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Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

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8-Day Northern Lights Winter Self-Drive Tour of West and South Iceland with Ice Caving

Affordable 3 Hour Northern Lights Bus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavík

Northern Lights Super Jeep Tour with a Photographer Guide & Transfer from Reykjavik

Amazing 2 Hour Northern Lights Cruise with Transfer from Reykjavik Harbor

Northern Lights Bus Tour with Transfer from Reykjavik

Amazing 5-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package in Iceland with Ice Caving & the Blue Lagoon

Magical 2 Hour Northern Lights Boat Cruise with Transfer from Reykjavik

3-Day Northern Lights Tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle & South Coast with Ice Caving & Glacier Hiking

Best 7-Day Northern Lights Self Drive Tour Through South Iceland to Jokulsarlon Ice Cave

2 Day Ice Cave Tour with South Coast Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Breathtaking 6-Day Northern Lights Hunting Package of Iceland with Ice Caving

8-Day Guided Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

Northern Lights & Golden Circle Tour with Audio Guide & Transfer from Reykjavik

Magical 3 Hour Northern Lights Tour with an Audio Guide in 10 Languages & Transfer from Reykjavik

Northern Lights Mystery

Small Group 6-Day Northern Lights Winter Tour of the Complete Ring Road of Iceland

7-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Ice Caving

Northern Lights Tour With Photographer

Magical 4-Hour Aurora Museum and Northern Lights Minibus Tour from Reykjavik

2 Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Small Group 4-Day Northern Lights Winter Vacation Package with Golden Circle & South Coast

Serene 2-3 Hour Northern Lights Boat Tour from Reykjavik

2 in 1 Bundle Discount Tours | All National Parks & Ice Caving

2-Day West Coast & Snaefellsnes Peninsula with Lava Caving & Northern Lights Tour

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Vacation Packages in Iceland

Self drive tours in iceland, tour calendar, nature tours in iceland, adventure tours in iceland, cheap bus tours in iceland, top tour destinations in iceland, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Phoebe Cheuk

The guide Romeo was friendly. He prepared hot chocolate and fire in cold weather. The places he chosen for seeing the northern lights are perfect. It is important to wear warm clothes and gloves because your feet and hands will be freezing outdoors at cold night !

Morgan W Hizer

Where to begin! This was absolutely the best trip of my life. I’ve been planning this trip since September of 2023. Guide to Iceland had so much helpful information about the country that assisted in knowing what to expect. If I had any questions they were quick in responding. I did encounter a couple hiccups which I feel was partially out of their control, however they were quick in fixing the situation. I unfortunately didn’t get to see the Northern Lights, nor was I able to do one thing on my journey the way they planned it and it being closed on the day they planned it on the itinerary. Just gives me a reason to come back, so I made peace with it. I’d recommend this and using them to assist in making your dream a reality.

Annete ruiz

I definitely recommend this tour, it was awesome. Everything was great thanks to our tour guide Mika. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about Iceland that he passed it on to us. He took us to more sites than were scheduled and that made the distances hardly felt. All the sites we visited were wonderful and we had plenty of time to enjoy them. I loved everything, but especially the ice cave and walking on the ice to get there. Being on the tour reminded me what an adventure life is... it was an unforgettable experience.

Marty Nikolaus

This tour with Tröll Expeditions was incredible. I was nervous at first as this was to be my first solo travel experience but the group I met up with and the incredible guide, Jóhann, made this the perfect trip! Tips would be make sure you have wind proof clothing, especially gloves, as the temperatures and precipitation is very doable without the wind cutting through you! Also, please be flexible with the itinerary and the guide. We ran into some severe weather which led to some detours and ultimately we didn't make it to all destinations on the list. With that in mind, our entire group felt the weather added to the "authenticity" of the experience and only made it more memorable! This tour was a great way to get a taste of some of the less crowded areas of the country and has me looking forward to my next trip back!

What are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, are phenomena that occur at high latitudes when solar particles ionise as they enter the earth's atmosphere, appearing in the night sky in the form of waving ribbons of colour. These ‘ribbons’ have captivated their viewers for centuries, bringing about defying awe and unspeakable mystery.

The northern lights are, in fact, occurring throughout the year, yet it is only during the dark winter nights that they become visible to the human eye. This is, naturally, what makes northern light hunting one of the most popular winter activities in Iceland. You can partake in numerous tours that take you to the best northern lights spotting locations, such as an affordable Northern Lights Bus Tour that takes you far away from the city's light-pollution, or a Northern Lights Boat Cruise that allows you to witness the auroras out on the open sea. Outside of Scandinavia, it is only possible to go northern light hunting in such places as Alaska, northern Canada and Siberia. 

Modern scientific understanding of the northern lights did not mature until the 1880's when researchers discovered their connection to solar activity. Further study, seventy years later, would deepen this revelation, with new breakthroughs made in the knowledge that electrons and protons travel to earth on a ‘solar wind’. Today, research is ongoing into the northern lights as we further our understanding of deep space and our connection to it.

The northern lights have long been known to the Scandinavian people, inspiring some of the greatest and longstanding tales to have ever come out of Norse Mythology.

One of the most prominent of these relates to Ragnarök, a great future battle that, as foretold, will see the world submerged in water, and a significant number of the Gods dead, including the likes of Odin, Thor and Loki. After the events of Ragnarök, it is said that the world will be born anew, strengthening the ancient themes of birth, death and rebirth.

To prepare for this battle, Odin, the Chieftain of Asgard, would summon his most prized warriors, the Valkyries, female battle-maidens who rode on horseback carrying spears and shields. Ancient stories would surmise that the northern lights were a reflection of this Valkyrian armour.

Another widely spoken about interpretation is that the aurora was the ‘Bifrost Bridge’, a rainbow walkway that led deceased warriors into the glorious, glowing halls of Valhalla.

To the Icelandic Vikings, the aurora was a phenomenon to be celebrated, a popular trend that has continued to this day with countless Northern Lights tours taking place across the land of Ice and Fire. Neighbouring Scandinavians, however, were less than trustful.

Many Norse people, such as the indigenous Finno-Ugric people, the Sámi, felt that the lights were to be feared. Believing these dancing green, red and yellow light waves to be the souls of the dead, the Sámi were careful to never show any sign of disrespect towards the lights, be that whistling beneath them, singing, talking or even waving them to them.

It is said, that those who fail to heed these warnings will be pulled up into the sky, forever trapped among these nocturnal spirits. Due to this slumbering myth, it is thought that some Sámi people, even today, will not go outside when the northern lights dance above.

It is perhaps the Finnish who have the most beautiful allegory for the auroras, believing them to be created by the arctic fox, an animal that just so happens to be Iceland’s only native mammal. The Finnish name for the aurora translates to “Fire Fox”, a direct reference to the ethereal fox that would dash so quickly across the night sky that his tail would brush against the mountains, thus causing a vast and colourful outburst of sparks.

Still, another interpretation of the Arctic fox story differs somewhat, and provides some justification on the part of an ancient people as to why the lights only appeared in winter; instead of sparks, the fox’ tail was thought to have kicked up snowflakes into the air which then caught the light of the moon.

When it comes down to the folklore of Iceland particularly, it was believed that the northern lights helped to soothe the pain of childbirth, though women who had yet to give birth were warned not to look at them directly, in fear that the child would be born cross-eyed.

During your visit in Iceland, you have the option of seeing the northern lights on your own. But should you want to view them from the best spots, far away from the light-pollution of human settlements, you would be well advised to take a northern lights tour, in which a knowledgeable guide tells you all there is to know about this fantastic phenomenon.

Frequently asked questions

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Northern Lights Tours In Iceland

Browse our selection of aurora borealis tours from reykjavik or north iceland.

Northern Lights Tours

About Northern Lights Day Tours in Iceland

Hunting down the auroras alone can be a bit tricky , and winter driving conditions can be hazardous, especially for people who aren’t used to driving in the snow, fog, or slippery roads. It can save valuable time to book a tour with one of our professional guides. They know the perfect spots that are optimal for viewing the Northern Lights, which can change on any given day.

With more than 20 Northern Lights tours on offer, how do you find the perfect one to suit your trip? Well, that depends on what you’re expecting from your time in Iceland.

If you’re in Reykjavík for just a night or two, a day trip is the ideal bite-sized package for your layover or weekend. The Magical Auroras Northern Lights tour is our all-time bestselling day tour! Head out in either a minibus or upgrade to a Super Jeep on the Northern Lights Explorer . And with a few hours left over, there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in the stunning Blue Lagoon before your day tour! If you’re staying in the capital, a Northern Lights boat tour from the harbor offers you the chance to see the lights from the water.

If you’re in Iceland for an extended period of time, why not try a multi-day tour that includes a hunt for the elusive Northern Lights? Check out the first-timer’s package, our 3-day South Coast tour, which includes the Golden Circle, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and a visit to an ice cave.

If you are seeking adventure in Iceland and your goal is to enjoy the Northern Lights show every day, check out our special tour tailored for the aurora explorer in you. Our 8-day Northern Lights tour with Golden Circle, Mývatn, hot springs, waterfalls, a glacier hike, and more, rewards explorers with unforgettable views of the Northern Lights.

WHY IS ICELAND THE PERFECT PLACE TO GO ON A NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR?

Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland is the perfect destination to see the auroras. As Iceland is not densely populated, there is little light pollution. Even so, our tours always venture out from the cities to the countryside for optimal viewing. As the northernmost capital in the world, Reykjavík is ideal as a base for international travelers hoping to glimpse the lights.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A TOUR?

The best time of the year to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is from September to April, due to lower light pollution and frequency. In December and January, the nights are the longest, with only around four to five hours of sunlight. So the chance of seeing the light show increases exponentially during this season.

Check our winter tours to ensure you don't miss any natural wonders!

Important factors for ideal aurora viewing include recent solar activity, cloud density, and darkness. It’s always best to check the aurora forecast a few hours beforehand to know where the auroras will appear, how intense they will be, and where there are fewer clouds. However, just like the weather forecast, this can be a bit inaccurate at times.

FAQs ABOUT OUR NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS IN ICELAND

Will i definitely see the lights on the tour.

The Northern Lights are natural phenomena and we unfortunately cannot promise you will see them on our tours. Your chances of seeing them depend on a number of factors that are out of our control, including weather conditions and atmospheric factors.

WHAT ARE THE BEST CAMERA SETTINGS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING THE AURORA BOREALIS ON MY TOUR?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this question as it takes patience, effort, and often, trial and error to photograph the auroras . You should be prepared to experiment with various settings on your camera and, due to the cold weather, you may need to bring additional accessories such as extra batteries. A tripod may also be helpful.

WHAT IF MY NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR GOES AHEAD AND THE AURORA ISN’T SEEN?

A refund is not available if the Northern Lights tour goes ahead and none are seen, however, we do offer you the chance to join a Northern Lights minibus tour free of charge.

Please contact our Customer Care Team to re-book your tour.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF MY TOUR IS CANCELED?

When Northern Lights tours are canceled it’s usually due to unfavorable weather conditions.

In that case, your options will be to:

• Reschedule for another day.
• Find another tour to embark on and use the deposit for it.
• Get fully refunded.

Please contact our Customer Care team to re-book your tour.

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR IS ON FOR THE EVENING?

The Northern Lights are a pretty difficult thing to predict. You can check the Icelandic Meteorological Office website to see the forecast - if the level is high and the skies are clear then it’s very likely that the tour is going ahead. By 17:00 at the latest, we will update our website’s tour departure information, and if your tour is canceled for any reason, you’ll receive an email notifying you of the details. 

If we think there is no chance at all of seeing the lights, we will cancel the tour. We don’t want to bring you out and disappoint you if there will definitely be no aurora activity.

WILL MY GUIDE TAKE PICTURES FOR ME?

Yes, the guide will take a photo of you with the Northern Lights behind you. These can be single or group photos and are free of charge.

WHAT MONTHS CAN YOU SEE THE AURORA BOREALIS?

The Northern Lights season is said to be from late August until mid-April. However, if you want to increase your chances of seeing them, it is best to wait until the colder winter months, from mid-September until March.

CAN YOU SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN REYKJAVIK?

If luck and weather are on your side, then you will be able to see the Aurora Borealis above the inviting streets of Reykjavík. Whether you see the lights or not depends on two unique factors. The first is the weather: If the sky is clear, with no clouds, then you are halfway to seeing the astonishing spectacle that is the Northern Lights (although light pollution can sometimes be a problem).

Increased solar activity is the second factor, so if these two are both favorable at the same time you may well be able to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavík.

I AM TRYING TO BOOK A TOUR BUT MY CREDIT CARD PAYMENT FAILS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The first step is to make sure your credit card provider allows you to make payments in Canadian Dollars (CAD) or American Dollars (USD) if you have selected these currencies.

In some cases, your credit card company would need to pre-authorize the transaction for you before you can process the transaction online.

If you are still having problems booking through the Arctic Adventures website (www.adventures.is) then please contact our Customer Care Team .

WHAT TO WEAR WHEN HUNTING FOR THE AURORA?

Since it’ll be nighttime and winter when you chase the Northern Lights, it’s important to dress warmly! Be sure to dress in comfortable layers. Take an undershirt, a fleece sweater, and a jacket to go over everything. Don’t forget thermal underwear or leggings too!

HOW MUCH DOES THE NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR COST?

The cost will really depend on the tour. Our basic Northern Lights tour in a minivan starts from 9.990 ISK. Upgrade to a Super Jeep for just 18.990 ISK more! Combo tours and multi-day tours are also priced at the best value possible.

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The 7 Best Iceland Northern Lights Tours [2024 Reviews]

One of the most magical experiences anyone can have is seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky in an explosion of shapes and vivid colors.

If viewing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, Iceland is undoubtedly the best place to experience this natural light phenomenon in relative comfort.

From September to April every year, dedicated tour guides take excited visitors on nightly hunts to find ideal locations to observe the beauty of nature. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the fortunate few who have witnessed Nature’s most wonderful light show.

Be sure to see our reviews of Golden Circle Tours , Whale Watching Tours and ATV Tours .

Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland

Quick answer: the 7 best rated iceland northern lights tours.

• Best Value Tour: Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik
• Best Cruise Tour: Northern Lights by Boat from Reykjavik
• Best Private Tour: Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavik
• Best Adventure Tour: Reykjavik ATV & Northern Lights Tour
• Best Budget Cruise: Northern Lights Boat Cruise From Reykjavik
• Best Small Group Tour: 3-Hour Northern Lights Tour From Akureyri
• Best Multi-Day Tour: 4-Day Blue Ice Cave and Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik

Read on for our favorite Northern Lights tours in Iceland providing overviews and highlighting the details of each. We also make recommendations on staying in Iceland in our guide section.

Iceland Northern Lights Tour Reviews

1. small-group premium northern lights tour from reykjavik.

• Departure Point : Pick up service from central Reykjavik hotels
• Departure Time : 9:30 PM
• Duration : 4 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, a minibus ride into the countryside, refreshments, free-reschedule if you don’t see the Northern Lights, and free entry into the Aurora Museum

The minibus will pick you up from your hotel in Reykjavik and transport you into the depths of the Icelandic countryside. Here you will be leaving behind the light pollution of the city and seeking out the darkest places with the clearest patches of sky to view the world’s most famous light display.

With only 15 passengers on each tour, you will enjoy the intimacy of a small group sharing a journey of discovery as you hunt the Aurora Borealis.

The guide uses their local knowledge and experience, as well as communication with other guides, to find the most likely locations for clear viewing. Refreshments are provided while you continue your adventure—Icelandic donuts, hot chocolate, and fermented shark … if you’re brave enough.

The tour operators are so positive you will see the Northern Lights during your quest that they guarantee a free reschedule if you don’t. You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours beforehand with no charge. This tour also includes free entry to the Aurora Museum in Reykjavik.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. northern lights by boat in reykjavik.

• Departure Point : Reykjavik Old Harbor (Hotel pick-up available on request)
• Departure Time : 9 PM
• Duration : 2 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, boat cruise, knowledgeable guide, and onboard Wi-Fi

This is a unique and effective way of hunting for a good vantage point to view the Northern Lights unhindered by surrounding landmarks or any light pollution.

Join the friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable crew aboard a luxury boat in Reykjavik Old Harbor and sail into the North Atlantic Ocean.

You will get great views of the city lights and distant mountains. Within 30 minutes, the boat will reach a location free from light pollution where you have an excellent chance of viewing a spectacular light display.

There is Wi-Fi aboard the boat so don’t delay uploading your unique photographs of the Aurora Borealis onto your Facebook account and Instagram. Hot drinks and soup are provided.

If you need to cancel beforehand, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

If the weather is too rough to set sail, you will be taken on a small private bus ride to hunt the Northern Lights on land. In addition, you will receive a free ticket for the next available boat tour.

3. Private Iceland Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik

• Departure Point: Hotel pickup included
• Departure Time : 9:00 PM
• Duration : 3 hours
• Includes : Private tour, expert guide

This is a unique opportunity to view the Northern Lights with a private tour. You will go to one or more of these locations: Thingvellir National Park, Hvalfjordur and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

In this rugged environment, far from civilization and light pollution, you have an excellent chance of observing the Aurora Borealis and viewing a spectacular display of dancing colors and shapes in the dark night sky.

Although you will be provided with overalls, you should dress for freezing and changeable weather. It’s a glacier! Wear gloves, headcover, waterproof pants and jacket, and good outdoor shoes.

