Top 10 Questions About Taking an Iceland Northern Lights Tour
After organizing and leading more than 40 small-group tours to Iceland, we have heard nearly every question about seeing the Northern Lights. Travelers want to know when to go, what to wear, how active the tour is and whether the aurora is guaranteed. Here are the ten questions we answer most often.
An Iceland Northern Lights tour is one of the most exciting ways to experience Iceland. Travelers can see waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches, geysers, geothermal lagoons and, with the right conditions, the spectacular aurora borealis.
But before booking a Northern Lights tour in Iceland, most travelers have practical questions.
Will you definitely see the Northern Lights? How cold is Iceland? What should you pack? Is the tour physically demanding? Is Iceland a good destination for solo travelers?
Here are the answers to the ten questions we hear most often about visiting Iceland during Northern Lights season.
1. Are You Guaranteed to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
No tour operator can honestly guarantee that you will see the Northern Lights.
The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon. A successful sighting depends on several factors, including solar activity, darkness, cloud cover and weather conditions.
The best an experienced tour operator can do is travel during Iceland’s Northern Lights season, provide multiple viewing opportunities and work with knowledgeable local guides who understand the weather and aurora forecasts.
Our Iceland tour includes a professionally guided Northern Lights excursion outside Reykjavík, away from the city’s light pollution. The guide selects the viewing location based on the conditions that evening.
We cannot command the Northern Lights to appear, but we do everything reasonably possible to place our travelers in the right location at the right time.
2. When Is the Best Time to Visit Iceland for the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are generally visible in Iceland from late August through April, when the nights are sufficiently dark.
Many travelers assume that the middle of winter is automatically the best time to visit. However, December, January and February can bring harsher weather, fewer daylight hours and more difficult travel conditions.
That is why our Iceland Northern Lights tours are scheduled during March, October and November.
These months provide the dark skies needed for aurora viewing while offering enough daylight to explore Iceland’s landscapes during the day.
Travelers can visit waterfalls, glaciers, beaches and geothermal areas during daylight hours and still have opportunities to search for the Northern Lights at night.
3. How Cold Is Iceland During Northern Lights Season?
Iceland is cold, but it is not always as bitterly cold as travelers expect.
The biggest challenge is the changeable weather. Conditions can shift rapidly from sunshine to wind, rain, sleet or snow.
The best approach is to dress in layers rather than relying on one extremely heavy coat.
We recommend packing:
- A waterproof and wind-resistant jacket
- A fleece or warm sweater
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof walking shoes or boots
- Warm socks
- Gloves
- A hat and scarf
- Waterproof or water-resistant pants
The goal is to stay warm, dry and comfortable while sightseeing outdoors.
You do not need specialized expedition clothing, but you should bring practical clothing designed for cool, wet and windy weather.
4. What Should You Pack for an Iceland Northern Lights Tour?
Packing properly can make a major difference in how much you enjoy Iceland.
In addition to warm, waterproof clothing, we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable waterproof footwear
- A small flashlight or headlamp
- A swimsuit for the Blue Lagoon
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm and moisturizer
- A small day bag
- Extra camera or phone batteries
- A portable charger
- A waterproof cover for your phone or camera
Cold temperatures can drain batteries more quickly, especially during nighttime Northern Lights excursions.
A small flashlight is also useful because aurora viewing locations may be dark, wet or uneven.
5. Is an Iceland Northern Lights Tour Physically Demanding?
Our Iceland tour is an active sightseeing tour, but it is not a hiking expedition or adventure-sports vacation.
Travelers should be comfortable:
- Walking on uneven ground
- Standing outdoors for periods of time
- Getting in and out of a passenger van
- Walking to waterfalls, beaches and scenic viewpoints
- Managing occasional steps, slopes and slippery surfaces
Iceland’s natural attractions do not always have perfectly smooth sidewalks or handrails.
At Northern Lights viewing locations, the ground may be dark, wet, snowy or uneven.
Travelers do not need to be athletes, but they should be able to walk independently and participate in full sightseeing days.
6. What Will You See Besides the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights may be the headline attraction, but they are only one part of an Iceland tour.
During the day, travelers explore many of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions.
Our itinerary includes Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and Iceland’s dramatic South Coast.
Depending on the day and local conditions, travelers may see:
- Powerful waterfalls
- Glaciers
- Erupting geysers
- Volcanic landscapes
- Black-sand beaches
- Coastal cliffs
- Geothermal areas
- Icelandic farms and countryside
The tour also includes a farm-to-table experience at Friðheimar, Iceland’s famous greenhouse tomato farm, and a premium visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Even without the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the most visually remarkable destinations in Europe.
7. What Is the Blue Lagoon Like?
The Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s best-known geothermal spa and one of the country’s most popular attractions.
The warm, mineral-rich water creates a relaxing contrast to the cool Icelandic air.
Our Iceland tour includes a premium Blue Lagoon experience rather than simply dropping travelers at the entrance and asking them to arrange everything themselves.
