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Leave the city behind and head into Iceland’s dark countryside or open waters, where low light pollution gives the aurora room to appear.
Northern Lights Photography Tours in Reykjavik
See the aurora on Reykjavik’s best-value tour, complete with expert guides and flexible options.
- Evening out to: Experience the thrill of Northern Lights sightseeing from Reykjavik. Enjoy a guided bus tour (3–4 hours) with live commentary, and benefit from flexible rebooking if the lights don’t appear.
- You’ll get: Northern Lights sightseeing, pick-up from Reykjavik, and a professional guide to help you spot and photograph the aurora.
- Northern Lights: Witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis as it dances across Iceland’s night sky, an unforgettable natural spectacle.
- Upgrades: Enhance your experience with round-trip hotel transfers.
See the aurora on Reykjavik’s best-value tour, complete with expert guides and flexible options.
- Evening out to: Experience the thrill of Northern Lights sightseeing from Reykjavik. Enjoy a guided bus tour (3–4 hours) with live commentary, and benefit from flexible rebooking if the lights don’t appear.
- You’ll get: Northern Lights sightseeing, pick-up from Reykjavik, and a professional guide to help you spot and photograph the aurora.
- Northern Lights: Witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis as it dances across Iceland’s night sky, an unforgettable natural spectacle.
- Upgrades: Enhance your experience with round-trip hotel transfers.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Northern Lights
- English-speaking guide
- Audio guide on bus in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean & Finnish)
- Strategic stops to get the best photographs of the Northern Lights when you spot them
- Free Wi-Fi & USB charger at every seat
- Round-trip transfers from hotels or meeting point in central Reykjavik (as per option selected)
What to bring
- Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.
- Pack a waterproof jacket and pants, headwear, gloves, woollen socks, scarf and outdoor shoes for a weather-ready kit; who knows when the skies might decide to be moody?
What's not allowed
- Keep in mind food & smoking are not allowed on the buses. Pack wisely!
- Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Accessibility
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Packaged and unpackaged bicycles can be allowed onboard at additional cost, provided space is available on the buses.
Additional information
- Facilities: free Wi-Fi, multilingual audio guide, computer tablet, and USB port at every seat.
- If you haven't opted for hotel transfers, arrive at Reykjavik Terminal at least 15 minutes before departure. Guides will announce the tour name and time both inside and outside the terminal for your convenience. The clearly labeled bus will be parked right at the main entrance, ready for boarding.
- There are no toilets on the buses but frequent stops at public washrooms are scheduled.
- The weather here tends to bring unexpected twists. Dress in layers for adaptable comfort.
- 1 piece of small bag or hand luggage per passenger is allowed.
- If you don't see the Northern Lights on your tour, refunds aren't possible. But don't worry as you can re-book and join on more tours until you witness the spectacular Northern Lights.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Chase the Northern Lights in a small group, with expert guides and Aurora Centre admission included.
- Night out to: Spot the magical Northern Lights with a small group and expert local guide. If the auroras don’t appear, rebook for free! This is a popular option, so book tickets quickly.
- You’ll get: Guided tour, small group setting for a more customised experience (including driving to a few different spots to find the perfect spot to see the lights), use of woollen blankets, professional photos, and use of tripods.
- The Northern Lights: Experience Iceland’s aurora displays far from city lights, with your guide leading you to the best viewing spots based on real-time forecasts. As it's a small van for the group, the flexibility ensures you get the best viewing experience.
- Upgrades: Upgrade to include hotel pick-up and drop-off, giving you a smooth start and finish to your tour.
Chase the Northern Lights in a small group, with expert guides and Aurora Centre admission included.
- Night out to: Spot the magical Northern Lights with a small group and expert local guide. If the auroras don’t appear, rebook for free! This is a popular option, so book tickets quickly.
- You’ll get: Guided tour, small group setting for a more customised experience (including driving to a few different spots to find the perfect spot to see the lights), use of woollen blankets, professional photos, and use of tripods.
- The Northern Lights: Experience Iceland’s aurora displays far from city lights, with your guide leading you to the best viewing spots based on real-time forecasts. As it's a small van for the group, the flexibility ensures you get the best viewing experience.
- Upgrades: Upgrade to include hotel pick-up and drop-off, giving you a smooth start and finish to your tour.
