Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 361 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit worth booking?
Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit is a 1-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $33 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 361 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (361)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $33 per person
Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center is the first and only museum entirely dedicated to the Aurora Borealis in Iceland. Conveniently located in the Grandi Harbour District, the Center is a must-see when in Iceland. Whether you are planning your Aurora hunt or simply want to learn about the phenomenon, we have you covered! Dive into the world of the northern lights in a unique multimedia environment. Discover our interactive displays and our extensive collection of Aurora photography and videos - all captured by our award winning photographers and founders. The visit includes: • Northern Lights mythology around the Arctic • Aurora Science, from what causes the northern lights to the way our eyes see them • Our exclusive timelapse Aurora movie and world's first northern lights VR experience • Practical tips: maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora and learn how to take perfect northern lights photos • Meet the experts, our team is happy to share their knowledge!
What you get
About this experience
Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center is the first and only museum entirely dedicated to the Aurora Borealis in Iceland. Conveniently located in the Grandi Harbour District, the Center is a must-see when in Iceland. Whether you are planning your Aurora hunt or simply want to learn about the phenomenon, we have you covered! Dive into the world of the northern lights in a unique multimedia environment. Discover our interactive displays and our extensive collection of Aurora photography and videos - all captured by our award winning photographers and founders. The visit includes: • Northern Lights mythology around the Arctic • Aurora Science, from what causes the northern lights to the way our eyes see them • Our exclusive timelapse Aurora movie and world's first northern lights VR experience • Practical tips: maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora and learn how to take perfect northern lights photos • Meet the experts, our team is happy to share their knowledge!
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Local taxes
Not included
- Headphones for our QR Audioguides. Bring your own or purchase them at our desk for an additional fee.
What you'll see and do
Aurora Reykjavik - The Northern Lights Center
Dive into the world of the northern lights at Aurora Reykjavík, Iceland's first center and museum entirely dedicated to the Aurora Borealis. Catch a glimpse of the cultures of the Arctic as you learn about northern lights myths and folklore from around the world. Explore the science of the phenomenon, from the origin of the northern lights to the way the human eye perceives them. In our movie theater, relax and enjoy our 4K timelapse movie, featuring 30 mins of Aurora displays seen over Iceland. Aurora Reykjavík is the home of the world's first 360°northern lights virtual reality experience. Watch the lights dance right above you, while you immerse yourself in the Icelandic wilderness. An experience so realistic, you'll believe you are really there! Finally, get ready for your Aurora hunt. Find out how to read the forecast and enhance your chances of success, then adjust your camera settings and learn how to take the perfect Aurora picture at our northern lights photo simulator.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Aurora Reykjavik - The Northern Lights Center
Fiskislod 53, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Aurora Reykjavik - The Northern Lights Center · Fiskislod 53, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cs, de, zh-TW, ru, pt, ja, yue, en, it, pl, fr, nl, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Aurora Reykjavik, The Northern Lights Center
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 359 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
359 verified traveler reviews for Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nice stop while in Reykjavik
Nice little exhibit detailing the science behind the Northern Lights. The northern lights photo simulator is good for you to dial in your settings before seeing them out in the field. There's a continuous movie that shows the northern lights across locations in Iceland. I really liked the VR experience and being able to look around and see the northern lights in different locations as if you're actually there.
via Viator
Iceland Aurora Borealis experience
The experience was the perfect introduction to Iceland. The ability to slow down. Get in touch with nature. Stop the mental anxiety. Be calmed by the aurora. Be greeted sincerely by super friendly staff. They even offer sending yourself (or anyone) a post card! How cool is that? September early morning was excellent due to no crowd. Atmosphere was clean and presentable. There was no rush to hurry to the next thing. Able to linger in the science area explaining the aurora or sit even lay down in the area with big screen viewing. The section with virtual reality goggles provided 360 degree views of several island locations and amazing dancing lights. Admission fee was as expected. Purchasing the booklet provides not only all the science facts but gorgeous photos. They had to brave the bitter cold ao we could enjoy from the comfort of indoors. There is never a guarantee to see the lights with naked eyes. Often the camera captures what cannot be seen so finding that professionals have created a place to see the lights no matter when you come to Iceland is fabulous.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that your visit gave you a chance to unwind, explore the science behind the aurora, and experience Iceland’s natural wonder in a different way. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the exhibits, virtual reality experience, and our indoor viewing areas. We’re also glad you appreciated the little touches, like the postcards and our guiding booklet. We put a lot of care into creating a welcoming place where visitors can discover and enjoy the aurora regardless of the weather or season, so your kind words mean a great deal to our team. We hope to welcome you back to Iceland for another memorable visit!
via Tripadvisor
Ok but won’t do again.
Basic museum about northern lights. It was okay but I didn’t learn anything different from my previous visit to Perlman museum which had several exhibits including one for northern lights.
via Viator
Great little find!
What a great little find! Found via the hop on hop off bus tour. In the same area as 3 other stops so able to belt out a lot of sightseeing in a short period of time. The light show was so mesmerizing, plenty of comfortable seating and they even had floor pads/beds if you wanted to lay down to view. We did not as between the lights and music we would have fallen asleep, it was so peaceful. The egg pods/viewers were interesting and fun too. While leaving make sure you get a choc chip cookie! Those were amazing too!
Response from the operator: Hi there, thanks for your review! Aurora Reykjavík is located in the heart of the Grandi district, the new specialty museums hub of Reykjavík. We are indeed surrounded by museums and attractions, making it a worthwhile stop for travellers. Hop-on bus and city bus both stop down here, just a 5 minute drive from the downtown area. Thank you for your kind words about our museum - and our café!
via Tripadvisor
Interesting. Could use a slight refresh
You get a discount if you come from one of the other museums. Some interesting exhibits. We didn’t do the VR since we don’t like putting on those glasses. Some of the exhibits could use updating. For example one exhibit has a reference to what’s coming in 2019 and 2020. Also the book button on another exhibit brings up an error message.
Response from the operator: Hello there, thanks for your review! Aurora Reykjavík is the Home of the Northern Lights in Iceland. Ours is a family owned and run business: our team of experts has been studying and hunting the phenomenon for almost two decades now, to offer travellers a valuable northern lights experience. We have just added new contents to our cinema and are currently working on adding new info-panels to our exhibits. Furthermore, we offer the first northern lights VR experience in the world - something we are very proud of! Would you come back one day, we hope you'll visit us again and see what's new. Thanks again for your review, takk fyrir!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 126
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit cost?
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Prices start at $33 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Reykjavik usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Reykjavik is not rushed.
Is Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 361 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit?
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Around 126 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Reykjavik can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Reykjavik and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Reykjavik within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Reykjavik?
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On Outty we rank every Reykjavik experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Reykjavik Food Walk - Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland, Silfra Snorkeling Between Continents Photos Included- Self Drive, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Reykjavik?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Reykjavik?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit?
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Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges; and Local taxes. Not included: Headphones for our QR Audioguides. Bring your own or purchase them at our desk for an addi. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit?
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The experience starts at Aurora Reykjavik - The Northern Lights Center, Fiskislod 53, Reykjavik, 101, Iceland. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit offered in?
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It is offered in Czech, German, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Japanese, Cantonese, English, Italian, Polish, French, Dutch and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Reykjavik. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Aurora Reykjavík, The Northern Lights Center Museum Visit?
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Across 361 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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