Hotels near Northern Lights Tours

Seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Reykjavik. The aurora season runs from September through March, with the darkest months (October to February) offering the best chances. Tours depart from Reykjavik most evenings and drive to locations away from the city's light pollution where conditions are optimal - the exact spot changes nightly based on cloud cover and aurora forecasts.

Standard bus tours cost ISK 7,000-10,000 (~€47-67) and last 3-4 hours, while small-group super-jeep tours run ISK 15,000-25,000 (~€100-167) and venture further into remote landscapes. Most operators offer free rebooking if the aurora does not appear or conditions cancel the trip. You can also try spotting them independently from Grotta lighthouse on the western tip of Reykjavik (free, no tour needed) or from the Seltjarnarnes peninsula on clear nights.

Pro Tip: Check the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast (vedur.is) and cloud cover map before booking. A rating of 3+ on the 0-9 scale with clear skies gives decent odds. Dress in multiple layers, bring hand warmers, and set your camera to manual mode with a long exposure (10-15 seconds, wide aperture, high ISO) for the best aurora photos.