If you discover that you cannot make the tour, free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

4. Reykjavik ATV & Northern Lights Tour

• Departure Point : Pick up from all Reykjavik hotels and guest houses
• Duration : 6 – 8 hours
• Includes : Experienced tour guide, bus ride into the countryside, blankets, use of a camera

If you are looking for something a little different and exciting, try this northern lights tour by ATV!

You will join a small and intimate group of fellow Aurora Borealis hunters to ride deep into the Icelandic countryside in search of places free from light pollution with clear skies to view this solar wind phenomenon.

An experienced tour guide will use meteorological forecasts, their local knowledge, and intuition to find the best locations and also answer any questions you may have about the Northern Lights.

While seeking the light, you will have the chance to sample delicious Icelandic chocolate while you huddle under the warm blanket provided for your comfort during the cold Icelandic night.

Once you’ve found the world’s greatest light show, don’t worry if your camera can’t capture all the dramatic patterns and shapes dancing overhead.

You will be offered the use of a camera capable of picking out the spectacular variations of colored light in the sky.

If you don’t see the Northern Lights during your tour, you will be offered another opportunity to seek the light free of charge, and if for any reason you can’t make the tour, free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the activity begins.

5. Northern Lights Boat Cruise From Reykjavik

• Departure Point: Hlésgata, 101 Reykjavik Harbor
• Includes : Expert guide, 2-hour cruise, Wi-Fi, onboard toilets, and warm flotation overalls

After meeting at Reykjavik Harbor, experience a 2-hour cruise into the North Atlantic Ocean in search of an ideal location from which to observe and photograph the Northern Lights.

Here you will be far from the noise and light pollution of the city. View the city from the sea while you enjoy refreshments and snacks purchased from a heated indoor bar,

Be sure to dress in the warm flotation overalls provided and step out onto the deck to enjoy the natural lightshow outside.

The Free Wi-Fi is great for uploading your amazing shots of dancing shapes and colors in the night sky onto your Instagram account.

If you get tired, there are seats both inside the cabin and out on the deck. Because the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, it is always possible that you won’t see the lights on any particular night. But don’t worry.

If you don’t see the Northern Lights on your first cruise, you will be offered the opportunity to try again another night. In the event that you cannot make the tour, free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the cruise begins.

6.  3-Hour Northern Lights Tour From Akureyri

• Departure Point : Pick up from hotels and guest houses
• Includes : Knowledgeable guide, 3-hour minibus , Icelandic pastries, hot cocoa, and blankets

A small minibus picks you up from your guesthouse or hotel to join an intimate group of 17 other Northern Lights hunters and transports you out of the city.

Free from its noise and light pollution, deep into the remote and peaceful countryside of Iceland you can truly enjoy the show.

Snuggle under the blankets provided and enjoy traditional Icelandic pastries and hot cocoa while your expert guide strives to locate the best position to view the spectacular natural light display.

With 4 hours to spend, your minibus will travel deeper into the countryside than any other tour and spend longer searching for the lights. Don’t worry if you don’t see the Northern Lights on your first attempt.

This eager tour operator is determined that you will get to see the world’s most famous display of colors and shapes in the sky, so you will be offered a second and even a third opportunity to search with no extra charge.

If you still don’t see the Aurora Borealis after three attempts, you will receive a voucher entitling you to another trip at a future time. Free cancellations are offered up to 24 hours before the activity starts.

7. 4-Day Blue Ice Cave and Northern Lights Tour From Reykjavik

• Departure Point: Pick up service from Reykjavik
• Departure Time : 8 AM
• Duration : 4 days
• Includes : Expert guide, 3 nights hotel stay and breakfast, visits to 3 waterfalls, 2 geysers, a glacial lagoon, hike along a glacier, hunt for the Northern Lights, and explore inside an ice cave.

If you are dedicated to seeing the Northern Lights but also want to experience some of the other unique natural phenomena around Iceland, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore everything that Iceland has to offer.

Watch a geyser in action, view beautiful waterfalls, explore inside an ice cave, hike along a glacier, and observe the Aurora Borealis.

On the first day of your eventful tour, you will travel to southwestern Iceland and visit Geysir, the waterfall at Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.

The geyser at Geysir is the most famous in the world, and the English word “geyser” is derived from its place name.

You will also see Strokkur geyser nearby, which sprays hot water up to 98 feet into the sky every few minutes, much more frequently than its more famous neighbor. After an action-packed day, relax at a hotel in Hvolsvöllur.

On the second day, you will move on to southern Iceland and visit Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls. Following that, experience a hike across a glacier at Solheimajökull and marvel at the icy landscape of this sublime natural landmark.

Next, you will see the black sand beach at Reynisfjara before visiting Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Before heading back to the hotel, your expert guide will take you on a night hunt for the highlight of the trip—the Aurora Borealis.

On the third day, you will begin with an unforgettable trek inside a spectacular ice cave. Following that, you will visit  Jökulsarlon glacial lagoon.

The icebergs floating in the blue waters will astound you, and if the place looks familiar, that’s because it was used as a setting in many movies, including A View to a Kill , Die Another Day , Batman Begins , Beowulf and Grendel , and Lara Croft Tomb Raider .

Finally, you will return to Reykjavik filled with a wealth of memories.

Iceland Travel Guide

There are many reasons the Land of Fire and Ice has seen an explosion in tourism since 2019. Not only can you see the Northern Lights, active volcanoes, glaciers, and puffins, you can also relax in a geothermal spa and even bake bread inside a pot buried underground.

What you decide to do in this fascinating country is your choice, but you should take the time to do some research before you go. This guide is here to inform you where you can go, what you can do, and how you can get there, because we want you to have the best vacation of your life in Iceland.

Airports & Entry

Most visitors to Iceland arrive at Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Although Iceland only has a population of 359 thousand people, in 2018 this busy airport handled 9.8 million passengers. Despite the number of visitors, there is only one terminal. You will find the check-in times minimal, with an average 20-minute waiting time at the security check.

Inside the terminal, you will find everything clearly signposted in English. Charging points for cellphones and laptops are provided in the waiting area along with free Wi-Fi.

Strollers are provided for children, and there is a dedicated kids’ play area. The usual selection of food outlets and shops are found on the upper floor of the main building. Manned information stands are located throughout the airport.

It is 30 miles from the airport to Reykjavik, the capital city. The speed limit is 55 mph, but the drive usually takes 50 minutes due to traffic. Shuttle bus services link KEF to the city, which you can book in advance online or pay for at the airport.

Some hotels offer airport collection, and you should ask about that when you book your room. You can, of course, jump in a taxi at the airport, but it will be extremely expensive compared to the airport bus service. Car rental is available at the airport, but it is advisable to book in advance.

Planning Tips

With so many exciting things to do and see in Iceland, you’re guaranteed to have a great holiday. However, things do not always go to plan, so here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Tip #1: If you want to see the Aurora Borealis, go between September and March

It’s easier to view the Northern Lights when the sky is at its darkest. In Iceland, the nights are especially long between September and March, but the sky doesn’t grow dark enough to view this magical phenomenon during the summer months. However, do not plan a visit around a full moon, because its light can dampen the impact of this natural light display. The best days to go are around the time of a new moon.

Tip #2: Check out the SolarHam website

If you are especially interested in the Aurora Borealis and want to earn your Geek Badge, check out the SolarHam website. This techy site provides a 3-day geomagnetic forecast, which is useful for aurora hunters to select the best time to view the Northern Lights. The same site provides a satellite map of where the natural light show is right now, so you can look up if you’re near.

Tip #3: Take your time to enjoy all the attractions of Iceland

There’s so much to see in Iceland, it would be a crime not to explore and experience as much as you are able in the time you have. While you are there, do not miss the opportunity to see so many unforgettable natural phenomena in one place. There is nowhere else on the planet where you can see active volcanoes, glaciers, and or ice caves , all in one national park. For an unforgettable experience be sure to take a snowmobile tour , ATV tour of the national park!

Tip #4: Book everything in advance, especially in winter

Tourism is on the rise in Iceland, and hotel rooms, tours, and attractions get fully-booked ahead of time.  Don’t miss out on seeing the Northern Lights from the best vantage point possible because all the tours were booked-up before you arrived. Many tours like the ones detailed above offer a 24-hour-in-advance free cancellation, so you take no financial risk booking. Ask about free cancellation when buying your ticket. If you are interested in a horseback riding tour be sure to book it at least a few months in advance as they are very popular!

Tip #5: Impress your friends with quintessentially Icelandic souvenirs

The budget chain store Bonus stocks many unique Icelandic products, such as Omnom chocolate, Icelandic specialty teas, herbal sea salt blends, and licorice mixed with chocolate. At Bonus, you can pick up great, inexpensive gifts for your friends! Vinbuoin, the state-run liquor store, sells a fine selection of renowned Icelandic spirits, including Iceland’s signature tipple, Brennivin.

And if you like to sort through other folks’ debris for the hidden treasures, a special weekend market is held at Kolaportio in downtown Reykjavik where Icelanders come to sell off their unwanted goods when moving to a new house. You could find anything!

Restaurants & Eating Out

Because of Iceland’s geographical position and climate, vegetables and grains are rare in traditional foods, and many famous dishes focus on preserved seafood or meat. Also, food was scarce in yesteryears, so every part of an animal or fish was eaten. You’ll find many traditional meals involve fish or meat that is salted, smoked, dried, or fermented. Watch out for such culinary delights as baked sheep’s head and fermented shark.

Seafood restaurants are common throughout Iceland, and all serve “fish of the day”, which is usually salmon, monkfish, haddock, or cod. However, if you wish, you can seek out some of the more exotic options. Humar is a kind of lobster caught off the south coast of Iceland, renowned for its tender and tasty flesh.

It is served fried, baked or grilled, though it can also be found as a pizza topping! Plokkfishkur is a fish stew, made to the chef’s specific recipe but usually combining white fish with onions, potatoes, milk, and flour. Harofiskur is a snack you can buy in any grocery store. It is dried stockfish, eaten with butter or straight out of a bag.

Because it is difficult to grow wheat in Iceland, there are many traditional varieties of rye bread, like flatkaka, baked in thin disks on hot stones. One variety of rye bread you should try is rugbrauo, a sweet-tasting, dark bread.

The reason rugbrauo is so interesting for visitors to Iceland is that a common baking technique is to bury a dough-filled pot near one of the many hot springs, such as Fontana Hot Springs, and use geothermal heat to bake the bread. Rugbrauo baked that way is also called hyerabrauo (hot-spring bread).

Icelanders don’t only eat fish and rye bread. Sheep are the most common livestock in Iceland, so lamb is often on the menu. Sheep wander freely around the countryside, eating seaweed, grass, and berries, which tends to make lamb tender with a mild flavor.

Smoked lamb is called hangikjöt and is often served boiled during the winter holidays. Also watch out for varieties of meat you won’t see in most other countries, like puffin, horse, and whale. Despite international concern over puffins and whales, they are still commonly consumed in Iceland.

A meal on vacation isn’t complete without dessert. Popular local sweets include rugbrauosis (rye bread ice cream), pönnukökur (Icelandic pancakes), and snuour (cinnamon bread covered in caramel or chocolate). A dairy product unique to Iceland is skyr.

It is a kind of sour milk cheese eaten like yogurt and often sweetened and flavored with fruit or vanilla.

Nightlife & Entertainment

With long, cold nights throughout the winter, it’s no surprise Icelanders love their nightlife, and much of it is centered where most of the people live—Reykjavik. Because the capital is so small, most of the clubs and bars are within walking distance of one another. In fact, many are along one street, Laugavegur, the commercial artery of downtown.

Most social venues are informal and entrance fees rare. When Icelanders go out for the night, they tend to begin late, and many clubs and bars don’t get busy until after midnight. This is in part because alcohol in bars is expensive, so locals drink at home before setting out.

Many clubs and bars stay open as late as 5 am. Cocktail bars are a recent addition to Iceland’s nightlife, but with the booming tourist trade, they are rapidly expanding.

And don’t worry too much about safety at night. In 2019, the Institute for Economics and Peace in Sydney ranked Iceland the most peaceful nation on Earth for the 12 th year running. Crime rates in Reykjavik are probably lower than anywhere you have ever lived.

Getting Around

Iceland is a small country covering an area slightly smaller than Kentucky. If you wanted to drive from Reykjavik on the west coast to Faskruosfjorour on the east coast, the 425 miles route would take only 8½ hours.

However, because of its small population outside of the capital, you cannot rely on public transport to go sightseeing around the country or reach the best place to view the northern lights. This leaves you with two options: hiring a car or booking a coach tour, like the 3-day Golden Circle tour detailed above.

Within the capital and its immediate area, you do have more options: bus, taxi, bicycle, or walk. The public bus service is inexpensive and efficient, and you can ask for help to find the right bus from your hotel reception. Given that Reykjavik is so small a city, taxis are affordable.

If you want a little exercise, bicycle rentals are available in many hotels, and the city is crisscrossed by dedicated bicycle paths. If you decide to walk, make sure you wrap up well. The weather can deteriorate rapidly in Iceland.

Accommodations

Over the past few years, Iceland has seen a huge expansion in tourism. With a 378% increase since 2010, hotel rooms fill up quickly. Through Christmas and summer, hotels are usually fully booked. Since 228 of Iceland’s 359 thousand citizens live within the capital and its immediate hinterland, settlements throughout the rest of Iceland are small and rooms for visitors limited. Most hotels are in the capital.

You will probably find it most convenient to stay in Reykjavik. You will find a broad range of hotels there, it is near the airport, and many of the attractions along with most of the nightlife are found there or nearby. Many organized tours to other parts of Iceland and major tourist attractions set out from Reykjavik, such as most of the Northern Lights tours detailed above.

Within the downtown and central area of Reykjavik you will find a choice of luxury hotels, like the Hotel Borg downtown and The Icelandair Hotel Marina, overlooking the harbor. If you head a little more out of the center, you’ll find more affordable hostels, such as The Capital Inn and Bus Hostel Reykjavik .

There are some popular hotels outside of the capital near to tourist attractions, such as Hotel Skaftafell in the Vatnajökull National Park, which offers spectacular views of Iceland’s largest mountain, or Skyrhusid Guesthouse near Lake Jökulsarion in the south. Wherever you decide to stay, the important thing is to book in advance. If you don’t, you will miss out on the best rooms.

Iceland is not the place to go if you want year-round sunshine and dry weather. In fact, on 22 nd December there are only 4 hours of daylight, because that is the shortest day. That’s great if you want to see the Aurora Borealis, since it can only be seen during dark nights, but not so good for other sightseeing. In contrast, the longest day boasts 21 hours of daylight, 21 st June.

The “warm” summer period covers June, July, and August, with an average daily high of 55 0 F and a low of 46 0 F. Yes, 55 0 F is their summer high! Summers are short and cloudy. The winter period covers November through March, two months longer than summer, and is cold, wet, windy, and overcast, with frequent snow. The average daily high drops to 35 0 F in January with a low of 27 0 F.

If your main interest is the Northern Lights, you should go anytime September through March, because the sky is dark enough to view those fantastic electromagnetic displays. If the Aurora Borealis does not interest you, you’ll get the warmest weather and longer days from the end of June to mid-August.

Attractions

The Aurora Borealis is not the only unique and fascinating attraction in Iceland. The Land of Fire and Ice is the best place in the world to see and experience the majesty and power of two extremes in Nature: glaciers and volcanoes. These attractions are all part of what is called the “Golden Circle”. Taking a day tour of the Golden Circle with a guide is a great way to take in all of the best sights.

12 miles from KEF is the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Here you can laze in pools of hot, milky blue water heated by a lava flow. Nearby stands the Svartsengi Geothermal Power Plant, which uses superheated water from the lava flow to generate electricity and also provide heat for a municipal water heating system.

There are geothermal spas like the Blu Lagoon throughout Iceland, so wherever you choose to stay, you can find one near you and experience the power of molten rock.

If ice and Arctic landscapes interest you, head 140 miles east from Reykjavik to Vatnajökull National Park , which is centered on Vatnajökull glacier and the surrounding beautiful landscape. This park covers 14% of Iceland and is filled with glacial rivers and active volcanoes.

Vatnajökull glacier empties into the glacial lake of Jökulsarion in the south, where you can see 100-feet-tall icebergs freshly broken away from the glacier. Jökulsarion served as a setting in several major Hollywood movies. On your drive back to Reykjavik, you can see two beautiful waterfalls around Skogar. The first, Skogafoss, is an impressive waterfall and a popular destination for Icelandic day-trippers.

18 miles west of Skogafoss is picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall . A path allows sightseers to pass behind the curtain of water as it falls into the crystal-clear plunge pool.

If it’s man-made cultural and historical attractions you seek, you’ll find plenty to do and see around Reykjavik. The capital’s earliest history stretches back to 874, but it only became a true city in 1785.

Perhaps one of the most unique attractions is seeing the continental plates splitting apart at Silfra. Here the North American and Eurasian plates are separating. If you are daring you can take a snorkel tour of Silfra and see it for yourself!

Around Reykjavik, you’ll find an interesting assortment of museums and tourist attractions, like the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Maritime Museum.

A famous landmark visitors flock to see is the Hallgrimskirkja Church, which is the largest church in Iceland. This unique structure was designed by a local architect to resemble the glaciers and mountains of Iceland.

Tour Guides

The Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik is our Editor's Choice for the best Northern Lights tours in Iceland.

Robert Baker

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10 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (Reykjavik)

Home | Travel | Europe | Iceland | 10 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (Reykjavik)

Booking a Northern Lights tour in Iceland is the best way to increase your chances of seeing the famous aurora borealis. While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland on your own, a guided tour will give you the most enjoyable experience since the guides can expertly predict the Northern Lights forecast .

Besides, there are several amazing Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik , so as long as you’re in the capital city, you’ll have lots of options to choose from. Just be sure to travel during the Northern Lights season so you get the most magnificent show possible!

We run photo tours to Iceland every year to enjoy this fascinating natural phenomenon, although the excursion is designed for landscape photographers. If you’re not an avid photographer, but you still want to go aurora hunting in Iceland, I highly recommend taking one of these aurora tours from Reykjavik :

• The best Northern Lights tour
• The cheapest Northern Lights tour
• Small group Northern Lights tour
• Private Northern Lights tour
• Best Northern Lights boat tour
• Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour
• Whale watching & Northern Lights tour
• South Coast & Sólheimajökull Glacier Northern Lights tour
• Golden Circle & Northern Lights tour
• Multi-day Northern Lights tours

1.  The best Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Without a doubt, this excursion  is the  best Northern Lights excursion in Iceland .

During this tour, an expert guide will take you to an area with zero light pollution so you can fully enjoy this natural spectacle. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Northern Lights, including curiosities and superstitions revolving around this unique phenomenon.

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll have free time to take photos, walk around the area, or simply gaze in wonder at the Green Lady. Also, this tour includes round-trip bus transportation, making it one of the top excursions from Reykjavik, especially if you don’t plan on renting a car.

• Highlights : Northern Lights Observation
• Duration : 3 hours
• Number of participants : 50
• Price : $62/person

2. The cheapest Iceland Northern Lights tour from Reykjav ík

If you’re looking for another cheap Northern Lights tour in Iceland , I recommend booking this tour . It departs from Reykjavik and includes admission to the Northern Lights Center, a scientific museum all about the aurora borealis. It has all kinds of interactive exhibits that teach you what the Northern Lights are and how they form.

2. The cheapest Iceland Northern Lights tour from Reykjavík

If you take this tour, you’ll wait until nightfall to explore the best places to see the Northern Lights , as predicted by meteorologists and experts. Hopefully, there will be clear skies, but if you don’t have any luck seeing the aurora, you can retake the tour for free on another day. I recommend taking this tour on the first day of your trip, so you have time in your itinerary in case you need to retake it.

• Highlights : Admission to the Northern Lights Center and Northern Lights observation
• Duration : 4 hours
• Price : $55/person

3. Small group Icelandic Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik

A small group Northern Lights tour in Iceland is ideal for those who want to experience the aurora in a calmer, more exclusive setting. This tour is a great option since it departs from Reykjavik in a comfortable luxury minibus.

You’ll head to an area with zero light pollution and optimal weather conditions, creating the perfect environment to witness the dancing aurora. Be aware that you can only take this tour between September and April, and if you don’t have any luck seeing the Northern Lights the first time, you can retake the tour for free.

Moreover, this Iceland aurora tour includes admission to the Northern Lights Center, one of the coolest attractions in Reykjavik where you can learn more about this natural light show. You’ll also be able to enjoy light refreshments during the tour.

• Highlights : Admission to the Northern Lights Center and Northern Lights observation in a small group
• Number of participants : 18
• Price : $87/person

4. Private Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjav ík

If you want to see the aurora in privacy but you prefer having a guide, consider this tour . It’s one of the best Northern Lights excursions from Reykjavik and it even includes hotel pick-up.

Once you board the bus, you’ll travel to the best viewing spot to see the Northern Lights, with optimal conditions and zero light pollution. Depending on the day, you may go to Thingvellir National Park, Hvalfjordur, or the Reykjanes Peninsula, all beautiful places to watch the Green Lady.

4. Private Northern Lights tour in Iceland from Reykjavík

Your guide will tell you all about this natural phenomenon and the legends surrounding it. You’ll have about an hour to marvel at the dancing lights, then you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Without a doubt, this is the best private Northern Lights tour in Iceland , although I also recommend staying in one of Iceland’s Northern Lights hotels so you can continue enjoying the show.

• Highlights : Private Northern Lights Tour
• Number of participants : up to 3 people
• Price : $70/person

5. Best Northern Lights boat tour in Reykjavik

A Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik is one of the most unique experiences, so I highly recommend it. While gliding along the sea, you’ll witness the Green Lady and the beautiful mountains and fjords in the background, so it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable trip.

If this sounds good to you, then book this excursion , which begins at the port in Reykjavik. There, you’ll board the boat and sail along the coast of Iceland until you reach the point where you’ll have the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Keep in mind that this tour only operates if the weather conditions are favorable for sailing. We’ve always had luck during our trips, but if you run out of luck on your scheduled tour date, you can retake the excursion for free. This is the best Northern Lights boat tour in Reykjavik , so it’s definitely worth it!

• Highlights : Northern Lights Boat Tour
• Duration : 2.5 hours
• Number of participants : 200
• Price : $88/person

6. Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik, Iceland

Another interesting aurora borealis tour in Iceland is this excursion , which includes a visit to the Blue Lagoon . Not only will you get to witness the spectacular Northern Lights show, but you’ll also experience Iceland’s geothermal waters.

At the Blue Lagoon, you can take a relaxing soak and enjoy one of the treatments offered here, like a silica mask. The waters are said to have health properties and benefits like smoother and firmer skin, so you’re sure to feel refreshed after your visit.

At night, you’ll take a guided tour to see the Northern Lights, and your destination will depend on that evening’s weather conditions. If you don’t have any luck, you can retake the tour on another day free of charge.

Finally, this Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights tour in Iceland includes all transfers, including to and from the Blue Lagoon, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.

• Highlights : Blue Lagoon admission and Northern Lights
• Duration : 8 hours
• Price : $217/person

7. Whale-watching and Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Among all the amazing things to do here, whale-watching in Iceland is our personal favorite. Did you know that you can combine this activity with a Northern Lights boat trip in Reykjavik ? This excursion is one of the most magical experiences, so I highly recommend it if you want to enjoy two unforgettable attractions in one tour.

During the trip, you’ll take a boat to an area commonly inhabited by minke and humpback whales, as well as dolphins and porpoises. Of course, remember that these are wild animals that live freely in the sea, so it’s not possible to predict their movements with 100% accuracy. That said, the tour operators have been in business for years, so they’re the best experts on scouting out these magnificent creatures.

Any time we’ve done this type of excursion, we’ve seen several species of cetaceans, so I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Be aware that you can retake the tour for free if you don’t have any luck, so it’s best to take this tour on your first day in Iceland.

This whale-watching and Northern Lights tour in Iceland includes an evening session to hunt the aurora among the mountains and fjords. It’s an incredible experience, so bring your camera!

• Highlights : Whale Watching and Northern Lights Boat Tour
• Duration : 6 hours
• Price : $167/person

8. Northern Lights tour through Iceland’s South Coast & S ólheimaj ökull Glacier

While visiting Reykjavik, you may want to discover other parts of Iceland, so consider this excursion to see the Northern Lights and some top attractions in the southern region of the island.

During this guided Northern Lights tour in Iceland , you’ll visit the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the Sólheimajökull glacier. You’ll learn how the glacier formed, as well as other interesting facts about the area. One of the coolest parts of the tour was hearing the sound of the moving ice, which we thought was quite impressive.

8. Northern Lights tour through Iceland’s South Coast & Sólheimajökull Glacier

Other stops on this excursion include the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, the Reynisdrangar cliffs, and the Skógafoss waterfall, among other top sights in Iceland . After touring the southern coast and enjoying a warm dinner, you’ll begin your Iceland Northern Lights tour , heading to an area with the most optimal conditions to see the Green Lady.

• Highlights : Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Sólheimajökull glacier, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and Northern Lights
• Duration : 16 hours
• Number of participants : 10
• Price : $220/person

9. Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour in Iceland

Another Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik that will pique your interest is this one , which includes a tour of the Golden Circle .

Exploring the Golden Circle is one of the best ways to discover this island country, which is known as the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll see why as you visit sites like the Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll be able to see the Strokkur geyser in action.

At night, you’ll depart from Reykjavik and spend a few hours hunting the aurora borealis in the sky. It’s a full itinerary, so this Golden Circle and Northern Lights tour in Iceland is one of the best excursions you can do if it’s your first time in the country.

• Highlights : Golden Circle and Northern Lights
• Duration : 9 hours
• Price : $115/person

10. Multi-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland from Reykjav ík

Renting a car in Iceland is the easiest way to see different places in the country, but if you don’t want to drive, you can take an organized tour.

10. Multi-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland from Reykjavík

There are even multi-day Northern Lights tours in Iceland in which you can see several attractions in one trip. These are the ones I recommend:

• 4-Day Northern Lights Tour : You’ll visit the Golden Circle, Iceland’s south coast, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as well as go hunting for the Northern Lights. Includes three nights of accommodation with breakfast.
• 6-Day Northern Lights Tour : You’ll go all the way around the island, passing through the Golden Circle, south Iceland, the East Fjords, and the Lake Mývatn geothermal area. You will also have time to enjoy the Northern Lights. This tour includes accommodation for five nights with breakfast.
• 8-Day Northern Lights Tour : You’ll take a tour around the island and discover the Golden Circle, south Iceland, the East Fjords, the Lake Mývatn geothermal area, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll also see the Northern Lights. Includes seven nights of accommodation with breakfast.

These excursions are super convenient and thorough since they take care of transportation and accommodation and include guided Northern Lights tours in Iceland . So, if you don’t want to worry about anything, I recommend checking them out.

Price of Northern Lights tours in Iceland (Reykjav ík)

The price of a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik varies depending on the size of the group, the duration, and any included activities or attractions. To make it easier for you to choose, here is a chart comparing the prices and important details for the best Northern Lights tours in Iceland :

I hope this guide helped you find the perfect aurora tour in Reykjavik ! Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon affected by several factors like solar activity and cloud cover. If you book an excursion and it’s canceled due to poor weather conditions, or you take the tour but don’t see the Northern Lights, you can retake it on another day for free.

Therefore, I recommend booking your tour for the first day of your trip, so you have time to retake it. You could also take a multi-day trip to see the Northern Lights , which will grant you more time to witness this marvelous spectacle.

Finally, I recommend checking out our guide on how to photograph the Northern Lights so you can return home with some amazing memories. Also, our article on where to stay in Iceland has the best accommodation options, including places where you can see the aurora from your room.

Feel free to leave your questions or comment below; I’d love to hear from you! With that, I wish you a wonderful time during your Northern Lights tour in Iceland !

Ascen Aynat

2 replies on “ 10 Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland (Reykjavik) ”

Myself and my friend are very much interested to go to escorted 8 days tour in Iceland to watch Northern lights in Fen 2024. Can you get in touch with me to organise it. Thank you

Hi, That sounds like a fantastic trip! You can organize that 8-day Northern Lights excursion by following the link and booking a spot.

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Iceland's Magical Northern Lights

About this tour.

Experience the “land of fire and ice” and chase the aurora borealis across an ethereal wonderland. In the dark of the night, search for the northern lights as you drift along on an evening starlit cruise. Travel the “Golden Circle,” home to renowned natural wonders, and spend time at Thingvellir National Park, gaze at Gullfoss waterfall, and see the explosive geothermal fields at Geysir. Explore Skógar Museum and see traditional turf-built homes. Walk on a black volcanic sand beach. See Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon. Spend your days surrounded by natural wonders and your nights in search of the elusive dancing lights.

Your Tour Includes

• 3 Handpicked Accommodations

Included Highlights

• Northern Lights Cruise
• Search for the Northern Lights
• Golden Circle

Your Tour at a Glance

6 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel.

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel iceland's magical northern lights.

While just about any month is great to visit Iceland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Winter: If snowy landscapes and the northern lights are what you’re after, then winter is the prime season to visit Iceland. Sure, it's cold and dark, and winter storms and road closures may be common, but with welcoming celebrations and festivities, and cozy coffeehouses, t's easy to warm up to Icelandic hospitality.

Spring: In spring, you can expect more hours of sunlight and thawing snow and ice, allowing you to explore the beautiful landscapes. In less-crowded March, you can still catch some of the winter activities, or even glimpse the northern lights.

Fall: Fall is a great time to see the northern lights in Iceland. September days can be bright and sunny, but the evening sky is dark enough for a beautiful aurora display. The temperature is slightly colder, but winter has yet to settle in, so the only snow you'll see is at the tops of the mountains in the distance. Iceland’s fall foliage puts on its own show, whether you’re walking in Reykjavik or hiking in the countryside.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Search for nature's dazzling display on a northern lights cruise in Reykjavík.
• Venture out into the countryside outside of Vík for 3 nights in search of more aurora borealis sightings.
• See Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with floating icebergs.

Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water of the Blue Lagoon.

Cultural Experiences:

Experience the energy at the geothermal fields of Geysir.

• Explore Skógar Museum, covering all aspects of Icelandic life.

Learn about the volcanic nature of the island of Iceland during a visit to the Lava Exhibition Center.

Straddle two continents while exploring Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley.

Culinary Inclusions:

Savor gourmet Icelandic cuisine at a popular local restaurant.

• Thingvellir National Park
• Lava Exhibition Center
• Seljalandsfoss
• Skógar Museum
• Skaftafell National Park
• Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
• Sólheimajökull Glacier
• Blue Lagoon

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• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

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Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Hotel-Hotel Borg

Hotel-Sand Hotel

Search for nature's dazzling display on a northern lights cruise in Reykjavík.

Venture out into the countryside outside of Vík for 3 nights in search of more aurora borealis sightings.

See Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with floating icebergs.

Explore Skógar Museum, covering all aspects of Icelandic life.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: Hotel Borg From $240 per night

Centerhotel Plaza

Hotel dyrholaey, stay longer.

Post Night: Sand Hotel From $240 per night

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October, 2024: Northern Lights and Geology of Iceland

Iceland | october 3 - october 8, 2024.

Iceland is a place of many wonders, including the dazzling Aurora Borealis.  Explore Iceland with Sirius Travel and you will enjoy access to our astronomer and geologist guides who bring their understanding of the natural phenomena to share with you as you search for the elusive aurora and visit amazing geologic sites. The dates for this 6-day trip were carefully selected to optimize your chances to view the aurora under dark and clear skies. Packing suggestions for a trip to Iceland can be found here.

Activity Level:

$3,350, Double Occupancy

Trip highlights.

On this tour you will visit Iceland’s most iconic sites including waterfalls such as the colossal Gullfoss, the enchanting Seljalandsfoss, and the breathtaking Skogafoss. We will explore Thingvellir National Park and walk through the valley where the tectonic plates are drifting apart, tracing the steps of Iceland’s early settlers where brutal Viking-age justice was carried out and the Althingi parliament was founded.  You will watch in awe as the geyser Strokkur launches boiling water into the air in the Geyser geothermal area.  You will behold the striking basalt columns, supernatural black sand, and immense sea stacks of Reynisfjara on the south coast’s black sand beaches. Included in the itinerary are visits to two impressive hot spring spas.  First, the newly opened but already well-known Sky Lagoon which opens out over the North Atlantic and, later in the tour, an afternoon luxuriating in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Starting and ending in Reykjavik, you will have time to explore this unique and friendly northern capital from our centrally located hotel within easy walking distance of the majority of popular sights.

Pricing and Terms

• $3350 per traveler (11 and older) – based on double occupancy
• Single supplement: $800
• Lower age limit is 11 years old.
• To secure a reservation, initial deposit ($800) with a completed reservation form is required.
• Cancellations must be made in writing by email or mail to Sirius Travel.
• 2nd payment ($1000) due March 29, 2024
• Final payment due June 29, 2024

Cancellations

• Cancellations made prior to October 1, 2023 are fully refundable.
• 10/01/2023 – 06/01/2024 (364-120 days prior to travel): 65% of your payment to date is refunded.
• 06/02 – 07/31/2024 (119-60 days prior to travel): 35% of your payment to date is refunded.
• 08/01 – 08/30/2024 (59-30 days prior to travel): 10% of your payment to date is refunded
• There are no refunds after August 30, 2024

Detailed Itinerary

Thursday, october 3, 2024, lunar phase: waxing crescent but moon stays below the horizon all night (d).

Travelers will be met at the airport in Reykjavik and transferred to the hotel where they will connect with other travelers. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Reykjavik or resting in your hotel room.  Welcome Dinner in the evening.

Evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits.  Overnight Reykjavik.

Friday, October 4, 2024

Lunar phase: waxing crescent but moon stays below the horizon all night (b).

Today you will enjoy a City tour of Reykjavik’s top attractions.  Included on the tour will be The old Höfði house (where the summit between the Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbatsjov took place in 1986), the Harpa concert hall (2013 winner of the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award), the City Centre, Hallgrímskirkja church  (whose design was inspired by basalt lava columns), the viewing platform at Perlan (whose glass dome provides a 360° view over Reykjavík), and Bessastaðir (the official residence of the President of Iceland).  Following the city tour we will stop off to experience Flyover Iceland followed by a soak in Reykjavik’s newly opened Sky Lagoon.

Evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits. Overnight Reykjavik.

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Lunar phase: waxing crescent but moon stays below the horizon all night (b, d).

After breakfast, you will take a full day tour of some of the best known natural phenomena surrounding Reykjavik. From spouting geysers, massive tumbling waterfalls, and ancient volcanoes, this excursion will introduce you to the world-renowned pristine natural beauty in the heart of Iceland’s Southern Region, stopping at some of Iceland’s most iconic sites.

