The northern lights — also known as the Aurora Borealis — is an incredible natural dance show that illuminates the night skies across the northern hemisphere, with ethereal streaks of greens and pinks.

One of the best places to see this special phenomenon is Iceland, which is why you should book a northern lights tour from Reykjavík. Witnessing this remarkable event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is sure to be the highlight of your trip to the city.

Here's all you need to know about northern lights tours, one of the most fascinating destinations day trips from Reykjavík.

How to get to the northern lights from Reykjavík?

The northern lights appear all over Iceland and can be seen from just outside Reykjavík. One of the closest spots to the city known for its auroral activity is the Grótta lighthouse, just 5 kilometers west of Reykjavík.

From Reykjavík to the northern lights by car

The jaunt to see the northern lights at Grótta lighthouse takes just 10 minutes. From the center of Reykjavík, head west on Route 49. Then, follow the Eiðsgrandi all the way to the landmark.

From Reykjavík to the northern lights by bus

You can also make use of public transport on your journey to the Northern Lights. Take the bus Line 11 from the Ráðhúsið or Harpa bus stop, depending on where you are in the city.

Travel on the bus until the Hofgarðar stop, where you will depart. From there, you can walk the remaining 5-minute journey in a westward direction along the coast.

From Reykjavík to the northern lights by boat

Boat tours from Reykjavik also take you to see the northern lights, passing the Faxafloi Bay islands and the Reykjavik coast. The trip takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the type of boat.

Guided tour to the Northern Lights from Reykjavík

If you want the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, book a Northern Lights excursion. On these guided trips, you’ll be with a professional who will take you to the most favorable locations outside of Reykjavík to see nature’s colorful dance at prime viewing time.

Tours begin around 9 PM and last between 2, and 4 hours. Usually, these include a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a northern lights tour from Reykjavík, you’ll depart the city after the skies have turned dark. Excursions on land head toward the wilderness, away from the light pollution of the city, while boat tours travel away from Faxafloi Bay.

When you reach your destination, you’ll set up camp and await the nightly illumination of the Aurora Borealis.

Nature does not rush, so you may be waiting some time to catch a glimpse of the celestial display. During this period, some tours will equip you with telescopes so that you can admire the clear skies overhead.

If the conditions are favorable, you’ll be treated to a magnificent performance as the inky black sky is filled by a ripple of vibrant green, pink and violet hues.

Once you’ve been thoroughly dazzled by mother nature, you’ll return to Reykjavík where your northern lights tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the northern lights?

You can choose from a number of tours to the northern lights. Whether you want to see the spectacle in a single night or wish to embark on a multi-day cross-country expedition to see the phenomenon, there’s a tour for you.

Small-group northern lights tour plus stargazing from Reykjavík

On your way, stop at the Northern Lights Exhibition Center to see how promising your chances of glimpsing the Aurora Borealis are.

As you wait for the colorful sensation to wash the skies in a flush of green and purple, you can make the most of Iceland’s clear skies with a spot of stargazing.

Soak in the wonder of the northern lights while sipping hot cocoa for the perfect bucket-list moment.

Luxury yacht northern lights tour from Reykjavík

Another way to see the northern lights is from the deck of a luxury yacht. Aboard your vessel, you’ll weave through the islands in Faxafloi Bay as you head away from the light of the city and toward the dark skies above the Atlantic Ocean.

Relax on board the yacht in its luxury lounge or take to the deck in search of the shimmering display of the Aurora Borealis.

3-Day northern lights tour plus the South Coast, Golden Circle and ice cave from Reykjavík

This multi-day tour of Iceland enables you to experience the many natural wonders of the diverse country. You’ll visit Thingvellir National Park to witness the fascinating Silfra Fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separated.

Hike across colossal glaciers, sneak behind roaring waterfalls and watch as steaming water erupts from the earth at the Geysir. After intense days filled with adventure, you’ll spend the evenings kicking back as you await the appearance of the northern lights.

How much does a day trip to the northern lights from Reykjavík cost?

One way to see the Northern Light is through a luxury yacht tour. While these last less time than other excursions, they are a great way to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. You’ll pay around US$90 each for a tour of this nature.

Small-group tours to the northern lights cost approximately US$200 per person. These include photos, light refreshments and the use of stargazing equipment.

If the Aurora Borealis doesn’t make an appearance on your tour, you can rebook for free until you catch sight of its nighttime illumination of the skies.

Alternatively, participate in a 3-day tour of Iceland that includes the northern lights for US$810 per person.

What will you see and do?

The northern lights are one of nature's most captivating spectacles. For centuries they have been an object of fascination, inspiring various cultural interpretations from the ancient Greeks to modern-day scientists.

The ancient Greeks and Romans both interpreted the colorful display as a sign of the goddess of dawn — Eos, and Aurora respectively.

In Greenland, ancient tribes believed the display to be the spirits of children who had died during childbirth, dancing across the sky in eternal peace.

Other cultures including the Italians, saw the northern lights as a premonition of imminent terrors, such as war or death.

The scientific explanation for the northern lights is that they are caused by intense bursts of particles from the sun colliding with gaseous particles in the earth's atmosphere.

These colorful streaks of light can be seen year-round high above the Arctic Circle. However, sightings tend to be more frequent during winter months as the nights become longer and darker.

One of the best places to catch a glimpse of the northern lights is in Iceland, although, they can also be seen in other countries high in the northern hemisphere, such as Norway, Canada, Scotland and Siberia.

The physical manifestations range from faint glows of green or pink to dazzling illuminations that permeate the night sky. The range in the vibrancy of the Aurora Borealis is caused by the change in solar emissions throughout its 11-year cycle.

When there are bouts of supreme energy, otherwise known as solar storms, flooding the earth’s magnetic field, the northern lights appear at their most powerful.

Most commonly, the northern lights appear a fluorescent shade of green. This hue is produced by charged particles colliding with oxygen molecules.

However, occasionally, the northern lights appear in brilliant flashes of pink, red and blue, which are caused by the same particles striking nitrogen instead.

When is the best time to see the northern lights?

The best time to plan a northern lights tour is during the winter months, between September and March.

During this time, the nights are longer, making an appearance of the Aurora Borealis much more likely. The prime spotting time is between 11 PM and 2 AM.

Are there any tours to the northern lights from other cities in Iceland?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Iceland:

Day trips to the northern lights from Akureyri

Travel tips

You are not guaranteed a sighting of the natural phenomenon on any northern lights tour. Choose an excursion that will allow you to rebook for free if you don’t manage to see the marvel the first time.
Nightly temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius during the winter months in Iceland. Make sure you wear thermals and carry an additional layer with you in case you get cold.
Be patient. The lights can appear at any time between dusk and dawn, so don’t give up hope if you don’t manage to spot them within the first few hours after nightfall.

Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavík