Reykjavík in 1 Days - Small-group aurora hunt (max 16 guests)
In Collaboration with Magic Iceland Travel . Updated on February 24, 2026.
Set off from Reykjavík in a small 16-seat minibus to search for the Aurora Borealis away from city lights. Enjoy hot drinks on board, receive a small Icelandic surprise, and spend time viewing and photographing the northern lights under your guide’s direction. Pickup is offered from selected locations in Reykjavík; the viewing site is chosen nightly based on real-time forecasts.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Magic Iceland Travel , inspired by the tour Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Chocolate & Surprise. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Small-group aurora hunt (max 16 guests)
- Comfortable minibus transport and professional English-speaking guide
- Complimentary hot chocolate and water
- Small Icelandic surprise for each guest
- Photo tips and aurora information on site
More than 79 itineraries in Reykjavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening Northern Lights hunt departing Reykjavík. The guide monitors cloud cover and solar activity to reach the best available viewing spot for the night. Expect time on board for warm drinks and a small Icelandic surprise, and on-foot time at the chosen dark-sky location to view and photograph the aurora.
Northern Lights hunt
Depart Reykjavík in a comfortable 16-seat minibus with a professional English-speaking guide at 21:00. The guide monitors cloud cover and auroral activity to select a dark-sky viewing location outside the city. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and water on the drive. When the guide selects a spot, step out to observe and photograph the Northern Lights while the guide offers photo tips, scientific background, and local stories. After viewing time, return to Reykjavík; total tour length is approximately 4 hours. Pickup is available from selected Reykjavík locations (pickup windows may take up to 30 minutes). If no lights are seen, a free re-trial is offered subject to availability.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in layers (thermal base, insulated jacket, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes); temperatures can be very cold at night and waiting periods are normal.
- Bring spare camera batteries and keep them warm in an inner pocket—cold drains batteries quickly; a small tripod or stable surface will improve long-exposure aurora photos.
- Expect a flexible pickup window (up to 30 minutes). Choose a pickup address where the minibus can safely stop and sit near a window seat for the best views during the drive.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 1 |
| Total Places | 1 |
| Activities Types | Experience |
Why this experience
Join a small-group Northern Lights hunt (max 16 guests) in a comfortable minibus with Magic Iceland Travel, departing Reykjavík at 21:00. Your professional English-speaking guide monitors real-time cloud maps and solar activity to find the darkest, clearest skies for aurora viewing. Along the way, you'll enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and water, receive a small Icelandic surprise, and get photo tips and aurora science from someone who knows these skies intimately. If no lights appear, you're offered a free re-trial subject to availability—the guide's commitment to your success.
Before you go
- Best time: September to March (aurora season)
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing.
- Difficulty: Easy. Primarily viewing from outdoors; waiting is normal.
- What to bring: Insulated layers (thermal base layer, heavy jacket), warm hat, gloves, sturdy shoes, spare camera batteries (keep them warm), small tripod or stable surface for photography
- Getting there: Pickup from selected Reykjavík locations (flexible 30-minute window); professional minibus pickup
- Accessibility: Terrain at viewing sites may be uneven and dark. Inform the guide of mobility needs when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary?
This itinerary on TheNextGuide includes a small-group evening Northern Lights hunt with Magic Iceland Travel, pickup from selected Reykjavík locations, comfortable 16-seat minibus transport, professional English-speaking guide, complimentary hot chocolate and water, a small Icelandic surprise for each guest, photo tips and aurora information on-site, and a free re-trial if no lights are seen (subject to availability). Check the booking widget for current pricing.
How long is the tour?
Total tour time is approximately 4 hours from first pickup to return to Reykjavík (21:00–01:00 approx.). This includes pickup time, the drive to the viewing location, aurora observation time, and return drive.
What if we don't see the Northern Lights?
If no aurora is visible despite the guide's best efforts, you're offered a free re-trial on another night, subject to availability. The guide uses real-time forecasts to maximize chances, but success ultimately depends on weather and solar activity.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Children can join, but they should be prepared for cold outdoor conditions and waiting periods. Dress them warmly and bring hand warmers if possible.
Complete your trip in Reykjavík
Balance this evening aurora hunt with daytime sightseeing and other activities.
- Northern Lights Hunt — Alternative evening aurora tour with different guide and positioning
- 8-Days Northern Lights Exploration — Multi-day tour combining sightseeing with nightly aurora hunts
- Classic Reykjavík Private Bike Tour — Daytime exploration of Reykjavík's highlights
Browse all Reykjavík itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: March 2026*