Þingvellir National Park is an attraction of great historical, geological and cultural significance. Located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the UNESCO designated world heritage site is also the birthplace of the Althing—Iceland’s parliament founded in 930 AD—where the nation’s most powerful leaders would meet to decide on legislation and carry out brutal Viking-age justice.  The tour continues across an area of picturesque scenery to the mighty Gullfoss waterfall. Once there, you can take several paths around the two tiers of cascading water to explore several vantage points.

Next, you will visit the home of “The Great Geysir”, a geysir that is the actual origin of the word “geysir”, and is an area with bubbling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and colorful algae deposits. Although Geysir itself has become dormant, there is great excitement when Strokkur geysir blasts boiling water high up into the air every 3-7 minutes!

After visiting the Golden Circle highlights you will stop at Friðheimar greenhouse, a geothermally heated operation that demonstrates how Icelanders are now able to grow fresh vegetables in their harsh environment. They also have many Icelandic horses that you will be able to see close up as well as very creative tomato-based refreshments.

You will wrap up this very full day with a stop at The Commonwealth Farm.  This is a site of interest to see how people lived in Iceland until as recently as the 1970’s! The reconstructed farm   is   based   on   the excavated farmhouse Stöng from the Commonwealth Era in Iceland and   provides   visitors   with an opportunity   to   study the   buildings   of Icelandic ancestors   and   learn   about   their   background   and   daily   life .  The excavated farm Stöng is  believed to have   been   destroyed   in the   Hekla   eruption   in the year   1104.

Overnight near Hella in a great dark-sky location so that if wether permits, our chances to see the northern lights is optimized!

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Lunar phase: waxing crescent but moon stays below the horizon all night (b,d).

After breakfast, you will stop at a stable close to the hotel and enjoy a visit with some of Iceland’s famous horses and enjoy a short demonstration of the unique gaits that make these horses distinct.  Following the show, you will travel along Iceland’s southern coast through lush farmlands with the rugged mountains, glaciers (including famous Eyjafjallajökull), and volcanoes of the interior on one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other.

You will stop to see Seljalandsfoss waterfall, whose water originates under Eyjafjallajökull’s glacier, cascading from the highlands.  Visitors to Seljalandsfoss can walk behind the falls into a small cave if the weather is warm and there is no ice. You will also visit Skógafoss, one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland and familiar for its many on-screen appearances in popular movies/videos.  Just outside the town of Vík í Mýrdal (or just Vík to the locals), you will visit the soaring basalt rock formation known as Reynisdrangar and the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.

Before returning to your hotel you will see the LAVA exhibit in Hella that includes an impressive live demonstration of lava and its characteristics.

Evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits. Overnight near Hella.

Monday, October 7, 2024

After breakfast and the hotel checkout you will visit the Seltún geothermal area, one of the most striking landscapes in Iceland. Steam dominates a view filled with volcanic vents, fumaroles, mud pots, and boiling hot springs. The surrounding hills are painted in earthy colors of golden brown, red, pink, blue, yellow, white and grey.  Following Seltún you will make a short stop at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant to see the technology behind harnessing geothermal energy.  The plant, which provides Reykjavik with most of its electricity and hot water, is also piloting an innovative direct air capture project that captures 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year and injects it into the ground, where it literally turns to stone.

After lunch, you will visit the Blue Lagoon and relax in its remarkable waters. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions and considered by many to be an intrinsic part of the Iceland experience. Breathtaking scenery, ultra modern facilities, and an impressive track record in healing are why the Blue Lagoon draws visitors from all corners of the world to return time and time again.

On your return to Reykjavik you will enjoy a farewell dinner and an evening opportunity to view Northern Lights if weather permits. Overnight Reykjavik.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and have several hours to do some last minute shopping before the afternoon transfer to the airport. Transfers to the airport will be provided on this day.

• Astronomer / Scientist guides
• Professional bilingual guide
• All ground transportation
• 4-star accommodations
• Airport transfers on 9/30 and 10/5  (other dates are not included)
• Meals (as described in itinerary)
• Lectures: Astronomy/science talks throughout the tour.
• Sky Lagoon entrance fee
• Blue Lagoon entrance fee
• Flyover Iceland admission
• Perlan observation deck
• LAVA Center museum entrance
• Hellisheiði power plant entrance
• Friðheimar greenhouse
• Horse demonstration entrance fee
• Park entrance fees

Not Included

• International flights
• Items of a personal nature
• Alchoholic beverages (unless specifically included)
• Tips for drivers and guides
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance

Other Information

Trip cancellation, health, and accident insurance is recommended but not required. It can save you money if you are forced to cancel or alter your trip. We recommend TravelGuard trip insurance ( www.travelguard.com ) and we recommend that all travelers purchase their insurance within 7 days of their initial reservation to take advantage of any pre-existing condition clause.

Immunizations and Health

Precautions should always be taken seriously and pre-trip education on what to eat or to avoid should be planned. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the  CDC website .

Health Restrictions

It is every traveler’s responsibility to consider all appropriate medical advice regarding whether or not they are fit to take this trip prior to booking their reservation. We recommend that all interested travelers check with their healthcare provider before signing on.  COVID-19: Sirius Travel passengers will be required to comply with all Icelandic recommendations and requirements in place at the time of travel. The latest Icelandic regulations may be reviewed on their official website here: https://www.covid.is/english

Age Restrictions

Children 11 and older are welcome on this tour but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they are under 18. Please note that most countries have very strict entry/exit requirements for minors (under the age of 18 years old), especially minors traveling with only one parent.  Please review the requirements before choosing to travel with a minor.

Room Sharing

If you are traveling alone, you may save quite a bit of money by opting to share a room. We will match solo travelers of the same gender so that they can share a double occupancy room with two beds. We will do our best to match travelers but if we cannot find a match for you then you will be required to pay the single occupancy price.

Historical weather prospects in Iceland: Statistically, the chance of clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies is at least 40% throughout September.  The weather is usually dry (average precipitation is 67mm) and the average temperature is 7.4°C (45.3°F) but it can go as high as 10-15°C (50-59°F).  Wind is frequently the main issue and wind/rain gear is essential.  If you don’t block the wind it will feel very cold.

What to Wear

We recommend bringing warm clothes and being prepared for everything, the weather is very unpredictable and it can rain, be sunny and windy, sometimes at the same time. Layers are the key as you want to be able to strip off clothes when it is warm and put them back on when it gets colder. Links here are the same as those on our “ packing suggestions ” page and are Amazon affiliate links.

• Hiking boots – You will be traveling around the country and walking outside.  You need good waterproof hiking shoes that will keep you warm.
• Base layer – Warm layers under the clothes might be the best thing you bring to Iceland. We recommend wearing long wool or thermal underwear, you can buy it in outdoor clothing stores in Iceland.
• Fleece or wool – An Icelandic wool sweater or fleece is a must. Icelandic wool sweaters can be bought all over the country in local stores.
• Parka or water and windproof jacket – Usually you don’t need a parka in September but, if you have space in your suitcase, why not bring it? A water and windproof jacket over the wool/fleece sweater is essential.
• Water and windproof pants  – It is windy in Iceland and it rains so bring the pants.
• Hats , gloves and warm socks – Bring at least two sets of everything, a lighter pair and a thick one as well. Consider the wind which can get through a single knit layer easily. Again, if you need to upgrade while in Iceland, there are stores that carry these items everywhere.
• Swimsuit – You are going to want to relax in the warm swimming pools or hot springs after a long day outside. It is possible to rent a swimsuit at the spas if you forget yours.

Reserve Your Spot on the September, 2024 Lights & Geology of Iceland Trip

To secure your space at this time, a completed reservation form (below) with payment/deposit on completion of the form is required. You will be forwarded to a page where you may make an online payment via Stripe. Fields marked with an * are required.

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ADDRESS: 3560 Blackford Rd E,  Mt. Vernon, IN 47620

Indiana State Games Presents

Iceland's magical northern lights, october 7–14, 2024, book by april 9, 2024 and save $250.

Like this tour?

8 days ● 11 meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners.

Double $4,274*

Single $5,049;

Triple $4,214

For bookings made after Apr 09, 2024 call for rates

Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Evansville Regional Airport, Inter-flights from Santorini Thira Is., Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers

Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $449 per person 

Alternate gateways are available upon request.

If air schedules or seats are not available through EVV, an alternate gateway may be required. If so, there may be up to an additional

$100 per person transfer fee. Every effort is made to secure EVV as the main gateway, but we also need to provide the best

transportation arrangements available for a better tour experience.

* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change, based on air inclusive package from EVV

Upgrade your in-flight experience with Elite Airfare

Additional rate of: Business Class $3,990

† Refer to the reservation form to choose your upgrade option

IMPORTANT CONDITIONS: Your price is subject to increase prior to the time you make full payment. Your price is not subject to increase after you make full payment, except for charges resulting from increases in government-imposed taxes or fees. Once deposited, you have 7 days to send us written consumer consent or withdraw consent and receive a full refund. (See registration form for consent.)

Day 1: Monday, October 7, 2024 Overnight Flight

You’re on your way to Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Where steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to search for the aurora borealis — one of nature’s most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights.*

Day 2: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Arrive Reykjavic, Iceland - Tour Begins

Your tour opens today in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. Enjoy time to get to know the place where your journey begins.

Day 3: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Reykjavic

This afternoon, get acquainted with old town Reykjavík with a local guide on a walking tour featuring the harbor, city hall, the Parliament building, and the nearby cathedral, dating back to 1796. Gather with your fellow travelers at a popular restaurant for dinner featuring Icelandic cuisine. This evening, take an exhilarating northern lights cruise** and sail into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay in search of the aurora boreali s.* (B, D)

Day 4: Thursday, October 10, 2024 Reykjavík-Golden Circle Lava Exhibition Center-Seljalandsfoss-Vik

This morning, travel the Golden Circle to experience natural wonders, including the explosive Geysir thermal area and the double-cascade Gullfoss waterfall. You’ll also experience the famous Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll stand upon the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In the afternoon, stop at the Lava Exhibition Center and delve into Iceland’s past and present volcanic eruptions. Afterward, witness Seljalandsfoss, a rushing waterfall where you may walk behind the water for unique views from the inside out. Next, continue onto Vík. Drive or venture on foot into the stillness of rural Iceland in search of the northern lights. You’ll enjoy three nights of searching to increase your likelihood of catching a glimpse of these elusive lights.* (B, D)

Day 5: Friday, October 11, 2024 Reynisfjara - Skógar Museum - Vík

Begin your day with journey to Reynisfjara, a volcanic sandy beach surrounded by basalt formations and home to thousands of nesting sea birds. Look out over the natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey, a small peninsula of volcanic origin towering over the ocean. Next, visit the Skógar Museum and discover its turf-built homes and artifacts. Afterward, stand in awe before the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls. Cap off your day with a visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland’s fourth largest glacier. After dinner, gaze at the sky in search of the northern lights.* (B, D)

Day 6: Saturday, October 12, 2024 Skaftafell National Park - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Vík

Travel through Skaftefell National Park, gateway to Vatnajökull Glacier known for having Iceland’s highest mountains and Europe’s largest ice cap. Travel to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, filled with floating icebergs. Explore this extraordinary landscape and search for seals swimming in cold waters. After dinner, continue searching for the northern lights dancing across the night sky.* (B, D)

Day 7: Sunday, October 13, 2024 Vík - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavík

Drive along the south shore towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Known for its rugged landscape, lava fields, and numerous hot springs, the peninsula is home to the Blue Lagoon. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool, located in the heart of a dramatic lava field. Return to Reykjavík for your farewell dinner and overnight stay. (B, D)

Day 8: Monday, October 14, 2024 Reykjavík - Tour Ends Depart for home with many incredible memories. (B)

3560 Blackford Rd E

Mt. vernon, in 47620, 812-781-0201, [email protected].

All Rights Reserved | Tourcy, LLC

Northern Lights in Iceland: How, When & Where to See Auroras (+Best Tours)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 12, 2023

Are you thinking of visiting Iceland in winter and wondering where and how to see the Northern Lights in Iceland? This guide should answer all your questions: best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, best places & top tips on how to actually see them. Find out!

I run a Facebook group for Iceland and Scandinavia travel and it always amazes me how often this question gets asked by people who are planning a winter trip to Iceland. I also get aurora related questions on the blog all the time…

So in this article, I bundled up all those frequently asked questions about seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland and our answers to them. Where, when, and how to see the Northern Lights in Iceland … No scientific explanations, but simple tips for tourists who simply want to see auroras.

Below, you’ll find answers to all the FAQs we get about the Northern Lights. We also share all our top tips for seeing Aurora Borealis in Iceland. We also included a section with the best Northern Lights tours in Iceland , photography tips, and what to wear so that you can truly enjoy the experience.

TIP: While seeing the Northern Lights is a real bucket-list experience, try not to focus on it as the sole purpose of your trip. There is so much to see and do in Iceland , including so many other great winter activities , such as snowmobiling, glacier hiking , ice caves, etc.

So make sure to create a really nice Iceland winter itinerary for your trip, so that you have a wonderful time either way. And if you get to see the auroras, then it will be just the cherry on top.

Good to know: All the aurora pictures in this article are mine and taken during several trips to Iceland. These are real images of what the Northern Lights in Iceland can look like and what you are most likely to see.

This should give you a better idea of what you can expect in reality, which is usually very different than the picture-perfect aurora displays at the most scenic locations that you see in the travel brochures. Very different, indeed, but still amazing.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland

You can see Northern Lights in Iceland from the (very) end of August until mid-April. However, the best time to see auroras in Iceland is between September and March . You need darkness in order to see the Northern Lights and for that, the end of August is often too early and by mid-April, the nights don’t get dark enough anymore.

There is not one specific month that’s better for auroras than the other. It’s a natural phenomenon and it remains a question of luck. If you look purely at solar activity, then the prime time for seeing the Northern Lights is during the Equinox, which is the last two weeks of September and the second and third week of March. However, it’s never guaranteed and so much also depends on the weather.

The most spectacular aurora display I have ever seen was in Iceland in November. And the ones I saw in September were nothing compared to that. So you really never know.

Can you see Northern Lights in Iceland in summer?

No, you cannot see the Northern Lights in Iceland in May, June, July, and the biggest part of August.

It just doesn’t get dark enough in the summer months. Summer is the season for the Midnight Sun!

The very end of August is the earliest when you can expect to see auroras in Iceland, and even then, your chances are really low.

Where can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

You need three factors in order to see auroras: darkness, (relatively) clear skies, and aurora activity. If the conditions are right, you can see the Northern Lights anywhere in Iceland. There is no place that’s better than another and you really cannot predict this in advance!

That being said, your chances to see auroras are always higher outside the cities where there is little to no light pollution.

But as long as it’s dark, there are not too many clouds, and aurora activity is high enough, you can see the Northern Lights anywhere. If aurora activity is really high, you can even see the Northern Lights in downtown Reykjavik.

Every time someone asks which hotel to book for Northern Lights or where and when to go exactly, it makes me smile. Because, well, it’s like asking where to see a rainbow. Except that you can in fact predict the timing of some rainbows at the waterfalls, whereas you really cannot predict where and when the Northern Lights will appear.

Best hotels for Northern Lights in Iceland

As already said before, it’s really impossible to say where you should stay or which hotels are best for seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland. Auroras are a natural phenomenon, furthermore so much depends on the weather.

So if you see a list of the best hotels to stay for the Northern Lights in Iceland, take it with a grain of salt. They might be amazing hotels and have beautiful remote locations, but they cannot guarantee that you will see auroras. Nobody can.

That being said, when planning your Iceland winter trip itinerary and looking for hotels, try to pick the ones that are somewhat further away from towns. The darker it is near the hotel, the easier it will be to see auroras right there, without having to walk or take a car.

And because our readers keep on asking, below, you can find some specific hotel suggestions for the Northern Lights viewing. These are mostly hotels along the South Coast of Iceland because driving the entire Ring Road is usually not the best idea in the darkest winter months. These are just some hotels where you could stay during your winter trip and where the surroundings are usually dark enough for auroras. The rest is luck and persistence to actually go outside and wait.

Here are some nice hotels to see Northern Lights in Iceland:

• Hotel Ranga . Beautiful hotel in Hella, along the South Coast.
• Glacier View Guesthouse . A lovely small hotel in Hrifunes, between Vik and Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
• Magma Hotel . Nice hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, between Vik and Jokulsarlon.
• Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon . Most beautiful hotel in the Jokulsarlon area.
• Hali Country Hotel . Great location-price-quality hotel near Jokulsarlon.
• Fosshotel Vatnajökull . Another excellent option not too far from Jokulsarlon.
• Úthlíd Cottages . A nice budget-friendly option along the Golden Circle.
• Fosshotel Hellnar . One of the best places to stay on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula .
• Lighthouse Inn . Simple hotel with a nice location in Gardur, on Reykjanes Peninsula , not too far from Keflavik airport.

Once again, note that these are just a few examples. Furthermore, we only chose accommodations that are quite easy to get to and are located in the most popular areas that you can visit in winter. There are many more good places to stay for the Northern Lights in Iceland, but seeing them is never guaranteed.

READ ALSO: Best Places to Stay in Reykjavik

Are the Northern Lights only green in the pictures?

No, auroras are not just green in the pictures and you can really see them with your own eyes. However, it is also true that weak auroras are not visible to the naked eye and only look green in the pictures.

But if you are lucky to witness a strong Northern Lights display, you will see the most phenomenal light show with all shades of green. Sometimes, auroras can also color red or purple. It’s magical!

