Northern Lights by Minibus is a small-group evening excursion from Reykjavík that carries you into the dark countryside in search of the Aurora Borealis. Traveling together with fellow travelers in a comfortable minibus, you’ll leave the city’s glow behind and head for locations chosen for their clear, unobstructed views of the night sky.
Because the aurora depends entirely on the weather and solar activity, every departure is planned around the latest forecasts to give you the best realistic chance of a sighting. Along the way your guide shares insight into what causes this natural phenomenon and where best to look for it, while you settle in with something warm to drink. This tour operates seasonally from August through April.
Highlights
Aurora Borealis
Small Group Minibus
Expert Guide
Hot Chocolate & Snacks
Itinerary
Board the minibus at one of several stops around central Reykjavík. Your guide will confirm the closest option once your booking is complete, and once everyone is on board, the group heads out of the city and into the darkness of the countryside.
The Northern Lights appear when charged particles from the sun collide with the earth’s magnetic field, producing shifting curtains of green, and sometimes purple or pink, light across the sky. Since Reykjavík’s own glow makes the aurora hard to see, the route heads out to spots picked for their dark skies and open horizons. Your guide keeps an eye on conditions throughout the evening and will move to a better vantage point if needed, while you keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate and a light snack.
The aurora is a natural phenomenon and can never be promised on any single night. If it doesn’t appear during your tour, a complimentary seat on a later departure is offered so you can try again at no extra cost. Your guide will explain how rebooking works before you head home.
Once the hunt is over, the minibus returns you to central Reykjavík. Tour length usually runs around four hours in total but can shift slightly depending on how the evening’s conditions unfold.
Pick-up & drop-off in Reykjavik
English speaking guide
Transportation in minibus
Hot chocolate & light snack
Warm, layered clothing
Waterproof outerwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera or smartphone
Route map
Frequently Asked Questions
Pickup is at 20:30 or 21:30, depending on the day and season. Your exact time will be confirmed when you book.
Pickup is offered from designated stops around central Reykjavík at no extra cost. From there the route typically covers about an hour outside the city, aiming for the closest dark-sky spot on clear nights or traveling farther if clouds are in the way, based on the latest forecast.
No. Weather, cloud cover, and solar activity are tracked closely to give you the best odds, but the aurora is a natural phenomenon and a sighting can never be promised.
This tour only departs when conditions look favorable, but if the aurora still doesn’t show, refunds aren’t offered for that outcome. Your ticket stays valid for three years, so you can join a later date at no extra cost. The free retry runs as a coach tour.
If the forecast points to poor visibility, the departure may be cancelled rather than heading out with little chance of a sighting. In that case you can choose a full refund or reschedule for another night.
Cancellations are free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.
Yes, guests must be at least 8 years old.
Warm, layered clothing with a waterproof outer layer. You’ll be outside in cold conditions while watching the sky.
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