Private Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

Recommended by 94% of travelers

Reykjavik, Iceland

3 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Give yourself the best chance of seeing the northern lights during your time in Iceland, all thanks to this hassle-free, private tour. Following convenient pickup from Reykjavik, head out after dark, and travel beyond city limits to an ideal viewing area; your guide keeps a close eye on the conditions to choose a spot on the night. Along the way, learn more about the history and mythology of the vibrant atmospheric phenomenon.

This private tour helps keep your sightseeing personal
Round-trip transit from Reykjavik makes logistics hassle-free
Benefit from your guide's local knowledge of prime viewing areas
Have a better chance of seeing the northern lights than you could alone

What's Included

Local guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

For better pickup communication customers will be contacted on messaging, by phone calling, leaving message in hotel reception or meet personal.

Meeting point

Hverfisgata, Reykjavík, Iceland

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.9:00 pm

Itinerary

West Region

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible - passenger must provide their own assistance if required
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 80 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Amazing tour

Martin_M, Mar 2026

Well worth booking. Andres coordinated with us in advance to make sure we had a high probability of see the lights, picked up us at our Arbnb (on time) and brought us on an amazing journeys to see the lights. He knew where to find them, and took great care of us.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you, Martin, for this wonderful review. Yes, due to the weather booking date wasn´t a good choice for travel. Northern lights tours are going based on the weather, so two days later was a better time to do that. I am happy you chose my company and me as traveling with both of you is outstanding. Simple people, thankful with what you have seen and I show everything possible that night. I wish you all the best and hope to see you again. Andres

Fantastic Aurora Tour in Reykjavík with Andres

Emrah_D, Feb 2026

It was a great experience. Andres was very helpful, took great care of us, and did everything he could to give us a wonderful aurora tour in Reykjavík. I would definitely recommend this experience to other travelers.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Dear Emrah, Thank you for this wonderful review. We have been in communication for a long time, so I prepared me for a plan B in case of bad weather. But you were lucky enough, everything goes with you, weather and purpose of the tour. I wish you both all the best in life. Andres

Mesmerizing experience of a lifetime

Mary_H, Oct 2024

We saw some fantastic red and green Northern lights. Andres is very knowledgeable on finding viewing spots and was very professional.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Dear Mary, I am very happy you hit a best night. Similar nights are very rare on that kind of colouring, so you deserve it at all since you told me seeing the northern lights was your wish for a year. Thank you for this great review. Andres

Disappointing

Annelise_N, Dec 2023

Andres re-booked us from our original date because the weather was not looking promising, which we appreciated that it’s weather dependent so were happy to be flexible. The day he agreed to take us out he already had other bookings. We made clear we’d booked a private tour and were only happy with a private car. He organised for a friend to drive us and so that seemed fine and we all went out together. While he’d been clear to manage expectations about the visibility not being great, I was really disappointed we only went to check one spot and stayed about 20 minutes before turning around and heading back to Reykjavík. It really felt like we should have tried a bit harder, but it seemed the other tourists in our group wanted to head back so we all left. There was no real discussion, before I realised we weren’t going to see any other possible locations but were heading back to Reykjavik. Our driver then got into a car accident. We weren’t hurt and I understand these things happen, we don’t blame her at all. My review is very much around the fact that it seemed minimal effort was put in to find any additional spots to see the northern lights. My husband and I went out in our own car the evening before with similar conditions and had much better luck just by sticking with it a bit longer and driving a little further. Andres did send us a partial refund without us having to ask, because we had to pile into the one car for the rest of the drive back after the accident.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Annelis, Thank you for your review and opinion. I warned you several times about lack of visibility of lights. Each time I stoped I shot photos just in case if there behind could be some lights. But we weren´t been in the same car, so you can´t know it. For instance on exactly same area and distance from Reykjavik for the same tour I stop up to seven times. That night I decided to return to Reykjavik still in the hope of seeing something as it can easily happen in other nights. I am sorry, but the weather wasn´t with you, not with me and not with others that night. Problems on the road can happen but it was simply too much and even the police said it can happen to anyone in that kind of conditions and it didn´t fail of driver. I assume you understand it too. After that, I simply thought of removing this tour from Viator and offering it only for a traveller booking on request. I haven´t much out of it as in similar days as your booking day I need to look for other possible solutions. It is simply how it is. I wish you all the best. Andres

Weather not cooperating

Sara_H, Nov 2023

Haven't been to see the lights. Weather not right according to our guide. We have paid for a private guide- vehicle for three of us - obviously very expensive but as yet no tour. I will change my review if we get a chance to go. If we don't we are praying we get a refund. To be continued...