How to increase your chances of seeing Aurora in Iceland

Here are some tips on how to increase your chances of seeing auroras in Iceland:

• Travel to Iceland between September and March .
• Plan a longer trip . The longer you stay in Iceland, the more chance that the weather conditions and aurora activity will be favorable.
• Stay in hotels and accommodations outside of towns , so that you have almost no light pollution.
• Check the aurora forecast every day. We recommend the official website of the Icelandic Meteorological Office . You can also install one of the many Icelandic aurora alert apps.
• If aurora activity is at least 3-4 and you have a possibility to do so safely, drive to a place where there are no cloud s that night.
• Go outside and wait! This is probably the most important tip and one where most people fail. Of course, you might get lucky and see auroras outside your hotel just after dinner. But this hardly ever happens. Most of the time, you really have to make an effort. And yes, it’s not going to be easy to stay up and spend hours outside every night. But if the aurora forecast is good and there are no clouds, you really should go outside and just wait.
• If you are staying in Reykjavik , then you should really consider taking an organized tour (more info below). Tours always go looking for the best places for that specific night; places far away from light pollution and where there are no clouds.

What to wear for aurora hunting in Iceland

What to wear for aurora hunting will depend a bit on the month when you visit Iceland. If you are looking for auroras in Iceland in September , you might be ok with a light jacket and a sweater. Whereas in the middle of the winter, you might need to bundle up using every single layer that you have packed (and still be cold)… In general, expect that it will be cold. Very cold.

I recommend overdressing when planning to go aurora hunting – always dress warmer than you think you’ll need. The wind is usually so strong in Iceland that it will feel much colder than the weather forecast might make you think. Also, waiting for auroras means that you sometimes stand still for long periods of time. You’ll quickly get colder than you anticipated.

To give you an idea, here is what I always wear when chasing auroras during the cold winter nights in Iceland:

• Thermal merino wool underwear (shirt and leggings from Icebreaker ).
• At least two sweaters (fleece is ok as one of the layers, but wool is a must!). Once, I even wore 4 sweaters over each other and it was still cold.
• A warm wind- and waterproof winter jacket or parka.
• Very thick windproof ski pants.
• One or two pairs of wool socks.
• Very warm winter boots (I own these UGG boots . More suggestions – best winter boots for travel ).
• Two pairs of gloves (thin gloves ones for photography and Goretex mittens to wear over the thin ones).
• Warm wind-proof winter hat with ear flaps (something like this isn’t exaggerated).
• A polar buff and a warm scarf or two warm buffs over each other (something like this ).

READ ALSO: What to Wear and What to Pack for Iceland in Winter

Best Iceland Northern Lights tours

There are many Northern Lights tours in Iceland and most of them run from Reykjavik. You can choose between big-bus tours, small-group tours, or private tours. In addition, you can also opt for aurora tours by boat or by super-jeep.

Here you can find the complete selection of aurora tours on GetYourGuide or on Viator . We do not recommend booking with suppliers directly, because their cancelation policy is usually not as flexible. Furthermore, if something goes wrong, it’s practically impossible to get your money back.

We recommend GetYourGuide as the very best website for any tour bookings. They have the most flexible cancelation policy and excellent customer service.

TIP: Some tours offer a free retry if you don’t get to see auroras on the first day. So it’s best to plan your tours at the beginning of the trip. That way, if you don’t get to see them and your tour offers this possibility, you can still try to reschedule for later.

Here are some of the best Northern Lights tours from Reykjavik:

• Bus tour . This has been the best-rated big bus Northern Lights tour in Iceland for several years. It also includes a free ticket to the Aurora Museum in Reykjavik. Furthermore, if you don’t see auroras on the first day, you get a free retry. This tour is much cheaper than minibus tours.
• Minibus tour . This is one of the best price-quality aurora tours from Reykjavik for those who prefer to go with a smaller group.
• Guided tour with photos . This tour includes warm drinks, blankets, and free pictures that your guides take of the Northern Lights you see that evening.
• Luxury yacht tour.  This boat tour is very popular, but you should know that it can get really cold and bumpy on the water. On the other hand, you can stay inside the luxury boat and only come outside when there is something to see. It’s also very difficult to take good pictures of the Northern Lights from a moving boat, but if you are looking for an amazing experience rather than documenting it, then this is a very nice option. And if you don’t get to see auroras, at least you see some nice scenery and have a pleasant relaxing evening.

READ ALSO: Best Winter Tours in Iceland

An alternative way to see Northern Lights in Iceland

If you are visiting Iceland in summer or if the weather turns out really bad and you don’t get a chance to see the Northern Lights in real life, we recommend that you pay a visit to the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik .

Among other things, you’ll be able to see the Perlan Arora Show, which is almost as good as the real thing. It’s very well done and is absolutely impressive!

I have seen auroras in Iceland and Norway multiple times, but I still found this aurora show worth a visit.

LEARN MORE: Perlan Museum in Reykjavik & Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

How to photograph the Northern Lights

Northern Lights photography is a bit tricky. First, it’s dark and very cold. Also, if you are lucky to see a really good display, the auroras will be moving and changing intensity all the time. And finally, most tourists only get to see auroras once or twice and don’t have much chance to practice or perfect their aurora photography skills. Often, you’ll be glad if you have one chance!

So if you want to try to take some pictures of the Northern Lights, you have to prepare in advance! And no, you don’t have to be a professional photographer, but it definitely helps to know some basic tips and camera settings to start with.

We have compiled some of our best tips and suggestions for aurora photography for beginners in a separate guide. Click on the link below to read all about it.

LEARN MORE: Northern Lights Photography Tips

To summarize, here are some of the most asked questions in regard to seeing auroras in Iceland:

The best months to see the Northern Lights in Iceland are between September and March. That’s when the nights are long and dark enough for viewing auroras.

Northern Lights displays can last for just a few seconds, but they can also last for several hours. I have seen aurora displays that lasted no longer than 5 seconds, but I have also seen magnificent aurora shows that lasted several hours. Sometimes, they stop but then reappear again and the show can go on for hours.

Yes, it’s possible to see Northern Lights in Reykjavik. If the aurora display is very strong, you can sometimes see it despite the lights of the city (I have even seen them from my hotel window in Reykjavik). That being said, your chances are always higher in the darker places, a bit outside the city center. The area around Grótta Island Lighthouse is one of the best places to see auroras in Reykjavik.

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights even if there is a full moon. If the auroras are weak, then the strong moonlight might make it more difficult to see them. But if auroras are strong, it’s definitely possible. Once, I saw a magnificent aurora show that lasted more than 3 hours under the full moon.

If the conditions are right, you can see the Northern Lights EVERYWHERE in Iceland. There is not one place or region of Iceland that’s better for viewing auroras than another.

If you are visiting Iceland between September and October, there is always a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. However, auroras are a natural phenomenon and you need clear skies in order to see them, so you really cannot plan or predict it in advance.

While Iceland is a very good place to see the Northern Lights, it’s not the very best place in the world. Because of its location directly on the Aurora Ring, the Tromsø area in Norway is considered one of the very best places to see the Northern Lights in the world. There, you can see auroras even if the activity is very low and the chances for clear skies are higher. More information – Northern Lights in Tromso .

More tips for your winter trip to Iceland:

• Useful info: Tips for Visiting Iceland in Winter
• Bucket list: Best Things to Do in Iceland in Winter
• Good to know:   Iceland Travel Tips
• Must-read: Driving in Iceland in Winter
• Packing:  What to Wear in Iceland in Winter
• Itinerary:  The Best Iceland Winter Itinerary & 1 Day in Reykjavik
• Where to stay:  Where to Stay in Iceland & Where to Stay in Reykjavik
• Airport transfers:  How to Get to Reykjavik from Keflavik Airport
• Budget:  How Expensive is Iceland (& How to Save Money)
• Tours: Best Winter Tours from Reykjavik

READ ALSO: Best Places to See on the South Coast of Iceland

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Lindsey Wilson-Willis

Monday 6th of November 2023

Hi there. Thanks for the article. Really helpful. We are in Reykjavik tonight only. Where will be best to try and see the NLs. Thank you,

@Jurga, we have a car…. Are you able to recommend a ‘good chance’ destination? Thanks again. Lindsey

Hi Lindsey, I see on the aurora forecast map that cloud coverage doesn't look great for Reykjavik tonight, but there are some openings nearby, so maybe you have a chance. Going on a tour (by bus or boat) would increase your chances. But if you rather stay in the city, then it's best to go to the darkest waterfront areas. For example, to Grótta Island Lighthouse, which is located a bit outside of the center in the area that has less light pollution. Good luck!

Monday 26th of December 2022

Great article! However, our travel plans put us to arrive April 18th and it seems most of the tours stop April 15th...can you recommend a good way to try and see them without a tour? Would it just be to rent a car and drive somewhere?

Tuesday 27th of December 2022

Hi Kelly, most tours stop because it becomes too light at that time of the year and the chances of seeing auroras are really low. Even April 15 is probably already stretched. That being said, you can always see how the conditions are, and if it’s dark enough and there is a strong aurora activity, just go outside and wait. But it has to be really dark so it helps if you’re not in the middle of the city. You can download some aurora apps and keep an eye on what they predict, but don’t count on it at that time of the year.

Angela Hunter

Friday 17th of December 2021

Beautiful shots of the light show, thank you so much for sharing them. I didn’t know that some of the light is only seen for a few seconds.

I can’t wait until the airline restrictions are lifted. I would be there in a minute!

Monday 20th of December 2021

Hi Angela, yes, auroras are quite unpredictable and you never really know what 'show' you're going to get. Hope you can experience it one day!

Tuesday 24th of August 2021

I teach - so very limited in when I can travel to Iceland. If I am traveling in early August, and go pretty North (like porshofn or Raudanes Point), and ensure that I am at that point during the new moon. What are the chances of seeing Northern Lights?

Wednesday 25th of August 2021

@Jurga, thank you so much for your answer! I think this will then just be a hiking/waterfalls hike.

I teach college so not as many days off and my spouse is so low on the totem pole at their job that taking days off around holidays os not happening. So we will have to plan something else for northern lights. Maybe Norway :-)

Hi Sally, unfortunately, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights anywhere in early August are pretty much 0. It just doesn't get dark enough yet up North. The earliest you could hope to see them is from approximately the last week of August. Also, in summer, it's actually lighter the further north you go. So going to the northernmost point in Iceland in early August would just give you even more daylight than staying in Reykjavik (not that any of that matters much because it simply doesn't get dark at night at that time of the year). Having said all this, we travel with kids and can also only travel during school holidays. Still, we have quite a few holidays that fall between September and March (potentially early April), so if you have any vacations during that time of the year, it would be a much better chance for auroras. On the other hand, Iceland is also amazing in early August and well worth a trip even though you won't see auroras (but can witness the midnight sun). It's just a totally different experience traveling there in summer or in winter.

VISITING ICELAND IN OCTOBER!

Spending October in Iceland?

Excellent choice!

October is one of the best months to see this beautiful country and enjoy everything it has to offer!

From hikes to hot springs, from walking on glaciers to whale watching & northern lights, Iceland in October has it all!

Keep reading to get all my local tips for an unforgettable trip to Iceland in October!

IS OCTOBER A GOOD TIME TO VISIT ICELAND?

In one word, yes! October is a great time to visit Iceland for a number of reasons. While the summer months are perfect for outdoor activities, October also has good weather and also a major plus; you can see the northern lights! ​

As the good weather persists even through October, you will find very few days with wind or rain.

In my opinion, October in Iceland is one of the most beautiful months.​ The fall just begins to set on the Icelandic nature, making the landscape even more dramatic and majestic.

Photographers in particular will definitely enjoy October in Iceland.​ There is nothing quite like the Icelandic landscape and its rawness once the autumn sets in. The rivers and the waterfalls become wilder, the clouds roll in, and the earth is covered in golden grass. It can't get much better than that!

It's no wonder that many choose to film in Iceland in October. Even the most mundane landscape can look like a whole different world!​

Click here to view our best local selection of tours and activities in October.

WEATHER IN ICELAND IN OCTOBER

​You might worry that the notorious Icelandic weather will foil your plans for a nice trip to Iceland. However, there is no reason to worry! October's weather will -most likely -treat you very nicely.​

The average temperatures in October ranges from 10°C (50°F) to 0°C (32°F).

That might sound quite low, but the cold in Iceland isn't...well, that cold! As long as there is no windchill, 10°C is actually quite nice!​ You might even see some locals in t-shirts, but I would not recommend it!

While there might be some rain and wind during your trip, it won't prevent you from having a great time. The rain in October is barely a drizzle, and there are definitely no storms!

Another thing you won't find in Iceland in October is snow -at least nowhere but on the mountaintops. So, if you want to enjoy a white landscape​ or go skiing, I would recommend visiting Iceland another time.

However, if you want nothing to do with snow, but still want some darkness for the northern lights, then October is the month for you! I will tell you more about the northern lights in October in a minute!

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR TRIP TO ICELAND IN OCTOBER

Since it's so hard to predict the weather in Iceland, you might be wondering what you should bring with you on your trip. Simply put, layers, layers and more layers!​ They can keep you warm in the cold, and you can take them off during the warmer parts of the day.​

Here is a packing list to help you prepare for your trip!​

• Thermals! Bring some good base layers to keep you warm when you explore Iceland, and make sure your tops are moisture-wicking to stay dry throughout the day
• Sweaters and hoodies
• Jeans, sweatpants and other comfortable clothes that you can wear while exploring the Icelandic nature!
• Good hiking boots for your adventures!
• Wind and rain-proof jacket. You'll want to stay dry when you visit the famous Icelandic waterfalls! If you can get a pair of pants, bring that too! You never know what the Icelandic weather will throw at you
• A swimsuit and sunscreen. You might think you don't need them, but the swimsuit is necessary for all the amazing hot springs you can find in Iceland! The sunscreen is also a must, as due to the geographical location of Iceland, the sun can easily give you a sunburn
• Some party clothes that you can wear when you go partying in downtown Reykjavik or to one of Reykjavik's amazing restaurants, if that is more of your thing
• Your camera! You'll want to take a lot of pictures!

CAN YOU SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ICELAND IN OCTOBER?

Absolutely! October is, in fact, one of the best months to see the northern lights in Iceland!

In order to see the northern lights, three conditions need to be met; darkness, clear skies and high northern lights activity. (You can become an expert on the subject by reading our 'Guide to Northern Lights' here. )

​With an average of 15 hours of darkness, October is ideal to see the northern lights. Furthermore, as the weather in October is generally nice, there is a good chance that there will be no clouds obstructing your view!

Finding the northern lights on your own takes some planning where you'll need to monitor both the weather and northern lights forecast carefully - along with some careful driving on the icy roads.

You can save yourself the headache by simply booking an awesome small group northern lights tour. The tour is operated by local experts that will take the group to the best spot each particular night with the highest chances of seeing the amazing aurora borealis (northern lights). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Click here for more details and tickets on the Northern Lights tour.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND IN OCTOBER

Since you are coming all the way to Iceland, you might want some tips on the best tours and activities to ensure a truly memorable trip!

Keep reading to find out about all my suggestions for the best tours in Iceland in October!

1. THE REYKJAVIK FOOD WALK TOUR

The best way to get to know a new city, country and culture is through it's amazing food ... and with a fun local by your side!

On Reykjavik Food Walk, you'll visit the best restaurants and local hangouts to enjoy a a variety of delicious Icelandic food.

1) This tour is packed with food. So we recommend showing up hungry and skipping breakfast / lunch if you're joining the lunch tours. Or skipping dinner if you're joining the food tour during the evening.

2) 99% of guests book the Reykjavik Food Walk for their first or second day in Reykjavik - for good reason. It's always a great to get your bearings early, learn about Reykjavik and it's best restaurants at the start of your trip.

Check out what our most recent customers had to say about the tour!

Our Reykjavik Food Walk is top-rated on food & drink activity to in Iceland on TripAdvisor with more then 7,000+ 5-star reviews.

Included in the tour:​

• See all the highlights of Reykjavik
• Visit five to six local restaurants that offer the best authentic Icelandic cuisine
• Enjoy over 7 mouth-watering Icelandic cuisines
• Learn about Icelandic history and culture, and forge friendships with some real vikings!

As it's a popular small group activity - we recommend booking and securing your tickets in advance.

Click here for more info and best tickets prices for Reykjavik Food Walk here. ​ ​

2. EXPLORE THE SOUTH COAST OF ICELAND

Another must-see highlight in Iceland is the South Coast.

Incredible waterfalls, black sand beaches, glaciers and Vík!

So many amazing sights. So much fun!

If you're looking do to only one sightseeing tour while in Iceland - then we recommend this one (even though the Golden Circle and Snæfellsnes are incredible as well.)

In October, the entire shore is painted in grays and browns, making for some stunning views!​

What you'll experience:​

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, one of the most magical waterfalls in the world! You can walk behind it for a truly unique experience!
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall. Skógafoss is one of Iceland's biggest waterfalls, measuring at 60m (200ft). As a result, it sprays a lot of water and you can often see a rainbow!
• Visit Reynisfjara or Black Sand beach. Enjoy the crashing waves on one side and the basalt column formations on the other. There are even some rocks thought to be trolls!
• Visit the coastal town of Vík, which is quintessentially Icelandic!
• Visit Solheimajokull glacier (other tours won't take you there!) and maybe even discover an ice cave if you are lucky!

Click here for more info and tickets on small group South Coast tour.

P.S. It's possible to combine the South Coast with an incredible glacier hike.

3. NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

As I mentioned earlier, October is arguably one of the best times to see the northern lights in Iceland. ​If you travel to Iceland in October, I believe it is a must to take our northern lights tour. You wouldn't want to miss such a great chance to see them!​

​Due to the high quality of our tour, spots are booked in advance. You can book your spot here and make sure you don't miss the best chance to see the northern lights on your trip ! ​

4. GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR

The Golden Circle is arguably one of Iceland's highlights. If you only have a few hours to spare and want to see the Icelandic nature up close, I definitely recommend our exploring the Golden Circle of Iceland.

From magnificent waterfalls to...well, the exact opposite of waterfalls (Geysir), the Golden Circle has it all!

In my opinion, no one should leave Iceland without ​seeing the Golden Circle, as it is not only one (or rather three) of the most beautiful places in the world, it is also quintessentially Icelandic. It truly is one of the best examples of Icelandic nature!

What you do:​

• Visit Thingvellir National Park, where you can walk between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates (and also see one of my favorite waterfalls called Öxaráfoss).
• Visit Gullfoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland. Its enormous power and otherworldly beauty are sure to enchant you!
• Visit the geothermal area of Geysir. While many people think that the geyser you will see there is Geysir, it's actually its little brother Strokkur. Geysir stopped erupting years ago, but Strokkur, ever the crowd pleaser, erupts around every eight minutes.
• Visit the Faxi waterfall. Our tour is the only tour that takes you there!
• See some Icelandic horses. If conditions allow, the driver will stop and you can get close to them!
• Enjoy the Icelandic nature during the drive. The Golden Circle has amazing views, even if you are in a car!

Click here for more info and ticket to the small group Golden Circle tour. ​

5. GOLDEN CIRCLE AND HOT SPRING TOUR

October is a great month to visit some hot springs. And what better place to do that than Iceland, with its hundreds of hot springs?

As the weather is nice, but not too hot, you will be comfortable in the water, but also your hair won't freeze!

The Secret Lagoon is my favorite hot spring, personally, and I think that it really is worth a visit, maybe even more than the Blue Lagoon​.

The water is the perfect temperature, the surroundings are gorgeous, and the lagoon isn't too crowded. In the Golden Circle and Hot Spring tour , you get everything that the Golden Circle tour offers, and then at the end, we'll take you to the Secret Lagoon for a relaxing dip!

Book a spot for the most relaxing tour in Iceland here!

6. GO WHALE WATCHING

Whales are truly magnificent creatures. Luckily for us, they have a permanent home in Iceland!​ Our Whale Watching tour will take you closer to them than any other tour, as well. 

October is a great time to see the whales in Iceland, as the weather is still nice and the sea is calm. There is no strong winds to rock the boat!

Furthermore, our tour leaves from downtown Reykjavik, so it's very convenient for you to catch it! Learn more about the tour and book your spot here!​

7. HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR

You have probably heard of the Icelandic horse. This breed has five natural gaits, which is two more than most horse breeds!

While you have probably seen them, either on a picture or driving by an Icelandic farm (you may have even gotten to pet some!), you probably haven't ridden one. So, why not try horseback riding? October is a great month to go horseback riding on an Icelandic horse, as it won't be too cold during your ride!​

This horseback riding tour is only minutes away from Reykjavik, and you can explore some Icelandic nature with your new furry friends! If you have never ridden a horse before, don't worry! We'll show you the ropes. ​

Learn more about our horseback riding tour here!​ ​

8. GLACIER HIKE AND WATERFALLS TOUR

Do you love hiking? Then this glacier hiking tour is for you! ​Hiking up a glacier is an unforgettable experience, and I would recommend it to everyone. There is nothing quite like conquering an Icelandic glacier!

​Going glacier hiking in Iceland in October means that your hike will be a little easier, as the weather will most likely be nice. Furthermore, the conditions on the glacier are much more favorable in autumn.​

What you get:​

• Visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
• Visit Skógafoss waterfall.
• Hike up Sólheimajökull glacier
• Climb up parts of the glacier (optional)
• Hiking and climbing gear
• Experienced guides who will give you all the information and help you need!

Find out more about the glacier hiking tour and book a spot here! ​

9. GO SNORKELING IN ​SILFRA

Silfra is one of the most unique places to go snorkeling. I highly recommend trying it, as it is a truly unforgettable experience!

While the water is Silfra is always cold, you will be wearing a diving suit. The weather in October is great for snorkeling, as there will be plenty of light and it won't be too cold.

Silfra is a fissure that opened between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, so you will be snorkeling between them! Furthermore, the visibility in Silfra reaches up to 100m, making it one of the best diving spots in the world!​

• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Snorkel in Silfra
• Swim between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates
• Diving gear
• Certified divemaster

Book a spot in the tour here!

LOOKING FOR MORE TOURS?

These tours are my personal suggestions, from me to you. Don't forget to check out our other tours, though! And remember to book ahead, as spots are limited and usually booked way in advance!

VIEW MORE TOURS!

EVENTS IN OCTOBER IN ICELAND

October in Iceland is not a very busy month when it comes to events. Maybe after the plethora of events during the summer, Icelandic people just want a bit of a break!

However, I do have a couple of suggestions for you about events that you can catch if you visit Iceland in October.​

REYKJAVIK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

This festival takes place at the end of September to the beginning of October, so you might just catch some of it. It's the perfect festival for film enthusiasts, as it includes groundbreaking films from over 40 countries!

Apart from screenings (which can take place in the most unlikely of places, such as a swimming pool or a filmmaker's house!), you can also attend workshops, concerts and exhibitions. The eleven-day festival is held and organized by people who are enthusiastic about film and filmmaking, and its aim is to support up-and-coming creatives.

The price for the entire festival is 14900kr (about 150 USD), but you can also purchase a pass for fewer screenings. You can find more details on their official website!​

LIGHTING OF THE IMAGINE PEACE TOWER

Created by Yoko Ono in memory of John Lenon, the Imagine Peace Tower is a colossal work of art that represents a beacon of peace.

The tower emits a huge beam of lights, which looks different depending on the weather and how cloudy the sky is. It never looks the same!

Yoko Ono decided to erect the tower in Iceland partly because it uses renewable energy and partly because Iceland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

You can catch the lighting of this spectacular beam on October 9!​

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM A LOCAL

Northern lights over Kirkjufell mountain in Iceland

​I truly believe that visiting Iceland in October is an excellent choice. I have some tips for you that will make your trip to Iceland in October even better!

1. BRING A DSLR AND A TRIPOD

If you visit Iceland in October, you will want to take some pictures of the northern lights, of course! While sometimes you can capture them on your phone, your best bet is a DSLR camera and a tripod, so that you can do a long exposure.

Having a lens with a wide aperture will also help a lot! You want to get those lights as bright as possible!

​2. KEEP WARM CLOTHES WITH YOU

The weather in Iceland can be very unpredictable. If you visit Iceland in October, it's hard to judge what the weather is going to be like every day or even how it will change throughout the day.

I recommend that you have some lighter clothes with you, but that you also bring some good layers and that you always have warm clothes with you, especially when you go outside of Reykjavik. The weather in Iceland in October can change rapidly, and it's better to be safe!​

SOME FINAL WORDS

Iceland in October is absolutely breathtaking. There is nothing quite like the Icelandic landscapes in autumn! So, if you visit Iceland in October, make sure that you take a lot of pictures!​

Did you enjoy my tips and recommendations? Do you think there's something I've missed? Let me know in the comments! And don't forget to share with fellow travelers!

I hope this blog was helpful, and I hope you have a lot of fun on your trip!​

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NORTHERN LIGHTS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

Can you see the northern lights in september and october when is the best time of year to see the northern lights what makes the shoulder months so special where is the best place to see the northern lights in september and october should i join an organised tour what else is there to do in september and october, these northern lights questions are asked a lot.  we thought we’d help the shoulder month traveler figure out how best to plan their trip. many of these tips also apply to late march and early april..

Northern Lights hunting can be tricky to spot at any time of year. The shorter nighttime hours during the shoulder months can make it harder. However the weather is often better in the shoulder periods, giving more clear nights, which is crucial.  And these better weather periods and longer days allow more exciting day time activities to be added in. Some dedicated Northern Lights tour companies will wait until later in the night before departing Reykjavik. After all, you are unlikely to see Northern Lights until it’s completely dark. This makes planning the following day’s adventures as a traveler a little harder if you’re out until late at night searching the sky. So we’ve compiled a short list of tips to help you get the best of your trip to Iceland in the shoulder months.

Why should I visit Iceland in September or October?

Firstly, let me caveat this post by saying that there are lots of reasons other than the northern lights to come to iceland in september and october. hiking on glaciers , sneaking behind waterfalls and watching the autumn round up of sheep are just some of the benefits. , another benefit of september and october travel is the fewer visitors than the main summer months. so for anyone who has read that iceland is suddenly overcrowded perhaps these months are for you. hotels and other accommodation options become cheaper as they change to winter pricing and often are giving out great deals in some cases you can spend as little as half the summer price in these shoulder months., if you are lucky, the weather can remain quite warm and pleasant in these months before the winter cold snap. it rarely drops below freezing point until november. you may encounter a little more wind and rain than july and august but then you also may encounter the aurora borealis at night too. worth the extra layers in our opinion.  walking on glaciers and other outdoor adventures are less impacted by the weather, compared to winter months. we as a company actually glacier hike all year round but the hiking in september and october are particularly fantastic. the blue ice starts to emerge from the crunchy summer crust, making your pictures even more incredible., daylight hours are still long enough to maximise your daytime adventures. even at the end of october it’s likely you will catch the perfect sunset as you leave the jökulsárlón glacier lagoon for the day rather than being engulfed in darkness. , lastly, according to aurora forecast you are twice as likely to see the northern lights closer to the equinox than you are to the solstice meaning september and october are excellent months for spotting them., so perhaps you will get lucky and see the perfect northern lights show while visiting. if you aren’t lucky then at least you’ll still have a fantastic time at this time of year. .

The best place to see the northern lights in Iceland

This answer surprisingly does change quite a lot at this time of year. what options do you have after a day tour after being dropped off from the snaefellsnes peninsula , for instance, with a favorable forecast you can see the northern lights in reykjavik. simply walking towards the harbour or away from direct light it is possible to see the northern lights in reykjavik. in september and early october most northern lights tour companies will not pick you up until 9/9:30 pm to commence the tour. this means that you have plenty of time to return from your day tour and prepare for a night out looking for northern lights. although this can obviously affect your plans the next day with the late start. , we advise our guest to spend the night out of reykjavík in locations that are away from the city lights, increasing your chances of seeing the northern lights on a clear winter, starry sky. our overnight tours are perfect for this.

Pick the right accommodation

Location is everything when it comes to finding the northern lights. the idea that you have to travel north for the best view is a fallacy. however, staying away from street lights and well lit areas isn’t. make sure when booking your hotel that you check if they have optimal viewing spots like at lilja guest house in the south east on a secluded farm. we often sleep here on our two day trip along the south coast., avoid hotels close to a mountain range. you want the entire sky to be visible to enhance your chances even more. hotel ranga for example is in an open field with only the stars to distract you. you can even arrange for a wake up call if the lights appear overnight. this is one of our favourite hotels to stop at when running extended private trips ., if you are keen to join hidden iceland’s small group trips but still want to chance to spot the northern lights then staying out of the city overnight in the small town of hveragerði is a perfect option. this town is only 40 minutes from reykjavík and allows us to drop and pick up here for certain tours. we would recommend doing our popular south coast: fire and ice tour first, sleep overnight in hveragerði, then be picked up by us the following day to join the golden circle: platinum tour . the wonderful hotel frost and fire is the perfect place to stay. located just on the edge of town, the onsite hot pools are the perfect spot from which to search the skies..

Join an organised tour that includes other activities

Our view at hidden iceland is that the northern lights can be hit or miss. one night you will see a magical dancing curtain of green across the sky. another night you may see a pale white streak. another the sky will be blanketed by clouds. this means there’s a high chance you could be left disappointed. we don’t like that., so why not combine your northern light hunting with other activities. our two day tour takes you to some of the most magical spots along the south coast. on the first day we stop by the reynisfjara black sand beach, jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and thunderous waterfalls other places before getting to a secluded country hotel., after dinner you are free to pop in and out of your room to check on the aurora activity. fingers crossed you get to see something that night. if not then the warmth and comfort of your room is only a few steps away. on day 2 we start off nice and easy with another trip to the jökulsárlón glacier lagoon after breakfast before heading on an extended glacier hike at the newly designated unesco protected vatnajökull national park., if by the end of this adventurous two days you didn’t get to see the northern lights then you would have still had an unforgettable time anyway. this trip can be made to be a private trip and combined with other day trips to extend it into 3 days or more. .

Bring the right camera and understand how to use it

The ‘right’ camera actually covers quite a lot of options. on a high activity night most modern dslr cameras should do the trick if you know how to use it. even the newest smartphones has the capacity to capture the green colours with the right settings and a steady hand. although a dslr camera will always produce better photos. a tripod is essential to ensure you get the clearest photos when shooting with long shutter speeds., the camera often helps to spot the northern lights when the activity is very low. the northern lights is one of the few things that can look better on your camera than the naked eye. the sensors on modern cameras are much more sensitive to light than our eyes., many of our guides are experienced photographers so can play around with your camera to set it up correctly.  though if you want a detailed ‘how to’ then this blog post by aurora forecast is excellent. this website is also great for accurate short term forecasting ..

Happy hunting!

Either way, iceland in these shoulder months has plenty of things to see and do. if the weather holds up you can enjoy beautiful sunsets, empty landscapes, warmer temperatures, adventures across the country and of course hunting for the northern lights. theres plenty more to see than just the northern lights in september and october., hidden iceland specialise in personalised small group trips or bespoke private tour options. come and find the best of iceland..

Hi, I am Ryan Connolly; Co-Founder and Marketing Manager of Hidden Iceland.

I’ve guided in multiple countries around the world and stepped foot on all 7 continents. my passion for the outdoors, science, nature, glaciers and volcanoes has led me to study and  write about many aspects of my adopted home, iceland. i have been interviewed by  forbes ,  conde nast traveller  and  travel pulse  on various subjects such as over tourism, climate change and sustainable tourism., leave a reply cancel reply.

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8 Day - Iceland Northern Lights Tour

• Northern Lights
• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrival Day - Reykjavík City Sightseeing - Northern Light by Boat
• Day 2 Golden Circle and South Coast
• Day 3 Vík - Skaftafell - Glacier Lagoon - Höfn
• Day 4 East Fjords - Djúpivogur - Egilsstaðir
• Day 5 Dettifoss - Mývatn - Godafoss - Akureyri
• Day 6 Whale watching in Dalvík - Siglufjörður -Tröllaskagi - Borgarnes
• Day 7 Borgarfjörður - Northern Lights Mini Bus
• Day 8 Final Day - Reykjavik

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Arctic Adventures

Arctic Adventures is a leading Icelandic tour operator with over 30 years of experience servicing clients in adventure tours in Iceland. Our tour company offers a great selection of guided adventure tours in Iceland, including glacier tours, self-drive, group, incentive, mountain climbing, ice climbing, cross country skiing and more. We have a tour for people of all ages. If you or your travel group is looking for an adventure with environmental sustainability and your safety in mind, Arctic Adventures is a good choice as the tour operator for your next Iceland vacation.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.5
• Itinerary Excellent 4.3
• Guide Excellent 4.6
• Transport Excellent 4.4
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Excellent 4.1
• Tour Operator Arctic Adventures 4.5
• Most Recent
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• DS Dewi · 23rd December 2023 Very happy with the tour guide and how he showed and told stuff. I found the 2 nights I stayed in reyikavik in a row in two different hotels and it cause some confusion and frustration. Overall very happy tour and enjoyed it a lot Trip date: December 2023
• JW Jeffrey · 14th December 2023 I went there in December. It was cooold but fun. We explored ice caves, watched Northern Light, walked on the glaciers, soaked in hot spring, saw a few frozen foss (waterfall), looked daimonds (broken ices) on the beach, whale-watched, visited horse... Show more Trip date: December 2023
• AL Adrian · 27th November 2023 The tour was great, our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. Our safety was prioritized and there were some things that we were not able to see but that's Iceland. It was a great way to get to know Iceland and now I have an idea of where to go and... Show more Trip date: November 2023
• LL Laurie · 6th November 2023 We enjoyed the people of Iceland very much. We were disappointed that there was no one to greet us on our first morning after arriving from the US. We were on our own and the weather was frightful. Our tour guide was nice enough but did not extend... Show more Trip date: October 2023
• AD Alan · 28th October 2023 Excellent. Amazing scenery, tour guide was exceptional, providing a flexible itinerary when inclement weather impacted the schedule. His historical, geological and local knowledge was amazing.An incredible tour. Trip date: October 2023

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency kr Iceland Krona Iceland

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 27th May 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 27th May 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Arctic Adventures. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 35 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Arctic Adventures will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Arctic Adventures" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Arctic Adventures. Please familiarise yourself with the Arctic Adventures payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Northern Lights tour packages in Iceland

Wintry Iceland makes the perfect backdrop for seeking out the Northern Lights. On an Iceland Northern Lights tour with Iceland Tours, you get places to stay, local transport, and loads of chances to spot the Aurora. And there’s plenty to keep you busy in the day too.