Inclusions
- Small group tour from the meeting point
- Knowledgeable local driver guide
- Transfers in a small van (maximum 15 people)
- Admission to the Aurora Centre's Northern Lights Exhibition (if tour date is before March 31)
- Complimentary photos under the Northern Lights (if conditions allow)
- Hotel transfers (as per option selected)
- Hot chocolate & Icelandic pastries (as per option selected)
- Blankets
- USB charger at every seat
- Free Wi-Fi
What to bring
- Dress warmly and bring an extra layer, as nights can get chilly. Wear a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. Bring a winter hat, scarf, mittens/gloves, and warm socks on colder days.
- Bring your own camera and tripod for photography, as these are not provided.
- Crampons are recommended for icy paths and are available at BSÍ bus station.
- Bring snacks if you wish, as only limited treats (such as hot chocolate and Icelandic pastry) may be provided.
What’s not allowed
- Food and drinks beyond those provided are not included.
- Camera and tripod are not provided; you must bring your own if you wish to take photos.
- Large bags and suitcases may not be permitted on the bus for safety and comfort.
- Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- The minimum age for participation is 6 years.
- Tour operation is subject to weather and solar activity; sightings of the Northern Lights are not guaranteed.
- If the Northern Lights are not seen, you are eligible for a free rebooking or retry, valid up to two years after your original tour date.
- Admission to the Aurora Reykjavík Northern Lights Centre is included if your tour date is before March 31st.
- Please arrive at the meeting point or be ready for pick-up at the designated time.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Chase Iceland’s Northern Lights in style, off-road adventure in a premium Super Jeep!
- Evening out to: Hunt the Aurora Borealis with expert guides in a Super Jeep, escaping the crowds and city lights.
- You’ll get: Small group Super Jeep ride, English-speaking guide, pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik, hot cocoa and chocolate, free Wi-Fi, hand and feet warmers, and professional Northern Lights photos.
- Icelandic countryside: Venture deep into the countryside for the best chance to spot the Northern Lights, far from light pollution.
- Aurora Borealis: Experience the magic of the Northern Lights, vivid colors swirling across Iceland’s night sky.
Chase Iceland’s Northern Lights in style, off-road adventure in a premium Super Jeep!
- Evening out to: Hunt the Aurora Borealis with expert guides in a Super Jeep, escaping the crowds and city lights.
- You’ll get: Small group Super Jeep ride, English-speaking guide, pick-up and drop-off from Reykjavik, hot cocoa and chocolate, free Wi-Fi, hand and feet warmers, and professional Northern Lights photos.
- Icelandic countryside: Venture deep into the countryside for the best chance to spot the Northern Lights, far from light pollution.
- Aurora Borealis: Experience the magic of the Northern Lights, vivid colors swirling across Iceland’s night sky.
Inclusions
- Guided super jeep tour
- Certified guide
- Round-trip transfers from Reykjavík
- Northern Lights hunt
- Photos of your tour
- Hot cocoa & chocolate
- Blankets
- Hand and feet warmers
- Free Wi-Fi on the jeep
Exclusions
- Pick-up from private apartments and AirBnBs
What to bring
- Bring along warm outdoor clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, headwear, gloves and shoe spike grips (Oct to Apr)
What’s not allowed
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 6 years.
Additional information
- If you don’t see the Northern Lights, enjoy unlimited complimentary retries for up to 3 years.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Sail into the night from Reykjavík on a guided Northern Lights cruise, with warm overalls and expert live guidance.
- Starting point: Board the Northern Lights cruise in Reykjavík.
- Sights covered: Search for the Aurora Borealis from the sea, with panoramic views of Reykjavík’s skyline and surrounding mountains.
- Everything you get: Heated indoor seating, free WiFi, restrooms, warm overalls, and live guidance. Free retry if the lights don't appear.
- Upgrades: Options include crew-taken photos, a pre-recorded aurora video, café/bar access, or a backup museum visit with a cocktail.
Sail into the night from Reykjavík on a guided Northern Lights cruise, with warm overalls and expert live guidance.
- Starting point: Board the Northern Lights cruise in Reykjavík.
- Sights covered: Search for the Aurora Borealis from the sea, with panoramic views of Reykjavík’s skyline and surrounding mountains.
- Everything you get: Heated indoor seating, free WiFi, restrooms, warm overalls, and live guidance. Free retry if the lights don't appear.
- Upgrades: Options include crew-taken photos, a pre-recorded aurora video, café/bar access, or a backup museum visit with a cocktail.
