Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 311 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco worth booking?
Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco is a 4-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $59 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 311 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (311)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $59 per person
The Northern Lights (or aurora) are perhaps one of the most popular things that tourists come to Iceland to visit. This stunning light display occurs high in the upper atmosphere of the earth as a result of solar winds colliding with the magnetic field of our planet. Our Northern Lights team works hard throughout the day, checking on weather data in order to best predict a location where the lights should be clearly visible. The locations visited are different from day to day we head in the direction with the most chances of seeing the Northern Lights. As this tour is weather dependent and sightings are not guaranteed, you are welcome to join another Northern Lights Coach tour free of charge.
What you get
About this experience
The Northern Lights (or aurora) are perhaps one of the most popular things that tourists come to Iceland to visit. This stunning light display occurs high in the upper atmosphere of the earth as a result of solar winds colliding with the magnetic field of our planet. Our Northern Lights team works hard throughout the day, checking on weather data in order to best predict a location where the lights should be clearly visible. The locations visited are different from day to day we head in the direction with the most chances of seeing the Northern Lights. As this tour is weather dependent and sightings are not guaranteed, you are welcome to join another Northern Lights Coach tour free of charge.
What's included
Included
- On-board WiFi
- Pickup and drop from one of many approved central locations
- Hot Chocolate
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- One free retry tour if you don´t see the lights on your first go. The retry will be on a big bus
- All Fees and Taxes
What you'll see and do
Iceland
Reykjavik has high level of light pollution, making it difficult for good viewings of the aurora. To overcome this issue we go out into the darker countryside to hunt for the lights. You will be joined by one of our experienced northern lights guide who will have loads of information to share with you. With a little bit of luck you will find an amazing spot to view the Aurora borealis. When you reach the location that your guide has selected as being the best point for a sighting then you will have some time to get out of the bus to see the lights. You will have plenty of time to take some photographs, If you are struggling then your guide should be able to help you setup your camera.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Reykjavik
Or, you can get picked up
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Or, you can get picked up
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BusTravel Iceland
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 308 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
308 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Don't trust them. Worst tour ever.
Do NOT book this tour – or if you must – wait until the day of! And check the weather. Even if there is ZERO chance of seeing the Lights, they will not cancel the tour. The only reason I am giving this any stars at all is because the driver was nice and did his best — but that ended up being torture because he wouldn't give up, even though it was clearly impossible. The day before when we reached the cancellation window, it appeared the weather would be good. But by the time our tour departed, Iceland was completely socked in by clouds and it was raining. The responsible thing would have been for the company to cancel the tour. Instead, it insisted on driving us and 20 other fellow travelers around in the dark on bumpy roads for FIVE AND A HALF HOURS in search of a non-existent patch of open sky. The tour was only an hour longer than our flight to get to Iceland. And it was miserable. Unfortunately, we didn't check the weather before we boarded and trusted the company. However, there was wifi on the bus – so as it became clear something wasn't right, we looked at the weather and cloud cover apps. There was no open sky over anywhere closest enough to drive. The driver surely also knew that, because he was constantly checking his phone. I can. only surmise that the company makes the driver keep driving around to make a show of doing their best. In the end, our driver apologetically admitted defeat and took us for hot cocoa by a waterfall. It would have been better if he had done so hours earlier. It is without question the worst tour I have ever been on. A total waste of $500 that left us all exhausted. We ended up losing our money on the next day's tour as well, because no one wanted to get back on another bus. I understand that there is no guarantee that you will see the lights, but when the company knows for certain that you won't, it is dishonest and greedy. By the way, at the end of the tour, there was no offer for a repeat tour as promised by their promotional materials. Of course, they would have had to pay me to go on it.
Response from the operator: We’re sorry the evening was disappointing, but we would like to clarify several points. When forecasts indicate there is no reasonable chance of seeing the Northern Lights, we cancel the tour. On this evening, the available forecast gave us a reasonable opportunity to operate, but Icelandic weather and cloud cover can change very quickly. Unfortunately, the expected clear areas did not develop. Your guide continued searching precisely because conditions can change during the evening and there was still a possibility of a sighting. This was not an attempt to “make a show” of operating the tour. We would also like to clarify that a complimentary retry was offered by the guide. We did not subsequently receive a request from you to arrange another date. We completely understand the disappointment of spending a long evening searching without seeing the aurora, but we do not knowingly operate tours when there is certainty that a sighting is impossible, and Northern Lights visibility can never be guaranteed.
via Viator
Amazing trip, highlight of our trip to Iceland! Thanks Devin.
The highlight of our trip to Iceland! Devin was an amazing tour guide, very knowledgeable & funny! Everything was brilliant - transport, commentry, location & hot chocolate. So glad we booked the small group tour and was lucky enough to see an amazing Northern Lights Display! Would highly recommend ⭐️
via Tripadvisor
Svetlanna was great.
Svetlanna, our guide, was excellent. She really went all out for us, hunting the clear skies on a very rainy day (they will cancel if its going to be completely overcast). I strongly recommend this trip, it was rhe highlight of my week.
via Viator
Small group tour is a must
Michael was determined to find us the best spot for viewing the Northern Lights. Because we were in a van (vs a large bus), he could take us on smaller roads with less traffic and light pollution. We were lucky and saw the full display of lights. There were winds of 50 mph so dress warmly and bring a tripod because you need to keep your camera still to take the best pictures.
via Viator
Amazing, magical, and beautiful!
Be prepared for any kind of weather. We were lucky because we say the Northern lights right away and at all stops. Our tour guide JP was amazing with facts and helped everyone with taking the best pictures of the experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $59 to $118
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 109
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by BusTravel Iceland, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything BusTravel Iceland runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco cost?
+
Prices start at $59 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 Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco take?
+
Plan for about 4 hours 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 Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 311 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 Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco?
+
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 Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco?
+
Around 109 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?
+
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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco?
+
Included: On-board WiFi; Pickup and drop from one of many approved central locations; Hot Chocolate; In-vehicle air conditioning; and One free retry tour if you don´t see the lights on your first go. The retry will be on a b. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 35 listed pickup locations in and around Reykjavik.
What languages is Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco offered in?
+
It runs in English. 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 Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco?
+
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.
What happens to Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco?
+
Across 311 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Choco.
Pick your date
