Reykjavík in 1 Days - Free professional photos of you with the Northern Lights
In Collaboration with Northern Lights Tour In Iceland. Updated on February 16, 2026.
Small-group Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík with hotel pickup, professional photos, homemade hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls (Brauð & Co.), wool blankets and free access to Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center. Tour runs 3–5 hours; final route and timings depend on weather and aurora activity.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Northern Lights Tour In Iceland, inspired by the tour The #1 Northern Lights Tour in Iceland | PRO photos, Homemade Hot Chocolate & cinnamon rolls & Aurora Reykjavik museum access. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Free professional photos of you with the Northern Lights
- Homemade hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls
- Wool blankets and small group service
- Pickup & drop-off within the Reykjavík Capital Area
- Access to Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center
More than 79 itineraries in Reykjavík.
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening pickup in Reykjavík followed by a short drive out of the city to dark-sky locations for aurora viewing.
Pick-up (hotel or closest downtown bus stop)
Your English-speaking driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation within the Reykjavík Capital Area or from the nearest downtown bus stop if you are staying in the central area. Confirm the exact pickup window with the operator on your voucher.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your accommodation name and room number ready when the guide calls or texts to confirm pickup.
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the pickup window to keep the group schedule smooth.
- If you are in central Reykjavík, note the nearest bus stop name (e.g., Hlemmur or Lækjartorg) in case the guide requests a public-stop pickup.
Drive out of the city to dark-sky viewing area
Short guided transfer away from city lights to an optimal nearby dark-sky location selected that evening based on cloud and aurora forecasts.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a drive of roughly 30–60 minutes depending on the chosen viewing area and traffic.
- Keep a small warm bag with your camera gear and extra gloves handy for the short walk from the vehicle to the viewing spot.
- If you need restroom facilities, use them in Reykjavík before pickup; facilities are limited once we reach remote viewing points.
Comfort & Refreshments (blanket, hot chocolate, cinnamon roll)
Arrive at the chosen dark-sky location. Guides provide wool blankets, homemade hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls (sourced from Brauð & Co.) while you wait and watch. The guide will share aurora basics and local safety guidance.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress in insulated layers and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear — coastal locations can be windy and damp.
- Carry a small headlamp with a red-light setting to move without ruining night vision for others or affecting photos.
- Keep snacks and water in an outer pocket for easy access; guides provide hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls but having small personal snacks helps during waits.
Photography with your guide (PRO photos)
Guide/photographer takes high-quality photos of you with the Northern Lights using specialist camera equipment and settings optimized for aurora photography. Guides will advise where to stand and how to pose for low-light photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small tripod if you have one; guides use pro cameras but a compact tripod helps for couples' self-shots.
- Wear darker outer layers or non-reflective clothing to avoid bright reflections in long-exposure photos.
- Keep phone batteries warm in an inner pocket — cold drains batteries quickly; turn off unused apps to conserve charge.
Return to Reykjavík (drop-off at accommodation)
After the viewing and photography session the guide will drive back to the Reykjavík Capital Area and drop you at your accommodation or the nearest convenient stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a short debrief in the vehicle; ask the guide for the photo download process and the email address shown on your voucher.
- If you plan to request a free re-run in case of no aurora, confirm the operator’s rebooking instructions with the guide before you are dropped off.
- Keep one warm layer accessible for the return trip in case the vehicle is cooler when doors open frequently for other guests.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 2 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Meal, Experience |
Why this experience
You'll leave the glow of Reykjavík behind and venture into the darkness where the aurora comes alive. Your guide-photographer will position you perfectly as ribbons of green and purple dance overhead, then use specialist equipment to capture you with the Northern Lights as the backdrop. It's not just about seeing the aurora—it's about having professional-quality proof that you were there.
This tour doesn't rush the moment. You'll arrive at a dark-sky location, wrap yourself in wool blankets, sip homemade hot chocolate, and eat fresh cinnamon rolls from Brauð & Co. while waiting. The guide shares aurora basics and local knowledge, transforming the wait into something meaningful. Your English-speaking guide manages timings based on real-time aurora forecasts, maximizing your chances of success. And if the lights don't appear, you can often rebook for free—though most visitors leave with stunning photos and unforgettable memories.
Before you go
- Best time: September–March (northern lights season)
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current pricing
- Difficulty: Easy (mostly time spent outdoors watching; no hiking or strenuous activity)
- What to bring: Insulated layers; waterproof, sturdy footwear; red-light headlamp; camera with charged battery; phone fully charged; small tripod if you have one; warm hat and gloves
- Getting there: Hotel pickup within the Reykjavík Capital Area or from a designated downtown bus stop (confirm details with the operator before your tour)
- Accessibility: Tour includes vehicle transfer to remote viewing areas; contact Northern Lights Tour In Iceland during booking if you have mobility concerns
Frequently asked questions
What's included in this itinerary?
This itinerary includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transfer to a dark-sky viewing location, wool blankets, homemade hot chocolate, cinnamon rolls from Brauð & Co., professional photography with your guide using specialist aurora camera settings, aurora viewing and guidance, and access to the Aurora Reykjavik Northern Lights Center. Tour duration is 3–5 hours depending on weather and aurora activity. Check the booking widget for current pricing and specific inclusions.
What if we don't see the Northern Lights?
Aurora sightings depend on solar activity, cloud cover, and darkness. Your guide uses real-time forecasts to choose the best viewing location each night. Many operators offer free rebooking if you don't see the lights—confirm this policy with Northern Lights Tour In Iceland when you book. Most visitors either see something memorable or get a second chance.
How long is the tour?
Plan for 3–5 hours total, including pickup, travel, waiting at the viewing site, and photography time. The exact duration varies based on weather conditions and how quickly the aurora appears.
Can families with young children do this tour?
Yes. The driving and stationary viewing make it accessible for families. However, young children may find the late-night start (around 8:30 PM pickup) and extended waiting periods challenging. Discuss age and comfort level with the operator before booking.
Where will we view the aurora?
Your guide selects the location each evening based on cloud forecasts and aurora predictions—typically 30–60 minutes from Reykjavík. You might view from coastal areas like Grótta or inland locations, all chosen for minimal light pollution and optimal viewing conditions.
Complete your trip in Reykjavik
Extend your connection with Iceland's natural and cultural wonders.
- Whale Watching Cruise — Explore Faxaflói Bay for marine wildlife during daylight
- Golden Circle Private Tour — Experience Iceland's most iconic geothermal and geological landmarks
- Reykjavik Art Museum — Discover contemporary Icelandic art and culture
Browse all Reykjavik itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: March 2026*
