Are you looking for a tour that has the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland?
While most companies don’t guarantee you’ll see this natural phenomena, there are some real experts who know exactly where to go.
Seeing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is definitely a magical experience that you are not likely to forget.
The amazing light display occurs during the winter months.
Particles fall to earth and are burned up in the atmosphere.
They are usually green or blue in colour, but can be red or purple on rare occasions.
To give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights, we’ve discovered 22 Iceland tours available that explore Iceland’s remarkable landscapes and most common Aurora Borealis sightings.
1-Day Tours
1/ Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
One of the easiest ways to see the Northern Lights is by a bus tour from Icelands Capital, Reykjavik.
It is probably also one of the cheapest.
You can even rebook the tour for free if you are unlucky enough to see the Northern lights first time round.
At times, the weather, in particular clouds, may prevent sightings.
However, the tour will take you to the most likely place to see the night sky display.
2/ Northern Lights Tour by Super Jeep
Jump on a super, super jeep tour and go where the buses can’t.
Specifically designed to cope with Iceland’s rough terrain, enjoy a scenic adventure in your quest to see the Northern Lights.
The small group will give you a more intimate experience, as you learn about the phenomena you hope to see.
Rebook for free if the weather prevents you from seeing the magical display of Iceland’s night skies.
3/ ATV Quad Adventure Northern Lights Hunt
The perfect tour for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies.
Hop onto an ATV and ride across Iceland’s impressive landscape in search of the Northern Lights.
Full instructions are included, as is a well earned hot cup of coffee to thaw you out after your 1 hour ATV excursion.
After exploring the trails it’s time to chase the Northern Lights.
Your guides will teach you about them while driving you to the best spot to see them on that particular night.
4/ Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik
Wrap up warm and enjoy a comfortable cruise to see the spectacular Northern Lights.
Seeing them by cruise means you will be well away from city lights to give you magnificent views of them.
Learn about the science and myths of the lights, and discover where the name, Aurora Borealis comes from.
The local expert guide will share with you tales of superstitions surrounding the lights.
You can also enjoy the luxury of on board hot drinks to purchase and keep yourself warm.
5/ Whale Watching and Northern Lights Cruise
Combine 2 of Iceland’s fantastic attractions in one amazing tour.
You will embark on a 2.5 hour tour in search of the Northern lights, and should they stay hidden you can rebook this cruise at no extra cost.
The 3.5 hour whale watching cruise takes you to Faxafloi bay.
Keep your eyes peeled for harbour porpoises, humpback whales, white beaked dolphins and Mink Whales.
With a 90% success rate of sightings, and the option to rebook the cruise for free if you are one of the unlucky, you cannot go wrong.
6/ Kopar Fine Dining and Northern Lights Cruise
Enjoy fine dining at Kopar, one of Reykjavik’s best fine dining restaurants.
You will get to try their 9 course Adventure menu.
The dishes are always changing but may include tasty morsels such as marinated scallops, lamb fillet, and cod tongues in Orly with Sherry.
It’s certainly a different experience and you will eat some interesting and delicious food.
After your meal its a short walk to board your cruise ship for a 2.5 hr cruise.
You will hopefully see the Northern Lights while you learn about Icelandic folklore associated with the spectacle.
7/ Golden circle and Northern Lights Tour
Discover the Glorious Golden Circle on a 4×4 tour.
You will visit all the major sites at National Park Þingvellir, a world heritage sight.
Afterwards see the Strokkur Geyser erupt in Geysir geothermal area.
The tour continues to Gullfoss Waterfall, Faxi Waterfall, Kerið crater and local farm animals.
After a break for dinner you embark on the search for the Northern Lights.
Your guide will have plenty of information about them to pass on.
8/ Secret Lagoon and Northern Lights
The lure of discovering a secret lagoon and enjoying its warmth, coupled with stunning views of the Northern Lights, make this tour one of the most unusual.
The secret lagoon is actually Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, established in 1891.
You will be quite literally immersed in history while soaking in its water.
The small group size ensures the tour is an intimate affair.
