On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?
4.59 (297 reviews)
20
Group Tours
6
City Explorer
2
Private Tours
1
Day Tours
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Auroras appear across Iceland, but countryside areas away from Reykjavik have the darkest skies. Hella, 95 km east of the capital, is a popular base alongside Vik on the South Coast. Lake Myvatn in the north and the Westfjords near Isafjordur offer near-total darkness. Volcanoes and fjords add dramatic backdrops for photography.
The Northern Lights are visible in Iceland from September to April, when nights are long and dark. Peak season runs October to March, with the longest nights in December and January. Aurora hunts usually begin after 21:00 in autumn and spring. In midwinter, darkness falls by 16:00, giving longer viewing windows.
Cloud cover is the most common obstacle, followed by light pollution and low solar activity. Guides track the Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9, and readings above 2 can bring visible auroras. Tours move to wherever skies are clearest. Even in ideal conditions, sightings are never guaranteed.
Tours base you in countryside hotels in Hella, Vik or near Lake Myvatn, away from Reykjavik's light pollution. Days combine the Golden Circle and waterfalls with evening aurora hunts. Expert guides track forecasts and move to the clearest spots within reach. Multi-night stays at each base give several chances to see the lights.
Days cover Thingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss and the South Coast waterfalls, with some itineraries adding Jokulsarlon and Vatnajokull ice caves. After dinner, guides brief you on the forecast and lead hunts from hotel grounds or nearby dark sites. Winter temperatures range from -5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F). Warm, waterproof layers and sturdy boots are essential.
Check out these Iceland trip themes to help you plan your upcoming adventure!
Short three to five day tours focus on the Golden Circle and South Coast aurora viewing. Eight-day trips add glacier lagoons and East Iceland. 5 day tours of Iceland can cover Reykjavik, Hella, waterfalls, and countryside aurora hunts.
From $1,020
5 toursThree to four-day trips focus on the Golden Circle and South Coast. They combine Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss with two nights of aurora hunting in Hella or Vik. These shorter itineraries suit first-time visitors and travelers pairing Iceland with other destinations. The Aurora Express covers Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Reynisfjara black sand beach in just three days. The Reykjavik Northern Lights Short Stay offers four days with semi-independent city exploration and an included evening aurora boat tour from the capital.
From $1,360
12 tours5 day Iceland packages balance Golden Circle sightseeing with nights of aurora hunting in Hella. As well as time to visit Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and the Blue Lagoon without rushing. Five days deliver a more relaxed pace than shorter breaks. Guided tours to Eyjafjallajokull volcano and the Reykjanes Peninsula are included. Some 5 day Iceland tours give you three evenings for Northern Lights viewing. This raises your chances compared to three-day trips, while still fitting into a week's leave for most travelers.
From $4,630
5 toursEight-day tours add Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Vatnajokull ice caves, and either East Iceland or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to your itinerary. They give you six or seven nights for aurora hunting across multiple countryside bases. Northern Lights Exploration includes Hella, Hof, and Vik overnight stays. Northern Lights and Hidden Gems tours add Lake Myvatn and Akureyri in the north. The extra nights increase your chances of clear skies and active auroras. Longer itineraries include glacier hikes with qualified guides in Skaftafell.
From $11,270
1 tour12+ day Iceland tours can combine the Ring Road circuit with the remote Westfjords, Isafjordur, Flateyri, and the Dynjandi waterfall. You could spend up to ten nights aurora hunting across Hella, Lake Myvatn, Akureyri, and the Westfjords. Darker skies and fewer tourists deliver near-total darkness for viewing. An extended itinerary may also cover Egilsstadir in the east, Vatnajokull National Park, and Skaftafell ice caves. 12+ day tours offer the most comprehensive Northern Lights experience alongside Iceland's full range of landscapes.
Iceland Northern Lights tours fall into three groups. Short breaks pack the Golden Circle and South Coast into 3 to 5 days. Eight-day tours add glacier lagoons and aurora hunting in East Iceland. Extended 12-day trips reach the remote Westfjords.
