing but open water around you. It’s a completely different experience to standing in a field next to a parked bus.

When the cold hits (and it will), there’s a heated bar and lounge inside where you can grab a drink and thaw out. Warm blankets and seasickness tablets are provided on board, and I’d take the tablets if you’re not used to winter swells. Wi-Fi is available, and drinks can be purchased at the bar.

Check-in is 30 minutes before departure at the Old Harbour House on Ægisgarður 2, where you scan your ticket at a self-service kiosk. Hotel pickup is available if you select it when booking, otherwise make your own way down. If the Northern Lights don’t appear, you can rebook another evening at no extra cost.

11. From Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Tour

The Blue Lagoon and a Northern Lights tour are probably the two things on every Iceland first-timer’s list, and this combo by ICELANDIA puts them both in a single day. Your afternoon starts in the geothermal water with the Comfort Package (silica mud mask, towel, and a drink included), and a coach with Wi-Fi brings you back to Reykjavík afterward. You get a break in the city between the two halves, which is the ideal window to grab dinner.

The Northern Lights portion heads out after dark, with a guide picking locations based on live aurora and weather data. Eat before you go, because there’s no food on the evening leg and you’ll be out in the cold longer than you expect. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Reykjavík is covered for both tours.

I think this is the best option on the list for anyone with two or three nights in Iceland who doesn’t want to spend separate days on each experience. If the aurora doesn’t show, you can rejoin the Northern Lights tour on another evening for free. Food and drinks aren’t included on either leg of the tour.

12. Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

If you don’t need the Golden Circle or the Blue Lagoon bundled in and want a focused Northern Lights tour in Iceland, this small-group premium tour is an excellent option. The guides at Northern Lights Bus use live meteorological data to decide where you’re heading each night, and the small group format means the bus can move quickly between spots without the 30-minute loading delays you get on a big coach. Hot chocolate and refreshments are included on board.

I like this tour for people who’ve already done the daytime sightseeing and want to dedicate an evening purely to aurora hunting. The stops change every night depending on forecasts, and the guides explain the science behind the lights while you’re out there. Pickups from Reykjavík accommodation start up to 30 minutes before departure.

The free retry policy is generous here, with an open ticket valid for three years if the aurora doesn’t appear. If weather cancels the tour entirely during your stay, you get a full refund. It’s not suitable for kids under 8, and I’d make sure everyone in your group is dressed for extended time outdoors in winter.

13. Three-Day South Coast Winter Tour with Ice Cave

This 3-day tour from Reykjavík is the only multi-day option on this list of Northern Lights tours. I think it’s the best way to see southern Iceland in winter if you can spare three days. Day one covers the Golden Circle (Thingvellir, Strokkur, Gullfoss, Kerid Crater) before you check into a countryside hotel with geothermal hot tubs in Hveragerði. Day two takes you along the South Coast through Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Reynisfjara black sand beach, ending at a remote hotel in the southeast.

Day three is the most memorable day of them all. You visit Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach, then gear up for an ice caving expedition inside Vatnajökull National Park, Europe’s largest glacier. The caves are natural formations that change every winter, so what you see is unique to that season. All safety equipment and super jeep transport to the cave entrance are included.

Both overnight hotels are in remote locations away from light pollution, so you have a chance of seeing the Northern Lights right from where you’re staying. Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, minibus transport, and ice caving are all covered in the price. Lunch and dinner are on you, but the guides build in stops along the route so finding food isn’t a problem.

• Read Next: 12 Must-Visit Trendy Hotels in Iceland

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

Timing is everything when it comes to witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the lights begin to dance in mid-September, but the real spectacle usually unfolds from October to March. This is when the nights are longest and darkest, offering the most vibrant displays.

I’ve visited Iceland during every season, and I can tell you, nothing beats the clear nights of fall and spring for spotting the Northern Lights. Specifically, I’ve had great success seeing the Aurora in October/November and March. I’ve had way more luck seeing them then versus in the winter, as there’s less precipitation and cloud cover. Not to mention, the warmer temps make standing outside for hours more bearable!

But you also really can’t go wrong with those dark, cold nights in the winter. The Northern Lights will be there- it’s just a question of whether or not there will no clouds so you can see them.

Helpful Tips for Catching the Peak Northern Lights Activity

Each year can be slightly different, depending on solar activity and weather conditions. I recommend checking this Aurora forecast by the Icelandic Meteorological Office before and during your trip. There’s also always an element of luck involved. Just because you are in Iceland during peak Aurora season doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to see the lights. Cloud conditions are just as important as solar activity!

As mentioned above, Solar Cycle 25 peaked in 2024, but aurora activity remains strong through 2026 and into 2027. Scientists expect elevated activity to taper gradually after this window, so 2026 is one of the last peak-cycle seasons before the lights become less reliable again.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Iceland’s best aurora tours

Get all your questions answered about the best northern lights trips in Iceland with our informative FAQs.

What are the top tour companies for Northern Lights tours in Iceland?

Several reputable tour companies offer exceptional Northern Lights experiences in Iceland:

• Arctic Adventures: Known for their knowledgeable guides and various tour options, including small group tours and super jeep adventures.
• Reykjavik Excursions: Offers bus tours that depart from Reykjavik, providing convenience and comfort.
• Gray Line Iceland: Features Northern Lights tours with added bonuses, such as hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries.
• Superjeep.is: Provides an intimate experience with off-road adventures, ideal for reaching remote viewing spots.

What should I wear on a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?

Dressing warmly is essential for a comfortable Northern Lights tour. I recommend wearing multiple layers, including thermal underwear, a warm sweater, and an insulated jacket. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are recommended to protect against Iceland’s unpredictable weather. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, a scarf, and warm socks. Sturdy, waterproof boots are also crucial, as you may be walking on snow or ice.

What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights on a tour?

While seeing the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed due to their unpredictable nature, tour companies increase your chances by taking you to the best possible locations based on real-time aurora forecasts and weather conditions. Many companies also offer a free second tour if you don’t see the lights on your first attempt, improving your odds.

What types of Northern Lights tours are available in Iceland?

Iceland offers a variety of Northern Lights tours to suit different preferences:

• Bus Tours: Ideal for those looking for a comfortable and affordable option, departing from major cities like Reykjavik.
• Super Jeep Tours: Offer a more adventurous experience, taking you off-road to less accessible locations with minimal light pollution.
• Boat Tours: Depart from Reykjavik and provide a unique perspective of the lights from the sea, away from city lights.
• Private Tours: Tailored experiences with personalized itineraries, ideal for small groups or families.

How long do Northern Lights tours typically last?

Northern Lights tours usually last between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the type of tour and the distance traveled to find optimal viewing conditions. Some extended tours may last longer, especially if they include additional activities like glacier hiking or geothermal bathing.

What other activities can be combined with a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?

Many Northern Lights tours offer the option to combine with other Icelandic attractions:

• Golden Circle Tours: Visit Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall before chasing the lights.
• Blue Lagoon: Relax in the geothermal spa before heading out for an evening tour.
• Ice Caving: Explore stunning ice caves during the day and hunt for the aurora at night.
• Glacier Hiking: Combine a thrilling glacier hike with a Northern Lights tour for an unforgettable adventure.