While you’re relaxing, the steaming waters add an extra magical element.
Since you have access to a super jeep, you can hunt down the Aurora Borealis if clouds cover the spectacle.
9/ Snowmobiling Northern Lights Adventure from Gullfoss
If you have ever fancied snowboarding by starlight, this is the tour for you.
Head out from Gullfoss to Iceland’s second largest glacier at the Langjökull area.
There you will be kitted out for your snowmobile excursion.
You will be in good company with a small group, well away from city lights.
Gaze upon the glacier lit only by your snowmobile lights and the stars above.
10/ Gardur Lighthouse and Northern Lights
A chance to see the Northern Lights from the top of a lighthouse is not one to miss.
You will visit the Gardur lighthouse and have time to see the exhibition.
If the weather allows, you can climb all the way to the top.
It is one of the most spectacular views for seeing the Northern Lights.
After the lighthouse you will go on the hunt for the best possible views of the Aurora Borealis.
2-Day Tours
11/ Northern Lights and Ice Cave Adventure
See glaciers galore on this 2 day tour.
Immerse yourself in Iceland scenery as you visit the Glacier Lagoon, Jökulsárlón and the beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
If you didn’t already know, these are some of the highlights of South Iceland.
Explore them on a glacier hike and ice cave walking for a close up experience.
You will stay in a fabulous 4 star hotel, it’s isolated location is perfect for seeing the Northern Lights.
12/ Glacier Hike and Lagoon and Northern Lights
Blue ice caves are one of the worlds rarest phenomena, but you will be able to explore the magnificence of one under Vatnajökull.
Exploring beneath Europe’s largest glacier will take you to another world.
There is no shortage of natural wonders to see on this tour.
They include the Skógafoss waterfall, a 60m high waterfall in a narrow gorge.
Impressive basalt column loom over the black sand beach at Reynisfjara.
The 200m deep Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, fed by Breiðamerkurjökull usually has enormous icebergs floating along it.
A night sighting of the Aurora Borealis means this tour is packed with many of Iceland’s amazing sights.
13/ Snaefellsnes and Northern Lights
Visiting the Snæfellsnes peninsula is an excellent way of discovering more of Iceland’s culture and stunning landscape.
You will soak in hot pools, visit the famous Vatnshellir cave, Mt. Kirkjufell and Djúpalónssandur beach.
Your 4×4 will take you through charming fishing villages with a stop at Hellnar.
In Búðir is a lovely church, and one of Iceland’s rare golden sand beaches.
See basalt columns, waterfalls, beaches, rugged coastline, glaciers and more.
Spend a night at a cosy countryside hotel, where you could get fabulous views of the Northern Lights.
3-Day Tour
14/ Golden Circle, South Coast and Northern Lights
This tour is the best way to see the main attractions of the Golden Circle and South Coast of Iceland.
You will visit Þingvellir national park, Geysir Hot Springs, Solheimajokull Glacier, Reynisfjara Beach, Jokulsarlon Lagoon and more.
As well as seeing inside a glacier you will do a glacier walk, giving you a full glacial experience.
The small group makes it a great tour for those wanting a quieter experience.
You also get off the main tourist routes by journeying in a 4×4 SUV.
4-Day Tour
15/ South Coast, Ice Walk and Northern lights
Everything is included in this tour so you won’t need to do anything except enjoy it!
Over 4 fabulous days you will visit stunning waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss waterfall which you can walk behind.
Amazing landscapes such as Þórsmörk, the valley of the Thunder God Thor.
Amazing glaciers, geothermal areas, black sand beaches are all attractions on this small, friendly, super jeep tour.
Your local guide will have a wealth of knowledge about Icelandic geography and culture.
You will also have the chance to see the Northern Lights every night, depending on the weather and the group.
5-Day Tours
16/ Land of Northern Lights
This package organised by Onthegotours.com takes you to a number of popular attractions in the Golden Circle.
There’ll be presentations about the Northern Lights on 2 nights as your expert guide shares insights about this natural phenomenon.
