A guided evening excursion departing Reykjavik after dark in search of the Northern Lights, driving away from city light pollution to dark rural areas within 30-60 minutes of the capital and waiting for aurora activity under the open sky. Guides monitor aurora forecasts and cloud cover in real time to find the best viewing spots.
The Northern Lights hunt is an evening excursion departing central Reykjavik hotels after dark, travelling 30-80 km and 30-60 minutes by guided minibus to rural areas away from the city's light pollution. Self-driving to dark-sky areas and private tours with a dedicated guide (around $150) are also available for those wanting more flexibility. Guides monitor real-time aurora forecasts and cloud cover to choose the best viewing location on the night, which may shift depending on conditions rather than following a fixed itinerary. A typical evening departs Reykjavik around 9 or 10 PM, drives to a dark rural viewing spot such as areas near Þingvellir or the Reykjanes peninsula, and spends one to three hours outdoors watching for aurora activity, with many tours offering a second attempt free of charge if no lights are seen. The season runs from September to March, when nights are dark enough for viewing; the darkest, longest nights around December and January give the widest viewing window, though clear skies matter more than the exact month. There are no food stops on the tour itself, so visitors typically eat dinner in Reykjavik before departure; some private tours offer hot drinks on board.
| Distance | 30-80 km from Reykjavik |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30-60 minutes to viewing site |
| Getting there | Guided minibus tour |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Departures from central Reykjavik hotels |
How to get there
- guided minibus tour (~$50-70)
- private tour with guide (~$150)
- self-drive to dark-sky areas
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Location
Departures from central Reykjavik hotels
64.1000, -21.8000 View on map
Highlights
- Guided evening drive away from Reykjavik's light pollution to dark rural viewing sites
- Guides track real-time aurora forecasts and cloud cover to pick the best spot
- Many operators offer a free second attempt if no lights are seen
- Private guided tours available for a more flexible, personalised search
Tips for visiting
- Book a tour with a free second-attempt policy in case aurora activity is low on the first night.
- Dress in warm layers, as tours involve standing outdoors in cold, dark conditions for one to three hours.
- Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast before booking to gauge activity levels.
- December and January offer the longest dark viewing window, though clear skies matter more than the exact month.
- Self-driving to dark-sky areas is an option for those with a rental car, avoiding fixed tour schedules.
When to visit
September-March, with December and January offering the longest dark viewing window; clear, cloudless nights matter more than the specific month.
Accessibility
Most minibus tours have standard coach steps and no wheelchair lift; viewing sites are typically roadside pull-offs with uneven, unlit ground.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights near Reykjavik?
The season runs from September to March, with the darkest, longest nights in December and January offering the widest viewing window.
Is a rental car needed for the Northern Lights hunt?
No, guided minibus tours (around $50-70) depart from central Reykjavik hotels, though self-driving to dark-sky areas is also an option.
What happens if the Northern Lights aren't visible on the tour?
Many operators offer a free second attempt on another night if no aurora activity is seen.
How long does a Northern Lights tour last?
Tours typically run three to five hours total, including travel time and one to three hours at the viewing site.