• Chances to chase down the Northern Lights
• Daily breakfast at your accommodation
• 24/7 helpline whilst you’re in Iceland
• Winter adventure activities available to add

18 trips found

Iceland Ultimate Day Tripper with Northern Lights

Combine a stay in wintry Reykjavík with guided day tours into the frosted countryside.

Christmas Wonders of Iceland Group Adventure

Spend Christmas in Iceland and glimpse waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and more

Northern Lights Ring Road Group Adventure

Explore jaw-dropping landscapes and learn about local culture from an expert guide.

Winter Wonders of Iceland – Big Group Adventure

Set off on a wintry adventure around the south coast.

Winter Wonders of Iceland – Small Group Adventure

Discover top attractions in winter with a local guide.

Active Iceland Fire and Ice Expedition

Experience glaciers up close and walk in the footsteps of lava.

Iceland Ring Road Winter Group Adventure

Travel around this winter wonderland with an expert guide.

Ice Adventure Day Tripper with Northern Lights

The super customizable one.

Active Iceland Fire and Ice Expedition with Northern Lights

Immerse yourself in jaw-dropping natural beauty

Ice Cave & Golden Circle Day Tripper with Northern Lights

Experience the best of Icelandic winter.

Iceland Thrill and Relax Winter Combo

Experience ice caving, snowmobiling, chasing the aurora, and more.

Golden Circle Day Tripper with Northern Lights

The perfect customizable winter escape.

Showing 12 of 18 trips

About our Iceland Northern Lights vacations

Iceland is the perfect wintry playground for a different kind of escape. On a Northern Lights trip to Iceland, you can spend the day surrounded by incredible nature and while away the nights spotting the Aurora. With these Iceland package holidays, the Northern Lights is just one reason to book. We arrange everything for you, including accommodation, local transport, and activities. That way you can focus on hunting down the majestic norðurljós (Aurora Borealis). We also offer a range of travel styles, including self-drive, multi-day bus tours, and more. So you can find the perfect trip for you, one you’ll remember for a lifetime!

• Secure your trip today with just a 5% deposit
• Easily cancel or amend your booking
• Get great value for money across all our trips
• Receive a detailed itinerary packed with suggestions

Don’t take our word for it

See what hundreds of fellow travelers have to say about their trips with Iceland Tours.

FAQs about Iceland Northern Lights tour packages

What are the northern lights.

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon found in Iceland and other Arctic countries. They’re caused by the solar wind – streams of particles given off by the Sun – interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field.

You’ll notice them as colorful ribbons of blue, green, purple, and sometimes red light dancing across the sky. They’re a breathtaking sight and one that’ll stick in your mind.

Find out more about them in this guide to the Northern Lights .

When can you see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Aurora are actually there all year round, but to be able to see them you need darkness. This means you’ll want to visit in the winter months of October to March to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland.

They start to become visible in the fall , from the very end of August onwards, and can be spotted as late as April , during spring in Iceland . The only thing is the nights are shorter, so there’s less pure darkness, meaning it can be trickier to see the Aurora during that time.

Luckily, there’s plenty to do in Iceland in winter. It’s a great time to visit, Northern Lights or not!

Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

Any spot with low levels of light pollution should be good for hunting the Aurora. To find one, you’ll need to head out into the countryside, away from the city lights.

Of course, the Northern Lights are even more gobsmacking if you’re standing in an incredible landscape. Find out all about the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland .

You can also join Northern Lights tours led by experienced tour guides. They’ll take you out to an ideal hunting location and give you photography tips! You can even join the next excursion for free if you don’t spot them the first time around.

What is the best weather for seeing the Northern Lights?

To see this natural light show, you need 3 things:

• Clear conditions
• A dark night sky
• High levels of solar activity

Whilst you’re in Iceland, make sure to keep your eye on the weather forecasts for the right conditions. The weather doesn’t affect the intensity of the lights themselves, but you won’t be able to see them if there’s cloud cover.

If you get the right conditions, you might be lucky to enough to spot the magical Northern Lights twirling overhead.

How do you take pictures of the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are best seen with your own eyes, but it’s definitely possible to take a great picture of them with the right gear. You’ll need an SLR camera or a phone that allows you to take long exposures.

For the lights to show up on film, you should adjust the exposure time on your camera to at least 30 seconds or even a few minutes. It’s also worth bringing a tripod to keep the image nice and steady.

Capturing the lights on camera can make them look more vivid. With a bit of trial and error, you can get that jaw-dropping snap!

What else can you do on an Iceland Northern Lights vacation?

The Northern Lights season falls during Icelandic winter, when there is a whole bunch of exciting stuff to see and do:

• Explore glittering ice caves under the surface of a glacier
• Marvel at icicle-clad waterfalls on the south coast
• Relax and unwind in the warming hot springs
• Watch the Strokkur geyser erupt on the Golden Circle route
• Join a glacier snowmobiling or hiking tour
• See icebergs drift out to sea at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
• Spot snow-capped mountains in the distance
• Go whale watching off the coast of North Iceland
• Walk between the tectonic plates in Þingvellir National Park
• Dive into culture at Reykjavík’s museums and galleries

For even more ideas, see this guide to Iceland winter must-sees and must-dos .

What’s the weather like in Iceland in Northern Lights season?

In Iceland in winter, you can expect to see snow and ice on the mountaintops and on the ground. You’ll also feel a wintry wind, so make sure to wrap up warm!

Temperatures are low too, but not as low as you might expect. In December in Reykjavík for example, the average is around 1°C (34°F). It’ll be a few degrees colder in the countryside though.

The weather in Iceland turns on a dime. So don’t worry if the sky is looking overcast, it probably won’t be long until it clears up.

On these chilly winter nights, it’s lovely to stew in the Blue Lagoon or a local ‘hot pot’ (hot tub) after a day’s exploring. There are also plenty of natural hot springs if you’re after a wilder experience.

What’s included with your Iceland Northern Lights trips?

We offer a wide range of Northern Lights tours in Iceland. With all of our trips, you get:

• Accommodation
• Local transport
• Detailed itinerary

What’s more, all of the bus tour packages on this page include a Northern Lights excursion, with the chance to go out again if you don’t spot the Aurora.

Some of these packages also include activities such as ice caving or lava caving . Use the filters above to find these adventure-packed trips.

How do I book my trip with Iceland Tours?

Start by exploring the trips above. There are plenty of different ways to travel, including self-drive tours , multi-day tours from Reykjavík , guided group tours , and private tours .

On a self-drive trip, you can set your own pace and stop as little or as often as you like. This means you have the freedom to spend hours chasing down the Northern Lights if you want to.

On a multi-day trip, you’ll be joining different bus tours from Reykjavík each day. This includes a Northern Lights excursion on one evening. And you get the chance to go out again if you don’t catch the lights.

On a privately guided trip, your driver-guide will take you around all the main attractions. This also means you’ll get to chase the Northern Lights in a lesser-visited spot and get tips from a local pro!

Not sure how long your trip should be? Check out this guide to how many days you need in Iceland in winter .

Can I customize my Northern Lights trip?

Absolutely! With Iceland Tours, it’s easy for you to choose your preferred rental car (self-drive trips only) and accommodation level.

You can also extend your Iceland Aurora tour with extra nights before or after. You can add excursions on these days to see even more of Iceland’s incredible wintry landscapes, or simply chill in town. And you can make all of these changes yourself at checkout.

If you want to customize your trip further, you can get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help. Please note a customization fee applies in this case, see our terms and conditions for details.

When should I book my vacation?

It’s good to book your Iceland Northern Lights vacation a few months in advance. That way, you have plenty of time to get ready. This also means you can secure your trip with a low deposit of just 5%.

We accept bookings up to a week before your planned start date. If you book with less than 30 days’ notice though, you would need to pay the full trip price when you book.

Booking ahead is also a good idea to ensure there is good availability for your planned travel dates. Places can be limited, especially for Christmas and New Year’s tours , so don’t delay!

What should I pack for my Northern Lights trip?

Make sure you stay warm and comfortable in Iceland’s wintry weather by taking these things with you:

• Sturdy walking boots
• Warm winter coat
• Cozy thermal layers, such as sweaters and fleeces
• Waterproof trousers
• Wooly scarf, hat, and gloves
• Sunglasses (for low winter sun)
• Moisturizer and lip balm
• Swimming gear

The humidity in Iceland is low all year round, but especially in winter. Moisturizer will help keep your skin soft and comfortable.

It’s a good idea to throw in a pair of sunglasses, particularly if you’re driving. The winter sun tends to stay fairly close to the horizon.

Find out more about what to pack for Iceland in wintertime .

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17 Best Places To See the Northern Lights

Posted: February 8, 2024 | Last updated: February 8, 2024

One of the most enchanting natural phenomena in the Northern Hemisphere is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. On the proper night, with perfect weather conditions and peak solar activity, you can see the stunning lights that paint the night sky. Here are some of the best places to view the Northern Lights. 

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik offers so much to see and explore, like geothermal pools, volcanic tours, and excellent culture, but visitors should also check out the Northern Lights that appear between September and April. Just a short journey to Hofdabrekka, near Vik in southern Iceland , Aurora Borealis enthusiasts can soak up this wondrous site.

Travel writer Ashlee Fechino shares, “I saw the Northern Lights in September while flying into Reykjavik. It was spectacular and I will remember it for the rest of my life.”

2. Abisko National Park, Sweden

One of the very best places to see the Northern Lights in Sweden is in Abisko National Park. Located in the very north of Sweden, along the Norwegian Sea, visitors can watch in wonder while these beautiful lights dance and fill the winter night sky.

3. Westfjords, Iceland

Long hours in Westfjords and North Iceland make them ideal locations to see the Northern Lights. As a popular viewing destination, there are many tours you can join throughout the area. Plan your trip to Iceland anywhere from September through April for the best chance of spotting the Lights. 

4. Lower and Upper Peninsula, Michigan, U.S.

Find a spot along the Great Lakes of Michigan for the best viewing, preferably somewhere dark without ambient light. The best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Michigan is April, October, and November–though the lights tend to flare throughout the winter into spring.

5. Yellowknife, Canada

About 250 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Yellowknife is part of Canada’s northwest territories. Yellowknife is also the Northern Lights Capital of the North American continent, making it a great destination. Visitors may start to see the lights anywhere from September through the end of March. 

6. Tromso, Norway

Tromso has darkness and good weather that’s conducive to seeing the lights. Book your trip in late January or early February to glimpse the Northern Lights. You can even see them from the cable car on Storsteinen Mountain. 

7. Lapland, Finland

Native Sami people of Finnish Lapland believe the lights occur because of fire foxes running so fast across the sky that their tails brush against the mountains and create sparks in the sky. With an average of 200 nights per year of Aurora Borealis (which means arctic dawn) from September to March, the best time to catch the light show is right before midnight. 

8. Oymyakon, Siberia

The story goes that God looked down on what he created and dropped diamonds that fell across the Yakutia region, which are the Northern Lights often seen in Siberia. Oymyakon is a remote location, but the trip and time spent with locals in their homes (there are no hotels in the area) will make the journey worth it. 

9. Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.

Fairbanks is a popular spot for tourists to stop on their trip to Alaska, with the upside of possibly seeing the Northern Lights during their stay. Many local hotels also offer complimentary wake-up calls to let you know when the lights are out. Talk about full service!

10. Ilulissat, Greenland

Inuit people of Greenland hold to their belief that the lights were spirits of the dead playing games in the sky with–get this–a walrus skull. Most of the country is uninhabited, which makes it a great place to see the lights without city light pollution. Ilulissat is one of the most popular areas in Greenland for viewing during the autumn months. 

11. Churchill, Canada

Rumor has it that Churchill in Manitoba boasts a whopping 300 nights of visibility of the Northern Lights. You’ll have a good chance of seeing the lights for most of the year. However, visitors should plan their trip to northwestern Canada from January to March for the best time for viewing. 

12. Isle of Skye, Scotland

In Scotland, the Northern Lights are known by locals as the “merry dancers,” thought to be fallen angels and warriors. Autumn and winter see a decrease in visitors, making it the perfect time to travel to one of the most iconic destinations in the country to view the Northern Lights. 

13. Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Another ideal location in Greenland–one of the best in the world–is in the small village of Kangerlussuaq. With less than 1,000 people with limited artificial lights and clear skies, you can experience the Aurora Borealis from October through April. 

14. Svalbard, Norway

Adventure seekers get the most out of their trip to Svalbard. Aside from joining a tour to see the Northern Lights, you can also go on a cruise or join a dog-sledding and hiking trip to make the experience even better. It’s best to travel between October and February, during the darkest months, for the best viewing. 

15. Shetland Islands, Scotland

As the northernmost area of Scotland, the Shetland Islands puts you closest to the Arctic Circle, meaning you’ll have a better chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis here. This relatively remote destination offers excellent viewing of the lights from the end of autumn through early spring. 

16. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Iceland

If you’re visiting south Iceland, you can still view the Northern Lights by traveling to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. A drive from a neighboring village, Vik, will take you to the lagoon, or you can find a nearby black sand beach to enjoy the show. 

17. Whitehorse, Canada

The Yukon capital, Whitehorse, is a reasonably accessible area to see the Northern Lights, with lodging and tours for the whole family to enjoy. Winter months will be the best time to spend in Whitehorse. It’s also when many tours are in operation. 

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10 of the best places in the US to see the northern lights in 2024

Astronomers predict this year will be the best in the last decade to see the northern lights. We have the sun's current solar cycle to thank for the stronger aurora borealis in 2024. Scientists say the sun is hitting its "solar maximum," or the highest activity rate during its current solar cycle, meaning more frequent and brighter northern lights. The sun's energized particles hit Earth's upper atmosphere, which then scatter toward its north and south poles. The redirected particles are what we see as the dancing hues of green, yellow, and magenta across the sky.

There are a few things you should do to plan before your trip. Winter is typically the best season to view the northern lights because of its longer, darker nights. It's possible to take a solo trip to see the lights, but many people recommend going in a group or on a guided tour for safety, especially if you're in an unfamiliar place.

Before venturing out into the cold, dark night, be sure to check an aurora forecast to understand what will likely happen in the sky. You'll need to venture away from any strong sources of light pollution like cities. Finally, get comfortable and be patient! Sometimes the aurora is only visible for a few minutes; sometimes it'll go on for hours.

If seeing the northern lights has been on your bucket list, now could be the best time to make it happen. Though Norway, Finland, and Iceland are the usual suspects when chasing northern lights, you don't have to travel outside of the United States to do it. Many of the country's northernmost states have dark skies that give a good chance for seeing the aurora borealis.

Stacker used various sources to create this list of 10 of the best destinations in the United States to view the northern lights.

Fairbanks, Alaska

There are many reasons why Fairbanks, Alaska, is considered one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights. The most important reason is it's inside the "aurora oval," which sees a higher concentration of aurora lights. It also has many nights with clear skies.

Fairbanks is home to some of the world's best aurora forecasters at the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks . The season for viewing the lights in Fairbanks is from Aug. 21 to April 21. During that time frame, late August through early September usually have the best chances for viewing the aurora borealis while enjoying summer activities.

New Town, North Dakota

The nice thing about North Dakota is that if the aurora borealis is going to show up here, it will likely be visible across the entire state. The only things you'll need to ensure are clear skies and a low-light moon because sometimes a radiant moon can make the sky too bright to see the faint glow of the northern lights.

If you're looking for a nice vantage point to take in the night sky, Crow Flies High State Recreation Area near New Town, North Dakota, in the western part of the state, is an ideal place. The scenic stop overlooks Lake Sakakawea and gives an unobstructed view of the night sky. You could also chase the northern lights inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, North Dakota.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana's Rocky Mountains puts travelers just south of the U.S.-Canada border. It's a certified International Dark Sky Park, so light pollution won't get in the way of viewing the aurora. The national park has many ideal lookout locations, such as Lake McDonald, a popular destination for kayaking during the day. For those who prefer a less remote viewing party, The Northern Lights Saloon in nearby Polebridge, Montana, offers live music while you skywatch.

Aroostook County, Maine

The earliest written account of seeing the northern lights in Maine dates back to 1719. It described the colorful display as both dreadful and indescribable. Today, the aurora borealis still leaves people breathless, but thankfully they seem to enjoy it more than those who viewed it more than 300 years ago.

Aroostook County, Maine's northernmost county bordered by Canada, is one of the best places on the U.S. east coast to try to catch the northern lights. It has some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi. Visit in September or October to ensure the dark skies are clear of clouds. For those who like to gaze at other natural wonders, the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is also a great place to birdwatch and spot other wildlife.

Newport State Park, Wisconsin

Nearly two hours from Green Bay, Wisconsin, the state's only dark-sky park sits on the edge of the Door peninsula. Late December through early March bring the best chances to see the aurora borealis during high auroral activity. Being on the shore of Lake Michigan gives viewers a better, unobstructed view of the northern horizon, which is important in catching the northern lights from the lower 48. People can also use the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's aurora forecast tool to get a 30-minute heads-up on whether the northern lights will be visible near their position in northern Michigan.

Upper Peninsula of Michigan

North of Wisconsin's Door peninsula is Michigan's Upper Peninsula, another ideal place to see the northern lights. The remote peninsula has hundreds of miles of shoreline along Lake Superior, making it easy to view the sky. If you find yourself in Michigan's Lower Peninsula instead, Port Crescent State Park and the Headlands International Dark Sky Park are good options. October, November, and April are the best months to see the aurora borealis in Michigan, although viewers have spotted it earlier in the fall and spring.

Duluth, Minnesota

It's safe to say spots all along Lake Superior are great for viewing the aurora in the lower 48 because Duluth, Minnesota, is another place that gives visitors a good chance to see the northern lights.