3 to 5 days
Short breaks
These trips combine Golden Circle highlights with countryside Northern Lights hunting in Hella or Vik. The shorter duration suits first-time visitors and those pairing Iceland with other destinations.
Visit Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss and the Blue Lagoon in 5 days, with two full evenings of aurora hunting.
Some 3-day trips are partially guided or semi-independent, with less expert commentary than fully guided tours.
Hella lies around 95 km east of Reykjavik, roughly 85 minutes by bus along Route 1, in dark countryside.
8 days
In-depth explorations
Eight-day trips add Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skaftafell ice caves and East Iceland or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The extra nights give you more chances to see the Northern Lights.
Tours include glacier hikes or ice cave visits with qualified guides in Vatnajokull National Park, beyond the reach of shorter trips.
Ice caves open October to March only; outside those months, tours offer alternative activities or extra time at glacier viewpoints.
Jokulsarlon sits around 380 km east of Reykjavik, a full day's drive of about 5 hours along the South Coast.
12 days
Complete circuit
12-day tours circle Iceland clockwise, adding the remote Westfjords and Isafjordur. Extra nights at Lake Myvatn and Akureyri add Northern Light opportunities across varied landscapes.
The Westfjords offer darker skies and fewer visitors than South Iceland, raising your chances of clear aurora viewing.
Tours run September to April, but Westfjords roads can close in heavy snow and itineraries may change.
Isafjordur lies around 415 km northwest of Reykjavik, a 6 to 7 hour drive through fjord tunnels and mountain passes.
4.59 (297 reviews)
Enjoyed Thorsmork the most since we had the most time allotted and were able to do a nice hike and out in nature, and Gullfoss. Nice surprises - Lava show in Vik, and geothermal greenhouse at Fridheimar. Enjoyed our guide Rosa and the group we traveled with.
Our guide Sophia and driver, Mark were fun, informative and enthusiastic about their country. My mother uses a walker and wheelchair and they were both incredibly accommodating. On the Go had done research on each stop in our tour so that we knew what activities would be accessible for my mother.
ElizabethHard to decide, but I think I would have to say the highlight for me was the demonstration of making geothermal rye bread and sampling it. Absolutely fascinating.
DianeHal was a perfect guide! We all loved him so much and he was a great driver/parker. But our favorite part was of course the eclipse and the whales beforehand! Every activity was so well planned and perfectly executed by Hal.
MeredithOur guide Sophia
SusanOur guide was fabulous. I was pleasantly surprised that our eclipse boat was also a whale watching boat and was thrilled to see humpbacks, minke whales, puffins, harbor dolphins.
BarbaraOur guide, Sophia, was wonderful! She was funny and really informative!! My favorite spot on the trip was Church Falls...beautiful. Of course, I was disappointed in not seeing the eclipse, but guess I'll just have to see it next time.
DarleneI love the knowledge of the CEO and making it fun for everyone
Iceland and Northern Lights tours operate as fully guided group departures or private options. Trips run from September through April when aurora activity is visible across the country.
From $1,930 · 20 tours
Shared aurora hunting experiences
Tour Iceland in 5 days alongside up to 40 fellow travelers. Guides share knowledge at all major stops including the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik.
Solo travelers welcome
Group tours suit solo travelers seeking company during aurora hunts and daytime sightseeing. Group sizes cap at 18 to 40 passengers.
Expert aurora commentary included
Guides share insights into aurora science, Icelandic history, and geology at Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss during fully guided departures.
Not ideal for flexibility seekers
Group tours follow set itineraries and schedules, with limited free time. Private departures offer more flexibility for independent exploration.
From $3,550 · 2 tours
Dedicated guide and vehicle
Private tours offer a partially guided itinerary that covering Reykjavik, Hella, the Blue Lagoon, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss with a dedicated guide.
Smaller group dynamics
Private departures suit families or couples preferring not to share aurora hunts with strangers, offering a more intimate experience.
Same trusted local partners
Private tours run with trusted local partners, following identical routes through Hella and the South Coast with a private vehicle and guide.
Not ideal for budget travelers
Private tours cost more per person than group departures. Group tours deliver the same itinerary at a lower price point.