Inclusions
- Guided Northern Lights cruise
- Use of warm overalls (available in children's size as well)
- Excellent live guidance
- Heated indoor seating
- Free WiFi onboard
- Restrooms onboard
- Northern Lights guarantee (or try again for free)
- Pictures taken by crew (when possible)
- Pre-recorded Northern Lights video (as per option selected)
- Café/Bar & Souvenir shop (as per option selected)
- Back-up plan (as per option selected)
What to bring
- Bring a valid photo ID for check-in.
- Dress warmly and according to the weather; wear a hat, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
- Warm overalls are provided on board, but good shoes are recommended for safety and comfort.
- Consider bringing a camera and a stabiliser if you wish to photograph the Northern Lights; crew can assist with camera settings.
What’s not allowed
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on board.
- Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
- Smoking is not permitted on board the vessel.
Accessibility
- The experience is not fully wheelchair accessible. Please contact the operator in advance if you have specific mobility needs.
Additional information
- The cruise is subject to suitable sea and weather conditions and may be cancelled on short notice for safety reasons.
- Sightings of the Northern Lights are not guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon. If no lights are seen, you will receive a complimentary ticket to try again.
- If the boat tour is cancelled, a backup experience or alternative tour may be offered, or you may be able to reschedule or request a refund, depending on your ticket type.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
See Iceland’s legendary Golden Circle by day and chase the Northern Lights by night, all in one trip.
- Day out to: South Iceland’s Golden Circle with a live guide, covering Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. After a break in Reykjavík, set out again for a guided northern lights hunt.
- You’ll get: Live English-speaking guide, Golden Circle tour, Northern Lights tour, all-day adventure from Reykjavík.
- Geysir: Marvel at the original geyser and watch Strokkur erupt, sending steaming water sky-high every few minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Witness Iceland’s most famous waterfall as it plunges in two dramatic tiers into a rugged canyon.
- Upgrades: Opt for hotel transfers for added comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
See Iceland’s legendary Golden Circle by day and chase the Northern Lights by night, all in one trip.
- Day out to: South Iceland’s Golden Circle with a live guide, covering Thingvellir National Park, the erupting Geysir geothermal area, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. After a break in Reykjavík, set out again for a guided northern lights hunt.
- You’ll get: Live English-speaking guide, Golden Circle tour, Northern Lights tour, all-day adventure from Reykjavík.
- Geysir: Marvel at the original geyser and watch Strokkur erupt, sending steaming water sky-high every few minutes.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: Witness Iceland’s most famous waterfall as it plunges in two dramatic tiers into a rugged canyon.
- Upgrades: Opt for hotel transfers for added comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Inclusions
- Golden Circle & Northern Lights tour
- Live guide
- Transfers (across the different places)
- Hotel pick-up & drop-off (as per option selected)
- Free Wi-Fi on board
What to bring
- Dress warmly in layers and bring a windproof and waterproof outer layer, as Icelandic weather can be unpredictable and cold, especially during the Northern Lights portion.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes suitable for icy or uneven terrain.
- Crampons are recommended for secure footing in icy conditions and are available for purchase at BSÍ bus station.
- Bring your own food and drinks, as these are not included in the tour.
- Bring a fully charged camera or smartphone to capture the sights.
What's not allowed
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted on the bus.
- Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour.
- Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- The Northern Lights tour is weather-dependent and sightings are not guaranteed. If you do not see the Northern Lights, you can join the tour again free of charge.
- Indicated return times may vary depending on aurora activity and weather conditions.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Which Reykjavik Northern Lights photography tour ticket is best for you?
Ticket type
Why choose this
What's included
Price from
Best if you want a warm, stable viewing platform with indoor seating and a free retry guarantee
Guided cruise + warm overalls + heated indoor seating + crew-taken photos when possible
€74.49
Better balance of group size, mobility, and photography support without upgrading to a super jeep
Small van for ≤15 guests + local driver-guide + blankets + USB charger + photos when conditions allow
€99.35
More comfort and flexibility for chasing the aurora, with dedicated transfers and extra cold-weather gear
Super jeep + certified guide + round-trip Reykjavík transfers + photos + warmers + hot cocoa
€184.56
A straightforward option if you want a larger-group chase with dedicated stops for aurora photography
Bus tour + English-speaking guide + multilingual audio guide + strategic photography stops
€70.94
Why do Northern Lights photography tour in Reykjavik?
