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Northern Lights Private Tour from Reykjavík

4–5 hoursGroup: Private tour, only your groupEasyPrivate vehicle and guideNo minimum ageSept–Apr
5.0(21 reviews)

A northern lights private tour from Reykjavík with your own guide and vehicle for just your group. Your guide plans the route around that night's forecast and cloud cover, and you set the pace.

Our most luxurious way to see the aurora: just your group, a heated vehicle and a guide who chases the clearest sky all evening.

At a glance
Price
1–4 people 80,000 ISK · 5–8 people 174,900 ISK · 9–12 people 219,900 ISK · 13–18 people 299,900 ISK (per vehicle, whole group)
Season
September to April, when the sky is dark enough
Start
Pick-up at your hotel in Reykjavík, 21:00–22:00. Airport pick-up possible.
Duration
Usually 4–5 hours, longer if you want to stay out
Who guides
A local guide, born and raised in Iceland, who checks the cloud and aurora forecast and drives you to the clearest sky
Age
No minimum age, good for families
Rating
5.0 from 21 reviews
Cancellation
If the tour can't run because of the weather, you choose a new date or a full refund

Compare all private and luxury Northern Lights tours.

Reykjavík pick-upDark-sky viewing areaReturn to Reykjavík
  • Your own guide and vehicle, for your group only
  • The route is chosen on the night, based on cloud cover and forecast
  • No fixed schedule, your guide can wait longer or move on as needed
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Reykjavík
  • Runs through the northern lights season, September to April

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkYour guide meets you at your accommodation in the evening.
2Two small figures under a sky full of Northern LightsChasing clear skyYour guide drives toward the darkest, clearest sky based on that night's forecast.
Two small figures under a sky full of Northern LightsTwo people pointing up at the Northern Lights

Because the tour is private, the route is not fixed. Your guide drives toward the darkest, clearest sky based on that night's forecast and can change direction through the evening if cloud cover shifts. The plan can change more than once.

Tip · the plan can change more than once through the night
3Northern Lights over a snowy mountainWatching the skyTime outside watching and photographing the sky, for as long as makes sense.
Northern Lights over a snowy mountainBlue and green Northern Lights reflected in a lake

How long you stay at any one spot is up to you and your guide, not a fixed schedule. You are outside watching and photographing the sky, so dress in warm layers.

Tip · dress in warm layers, you'll be outside in the cold
4Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off at your accommodation.

About the Northern Lights private tour

On a group tour, the driver has a bus full of people to please and a schedule to keep. On this private tour it's just your group, so your guide can genuinely chase the best sky that night: checking the forecast, choosing a direction, and changing plans if clouds move in somewhere else.

The northern lights need clear, dark sky and enough solar activity, and none of that can be guaranteed on any given night. What a private tour buys you is flexibility: your guide can wait a little longer at a promising spot, try a second location, or head back early if conditions are clearly hopeless, rather than sticking to a fixed group itinerary.

It runs through the dark months, roughly September to April, in the evening. Dress warmly, since you'll be standing outside in the cold to watch the sky, and Icelandic winter nights can be well below freezing.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Pick-up from the airport

Included

  • Private guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Warm or waterproof clothing

What to bring

  • Warm, waterproof layers
  • Hat and gloves
  • Camera with a night mode and a tripod if you have one

Good to know

  • The price is per vehicle, for your whole private group
  • Duration is usually 4–5 hours, flexible depending on conditions
  • No minimum age
  • Runs September to April, when the sky is dark enough
  • The northern lights are never guaranteed on any tour

Questions people ask

Is the price per person or per group?

Per vehicle and group. The price in the booking box is for your whole private group.

What if we don't see the lights?

Nothing can guarantee a sighting, but a private guide can adapt the route and timing to give you the best chance that night.

Is it suitable for young children?

There's no minimum age, but it involves standing outside in the cold, which is worth keeping in mind for very young children.

How long does it run?

Usually 4–5 hours, but your guide can adjust based on conditions.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 21 reviews
5 stars21
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
Flexible, personal, and breathtaking

We wanted to be able to leave whenever the skies cleared. Our private tour allowed that flexibility—no fixed group schedule. We were driven to remote spots to avoid light pollution. When the Northern Lights finally appeared, it was a breathtaking wrap to a long but rewarding night.

Carlos M.
Luxury, comfort & unforgettable views

This was a luxury experience from start to finish. Private pick-up, heated vehicle, blanket, hot drinks—everything felt premium. When the aurora appeared, it was a show: green and purple waves overhead. The personalization made it feel like it was made just for us.

Olivia C.
Great for families and kids

We took this tour with our two young children (ages 5 and 8). The guide was super patient, made the drive fun, and kept us warm. Seeing the Northern Lights together was magical—something we will always remember. Even our kids were in awe.

Mark J.
Perfect for photography lovers

I was worried about taking good photos, but the guide helped with camera settings, showed us angles, and even brought tripods. When the lights came out, I got shots I’ll cherish forever. Private tours give you the flexibility to stop where it’s best. Worth every krona.

Emily R.
Expert guide made all the difference

The guide’s knowledge and intuition were amazing. He tracked solar activity, watched the weather, and knew exactly where to go. We felt safe and well taken care of, even when the conditions were tricky. And when the Northern Lights appeared, the sky lit up—it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

Lars J.
Magical evening above Reykjavik

We booked the private Northern Lights tour with a group of four, and it felt like we had the night sky all to ourselves. Our guide drove us out of the city, found clear skies, and we saw the aurora dancing above a calm lake. The private vehicle was warm and comfortable. Highly recommend for couples or small groups!

Sarah M.
From80,000 ISKPer vehicle, for your whole group

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