Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
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Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 2,174 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos worth booking?
Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos is a 4-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $169 per person. It scores 87 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 2,174 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 87 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (2,174)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $169 per person
Northern Lights Adventure: Small Group Iceland Tour´ Join us for a cozy, unforgettable night chasing the aurora borealis in a small, intimate group (max. 19 guests). Our friendly local guides, who specialize in Northern
What you get
About this experience
Northern Lights Adventure: Small Group Iceland Tour´ Join us for a cozy, unforgettable night chasing the aurora borealis in a small, intimate group (max. 19 guests). Our friendly local guides, who specialize in Northern Lights forecasting, use live data every evening to find the best, crowd-free locations, giving you the best chance to see this magical phenomenon. Wrap yourself in warm Icelandic wool blankets, sip delicious hot chocolate, and savor traditional pastries as the night sky comes alive. Our guides, who are also professional photographers, will capture beautiful photos of you under the lights, delivered straight to your inbox within 8 days, so you can relive the magic. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a shared story of Icelandic folklore, stargazing, and the untouched beauty of Iceland’s wilderness. If the auroras don’t appear, don’t worry, we’ll invite you back for free. Let us help you create memories you’ll treasure forever!
What's included
Included
- Photos (if conditions allow)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Use of Icelandic woolen blankets
- Professional driver/guide
- Live commentary on board
- Hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Reykjavik
First off, you will start your hunt for the Northern Lights with a bit of planning via the Aurora forecast and start your exploration by heading towards the selected location. You might drive for up to one hour to reach a good spot and perhaps wait for the lights to appear. At this point, we take out the hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries. We also have Icelandic wool blankets on board to keep you warm while standing outside. There may be the decision of changing spots, by interacting with other locals as there are many different people outside looking for lights every night. We do this to increase the possibilities of finding Northern Lights. If there are no northern lights while on tour, you get to try again for free (upon availability). By traveling in a minibus you get the quality of a small group of no more than 19 people, as crowds are being avoided in order to get to the best spot available.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
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
- EastWest
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that the access to restroom facilities out of urban areas is very limited while on the Northern lights tours.
- Even with the best of guides and a detailed forecast, sightings are never guaranteed. If we don’t find any lights while on tour, you can join us again another day for free (upon our availability). You will not be entitled to get a refund, though.
- A refund is only possible if the tour never operates while you are in Iceland and you never get the chance to join the tour which sometimes happens due to unfavorable weather conditions.
- The tour is operated in a minibus and does not exceed more than 19 passengers.
- Availability for tour cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of shown availability.
- This tour takes place at night, please dress up accordingly with warm garments. Bring along a hat, gloves and a scarf. Waterproof clothing is always recommended while touring around Iceland.
- Please check your email inbox, we will send you an email on your departure day in the afternoon to inform you if the tour goes ahead or if it is cancelled.Make sure to check the spam inbox too.
- Pick-up begins 30 minutes prior to departure time.
- Pick up time: Aug 15–Sep 30 & Apr 1–Apr 18: from 21:30 / Oct 1–Mar 31: from 20:30
- If our tour is unsuccessful (Northern Lights not visible), photos will not be delivered.
- Due to traffic regulations, tour buses are not permitted to drive or stop in certain city areas and may only stop at designated locations. If your hotel isn't on our list, or if you're uncertain about where to meet us for pickup, please email us.
- Infants and children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour. For safety and operational reasons, they cannot be accommodated, and boarding will be denied if a booking is made with a child under the minimum age.
- Passengers must fit safely and comfortably within their allocated seat or arrange additional seating in advance. Guests must be able to board, disembark and walk independently.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,172 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
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
2,172 verified traveler reviews for Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A Great Way to See the Best Lights in Town
Baldvin was a great guide, clearly very knowledgeable and adept at knowing where to go and how Lady Aurora behaves; I think he was more disappointed by her tantalizing 'here I am .... no I'm not' games than anyone on the tour. He worked so hard to try and find us a moment of spectacular display, but the aurora just weren't playing ball! He also conjured great photographic moments for all of us - which I (as one of the solo members of the tours) very much appreciated. Being part of a small group tour was such a bonus: everyone got time to have multiple photographs taken. Baldvin's expert knowledge re locations meant that we had our chosen spot entirely to ourselves - and the hot chocolate and kleina were tasty too!