Changing facilities, showers and towels are available. Travelers should bring a swimsuit and follow the required showering procedures before entering the lagoon.
One practical tip is to use plenty of conditioner before and after entering the water. The minerals can leave hair feeling dry.
You do not need to be a strong swimmer. Most visitors simply stand, float or slowly move through the warm water.
8. Is Iceland a Good Destination for Solo Travelers?
Iceland is an excellent destination for solo travelers, particularly when traveling with a welcoming small group.
Traveling independently in Iceland can be expensive and logistically challenging. Many of the country’s most beautiful attractions are outside Reykjavík and require transportation, planning and familiarity with local road conditions.
On a guided small-group tour, those arrangements are already handled.
Solo travelers benefit from:
- Private transportation
- Professional local guides
- Planned sightseeing
- Airport transfers
- A private hotel room
- Companionship throughout the tour
Our groups typically include approximately 12 to 14 travelers. Some travel alone, while others travel with a spouse, friend or relative.
Solo travelers are never treated as an afterthought. From the first day, they are part of the group.
9. Why Choose a Small-Group Iceland Tour?
Group size can significantly affect the quality of an Iceland tour.
Large motorcoaches carrying 40 or 50 passengers require more time to load and unload. Every stop can become a lengthy process.
A smaller vehicle allows the group to move more efficiently and may provide access to locations that are less convenient for large buses.
Our guests travel in a private vehicle with a professional local guide. This makes it easier to adjust to changing weather, spend more time at interesting locations and respond to unexpected opportunities.
A small group also creates a more personal and social experience.
By the second day, travelers usually know one another’s names. They share meals, exchange photographs and enjoy the experience together.
It is not just the places you go. It is the people you meet along the way.
10. How Many Days Do You Need for an Iceland Northern Lights Tour?
Travelers could easily spend several weeks exploring Iceland, but most people have limited vacation time.
A well-planned Iceland tour should include Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, geothermal attractions and at least one dedicated Northern Lights excursion.
Our itinerary concentrates on Iceland’s most rewarding first-time experiences without requiring travelers to constantly change hotels.
Guests stay for four nights at a centrally located boutique hotel in Reykjavík.
The tour includes:
- A guided Reykjavík walking tour
- The Golden Circle
- Iceland’s South Coast
- A Northern Lights excursion
- A premium Blue Lagoon visit
- Daily breakfast
- Professional local guides
- Private transportation
- Scheduled group airport transfers
The itinerary is compact but comprehensive. Travelers experience Iceland’s most famous sights without renting a car, navigating unfamiliar roads or packing and unpacking every day.
Is an Iceland Northern Lights Tour Worth It?
Yes. An Iceland Northern Lights tour is worthwhile even if the aurora does not appear.
Naturally, seeing the Northern Lights can be an unforgettable experience. Watching ribbons of green light move across the Icelandic sky is something many travelers remember for the rest of their lives.
However, Iceland offers far more than the aurora borealis.
During one journey, travelers can stand beside a powerful waterfall, see a glacier, watch a geyser erupt, walk along a black-sand beach and relax in a geothermal lagoon.
The Northern Lights should be viewed as a spectacular possibility rather than the only reason to visit Iceland.
Come for the landscapes, geothermal wonders, culture and experience of sharing an extraordinary destination with a friendly group of travelers.
Then, when the sky cooperates and the Northern Lights appear, consider it Iceland’s grand finale.
Join Our Iceland and Northern Lights Small Group Tour
Our Iceland and Northern Lights Small Group Tour begins and ends in Reykjavík and travels with approximately 12 to 14 guests.
The tour includes four nights at a centrally located boutique hotel, daily breakfast, private guided touring of the Golden Circle and South Coast, a Northern Lights excursion, a Reykjavík walking tour, a premium Blue Lagoon visit and scheduled group airport transfers.
Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple or with a friend, you will be welcomed into a friendly group of travelers ready to experience Iceland together.
Learn more about our Iceland and Northern Lights Small Group Tour at www.smallgrouptours.com.
Bonus Frequently Asked Questions About Iceland Northern Lights Tours
What month is best for seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The Northern Lights are generally visible from late August through April. March, October and November offer a good balance of dark skies, daylight sightseeing and more manageable weather conditions.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Reykjavík?
The Northern Lights can sometimes be seen from Reykjavík, but city lights reduce visibility. Traveling outside the city provides darker skies and better viewing conditions.
How many nights should you stay in Iceland to see the Northern Lights?
A stay of at least four nights gives travelers multiple opportunities for aurora viewing while allowing time to explore Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and the South Coast.
Do you need special clothing for a Northern Lights tour?
You do not need expedition clothing, but you should bring warm layers, waterproof footwear and a wind-resistant outer jacket.
Is Iceland safe for solo travelers?
Iceland is widely considered a comfortable destination for solo travelers. Joining a small-group tour also provides transportation, guidance and companionship throughout the trip.