Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos

Reykjavik , Iceland

Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos

Active

(1937 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Northern Lights Adventure: Small Group Iceland Tour´

Join us for a cozy, unforgettable night chasing the aurora borealis in a small, intimate group (max. 19 guests). Our friendly local guides, who specialize in Northern Lights forecasting, use live data every evening to find the best, crowd-free locations, giving you the best chance to see this magical phenomenon.

Wrap yourself in warm Icelandic wool blankets, sip delicious hot chocolate, and savor traditional pastries as the night sky comes alive. Our guides, who are also professional photographers, will capture beautiful photos of you under the lights, delivered straight to your inbox within 8 days, so you can relive the magic.

This isn’t just a tour; it’s a shared story of Icelandic folklore, stargazing, and the untouched beauty of Iceland’s wilderness. If the auroras don’t appear, don’t worry, we’ll invite you back for free. Let us help you create memories you’ll treasure forever!

Available options

Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos

Pickup included

What's included

Photos (if conditions allow)

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Use of Icelandic woolen blankets

Professional driver/guide

Live commentary on board

Hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries

Detailed itinerary

First off, you will start your hunt for the Northern Lights with a bit of planning via the Aurora forecast and start your exploration by heading towards the selected location. You might drive for up to one hour to reach a good spot and perhaps wait for the lights to appear. At this point, we take out the hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries. We also have Icelandic wool blankets on board to keep you warm while standing outside.

There may be the decision of changing spots, by interacting with other locals as there are many different people outside looking for lights every night. We do this to increase the possibilities of finding Northern Lights. If there are no northern lights while on tour, you get to try again for free (upon availability).

By traveling in a minibus you get the quality of a small group of no more than 19 people, as crowds are being avoided in order to get to the best spot available.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Please note that dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated while on this tour

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

678 reviews

5★

528

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

1,259 reviews

5★

1107

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note that the access to restroom facilities out of urban areas is very limited while on the Northern lights tours.

Even with the best of guides and a detailed forecast, sightings are never guaranteed. If we don’t find any lights while on tour, you can join us again another day for free (upon our availability). You will not be entitled to get a refund, though.

A refund is only possible if the tour never operates while you are in Iceland and you never get the chance to join the tour which sometimes happens due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The tour is operated in a minibus and does not exceed more than 19 passengers.

Availability for tour cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of shown availability.

This tour takes place at night, please dress up accordingly with warm garments. Bring along a hat, gloves and a scarf. Waterproof clothing is always recommended while touring around Iceland.

Please check your email inbox, we will send you an email on your departure day in the afternoon to inform you if the tour goes ahead or if it is cancelled.Make sure to check the spam inbox too.

Pick-up begins 30 minutes prior to departure time.

Pick up time: Aug 15–Sep 30 & Apr 1–Apr 18: from 21:30 / Oct 1–Mar 31: from 20:30

If our tour is unsuccessful (Northern Lights not visible), photos will not be delivered.

Due to traffic regulations, tour buses are not permitted to drive or stop in certain city areas and may only stop at designated locations. If your hotel isn't on our list, or if you're uncertain about where to meet us for pickup, please email us.

Important notes

Thank you for booking your Northern Lights Tour with us!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure under the starry skies. Your booking includes complimentary hot chocolate, pastries, and photos taken by our guides. Just bring your enthusiasm and warm clothing, and we'll handle the rest.

*Important Information:*

- Tour Confirmation: Due to the nature of the Northern Lights, tour confirmation will be provided on the day of the tour. Check for updates between 1-4 pm GMT:

- Email: Sent to the email address provided at booking.
- Website: Check our banner at www.eastwest.is.
- Phone: Call +354 792 7500 to hear a recorded message.
- In Person: Check with your hotel's reception or the tourism information center in Reykjavik.

*Pick-up: Starts 30 minutes before the tour. Be ready at your designated location.
- Aug 15–Aug 31 & Apr 1–Apr 18: from 21:30
- Oct 1–Mar 31: from 22:30

*Rebooking and Refunds:

- If you attend a tour but don't see the Northern Lights, you can join another tour free of charge, subject to availability (no refunds).
- If we cancel due to poor weather and you haven't attended a tour, you will receive a 100% refund. If you've already attended a tour, you can rebook (subject to availability) for up to 2 years, but no refund will be provided.

*Photos: If you haven't received your tour photos within 8 business days, please contact us at eastwest@eastwest.is.

Thank you for choosing us! We look forward to creating unforgettable memories with you.

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital city, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural surroundings, and unique Icelandic charm. It offers a blend of modern amenities and ancient geothermal wonders, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Hallgrímskirkja

This iconic church is a landmark of Reykjavik, known for its distinctive architecture and towering spire. It offers panoramic views of the city from its tower.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1000 for the tower)

Harpa Concert Hall

A stunning modern concert hall with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding landscape. It hosts a variety of performances and events.

Architecture/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free to enter, performance tickets vary

Blue Lagoon

A geothermal spa known for its milky-blue waters rich in minerals. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nature/Relaxation Half a day Expensive (ISK 49,900 and up)

Reykjavik Art Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary Icelandic and international art. It's housed in a striking building with a glass facade.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate (ISK 1400)

Perlan Museum

A unique museum located in a glass dome that offers a variety of exhibits, including a glacier exhibit and a planetarium.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (ISK 3,990 and up)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plokkfiskur

A traditional Icelandic fish stew made with mashed potatoes, white fish, onions, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains fish and dairy

Hákarl

Fermented shark, a traditional Icelandic delicacy known for its strong smell and taste.

Snack Contains fish

Skyr

A thick, creamy Icelandic yogurt-like dairy product, often served with berries or cream.

Dessert Contains dairy

Rúgbrauð

A dense, dark rye bread traditionally baked underground using geothermal heat.

Bread Vegan

Popular Activities

Glacier hiking and ice climbing Whale watching Snowmobiling on a glacier Caving and lava tunnel exploration Visiting geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon Enjoying a traditional Icelandic massage or spa treatment Taking a leisurely walk around Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F) 46°F to 55°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Icelandic
Widely spoken: English, Danish, German
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Iceland is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and only use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas
• Research tour operators and rental companies before booking to ensure they are reputable and legitimate

Getting there

By air

Keflavík International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Reykjavik

By bus

BSÍ Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services and easy-to-use ticketing.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bustravel, Uber (limited availability)

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Reykjavik Hlemmur Vesturbær

Day trips

Golden Circle

230 km (143 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day

A popular day trip route that includes three of Iceland's most famous attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

South Coast

150-200 km (93-124 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic drive along Iceland's south coast, offering a variety of attractions, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

240 km (149 miles) from Reykjavik • Full day or overnight

A scenic peninsula known as 'Iceland in Miniature' due to its diverse landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, lava fields, and beaches.

Festivals

Reykjavik Arts Festival • Late May to early June Iceland Airwaves • Early November Reykjavik Winter Lights Festival • Late January to early February

Pro tips

Visit the Blue Lagoon or another geothermal spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience
Explore Reykjavik's street art and murals, which can be found throughout the city
Take a day trip to the Golden Circle or another nearby attraction for a taste of Iceland's natural wonders
Try traditional Icelandic food, such as lamb soup, fish stew, and fermented shark
Visit a local brewery or distillery and sample Icelandic craft beer or spirits