Ancient Aurora Watch — a lone summit under the lights
Kirkjufell Mountain — West Iceland
Diamond Beach — Jökulsárlón, South Coast
Guests viewing the lights — a quiet night on tour
Skógafoss Waterfall — South Iceland
The Northern Lights Hunt
Iceland's night sky isn't something you view — it's something you chase. Every afternoon, our guides study the aurora forecast, the cloud cover and the solar wind the way a sommelier studies a vintage. Once the evening's plan is confirmed, a comfortable small-group minibus carries you beyond the city lights to whichever dark corner of the island gives you the clearest chance of witnessing it — a warm blanket, a hot drink, and nothing left to do but look up.
The Experience
The Forecast, Read Like a Craft
Every afternoon, our team studies solar activity, cloud cover and the night's forecast across the island. We only take you out when the odds are genuinely in your favour — and by early evening, you'll have your confirmation, with the night's plan already taking shape.
Beyond the City, Into the Dark
Aboard a comfortable small-group minibus — never more than 19 guests — with a driver-guide who knows the island's darkest, clearest corners, we leave Reykjavík's lights behind for a quiet lava field, a still lake, an open valley ringed by mountains — wherever the night's conditions favour you most.
The Moment It Appears
Wrapped in a hand-knit Icelandic wool blanket, hot cocoa in hand, you watch the sky move. Our guide handles the camera settings for you — every phone and every DSLR — so the only thing you have to do is look up.
A Promise, Not Just a Tour
The aurora is a wild thing, and no one can command it. If it doesn't show, simply let us know by 2pm the following day and we'll seat you again on the next clear night, free of charge, subject to availability — quietly, no questions asked.
Highlights
- Small-group minibus (max. 19 guests) with an expert local driver-guide
- Real-time aurora, cloud-cover & solar-activity monitoring
- Hand-knit Icelandic wool blankets & tripods for every guest
- Gourmet hot cocoa & traditional Icelandic "kleinur" pastries
- Complimentary photography under the lights, conditions permitting
- Free rebooking, on the house, if the lights don't appear
Included & What to Bring
Included
- Small-group minibus & expert local driver-guide
- Pickup & drop-off, Reykjavík metropolitan area
- Gourmet hot cocoa & Icelandic "kleinur" pastries
- Hand-knit wool blankets & tripods on board
- Complimentary photography, conditions permitting
- Free WiFi on board
- Free rebooking if the aurora doesn't appear
- All taxes, fees & handling charges
What to Bring
- Warm, windproof & waterproof outer layers
- Comfortable, warm, waterproof footwear
- Your own camera, if you prefer it to ours
- A fully charged phone
A Typical Day
Good to Know
- Sightings depend entirely on nature — even with the best forecasting, they can never be 100% guaranteed. If we don't see the lights, simply let us know by 2pm the following day and we'll seat you again on another night, free of charge, subject to availability.
- Refunds apply only when we cancel the tour ourselves, most often due to unfavourable weather or safety conditions. We also reserve the right to delay or reroute a departure for the same reasons.
- Cancellations made by you within 24 hours of departure are not eligible for a refund — we recommend travel insurance that covers tour cancellations.
- We recommend warm, wind- and waterproof clothing throughout — you'll be standing outdoors for extended periods.
- Access to restrooms is limited once we leave the city — we recommend using facilities before pickup.
- Easy and accessible for anyone in good health; no physical activity required.
- Given the fixed evening schedule and pace, we don't recommend bringing infants aged 0–5 on this departure — for younger children, reach out and we'll arrange a private, flexible-pace alternative.
Gallery
Why Travel With NorthStar
An Icelandic company — NorthStar Travel ehf. — planning journeys in the country we call home.
Guided by people who know these landscapes and the stories behind them.
Only cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable — no hidden conditions.
See full policy →Book online through Bókun's secure checkout, with live availability and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The aurora is a natural phenomenon and can never be 100% guaranteed. If it doesn't appear on your tour, simply let us know by 2pm the following day and we'll rebook your seat on another night, free of charge, subject to availability.
No tour operator can guarantee them — the aurora depends on solar activity and clear skies, both outside anyone's control. What we can guarantee is that we'll put you in the best possible position to see them, based on that night's forecast, and bring you back for free if we don't.
If we cancel the tour ourselves — most often for unfavourable weather or safety — you'll receive a full refund, or we're happy to move you to another night instead.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are not eligible for a refund. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers tour cancellations for full peace of mind.
When conditions allow, our guide photographs the group under the lights throughout the evening. You'll receive a link to download the full set shortly after your tour.
This departure is a small-group experience, with a maximum of 19 guests sharing the minibus — personal and unhurried, without the price tag of a fully private vehicle. If you'd prefer something exclusive, reach out and we'll arrange a private, bespoke night instead.
Given the late departure and fixed pace of this tour, we don't recommend bringing infants aged 0–5. If you're travelling with a young child, contact us and we'll happily arrange a private, flexible-pace alternative suited to your family.
Dress in warm, windproof and waterproof layers as you would for a winter evening outdoors — temperatures can feel colder while standing still watching the sky.
Prefer It Just for You?
Skip the shared departure — a fully private vehicle, your own schedule, and a night built entirely around your party.
Explore the Private Tour →