Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
Setting out on Iceland Northern Lights Tours is often driven by the primary purpose of witnessing the breathtaking famous Aurora Borealis, and we don't blame you. In Iceland, it's us, your Northern Lights Tour Operator, who frequently utilize the stunning South Coast as a spetacular backdrop.
We get creative with various Northern Lights Tours for your enjoyment. Join us on this extraordinary adventure as we chase this incredible natural phenomenon together. It's your opportunity to escape the typical city lights and witness the Northern Lights i all their glory.
Multi-day tour
Reykjavik
2 Day Winter Minibus Tour: South Coast, Jokulsarlon, Blue Ice Cave & Northern Lights
2 days
More
535 €
Multi-day tour
Reykjavik
4 Day Winter Minibus Tour: Blue Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes & Northern Lights
4 days
More
1.212 €
About Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
Experiencing the true beauty of the Northern lights is a highlight of popular northern lights tours in iceland.
During the winter, the Northern Lights or also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a celestial show on a Northern sky. Most describe the phenomenon of the Northern lights show as dancing colors and ribbons in the calm air and sky.
The Aurora Borealis is a sure top on people's bucket lists, yet only a few get to fulfill and tick this off their list. It can be seen in parts of the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries in Europe. Although, apart from the national park highlight, Iceland is one of the best places to immerse oneself into the Northern Lights.
As much as people love to hope for a guarantee, the Northern Lights appear under their own circumstances, on their own chosen day or days. However, there are many ways to increase your chances of seeing this incredible natural phenomenon, like which months you choose to visit, the specific weather conditions of the day, your chosen location, and more. It is also important to note that the Northern Lights are less likely to appear on a sky with light pollution, such as a bright moon.
In replacement of your city lights, the south coast of Iceland offers many different types of Northern Lights tours like watching the Northern Lights from the Blue Lagoon on a winter day.
A highlighted way to enjoy the lights the Northern sky has to offer is kicking off in Reykjavik. It is the largest community in the country with a lot of activities for tourists, and stands only 20 minutes away from the typical locations for Aurora sightings.
Apart from a day guide on a tour of the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis, Iceland has a city life that tourists should search for, like Reykjavik.
Read more about: Where and how to see the Aurora
FAQ
1. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Typically, the Northern Lights season in Iceland ranges from late August to mid April due to their clear skies. Although, the best time with higher chances of a night show are during the winter months or more specifically, September to March. Additionally, these two months are individually considered as the peaks of the natural phenomenon.
2. What is the best Northern Lights tour in Iceland?
The night sky of the magical Northern Lights,a spectacular natural phenomenon, in Iceland can be enjoyed in a variety of popular Northern Lights Tours. Withe the dark winter sky as canvas, the best tours to witness the Northern lights are by bus, boat, super jeep, snowmobile, and ATV tours. When tied with other attractions, the best is the tours with the Reykjavik Secret Lagoon, Golden Circle, and Fontana Geothermal Baths.
3. Do you need a tour to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
While there are several tour types to view the Northern lights, some Iceland visitors may opt not to. Though, the Northern lights tour operators, who monitor aurora activity, are knowledgeable with the optimal locations and times. On the other hand, their options are looking for them within your area of stay, drive out of the area and search, or take a casual boat cruise with your fingers crossed!
4. How much is a Northern Lights tour in Iceland?
As the tours for seeing the Northern lights vary in the number of days, location, and experience inclusions, there is a wide range of prices. When you visit Iceland, Northern Lights tours range from $58 to $3000. When it comes to viewing the light of Iceland, it is a good idea to know your budget and desired experience.
5. What area in Iceland is best for seeing the Northern Lights?
Based on the reviews of previous visitors and the local population of Iceland, the best areas for the popular nights of light, namely the Northern Lights, are the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Lilja Guest House, Reykjanes Peninsula, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. For those on a strict budget, you can find a dark night sky and try your free luck!
6. Can I be sure to see the Northern Lights on a tour?
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no guarantee of the popular experience on a tour. Though, it is important to note that the Northern lights tour providers often cancel if the weather forecast and conditions and forecast do not look optimal. However, there are a few things to increase your chances such as tours, a weather forecast, a specific time of day, and visiting during the season or even better, during the peak months of September and March.
7. What if I don't see the Northern Lights on a tour?
If the primary reason for your visit to Iceland was to experience the natural phenomenon and did not end up doing so, it's okay! Most visitors who face this still leave with a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment. Iceland is a beautiful country with plenty to offer -- and, there's always a next time to chase the Northern lights!
8. How long does a Northern Lights tour last?
This is where the forecast comes in! A clear, dark sky with minimal light pollution increase the chances of a longer show of the Northern lights. It could last all night long for many hours, although, it could also last for only 10 minutes. In terms of Northern Lights tours, it depends on the inclusions, but you should allot at least 4 hours away from your hotel stay.
9. What causes the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis?
Now, the science behind it.
The common misconception is involving the particles from the sun. Truth: In the Earth's upper atmosphere, protons and electrons, or charged particles in general, from the solar wind will hit this atmosphere. As they do so, they release energy and change from an excited state to a ground state. And this is how one can get to absorb the beautiful sky, witnessing the Northern Lights.
10. What to wear for a Northern Lights tour?
Ultimately, it's best to follow a clothing guide for the viewing. It depends on the Northern Lights tour you have chosen, but get packing with walking boots, trousers, woolen socks, hat, waterproof jacket, gloves, and a scarf. Assuming you will be visiting during or near the winter months, these are your essentials for your travel trip to view the magical Northern Lights.
