Northern Lights Tours in Iceland
Witness the wonder of the aurora borealis in all its multi-coloured, enchanting beauty. Discover why it’s an unforgettable experience on a northern lights tour in Iceland.
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Book With Confidence
Plan your Iceland tour with peace of mind
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Trusted local travel experts
Professional service from trusted local experts
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Great reviews
We are proud of our service quality and great reviews
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Personalised tours
Make the most of your visit with our tailored packages
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Hassle-free experience
We plan and book your entire trip before you arrive
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You are in good hands
While on your journey, help is never out of reach
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Full financial protection
Your payments are protected with financial safety as standard
6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr
South Iceland & Into the Glacier - Winter
174656ISK
Eur
6 days / 5 nights
Oct - Apr
Glacier Lagoon & Northern Lights
142965ISK
Eur
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter
264792ISK
Eur
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter
264792ISK
ISK
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr
Winter Highlights - Private
558296ISK
Eur
4 days / 3 nights
Sep - Mar
Golden Circle Classic - Winter
Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights
150370ISK
Eur
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Mar
Northern Lights Adventure in the Westfjords
Reykjavik, Northern Lights
369371ISK
Eur
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Mar
Northern Lights Adventure in the Westfjords
369371ISK
ISK
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Apr
Northern Lights Adventure in the Highlands
6 days / 5 nights
Sep - Mar
Best of South Iceland - Winter
Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon
211381ISK
Eur
7 days / 6 nights
Sep - Mar
Best of South & North Iceland - Winter
Golden Circle, South Coast & Lake Mývatn
309790ISK
Eur
4 days / 3 nights
Oct - Apr
Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter
99505ISK
Eur
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr
South & West Iceland at Leisure - Winter
216165ISK
Eur
8 days / 7 nights
Sep - Mar
Northern Lights Circle Tour


472777ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar
Winter Highlights & Northern Lights
Ice Cave & Glacier Lagoon


282077ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar
Winter Highlights & Northern Lights
282077ISK
ISK
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr
South Iceland at Leisure - Winter
164695ISK
Eur
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr
South Iceland at Leisure - Winter
164695ISK
ISK
14 days / 13 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Full Circle at Leisure - Winter
350285ISK
Eur
6 days / 5 nights
December
Christmas & Northern Lights
Best of South Iceland
254257ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
December
Christmas in Iceland
Reykjavik, Waterfalls, Northern Lights
235135ISK
Eur
6 days / 5 nights
December
New Year's & Northern Lights
Best of South Iceland & New Year's Eve Party
350337ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
December
A New Year's to Remember
Northern Lights, Super Jeeps and NYE Party
360612ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
December
New Year's in Iceland
Golden Circle, Northern Lights & NYE Party
299655ISK
Eur
11 days / 10 nights
December
Christmas & New Year's in Iceland
Northern Lights & New Years Eve Fun
461947ISK
Eur
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr
South & West Iceland Classic - Winter
176135ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
December
A Christmas to Remember
Super Jeeps, Glaciers & Blue Lagoon
296092ISK
Eur
3 days / 2 nights
Sep - Mar
Golden Circle Express - Winter
Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon & Northern Lights
131160ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar
Classic South Coast - Winter
Golden Circle, South Coast & Blue Lagoon
189701ISK
Eur
5 days / 4 nights
Sep - Mar
Active Iceland - Winter
Snowmobiling, Ice Tunnel & Golden Circle
254760ISK
Eur
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr
Northern Lights Circle Tour - Private
1057834ISK
Eur
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter - Private
1387016ISK
Eur
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Full Circle Classic - Winter - Private
1387016ISK
ISK
4 days / 3 nights
Oct - Apr
Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter - Private
357757ISK
Eur
4 days / 3 nights
Oct - Apr
Golden Circle & South Coast - Winter - Private
357757ISK
ISK
5 days / 4 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Luxury Adventure - Winter
Northern Lights, Winter Wonders & Blue Lagoon Retreat
1018213ISK
Eur
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Luxury Escape - Winter
Northern Lights, South Iceland & Blue Lagoon Retreat
1427315ISK
Eur
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Luxury Escape at Leisure - Winter
2014777ISK
Eur
10 days / 9 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Luxury Escape at Leisure - Winter
2014777ISK
ISK
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Luxury Adventure at Leisure - Winter
1427966ISK
Eur
7 days / 6 nights
Oct - Apr
Iceland Luxury Adventure at Leisure - Winter
1427966ISK
ISK
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr
South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private
1060775ISK
Eur
8 days / 7 nights
Oct - Apr
South & West Iceland Classic Winter - Private
1060775ISK
ISK
14 days / 13 nights
Oct - Apr
Best of Scandinavia & Iceland - Winter
Train, Cruise & Minibus
4485EUR
Eur
17 days / 16 nights
Oct - Apr
Best of Scandinavia - Norway Cruise & Iceland - Winter
Train, Cruise & Minibus
5002EUR
Eur
17 days / 16 nights
Oct - Apr
Best of Scandinavia - Norway Cruise & Iceland - Winter
5002EUR
EUR
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Talk with our local experts
See contact choicesAbout Your Iceland Northern Lights Package
Chase the magical, flickering lights of the aurora borealis on these tour packages. Crafted by local experts, our itineraries give you the best chance* of seeing this phenomenon. You'll also get personal recommendations on which attractions to visit, and benefit from the insider knowledge of your travel consultant.
