For many, the possibility of seeing the northern lights is the reason for a visit to Iceland during the winter. The season, with its pure and crisp air, offers some of the best conditions for seeing stars and frequent sightings of the aurora borealis.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Audio guide
- Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean
- Pickup optional
- Pickup begins 30 minutes prior to the tour start time. Please note, pickup is only available in Reykjavík city center. Please be ready and on the lookout for a green Smartbus. As each driver usually has a few stops to make, it can take up to 30 minutes to finish the pickup service; there is no need to worry if the bus is not there exactly on time. Pickup is available from most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Please note that in the city center, some areas are restricted to buses, and therefore buses can only stop at nearby bus stops. If you need directions to your nearest bus stop, please visit this website: www.busstop.is. Please note that pickup is not available from Airbnbs or private residences; for these cases, it is recommended you select the nearest hotel address or bus stop and request pickup from there.
Experience
Highlights
- Search the sky above Iceland for the northern lights
- Learn the basics of northern lights photography
- Choose from 10 different languages on your in-bus audio guide
Full description
Embark on a 3-hour excursion to see the northern lights, one of the most beautiful celestial displays found in nature. In addition, there are many other cosmic wonders waiting to be discovered. All you need to do is gaze skywards at the Arctic night canopy to marvel at the magic.
Board one of the fleet’s new buses in Reykjavík, and take a comfortable seat where you’ll find a computer tablet and an in-bus audio guide (available in 10 languages). You’ll also find a USB charger and have access to the free WiFi on board. The audio guide provides useful tips on how best to capture the northern lights with your camera.
You’ll not only be in search of the legendary and mesmerizing northern lights, but you’ll also be able to pinpoint some of the constellations of stars. Learn what they are and what they have represented to Icelandic ancestors and to different cultures throughout time. You’ll have assistance in finding the best-known constellations and stars.
There are a few factors that determine whether it’s likely you’ll be able to see the northern lights and the guides are experts in reckoning your chances of seeing them. This means they have a high success rate, and do not go out unless they feel the odds are well in your favor.
In order to find the northern lights you need 2 things: patience and warm clothing. If by chance you didn't bring a warm jacket, no worries. The tour operator has ultra-warm Aurora Jackets for rent!
Includes
- Knowledgeable Northern Lights and Stars guide
- Free use of astronomy binoculars
- Use of a smart tablet to learn the basics of northern lights photography
- Free use of camera tripods (tripods are available that fit almost any camera or phone)
- Guarantee to see the northern lights or you can take the tour again for free
- Free WiFi and USB charger at each seat
- In-bus audio guide in a choice of 10 languages
- Food and drinks
- Pick-up from your accommodation (unless you have chosen tour option with hotel pick-up)
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Traveler requirements
- Customers must bring their own headphones
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
This tour option does not include hotel pick-up. Your tour starts from Reykjavík Terminal, centrally located at Skógarhlíð 10, 105 Reykjavík. please be at the terminal 15 minutes before your departure time.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Teenagers 12-15 years: 50 percent discount; children 0-11 years old join for free
- From 28 August-30 September and 1 April-15 April departures at 10:00 PM
- From 1 October-31 March, daily departures at 9:00 PM
- Departures are highly dependent on weather
- There is no minimum number of participants
- There are no age limits
- Be sure to dress according to the weather. In Iceland it is always wise to dress in warm, waterproof clothing. Weather changes can be sudden so expect the unexpected. Bring a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear and gloves. Good outdoor shoes are recommended
- Audio guide on bus: it is a good idea to bring your own headphones because they will fit you best. It is also great for the environment. If you don’t have headphones with you or forgot to bring them, you can purchase them on board
- Tour duration: approximately 3 hours
