Skip to content
Operated by: Gravel Travel

Reykjavík: Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Aurora Museum Entry

Chase the Aurora Borealis on this 4-hour small-group evening tour from Reykjavík. Includes hotel pickup, entrance to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre, complimentary photos with the lights, hot cocoa, Icelandic pastry, and a free rebooking if no lights appear.

Duration
4 hours
Starts From
Reykjavík
Pickup
Pickup required
Minimum age
8+
Difficulty
EASY
Season
All year
Passengers
Min 1
Travel method
Mini Bus / Car

About this experience

Few natural phenomena rival the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis, and this small-group tour from Reykjavík gives you the best possible chance of witnessing it. With a maximum of 19 passengers, the experience stays intimate, and your expert local guide actively tracks weather and aurora forecasts throughout the evening to find the darkest, clearest skies available.

Before heading into the Icelandic countryside, every guest receives included admission to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre. Inside, you'll explore the history and science of the aurora, watch stunning 4K footage of the lights dancing across Iceland, and get practical tips for photographing the phenomenon — so your camera is ready the moment the sky comes alive.

Once the city lights are behind you, the guide leads the group to the most promising vantage point of the night. Wrap up in the provided blankets, warm your hands around a cup of complimentary hot cocoa, and enjoy a taste of Icelandic pastry while you watch the sky. Your guide will also capture high-quality photographs of you beneath the aurora at no extra charge.

If the lights don't appear on your tour night, you can rebook on another date free of charge — giving you genuine peace of mind. Note that your Aurora Reykjavík admission ticket remains valid for a separate visit during the centre's regular opening hours, before or after your tour.

Highlights

  • Small-group tour with a maximum of 19 passengers
  • Included admission to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre
  • Complimentary professional aurora photographs taken by your guide
  • Hot cocoa, Icelandic pastry, and blankets provided
  • Free rebooking if no Northern Lights are visible on your tour night
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík included

Experience details

Your evening begins with hotel pickup from Reykjavík. Before departing into the countryside, the group visits the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre, where you'll learn about the science and history of the aurora and watch 4K aurora footage in the centre's theatre. Staff will help you configure your camera settings for night photography.

The guide then drives the group away from city light pollution and into the Icelandic countryside, monitoring conditions in real time to select the best viewing location of the night. Once at the site, blankets, hot cocoa, and Icelandic pastry are on hand to keep you comfortable.

  • Your guide photographs you with the aurora — images are provided at no extra cost.
  • Free WiFi is available on the bus throughout the journey.
  • The tour runs daily, but may be cancelled if weather and aurora conditions are not suitable; you will be notified by email the day before.
  • Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, as they depend on natural conditions.

Why choose this tour

This tour combines two Northern Lights experiences in one price: a guided evening hunt into the Icelandic countryside and included admission to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre, which you can also visit independently during regular opening hours.

The small-group format — capped at 19 passengers — means more personal attention from your guide and a more flexible, responsive evening. Complimentary aurora photographs, hot cocoa, pastry, and blankets are all included, so there are no hidden extras. And if the aurora doesn't show, the free-rebooking policy means your trip to Iceland still has another chance.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík. Knowledgeable local guide. Complimentary high-quality aurora photographs. Icelandic pastry. Hot cocoa. Blankets. Small-group experience (maximum 19 passengers). Free WiFi on the bus. Admission to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre (ticket also valid for an independent visit during regular opening hours).

Pickup locations

Final available pickup options are selected during checkout and may vary by operator.

Pickup locations

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear on my tour night?
If no Northern Lights are visible during your tour, you can rebook on another available date free of charge, provided you have not previously been on the tour. This rebooking policy applies to weather-related non-sightings.
What is included in the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre visit?
Your admission covers the full centre experience, including exhibits on the history and science of the aurora and a 4K aurora film in the theatre. Your ticket also remains valid for a separate independent visit during the centre's regular opening hours before or after your tour.
What is the minimum age for this tour?
The minimum age is 8 years. Children aged 8 to 12 are booked under the Children price category. Children under 135 cm must travel in a child car seat, which must be provided by the guest in accordance with Icelandic law.
How does the guide decide where to go to see the Northern Lights?
Your guide monitors live weather forecasts and aurora activity throughout the evening and selects the viewing location with the best conditions on the night. The route is flexible and adapted in real time, so the group always heads to the most promising spot available.
Can I visit the Aurora Reykjavík museum separately from the evening tour?
Yes. Your included admission ticket is valid for an independent visit to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre during its regular opening hours, either before or after your evening tour, at your own convenience.
What should I wear and bring on the Northern Lights tour?
Wear warm thermal base layers and bring water- and windproof outerwear, hiking boots, a hat, and gloves. Micro spikes are recommended for icy ground. A camera and tripod are useful for photography; tripods can be rented if needed.

More Iceland experiences like this

Explore Iceland by interest