Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland was the number one thing we wanted to do on our trip to Reykjavik. In fact, the mystical green lights in the nighttime sky are one of the top reasons to visit Iceland in winter.
Rather than hoping to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights from Reykjavik, we booked a tour that would give us a better chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon.
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During our Trip to Iceland, Northern Lights Tours were canceled due to unfavorable weather for three straight days.
However, on our fourth and final night in Reykjavik, the skies were clear, the conditions were right…and the chase for seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland was on!
Our Reykjavik, Iceland Northern Lights Tour
Photo courtesy of Be My Travel Muse
For us, taking a tour was the easiest, hassle-free way to get a glimpse of the green lights in the sky over Iceland.
The guides know the best places to see Northern Lights near Reykjavik – and the drivers are accustomed to driving in the winter weather in Iceland.
There are numerous Northern Lights Iceland Tours that depart from Reykjavik – ranging from big bus tours to private adventures to night boat cruises.
Because we were on a budget, we opted for an affordable large group bus tour. While we know there are far better personalized small group excursions, the cost-to-value ratio of our tour was spot on.
Photo courtesy of Lux Adventure Traveler
One of the things we liked best about Northern Lights Tours is that they only run if there is a chance of actually seeing them.
There is no reason to get bundled up and drive out into the countryside if the skies are overcast and there is no indication of recent solar activity.
By late afternoon, we were notified via text or email as to whether or not there was a Northern Lights Tour that evening.
If not (which happened three days in a row), we were able to easily re-book the same tour from Reykjavik for the following day.
However, one downside is that most of the tour buses then gather at the same spot. While there is plenty of room, it is far from a private affair.
Check out this Small Group Northern Lights Tour!
Our Experience Seeing Northern Lights in Iceland
Photo courtesy of Boots and a Backpack
It was our 4th and final day in Reykjavik and we had yet to see the Aurora Borealis. The day had been mostly cloudy – and the fierce winds were brutally cold.
Our optimistic outlook and high hopes that skies would clear were waning. However, as the hours passed and darkness came, we had yet to receive a cancellation notice from our tour company.
Still doubtful, it wasn’t until an hour before the 9pm departure that we finally realized the chase for the Northern Lights was on!
Preparing for our Northern Lights Tour
In preparation for the evening, I donned about every layer of clothing I had. I pulled on double layers of socks, pants, coats, scarves, gloves and hats. I double-downed my double layers with a total of four shirts.
When it was time to go, I slipped on my Sketchers. These were the only shoes I brought with me (big mistake, huge) – and they were still slightly wet from exploring Reykjavik earlier in the day.
I wasn’t fooled – I knew I would be cold. However, my excitement was quelling my worries.
I brought both my travel cameras in an attempt to capture the Northern Lights. Before arriving in Iceland, I had spent a little time reviewing the settings necessary to photograph the Aurora Borealis.
Chasing Northern Lights by Tour Bus
We met our tour at the Reykjavik BSI Bus Terminal and departed on time. As we headed out on the road, we could see whipping snow in the headlight beams.
The tour company had determined that the best spot for seeing the Northern Lights from Reykjavik was an hour away at Thingvellir National Park.
As our guide was talking about historic sightings of the Aurora in Iceland, the two-way radio crackled to life.
We could hear a muffled voice and the words were in Icelandic. Our guide stopped mid-sentence and grabbed the radio, speaking into it in the language we didn’t understand.
When he finished the conversation, he addressed the bus, “It’s just been confirmed (dramatic pause) Northern Lights have been spotted.” A ripple of excitement rushed through the bus!
He continued, “And, if you are seated on the left side of the bus (we were), I believe those are the Northern Lights glowing in the distance.”
Out the window, we could see a soft glow in the sky. It was reminiscent of seeing city lights from afar in the fog, but with just a tinge of jade.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
We turned into Thingvellir National Park and our bus, along with several others, filed into a parking lot. I secured my layers, got my cameras ready and we dashed off the bus.
When we stepped into the open field, we were blasted with a wind as cold as ice. It slapped my cheeks and instantly froze…everything.
With our eyes not yet adjusted, we waded into the deep snow. Beyond the road we arrived on, we could see two distinct streams of lime green light in the sky. This was it. We were seeing the Northern Lights!
Photographing the Northern Lights
We scrambled to find a place to set up our cameras, as we needed complete stillness if we were to have any chance of getting a clear photo. Without a tripod, we would have to improvise.
The ground, covered in snow, certainly wasn’t an option. We spotted a picnic table, cleared off the snow, set down a plastic tarp and angled the lenses toward the sky.
The wind was so fierce, however, that as soon as we would let go of the cameras, the wind would rattle them.
Leaving them on the table was not an option, but I was shivering so hard that I was shaking the table when I tried to steady it.
Fairly counterproductive. we eventually got off three shots. One look at the preview screen showed we got zero results.
Watching Aurora Borealis
I soon realized I was spending more time looking at the camera than the incredible display in front of me, which was not how I envisioned experiencing the Northern Lights.
I turned my focus from photographing the event to actually watching the sky pulse. The ribbons of green expanded and brightened then dulled and brightened again.
The light danced across the high Icelandic sky, silhouetting the mountains in distance. It was like watching a stream of fairy dust.
A million stars twinkled above us; the constellations were more vibrant that we had ever witnessed them before.
We watched until our toes felt like they were frozen solid and we could no longer feel our faces…which was about a total of six minutes.
When we reluctantly retreated to the warmth of the bus, we weren’t alone. It was nearly full and we were soon on our way back to Reykjavik!
Tips For Seeing the Northern Lights in Reykjavik
Photo Courtesy of Clever Dever Wherever
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland was one of the main reasons why we traveled here during the depths of winter – yet, we were woefully unprepared.
While it is something we will never forget, in hindsight, the experience would have been much more enjoyable had we adequately planned for the event.
Winter Weather Gear
As full-time travelers, we pack for all seasons and only carry backpacks. Our luggage doesn’t leave a lot of room for gear that is suited for extreme temperatures.
We highly recommend traveling to Iceland with winter weather-appropriate gear. Specifically, we suggest packing winter boots, thick socks, a heavy coat and a warm cap.
Travel Camera & Accessories
Photographing the Northern Lights can be tricky. A good camera and a tripod are essential.
While some novice photographers can be lucky (we weren’t), it is best to study your settings and practice before you’re standing in the dark getting pelted with a howling wind!
Want our best advice? Don’t bother! If you’re not proficient at night photography and haven’t invested in proper equipment, forget it and simply enjoy the show.
Iceland Travel Insurance
Not only can trip insurance help cover costs for flight cancellations or lost luggage, it may be beneficial if you’re injured or get sick while abroad. Consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Top Tips For Your Iceland Trip
Planning a vacation to Iceland can be overwhelming – there is so much to see and do. We created a detailed 3-Day Iceland Winter Itinerary that can help you sort it all out!
We also have specific tips for what to eat in our Guide to Icelandic Food. For a taste of local brew, read about where to find Reykjavik Craft Beer.
Looking for more tours in Iceland? Read about the sights along the Golden Circle and what to see on the stunning South Coast.
Start planning your trip to Iceland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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