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dear Susan. Have we ever tried to see northern lights? No, we didn´t simply because of the weather. A review of 1 star wouldn´t make you more visibility or activity of northern lights. All travellers in situations like yours have the right to a refund even after a day of the tour. We have never met in person for a tour so reason more your action works again policy of my company and against policy of Viator. Thank you. Andres

Most Memorable Experience

Victoria_M, Nov 2023

Seeing the Northern Lights was the highlight of our girls trip! Andres was very communicative from the start and kept an eye on the weather throughout the day staying in touch. He was determined to find them for us. It was an amazing experience seeing many different aspects of the lights while also getting educated on the aurora borealis. I highly recommend Andres and Mercury Grail!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dear Victoria, Thank you for this review. I really had a good time with you however this tour is the most difficult of all tours in Iceland, as we are completely dependent on weather. Rest is my job. It looks I have done it well and you have a good memory for a life. Thanks again, Andres

Great outing to see the northern lights!

Susan_B, Nov 2023

Andres was a great guide and worked so hard to make sure we saw the northern lights! Our first two nights were cloudy and rainy so not ideal and Andres recommended we wait. So glad we did because the lights were so beautiful! Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dear Susan, We communicated days before that November evening. Somehow I wasn´t sure that we would manage to make a tour but it happens on your good so we got them. I am very happy about that and special thanks to you as you both are very nice people. As I told you during the tour. You remind me of the relationship between me and my daughter Karen. Wish you all the best. Andres

Amazing Experience!

Eileen_B, Sep 2023

Andres was incredible! The night we originally scheduled for our tour was not a good night for the lights. However, Andres stayed in touch with us and two nights later we went out hoping to see them. He drove to all his secret spots and although it took a bit, we found them and it was amazing! My friend said it was the most amazing experience of her life. I don't know of any other tour operator that would have been so dedicated to making sure we saw this incredible experience. He also told us wonderful stories of Iceland and its history. If you want to see the Northern Lights - schedule your trip with Andres!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Before you arrived in Iceland I thought to your group since night that time has been more than ideal. You missed it for one single day, so I knew, I must fill up your experience another day however right away nights haven´t been promising. It took longer than usual but we managed to get lights late at night third night after your primary booking. It was my goal to find and show them to you and in that way am I happy too. Words of your friend are a compliment to me, also of the reason, I am not very good at talking about myself, so it is better for others to speak out of their experience. For me is most important, that I didn´t drop you off and I didn´t tell you goodbye with disappointment in your eyes. No one should go back home disappointed and I believe my participation was just good. Thank you for being my guest. Andres

A great experience

Kenneth_C, Mar 2023

Our guide Andres was terrific. He’s very knowledgeable about Iceland in general and the Northern Lights in particular. He got us to a great (dark) location just in time for nature to put on a nice light show. It wasn’t like the super-bright (often photoshopped) lights one sees on a postcard but this was REAL. This was our first time seeing the aurora-I hope to do it again.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Kenneth. Thank you very much for this positive review. Yes, you have been able to see northern lights for real, but I would really like much more to do this tour with you just few days before your booked day. On that way you would see lights much stronger. It was my honour to be with you and your family on this tour. Andres

Amazing experience

Lauren_S, Mar 2023

We were so pleased to see the northern lights. Our guide Andres was very knowledgeable and took us to quieter spots and we struck lucky! Andres is a very knowledgable and interesting guide.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for this wonderful review, Lauren. We were also lucky for lights as weeks before we have had long periods of rain and storm, so many tours has been canceled. Thank you to be my customer, and I really hope, you will return one day back to Iceland. Andres

Missed the lifghts , but...

Laurence_D, Jan 2023

Missed the lifghts , but enjoyed the guide. Learned alot about the N lights We will be back ., It was a bit nippy Mercury

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thanks your for this excellent review. Lights that night were really good so you just hit a night and I hit the location. I am sure we will meet each other again.. Thank you to be my customers. Andres

An excellent display of the Northern Lights.