Iceland Northern Lights tours operate September through April, when darkness returns after the midnight sun season. Peak viewing months run October to March, when nights are longest and aurora activity is strongest. Cloud cover is the main weather factor affecting visibility, with winter bringing more frequent snow and overcast skies than autumn or spring.
Winter temperatures range from -5 to 5°C (23-41°F), while autumn and spring see milder temperatures of 0 to 10°C (32-50°F). Coastal areas remain warmer than inland countryside bases, but all aurora viewing locations require warm layers and waterproof clothing for evening hunts.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Three to five days gives you enough time for a Northern Lights trip in Iceland. Most tours include two or three nights of aurora hunting. The 5-day Land of the Northern Lights tour offers two full evenings in Hella plus Golden Circle sightseeing. It balances daytime attractions with optimal viewing opportunities. Eight-day tours might add places like Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Lake Myvatn, raising your opportunities to see the beautiful northern lights. Longer stays increase the likelihood of clear skies and strong solar activity. Sightings depend on cloud cover and geomagnetic conditions.
Tour cost depends on trip length, guiding style, and group size. Three to four-day semi-independent city stays sit at the lower end. They offer basic accommodation and included Northern Lights boat tours from Reykjavik. Fully guided group tours cost more, reflecting expert commentary and multi-night stays in Hella, Vik, or Lake Myvatn. A luxury Iceland Northern Lights tour with private departures and upgraded accommodation commands the highest cost. Eight and twelve-day itineraries add glacier hikes and ice cave visits with qualified guides. They deliver more comprehensive sightseeing alongside extended aurora hunting opportunities.
Most tours include countryside accommodation, nightly Northern Lights hunts with expert guides, and daytime sightseeing at the Golden Circle, Skogafoss, and Seljalandsfoss. Fully guided departures may cover transfers between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik, plus visits to Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall. Eight-day tours may add Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and ice cave exploration with qualified guides.
Sightings are never guaranteed. Seeing the aurora depends on cloud cover, solar activity, and geomagnetic conditions that change nightly. Guides monitor the KP index and weather forecasts daily. They move to the clearest viewing locations within reach of the hotel to maximize your chances. Multi-night tours spread across Hella, Vik, Lake Myvatn, or the Westfjords increase the likelihood of witnessing the lights. Peak season from October to March offers the longest nights and strongest aurora activity. Even under ideal KP readings, thick cloud cover can prevent viewing.
October through March delivers the longest nights and strongest aurora activity. December and January offer the most darkness, with sunset around 16:00 and nearly 18-20 hours of night. The best Northern Lights tour in Iceland balances clear skies with strong solar activity. September and April mark the start and end of aurora season. Multi-night tours spanning different regions raise your chances, regardless of the specific month you visit.
Three to five-day tours suit first-time visitors. They combine Golden Circle highlights with two or three nights of aurora hunting in Hella or Vik. The Land of the Northern Lights covers Reykjavik city touring, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, and the Blue Lagoon in just five days. Fully guided group tours deliver expert commentary at every stop. Minimum ages range from six to eight years depending on the tour. Group sizes cap at eighteen to forty passengers.
Fully guided group tours suit travelers seeking shared experiences and nightly aurora hunts alongside up to forty passengers. Semi-independent city stays offer Reykjavik accommodation and can include a Northern Lights boat tour. Private departures deliver the same itineraries as group tours but with a dedicated guide and vehicle. They appeal to families or couples wanting the same route with fewer passengers. Group sizes range from eighteen to forty passengers on most tours. Minimum ages range from six to eight years.
Aurora sightings are possible from Reykjavik's outskirts. Light pollution from the capital reduces visibility compared to countryside locations. Evening Northern Lights boat tours depart the harbor and sail into darker waters away from street lighting. Most multi-day tours arrange accommodation in Hella, Vik, Lake Myvatn, or the Westfjords. Near-total darkness delivers optimal viewing conditions there. Guides on countryside tours monitor forecasts nightly and move to the clearest spots within reach of the hotel.
Speak to an expert
Write us a message
Already got a booking?
Contact us