During the 5 day tour, you will also stop at the Blue Lagoon, glaciers, waterfalls and other breathtaking natural landmarks.
Entry to the Blue Lagoon, Skogar folk museum and turf houses are included, along with 4 nights at a hotel and breakfast.
17/ Volcanos, Lagoons, and Northern Lights
For a tour filled with geological wonders, history and stunning scenery, look no further.
You will discover Iceland’s hot springs, lava fields, waterfalls and lagoons.
A natural history of geothermal activity brought to life by your guide.
Marvel at Jökulsárlón ice lagoon and Vatnajökull glacier.
You will also have 2 nights to see the Aurora Borealis.
Add an optional Northern Lights Fjord cruise to experience even more of Iceland’s wonders.
18/ 5-Day West Iceland, Ice Cave and Northern Lights Adventure from Reykjavik
Discover the less frequented Western Iceland along with South Iceland and it’s major attractions.
See Vatnshellir cave at the fishing village of Arnarstapi and see where Jules Verne got his inspiration for “A Journey to the Center of Earth”.
On the Snaefellsnes peninsula you will visit the most powerful hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver.
The Golden Circle, ice caving and a visit to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon follow.
Take a glacier hike on Vatnajokull Glacier.
Each night you will stay in lovely hotels and have a chance to see the Northern Lights.
6-Day Tour
19/ Northern Lights and Iceland in Style
With a maximum group size of 16 and first class accommodation, this tour is the lap of luxury.
Your friendly local guide will take great care of you.
Some experiences on the tour include the blue lagoon and a delicious Langoustine dinner, crab feast and gourmet meals.
You will visit more highlights such as the Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss waterfalls, Folk Museum and more.
Learn all about the Northern Lights from your guide as he takes you to see the Aurora Borealis.
8-Day Tours
20/ Northern Lights in Style 8 days
This is a 2 day extension of the above 6 day tour.
If you have the time it’s definitely worth adding the extra, as it includes a fantastic Northern Lights Fjord Cruise.
This is a great way to escape city lights and hopefully enjoy a display of the Aurora Borealis in a relaxing manner.
In addition, you will go on a super jeep adventure into the highlands.
You will be able to travel where the bus cannot and experience even more of Iceland’s beautiful glaciers and landscape close up.
21/ Northern Lights Exploration
In addition to the natural highlights of Iceland’s golden circle and south coast, you will become an expert about the Northern Lights.
The special 6 night academy means you will learn more about the Northern lights than you thought existed.
It ensures ample chances of viewing the amazing spectacle.
You will also visit a traditional shark farmer, turf homesteads and geothermically cooked bread and eggs for a strong insight into Iceland’s Culture.
This tour is probably the most comprehensive tour of Iceland, making it one of the best tours available.
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10-Day Tour
22/ Glaciers and Northern Lights
With a little more time you will get to experience that little bit more.
Over the 10 day tour you will visit the Golden Circle, South Coast, the blue ice cave at Vatnajökull glacier.
Continuing East you will see the spectacular eastern Fjords and stay in Modrudalur valley.
Explore Lake Mývatn area, which is reputedly one of the most interesting geothermal areas in Europe.
Heading on to North Iceland you will visit Goðafoss waterfall and Snaefellsnes Peninsula with its amazing glaciers, and beautiful basalt column lined black sand beaches.
The last day is spent on the volcano of the Borgarfordur area with plenty of waterfalls to see.
You will have multiple chances to see the Northern Lights, and after this trip there will be little of Iceland left unseen.
Ultimately, the longer you spend in Iceland the more of it’s breathtaking natural beauty you will see and experience.
There is a reason why Iceland such a popular destination and on so many bucket lists.
Not only is it one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, the land itself has many amazing attractions.
Natural blue ice caves, warming natural geothermal hotsprings, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls and rugged black sand beaches to name just a few.
The Icelandic culture is an interesting one, with turf houses and fishing villages to discover.
There is plenty to do, and any of these Northern Lights tours will help you make the most of your time there.
More Reading:
23 Best Natural Landmarks to see in Iceland