Mike_Y, Jan 2023

An excellent display of the Northern Lights. Driver was safe & friendly and took us to darker place between Reykjavik and airport. We stopped at the side of the road in a safe area, and emerged to view the Northern Lights. They put on a great show! Definitely recommended!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Mike. Thank you very much for this review. I know night was not as all of us would like to be, but dealing with nature may be often hard. All of you were very outstanding, easy going and understanding. Since you are from a country with a direct connection to Iceland, I really hope, we will see each other again. Thank you again, Andres

Simply Amazing Tour!

Todd_E, Dec 2022

We travel a lot, and this was the most amazing tour we’ve ever done. Our tour guide, Andres was simply the best. He was very flexible and knew exactly how patient to be to get us an experience we’ll NEVER forget. We will recommend this tour to all of our friends and family!

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Todd. Thank you very much for this kind review. You both are also outstanding customers, so it wasn´t difficult to make it for you. The most difficult is handling the weather, but it worked very well for you. If you wouldn´t be able to see the northern lights again, then your Iceland travelling wasn´t something you are sorry for. Thank you also for the recommendations. Andres

Northern Lights!

Roxanne_N, Oct 2021

Good experience and our guide was very knowledgeable about the lights and were to find them. We got to see them early in the evening. The only things that detracted from the experience were the high winds and the full moon.

Response from Host, Oct 2021

Dear Roxann, Your group has been really here on good night, but clouds covered a bit area as a full moon has been there on the opposite side. I would really wish your booking would be tonight 30th as we have 7 of 9 KP and outside is cald and clear. Thank you to be my customers, Andres

First Northern lights hunt

Bearhall, Feb 2020

Lights not very good,guide tried pretty hard,but didn’t like to go to the closest national park,he tried different places but it didn’t help much.Went with Grayline next night and saw a bunch,maybe luck?

Response from Host, Feb 2020

Bearhall. Yes, night we were on hunt, didn´t been excellent. Reason why not to or around national park is very simple. Area of place we stayed for lights is remote, there was more clear and clouds came over national park before then to our area. Next day was much better visibility based on clear sky and stronger lights. It simply is how it hits from night to night. Thank you for your review. I appreciate it very much.

Northern Lights Reykjavík

N9744QJjanep, Oct 2019

We had a wonderful experience car with Andres. He was very thoughtful and knowledgeable and took us to a spot where we would have the greatest chance of seeing lights - and we did. Highlight of our trip! Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Oct 2019

Dear N97 Your booking for northern light was just on correct one day, so on that we we can get lights not that far away from capital. I am really happy made up for you that kind of tour which is all time until departure unpredictable. You are all unforgettable, managing just great each with other, and I believe rest of your touring in Iceland will be over expectation Thank you for your review Andres

Experience of a lifetime

SALLY_K, Sep 2018

Unbelievable...freezing cold but so worth it...beautiful experience...so glad I saw them...great guide... great pictures he shared... HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Tour was fantastic, he emailed to...

Jenny_M, Jan 2018

Tour was fantastic, he emailed to arrange for day after due to weather. He knew his stuff. Would definitely recommend the private tour. Well worth the money. Was out for over 4 hours. Thank you for a memorable time :)

Well, we tried, the solar rating was...

Donald L, Dec 2017

Well, we tried, the solar rating was only 2, our guide tried. Very hard, we did see some faint northern lights, it was the best we could hope for the night!

Really unorganised. We...

Luke E, Jan 2017

Really unorganised. We were told pickup was at 21:00 and driver turns up at 20:15. This tour was purchased as a Private Oriented Tour - when in fact there was a large group of us. The bus was too small with condensation covering the windows so you could not see out of them. We spent probably over an hour picking up the remaining parties of the tour. Once we finally got on our way to see the lights, we stop at the side of a road. The tour is sold as Learn about the sacred history and mythology of the atmospheric phenomenon, and hunt down the display where it's easiest to see. Let conditions guide you as you leave the city for Arborg, the valley of Haukdal or the stony landscape of Thingvellir National Park. - We never did any of these things. I would not recommend this tour.

Such a fabulous time! Bent over...

Kelly K, Oct 2016

Such a fabulous time! Bent over backwards to help me see the northern lights before heading home. Like an old friend showing me the local sites! Thanks again!