Northern Lights - Private Tour One-day tour

Our partner: Reykjavik Excursions

Description

The Glory of the Northern Lights in Private

No matter how much reading or preparation you’ve done for your dream destination, there’s nothing that really substitutes a well-organized guided tour. But we know travelling in large groups of people is not everybody´s cup of tea. For those who prefer more time with their guide, a little more flexibility in the schedule and to enjoy the experience in their own company, our private tours are the perfect fit.

This private tour takes you to see a spectacular phenomenon which can be seen from late August to mid-April. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the Magnetic Pole.  

Why take a guided tour to see the northern lights in Iceland?

Choosing a guided tour increases your chances of seeing the northern lights in Iceland. Our team of experts reviews and studies the weather, locations and aurora forecast on a daily basis to determine if the odds are in our favour. 

The tour is weather dependent and sightings are not guaranteed. However, you will experience Icelandic nature during the night, the Milky Way, stars, moon, clouds and total darkness. Please note that indicated return times can vary. 

Where do we go to see the northern lights in Iceland?

Our experts decide where the best location is each night so the exact route is not known in advance. One of the most important factors is that we go away from the city lights. Based on the weather and aurora forecast, we decide if it is worth going at all. If yes, our experts decide on the best place to go. 

What to expect on your northern lights tour:

It may be cold outside even though our buses are warm and comfortable. You will have plenty of time to take photos and therefore we recommend that you dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. We recommend three layers, a cap, gloves, warm socks, and a warm jacket.

Despite all our efforts, we cannot guarantee that you will see the aurora. 

When we go on the tour and we do not see the northern lights, a refund is not possible.

You will get some basic information from our guides on how to get the best pictures of the lights.

Our guides are experts in the aurora, where to hunt them down and how to take pictures of the lights, so please do not hesitate to ask them about the northern lights or for assistance with your photography.

Children are welcome on the tour, however, this can be a long and cold night and therefore it may not be suitable for children younger than 6 years old. 

Please note that looking for the aurora is a hunting tour. Civilization is left behind (including conventional WCs) in order to increase our chances of seeing the aurora. Auroras are best seen outdoors at night in Iceland’s winter. Your personal well-being on the tour depends on your own clothing.

FAQ about this northern lights tour:

Why was the tour cancelled tonight? A team of experts considers the weather and aurora forecast every day to see if the conditions are favourable or not. If the odds are against the aurora being visible for some reason, we cancel the tour.

If we cancel the tour and you are unable to attend at a later date you can get a refund. 

How far away from the city do you go and where? The average time heading out to the first stop is usually within an hour. The direction of the tour is decided shortly before departure and based on the weather forecast.

When is the best time of the year to see the lights? From late August until mid-April.

Why do I not see the lights as in the photos? The human eye usually sees the northern lights as faint colours of light green, grey and white. Camera sensors do not have our eye limitations as they have long exposure features and other factors.  

Additional information:

Remember to dress warmly. 

This tour depends on weather and activity, so sightings are not guaranteed.

Indicated return times can vary due to road & weather conditions.

When a tour is cancelled, you can change the booking to another date or get a full refund.
 

What´s Included

  • If you are booking less than 3 days in advance, please call our customer service center
  • Guidance in in English, German or French (confirmed at booking)
  • Warm clothes, waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes are recommended
  • We recommend bringing thermal layers, a winter hat, scarf, gloves, and wearing warm socks for colder days
  • Camera or a mobile phone with a camera
  • Vehicle cleaned with Vectorfog - 100% Natural multi-surface disinfectant. 

What to bring

Remember to dress according to weather

Warm clothes, waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes are recommended

  • We recommend bringing thermal layers, a winter hat, scarf, gloves, and wearing warm socks for colder days 
  • Camera or a mobile phone with a camera and you won't regret bringing a tripod.