When you book an Iceland northern lights vacation with Nordic Visitor, you can expect:
• An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted local company
• A dedicated travel consultant who will arrange your entire tour
• A comfortable journey in your chosen vehicle or on your mini-bus tour
• Handpicked accommodation for a comfortable and relaxing stay
• 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
Nordic Visitor has made it as easy as possible to plan your northern lights getaway. Start your journey by following these simple steps:
1. Use our tour filters to find your ideal package
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip
*Please note, the northern lights are a natural occurrence and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Why choose Nordic Visitor
Book With Confidence
Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our cancellation insurance free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.
Trusted local travel experts
Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor is a leading travel agency based in Iceland. Our local experts live and breathe Iceland and have in-depth knowledge of the must-see attractions and routes, providing you with an exceptional vacation.
Great reviews
Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.
Personalised tours
We’ll make your travel dreams a reality. We create itineraries using our in-depth knowledge and passion for Iceland, providing you with the best possible sightseeing experience that can be spiced up with additional nights, upgrades and activities.
Hassle-free experience
We arrange your vacation before you arrive, including a comprehensive itinerary, private airport transfer and a dedicated travel consultant. We work with our network of trusted local businesses to make your trip seamless, saving you time and effort so all you need to do is look forward to your adventure.
You are in good hands
When you travel with us, you’re never alone. Our local consultants can be reached on our 24/7 emergency helpline, and should any unforeseen weather issues or events arise, we will rearrange your itinerary and bookings to ensure that your journey is memorable for all the right reasons.
Full financial protection
With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.
Our Iceland Aurora Tour Reviews
Learn what makes our Iceland tours special from the amazing customers who travel with us.
Alexandra and TravisCanada
Map provided (with all stops/routes highlighted) was awesome! Also a great souvenir. Had an amazing adventure. Can't... read more
WendyUnited States
Thanks so much! We got to have exactly the vacation we wanted, and it was just wonderful!
Certificate of Excellence
Your Northern Lights Tour Highlights
Imagine the fresh winter air in your lungs, a clear night sky above, with your camera in your hands ready to capture the natural magic of the northern lights. Soon you could …
- Hunt the spectacular dancing and flickering northern lights
- Travel the famous Golden Circle route, seeing Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geyser and more
- Walk the Diamond Beach with its scattered, glistening ice
- Visit the volcanic black sand beach of Reynisfjara, amid dark basalt cliffs
- Roam the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park
- Delve deep ‘Into the Glacier’ and visit a glacier tunnel – a once in a lifetime experience!
- Sail amongst icebergs at the magical Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon hot spring
- Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
Advice for Northern Lights Trips
Read these handy travel guides to find out what to wear in Iceland, how to photograph the auroa, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Northern Lights Packages
You may have a few questions about your northern lights tour so we’ve gathered the important ones for your convenience. You can also find more information about Iceland in our travel guide, or if you want information about payment details and processes, check out our FAQ page.
Yes, of course. All our self-drive, guided small group and private packages are crafted to give you an amazing Iceland experience, but if you want to do something extra or want additional nights to enjoy the country then just talk to your travel consultant. They will be able to offer destination suggestions and modify your package according to your needs and preferences.