Duluth is to the west of Wisconsin's and Michigan's viewing areas but sits at roughly the same latitude, which means chances for seeing the northern lights go up when there's increased solar activity. Duluth has prime places to see the northern lights, including Hawk Ridge, White Sky Rock, and Little Stone Lake.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Go to the northernmost tip of Idaho for your best chance at capturing a glimpse of the aurora borealis. About 120 miles from Spokane, Washington, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests—which also cover small regions of eastern Washington and western Montana—are also a camper's and hiker's paradise. Check out Priest Lake for one of the best vantage points in the state. Add to the beauty of the lights by watching them both in the sky and their reflection on the lake.

If you'd prefer to stay a little further south, Heyburn State Park near Chatcolet Lake is also a great place for chasing the northern lights. Opt for a spot along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes' bridge on the lake.

Utqiaġvik, Alaska

The northern lights are visible across most of Alaska. Still, those looking for a more adventurous journey may consider traveling to Utqiaġvik, the most northern community in the U.S. During the winter months, the sun sets on Utqiaġvik on Nov. 17. It doesn't rise again until Jan. 24, giving the small town 67 days of darkness, with only a little bit of sunlight shining on the horizon. That little bit of twilight means northern lights chasers will still need to wait for the night hours to see the celestial phenomenon. The aurora borealis typically isn't as strong in Utqiaġvik compared to Fairbanks since this small northern Alaska town is at the edge of the zone that tends to get visible lights.

San Juan Islands, Washington

The archipelago off the northwest coast of Washington State is known for many things: ferry rides, uncrowded beaches, and world-class whale watching. Stargazing may not be at the top of visitors' lists, but it should be, especially during the solar maximum. The islands have low light pollution and get more than 247 days of clear skies, giving it the perfect combination for viewing the northern lights. There's usually increased aurora activity in September and March, although there are several local reports of catching the northern lights year-round, including in midsummer.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

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How to see the northern lights in alaska in 2024.

If seeing the northern lights in Alaska is on your bucket list, this is the year to do it.

How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Chris McLennan | Courtesy of State of Alaska

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says solar activity is intensifying and will peak (at a higher level than previously thought) in 2024. This means travelers will have more opportunities to see the northern lights around the world .

If you're considering a trip to Alaska to witness this atmospheric phenomenon, read on to discover the best months to visit as well as a variety of viewing options.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska

Where to see the northern lights in alaska, northern lights alaska cruises.

• Alaska northern lights tours

Courtesy of Travel Alaska

According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the best time to see the northern lights is typically from Aug. 21 to April 21 , also known as the Aurora Season. While the aurora can appear at any time of night, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. are the prime viewing hours.

The winter solstice – which is the shortest day of the year, typically falling between Dec. 20 and 23 – is a particularly good time to be in Alaska for the northern lights. This day affords less daylight and more time to spot the aurora. In parts of Alaska, the amount of daylight during the winter solstice can range from around six hours in Anchorage to less than four further north in Fairbanks. Up in remote Utqiagvik (formerly called Barrow), about 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there are roughly 67 days of darkness from Nov. 18 to Jan. 23, resulting in even more opportunities to spot the northern lights.

Of course, 2024 is expected to be a little different. Scientists say solar activity will reach its peak from January to October, expanding the typical time frame for spotting the aurora. Ahead of and during your visit, experts recommend utilizing these forecasting resources:

• Aurora Tracker: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aurora chaser, you'll appreciate Explore Fairbanks' real-time Aurora Tracker . This online reference shows up-to-the-minute information on the temperature, weather and likelihood of catching the northern lights in Fairbanks. Much of the data comes from one of the world's foremost aurora research centers, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks . To further assist in your search, you can also download the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app on your smartphone.
• Aurora Forecast: For other parts of the state, the Geophysical Institute website's Aurora Forecast has daily forecasts of geomagnetic activity up to three days in advance and taken at three-hour intervals. There's also a summation on the webpage of whether the aurora will be active – or not – and where you'll find the best visibility in Alaska.

Courtesy of Aurora Villa

Below are the top destinations to consider when deciding where to see the northern lights in Alaska.

Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart of Alaska, sits at 65 degrees north latitude, making it an excellent choice for aurora hunters, especially first-timers. It's easily accessible and offers plenty of accommodations , restaurants and other unique attractions . You can also be outside of Fairbanks within minutes to find excellent northern lights viewing locales.

Your chances of seeing the aurora display are excellent as the city sits where the activity of the polar lights is concentrated – under the ring-shaped zone known as the auroral oval. Local experts say that on clear evenings when the sky is very dark, you should be able to witness the skies light up on an average of four out of five nights in Fairbanks.

Where to stay:

• Aurora Villa : Located on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Aurora Villa offers luxurious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing the northern lights in a cozy private space. The modern wooden cabin sits on 10 acres surrounded by forested hills, yet it's close enough to the city (less than 15 miles northeast) to explore all that Fairbanks has to offer.
• Pike's Waterfront Lodge : Located along the Chena River in Fairbanks, just minutes from Fairbanks International Airport, this property offers 180 rooms and 28 cabins for aurora-hunting adventurers. As a guest of the lodge, you can request that the front desk alert you when the northern lights appear – no matter the time of day or night. Pike's Waterfront Lodge also offers amenities to keep guests warm while viewing the light show outdoors.

Talkeetna sits about 115 miles north of Anchorage in south-central Alaska, at the base of Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America. With its old clapboard buildings, log cabins and roadhouse dating back to 1917, this historic town offers a lot of outdoor fun beyond chasing the aurora. Main Street is filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and a brewery. The quirky village, once a former mining town, was the inspiration for the imaginary borough of Cicely in the TV show "Northern Exposure."

If you visit in December, check out the festivities at the monthlong Winterfest. This event features a parade of lights, a tree lighting ceremony and the Taste of Talkeetna food festival, plus entertaining events like the Bachelor Auction and the Wilderness Woman Competition.

When it's time to look up in the sky for the lights, local aurora hunters recommend heading out of town to Christiansen Lake or past the airport on Beaver Road. If you prefer to stay close by, look north into the sky toward Denali from Talkeetna Riverfront Park.

• Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge : Book a Mountain View room for views of Denali and the Alaskan Range. The cozy lodge offers multiple dining venues, including the award-winning Foraker Restaurant.
• Talkeetna Lakeside Cabins : These cabins provide peace and quiet on a private lake just 12 miles from Talkeetna.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is another spectacular place to view the northern lights in Alaska – not to mention one of the top tourist attractions in the U.S. The National Park Service says almost everywhere within the park is free from city light pollution, so if the conditions are right (meaning that's it's clear and dark enough), you should be able to see the aurora borealis, especially when looking toward the northern horizon.

However, when wintertime rolls around – from September or October through April – it's more difficult to access parts of the park, even though it's open year-round. Keep in mind, too, that the lodges closest to the park are typically closed from mid-September to mid-May.

Where to stay: Located less than 15 miles from the Denali National Park entrance, the Aurora Denali Lodge offers year-round accommodations equipped with queen-sized beds, smart TVs and private bathrooms. Rates at the lodge include a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and complimentary hot drinks. What's more, the property says visitors can expect plenty of wildlife sightings, such as bears, moose, lynxes, owls and snowshoe hares, just outside your door.

Coldfoot Camp

Coldfoot Camp is situated above the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Mountain Range, near the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The remote wilderness destination is ideal for aurora viewing since it sits directly under the auroral oval. It's also the perfect locale for backcountry snowshoeing, wildlife viewing and dog mushing.

Where to stay: The Inn at Coldfoot Camp offers rustic accommodations located in trailers that once housed Alaskan pipeline workers. The rooms include two twin beds and a private bathroom and shower. Guests can dine at the on-site Trucker's Cafe, which offers breakfast and dinner buffets in the summer months and all-day a la carte dining in the winter. When you're ready for a cold one at the end of the day, check out the Frozen Foot Saloon and order an Alaska-brewed beer.

If you prefer camping and have your own gear , you can camp free of charge on the property during the summer months. Coldfoot Camp also hosts a selection of year-round Arctic adventures and excursions, including a trip to the nearby village of Wiseman for aurora viewing.

This remote wilderness retreat has just 13 full-time residents. Wiseman is located in Alaska's Brooks Range, about 15 miles north of Coldfoot Camp, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from Fairbanks. The community sits directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights. You can expect to see the spectacle in the sky in Wiseman about 250 nights a year, especially between late August and mid-April.

• Arctic Hive : Arctic Hive has the distinction of being the northernmost yoga studio in the U.S. A common fiberglass lodge allows guests to gather for cooking and meals, and meditation, educational gatherings and other activities are hosted in a geodesic dome. Arctic Hive also offers retreats that include northern lights viewing opportunities in February and March.
• Arctic Getaway : This bed-and-breakfast sits between the middle fork of the Koyukuk River and Wiseman Creek, offering three cabins. While here, you can learn what it's like to homestead in Alaska above the Arctic Circle and enjoy outdoor activities like dog sled rides across the vast wilderness, cross-country skiing , pack rafting and flightseeing by bush plane.
• Boreal Lodging : Reachable by vehicle, Boreal Lodging has several rental options, ranging from lodge rooms to larger cabins with living areas and kitchens.

Located in western Alaska overlooking the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea, Nome is the ending point for the more than 1,000-mile, 51-year-old Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race in March. Once the most populated city in Alaska, Nome had almost 20,000 residents and an average of 1,000 new people arriving daily during the height of the gold rush in 1899. Nome is a little quieter now, with a population of less than 4,000 residents.

Where to stay: Some of the best spots for viewing the aurora are at the end of town, where the 52-room Aurora Inn & Suites is located. The hotel conveniently offers car rentals on-site.

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Situated on the banks of the Arctic Ocean, Utqiagvik is the northernmost city in the U.S. The town, formerly known as Barrow, changed its name in 2016 back to Utqiagvik, its traditional Inupiaq name. Utqiagvik is only accessible by plane: Alaska Airlines and other regional carriers offer service from both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Where to stay: For accommodations, make reservations at a hotel named for its location – the Top of the World Hotel . The property's comfortable rooms offer views of the Arctic Ocean, and the on-site restaurant, Niggivikput (meaning "our place to eat"), serves traditional local dishes like reindeer soup. While you may be there for aurora hunting, don't miss the excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities: You may see polar bears, caribou, foxes, bearded seals, whales, walruses, migratory birds and the great snowy owl on the tundra.

Borealis Basecamp

One of the best glamping destinations in the U.S. , Borealis Basecamp is a remote 100-acre property that sits within a boreal forest 25 miles north of Fairbanks. The property features 20 individual igloos, resembling those you'd find at Arctic research stations and on polar expeditions, as well as five glass cubes. All accommodations allow guests to gaze up at the aurora and the starry night sky while snuggled up in bed. You'll also enjoy many amenities you'd find in a hotel, including full bathrooms with toiletries and a selection of coffee, hot cocoa and tea.

Choose from a variety of packages that include accommodations and activities like dog-sledding, UTV tours, helicopter sightseeing experiences and more.

Getty Images

One of the best times to cruise to Alaska is during the aurora season. Aurora season sailings to Alaska are available with the following cruise lines this year.

If you're interested in excursions for aurora viewing, look for a line that offers cruisetours, such as Holland America. These tours offer the best of both worlds, giving you time on land and at sea to view the dancing night sky. Holland America's cruisetours range from overnight stays just 2 miles from Denali National Park at the McKinley Chalet Resort to a domed luxury train ride through Alaska's backcountry on the McKinley Explorer. On a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali, look for Alaska's "Big Five": grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. Just keep in mind that none of the above cruise lines can guarantee you'll see the northern lights during your journey.

The best northern lights tours in Alaska

Jody Overstreet | Courtesy of State of Alaska

If you want to experience the aurora borealis by joining a tour group, you'll find a variety of options led by expert guides and granting you easier access to many of the state's remote destinations, often with other activities included. (Just be aware that, on any tour or excursion, there's no way to guarantee that the aurora will be visible.) These are some of the best northern lights tours in Alaska:

Arctic Dog Adventure Co.: Aurora Overnight Tour

Dog-sledding is one of the top winter activities in Alaska, and you can choose to do it by day or night. If you want to experience an Alaska dog-sledding adventure while chasing the aurora, book a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Arctic Dog's Aurora Overnight Tour. Highlights of this two-day, one-night excursion – which starts in Fairbanks – are dog mushing your own sled team and glamping in a heated tent under an aurora-filled sky. Other features of the tour include cold weather gear, a photography lesson and Alaska-inspired meals.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Murphy Dome Tour

Located around 20 miles northwest of the city, Murphy Dome is regarded as one of the best places to watch the northern lights in Fairbanks at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. This location, once home to Murphy Dome Air Force Station with as many as 250 personnel stationed at the base, now houses a long-range radar station that detects military air threats from overseas.

Alaska Wildlife Guide leads 5.5-hour northern lights tours to Murphy Dome, typically from late August to early April – you can check with the company for day-to-day tour availability. Excursion prices include round-trip transportation from Fairbanks, 360-degree views of the north-facing sky, hot beverages and bottled water – in addition to (hopefully) hours of memorable aurora viewing.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

This full-day (14-hour) excursion, also offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide, begins in Fairbanks and crosses the Arctic Circle into Alaska's vast and remote wilderness. The tour includes a drive along the more than 800-mile Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and a half-mile walk along the loop at Finger Mountain with views overlooking the Kanuti Flats (depending on the season). Your guide will also stop along the riverbank after crossing the Yukon River Bridge.

During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the pipeline and hear narratives around the other included stops. A snack and warm beverage are included; then, if conditions are just right, you'll have the chance to see the brilliant light show dance across the dark, clear skies before you arrive back in Fairbanks at dawn.

Alaska Journey Tours: Northern Lights (Aurora) Chasing Tour

Get picked up at your Fairbanks hotel (or meet at the Hyatt Place Fairbanks) for this three-hour northern lights tour in a heated SUV. Guides take photos of tourgoers as well as their own photos of the night sky, which are later shared with the group. Recent travelers praise this tour, and appreciate that the guides are always determined to give them the best northern lights viewing experience.

Alaska Tours: Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure

Hosted by Alaska Tours, the Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure is available January to March and August to December. This excursion includes two, three or four nights at this wilderness lodge about 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle. During the winter days, enjoy outdoor Arctic sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing or stay warm indoors chatting with other guests at the Aurora Lodge. In the evenings, you can bundle up and head outside at one of the best places in Alaska to see the spectacle in the sky.

Prices include round-trip airfare between Fairbanks and Bettles, accommodations at the lodge, meals, a village tour and complimentary use of the Arctic gear (in season).

Alaska Photo Treks: Anchorage Aurora Quest

Alaska Photo Treks offers one of the best ways to see the northern lights in Anchorage – and you'll even learn how best to photograph the aurora, which can be a challenge to capture digitally or on film. This experience, the Anchorage Aurora Quest, is available nightly (when conditions are right), typically from mid-August to mid-April. The approximately six-hour guided tour with a professional photographer explains the science behind the northern lights and provides photo tips for budding aurora photographers in a small-group format. Tourgoers are picked up from their hotel by the guide at about 10 p.m. and return around 4 a.m., though that time can vary based on the aurora forecast.

On the Alaska Photo Treks website, you'll find a list of recommended camera equipment to bring. If you're using a smartphone, the tour group suggests downloading an aurora app and bringing a tripod. The company also advises that you'll be outdoors for about two hours, so you need to dress appropriately for the weather. For the best aurora viewing, the guides usually travel between one to three locations within a 70-mile radius of Anchorage. If you're in town for an extended stay, Alaska Photo Treks also offers a four-day pass for even more nocturnal viewing of the auroral activity.

Alaska Tours: Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights

Chena Hot Springs Resort is known for its therapeutic waters and aurora-viewing opportunities. If you prefer to head out with a guide rather than on your own, book the Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights tour with Alaska Tours. This package includes a four- to five-hour Aurora Expedition tour, four nights of accommodations, and access to resort amenities including cross-country skiing and snow machine tours.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs

Day trips are also an option for those who'd like to enjoy the resort amenities and a chance at seeing the northern lights from Chena Hot Springs. This tour offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide includes admission to the hot springs and Aurora Ice Museum as well as pickup from local hotels. Recent travelers say the tour guides are top-notch.

John Hall's Alaska: Alaska's Winter Wonders

For an extended land tour to chase the aurora – and experience Alaska's magical winter wonderland – book this bucket list eight-day adventure with John Hall's Alaska. The company's Alaska's Winter Wonders tour is offered in February and March; it features up to seven nights of northern lights viewing, as well as adventure-filled days with skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. You'll also take an awe-inspiring flightseeing bush plane ride over Denali National Park, which includes a fly-by of the Foraker, Silverthorne, Hunter and Moose's Tooth peaks before landing on the Great Gorge of Ruth Glacier – the deepest in the world.

If that's not enough adventure, test your skills at dog mushing and curling or take an aerial tram ride. Travelers can also check out the local breweries or just sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views. Additional highlights include spending two evenings under the dancing night sky in one of the domed igloos at Borealis Basecamp, as well as aurora borealis photography lessons.

All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, luxury land and small plane transportation, fully guided service, gratuities, and baggage handling – plus a black subzero jacket to keep you warm during your Alaska adventure.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship for year-round outdoor adventure and to chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She writes about the travel and culinary industries for a variety of major publications.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Packable Jackets
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Alaska Vacations , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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