Where Reykjavik meets the Arctic night
Northern Lights photography tour vs regular aurora tour
Photography tour
Regular aurora tour
Photography is a core part of the experience
Aurora viewing is the main focus
Stops are chosen with opportunities to photograph the aurora in mind
Stops primarily focus on finding and viewing the aurora
Crew-taken or tour photos may be included, depending on the ticket
Photos may not be included
More opportunity to pause and set up your shot when conditions allow
More emphasis on chasing favorable viewing conditions
Better suited to travelers who want aurora photos to take home
Better suited to travelers focused mainly on seeing the Northern Lights
Plan your Northern Lights photography tour in Reykjavik
Timings & duration
Essential gear for Northern Lights photography
Best time for Northern Lights photography
What to wear
- Operating hours: Northern Lights photography tours operate in the evening and at night, when darkness is essential for aurora viewing. Departure times vary by season and tour.
- Best time of day to go: Choose a tour that runs during the darkest part of the evening/night for better aurora visibility and photography conditions.
- Best season to visit: The Northern Lights season generally runs from late August to mid-April, when Iceland has sufficiently dark nights for aurora viewing. Tours remain weather-dependent.
- Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls is ideal. A smartphone with a dedicated night or Pro mode can also work.
- Lens: A wide-angle lens with a large aperture, ideally f/2.8 or wider, is recommended for capturing more of the sky.
- Tripod: Bring a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures, especially in Iceland's wind.
- Extra batteries: Cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so carry a fully charged spare.
- Memory cards: Bring an extra memory card, particularly if you plan to shoot in RAW or capture multiple long exposures.
- Headlamp: A small headlamp is useful when setting up outdoors. A red-light mode helps preserve night vision.
Pro tip: If you're using a smartphone, switch to Night or Pro mode and use a tripod or stable surface for sharper long-exposure shots.
- Season: Late August to mid-April offers enough darkness for Northern Lights viewing in Iceland.
- Time: Tours operate in the evening and at night, when the sky is dark enough for the aurora to appear.
- Weather: Clear or partly clear skies give you the best chance of seeing and photographing the aurora. Cloud cover can limit visibility.
- Darkness: Choose locations away from city lights when possible for darker skies and better photography conditions.
- Flexibility: Guides may adjust the route or viewing location based on weather and aurora conditions.
- Base layers: Wear thermal underwear or moisture-wicking layers to retain warmth.
- Middle layer: Add a fleece or wool layer for extra insulation.
- Outer layer: Choose a warm, windproof and waterproof jacket to protect against the elements.
- Bottoms: Wear insulated trousers or layer thermal leggings under your pants.
- Footwear: Opt for warm, waterproof boots with good grip for outdoor stops.
- Accessories: Bring a warm hat, gloves, scarf, and thick socks.
- Pro tip: Bring hand warmers if you plan to spend extended periods outside photographing the aurora.
Frequently asked questions about Reykjavik Northern Lights photography tours
What’s included in a Northern Lights photography tour?
Depending on the tour, you get guided aurora hunting, transport, photography opportunities, and complimentary crew-taken photos when conditions allow.
Do these tours guarantee Northern Lights sightings?
The Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed. The cruise includes a Northern Lights guarantee, allowing you to try again for free if you don't see them.
Will a photographer take photos of me?
Some tours include complimentary photos taken by the crew, subject to suitable Northern Lights and weather conditions. Check your selected option for details.
Which tour is best for Northern Lights photography?
Choose a Super Jeep or small-group chase for land-based photography stops, or a cruise if you prefer heated seating and onboard amenities.
When is the best time to book a photography tour?
Book during the Northern Lights season, from late August to mid-April. Earlier booking gives you more choice of dates and tour formats.
Can I bring my own camera and tripod?
Yes. Bringing your own camera and tripod is recommended if you want to photograph the aurora yourself. Keep equipment securely stored while travelling.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Aurora tours depend on suitable weather and sky conditions. Operators may adjust routes or plans to find better viewing conditions when possible.
What happens if I don't see the Northern Lights?
Sightings depend on natural conditions. The cruise includes a free retry guarantee; check your selected tour's terms for its specific policy.
Can the tour route change during the experience?
Yes. Guides may change the route or choose different viewing locations based on cloud cover, weather, and aurora forecasts to improve viewing opportunities.