We recommend that you hold off on booking your flights until after you have heard from your dedicated travel consultant. This is typically no more than two working days after you have received your email confirmation of payment. By waiting until you have been introduced to your travel consultant you can book your flights in line with your personal itinerary.
If you have any questions, contact your consultant and remember when choosing dates, the prime northern lights viewing season is between October and March.
The northern lights, also called aurora borealis, are a magical sight to behold and have been capturing the imagination of humans for thousands of years – in fact, the Vikings believed that the lights were a glowing reflection from the shields and armour of the gods above.
There is a scientific explanation for them however: giant flares from the sun send blasts of charged particles to our planet and when they collide with atoms in our upper atmosphere, glowing emissions form. The movement, shapes, brightness and colours depend on the type of atoms involved as well as the intensity of the solar flares and the pull of Earth’s magnetic forces.
The northern lights are visible mainly between October and March each year in the Nordic region – this is because the winter nights are dark enough for us to see the lights. The aurora borealis can happen at any time of the year, but with the extra-long summer daylight hours due to another phenomenon called the “midnight sun”, it’s too bright at night to see the northern lights in summertime.
Check out our guide to sunrise and sunset times in our travel guide.
You can see the northern lights all across Iceland during the darker winter months because the country sits within a zone called the “Northern Lights Belt”. It reportedly has stronger auroral frequency and you can even search online for the best “auroral forecast” in the belt.
There are conditions you can control to have a better chance of viewing them though. Firstly, wherever you are on your journey, you will have a higher chance of seeing the lights if you’re far away from town and city lights (due to light pollution). As well as this, be patient as the lights don’t conform to a schedule – they may appear after a few hours or they may not.
Icelandic weather is famous for being ever-changing and there’s even a popular term called “gluggaveður”, or window-weather, because what may look like a warm day from inside could be very cold when outside. With this in mind, we suggest that you prepare for your trip by bringing plenty of thermal layers. Chasing the northern lights is a chilly business, so be sure to wrap up warm, wear a hat and bring these essentials on your trip:
- Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater
- Rainproof/windproof jacket
- Rain pants
- Sturdy walking shoes with a good tread/grip
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Hat (toque/beanie)
- Thermal underwear
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm socks
- A flask for a warm drink like hot chocolate
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and can occur throughout the year in Iceland. However, whether you’ll be able to view them or not is a different matter. A range of reasons can hinder the clarity of the lights such as light pollution from nearby towns, the night not being dark enough or heavy cloud cover.
Even if you have the right conditions for a viewing, it’s a natural marvel and may not appear when you want it to. To raise your chances, visit between October through March when the nights are long in Iceland (during the winter solstice in late December, darkness can extend for approximately 19 hours).
The best way to see the lights really depends on the travel style that suits you and the type of vacation you want. If you would like to see Iceland at your own pace and with flexibility, then a self-drive tour is best. With a rented car you’ll have more opportunities to stop for photos at the viewpoints that aren’t always noted on the map, giving you more opportunities to see the lights. You also have more freedom to go further afield for excursions and viewings.
If you’d rather an expert tour guide show you the best spots and times to see the northern lights, then a guided small group tour could be ideal. On a small group tour you’ll be in the company of like-minded travellers, which is popular for our many solo guests and for our those who don’t feel comfortable driving in the Icelandic winter conditions. They also get the bonus of a local Icelandic guide to share their knowledge and experience of Iceland.
If you want to be accompanied by an expert driver/guide but want to customise your trip and set the pace to suit your needs, then a privately guided tour would be ideal for you. This option blends both the flexibility of self-drive and the expert guidance of a small group tour. You get to enjoy a personal one-to-one travel experience but also keep the autonomy of self-drive tours. And it’s great if you’re travelling with family or friends as you will have a personal guide to answer all your questions about Iceland.
In Iceland, these are the summer months and the chances of seeing the northern lights are low as the nights are not dark or long enough to see them. We would suggest travelling to Iceland in the colder winter months (October - March) so you have an improved chance of viewing them.
If you’re in luck and have seen the beginnings of an aurora light show then you will want to capture the memory by photographing or recording it. Here are our top tips on capturing the lights:
Contact us
We’re here to help so whether you want to know more about your visit to Iceland or the aurora borealis, or want to add extra days or activities, get in contact with us!
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+354 578 20 80
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