The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most captivating natural displays on Earth. Iceland’s high latitude, low light pollution, and vast open skies make it one of the best destinations for witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon. If you’re dreaming of seeing green, purple, and pink lights swirl across the Arctic night, choosing the best Northern Lights tour in Iceland is essential to making that dream a reality.
At Iceland Holiday Packages , we’ve curated a selection of iceland ’s top-rated aurora viewing tours—from rugged Super Jeep adventures and peaceful countryside retreats to boat cruises and Reykjavík -based excursions. Whether you want to venture deep into the wilderness or enjoy the lights from the sea, we’ll help you find the perfect tour to match your travel style, budget, and timing.
For those looking for an immersive and off-the-beaten-path experience, Super Jeep tours offer unmatched access to Iceland’s rugged interior. These 4x4 vehicles are specially equipped for snowy terrain and take you far away from light pollution into the Icelandic highlands, black sand deserts, or volcanic valleys.
These tours often include warm beverages, cozy blankets, and stories of Icelandic folklore, making them one of the most intimate and adventurous ways to chase the lights..
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Northern Lights boat tours are ideal for travelers who want to experience the auroras in a unique and serene setting. Departing from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour or Akureyri in the north, these cruises take you out onto calm Arctic waters where city lights disappear behind you.
The reflection of the auroras on the ocean creates stunning photo opportunities and a tranquil experience unlike any other.
For convenience and value, bus tours from Reykjavik are a favorite option. These tours operate nightly during aurora season and take you to dark-sky locations based on the evening’s weather and solar activity forecast.
These tours are perfect for travelers on a tighter budget or with limited time in the capital city.
If your goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, staying in the countryside offers the best visibility. Packages often include overnight stays in remote lodges or boutique hotels located far from any urban light pollution.
Some retreats even offer in-room aurora wake-up calls so you never miss a sighting, even if it happens while you’re sleeping.
For those who want a full Icelandic adventure, multi-day Northern Lights tours combine aurora chasing with daytime activities like glacier hiking, ice cave exploring, lava caving, and visits to the Golden Circle or South Coast.
These tours are usually 3–6 days long and are available as group packages or private experiences.
The Northern Lights season in Iceland runs from late September to mid-April, when the nights are dark and long. Peak months are:
To improve your chances of seeing the aurora, plan at least a 3- or 4-night stay. Cloud cover and geomagnetic activity vary daily, so multiple tour nights increase your chances of a successful sighting.
Many aurora tours provide photo support, and some even include a photographer who will take your picture under the Northern Lights.
We specialize in creating memorable and comfortable aurora viewing experiences. Our team of local experts ensures that you get the best chance of seeing the lights without stress. We offer:
Whether you’re chasing the aurora in a Super Jeep or soaking in a hot tub at a remote lodge, our tours are designed to deliver unforgettable memories under the Icelandic night sky.
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The best months are October through March, when nights are longest. December and January offer the most hours of darkness, ideal for viewing auroras.
Super Jeep tours or countryside stays offer the highest success rates, as they travel far from light pollution and can adjust routes based on real-time forecasts.
It’s possible, but not ideal. City lights reduce visibility. Guided tours take you to darker areas outside the city for a clearer and more vibrant viewing experience.
Most tours offer a free retry or rebooking for another night if the Northern Lights aren’t visible. Weather conditions and solar activity can vary, so flexibility is key.
Wear warm, layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy boots. Bring a tripod and camera if you want to take photos. Some tours provide blankets or hand warmers.
From wild highland jeep adventures and peaceful boat cruises to secluded countryside lodges, Iceland offers some of the best Northern Lights tours in the world. With a wide range of options for all preferences and budgets, you're sure to find the right tour for your aurora dreams. Book your ideal Northern Lights tour with Iceland Holiday Packages and let Iceland’s night sky light up your winter adventure.
See what makes our Iceland trips special with testimonies from our lovely customers.
A truly amazing experience! With Iceland Packages, I reserved an Iceland trip package for my honeymoon, and it well above all my expectations. Everything about the experience was beautiful, from the breath-taking scenery to the flawless setups. Strongly advise anyone organizing a romantic gateway to use their services.
A Memorable Iceland Journey! I had the most amazing holiday ever with my family. All the must-see locations and activities were included in the thoughtfully designed tour package. The local guides were immensely informative, and the accommodations were excellent. I'm eager to make another reservation with them.
A Fantastic Trip to Iceland! I am so grateful to Iceland Packages for planning the ideal trip for me. Everything was handled perfectly from the time I landed until I left. I was able to take my time discovering Iceland's hidden treasures because I could alter my schedule to suit my needs. Absolutely once in a lifetime!".
Easy Reservations and Top-Notch Support! It was really easy to book my flights and vacation package to Iceland. Their customer service team was really helpful throughout the entire process. The trip itself was excellent; every aspect had been carefully thought out. Strongly advised for hassle-free trip preparation!.
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