Response from the operator: Hi Lisa, Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review! Lady Aurora certainly likes to keep us guessing, and we are delighted that despite her not putting on the spectacular display everyone hoped for, you still had such an enjoyable experience. It is wonderful to hear how much you appreciated Baldvin’s determination, knowledge of the best locations, and efforts to create some memorable photographs for everyone. We are especially happy that the small group setting gave you plenty of time for photos and that you could enjoy your chosen viewing spot entirely to yourselves. Baldvin will be very pleased to hear your kind words. We hope Lady Aurora puts on a bigger show for you next time! Warm regards, Marc EastWest Team Member
via Tripadvisor
Would do again!!
So glad we did this tour. Many people were stuck on the side of the road trying to drive in Iceland! Our guide kept us on the move and chasing lights!
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your great review! We are really happy to hear you had such a positive experience on the Northern Lights tour. It is great to know your guide kept the group moving and made the most of the conditions, that flexibility is key when chasing the lights. We hope you had a memorable sighting! Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland again in the future! Warm regards, Marc EastWest Team Member
via Tripadvisor
Lights escaped me yet again
If the weather had cooperated I’m sure this excursion would have been a success. With that being said, the guide and transportation were fantastic.
Response from the operator: Hi Corina, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We completely understand your disappointment, the Northern Lights can be very elusive, and as you mentioned, everything depends on weather and conditions lining up on the night. That said, we are really glad to hear you found the guide and transportation fantastic. We always aim to provide a great experience regardless of the outcome, so your kind words mean a lot. As part of our policy, you are welcome to join us again using your 2 year rebooking voucher, and we would love another chance to help you catch the lights. Warm regards, Marc EastWest Team Member
via Viator
Very enjoyable and well organised
Very happy with this tour, it was well organised and the communication with the company was excellent. We managed to see the lights, albeit not as spectacular as I’d hoped, although our guide worked hard to find the best locations for us. Obviously the tour group has no control over the conditions! The sky was clear, though, and even seeing the stars was amazing. The hot chocolate and snacks went down a treat, and we had really good quality photos from the guide available after a few days. Would recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Kirsty, Thank you for joining us on the Northern Lights tour. We are glad you appreciated the organisation and communication, and that your guide worked hard to find the best possible viewing conditions. Even when the lights are subtle, a clear sky still makes for a memorable evening. It is also great to hear you enjoyed the refreshments and photos. We hope to see you again on another tour. Safe travels! Kindest Regards, Miguel EastWest Customer Service
via Tripadvisor
A really enjoyable evening!
We were really desperate to see the Northern Lights. We had traveled to the south of Iceland to see them and we had no luck due to weather. We booked a trip with EastWest for the evening before our tour but it was cancelled because of cloud cover. I really appreciated that as the company could have easily taken us out and taken our time and money. So I felt that this was a very honest company. This was also reinforced by the concierge of our hotel who said EastWest was the only company she would book for this kind of tour. Our tour guide Baldvin picked us up at our hotel. The van was incredibly comfortable and had WIFI. Big plus! Baldvin was very informative and was just as excited when he spotted the lights as the guests were. We were super lucky to see them. It was very special and was a highlight of the trip. It's not like anything I imagined. We could see them with the naked eye, but not as bright and stunning as through the camera lens. I appreciated that Baldvin included a bathroom break at an Icelandic gas station. We were able to get drinks and snacks which was another big plus for us. All in all I thought this tour was well done and very enjoyable.
Response from the operator: Dear Jennifer, Thank you for joining us on the Northern Lights tour. We appreciate your kind words about our decision-making and honesty regarding weather conditions. It is great to hear Baldvin made the experience enjoyable and informative, and that you were lucky enough to witness the lights. We are also glad the comfort of the vehicle and added touches enhanced your evening. We hope to welcome you again. Safe travels! Kindest Regards, Miguel EastWest Customer Service
via Tripadvisor
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
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 761
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 87
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos cost?
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Prices start at $169 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 with Hot Chocolate & Photos take?
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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 with Hot Chocolate & Photos worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 87 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 2,174 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Reykjavik, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos?
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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 Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos suitable for kids and families?
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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 with Hot Chocolate & Photos?
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Around 761 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos 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, Small-Group Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon with Ticket & Kerid Crater, Reykjavík Small group Walking Tour - by CityWalk. 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.
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