Private Northern lights with photographs
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
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
5.0/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Northern lights with photographs worth booking?
Private Northern lights with photographs is a 4-hour experience in Reykjavik, Iceland, from $1500 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (22)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $1500 per person
Exclusive to your group- Professional photos - with drinks and comfy chairs to watch the lights and stars I operate Northern lights forecast at the Facebook group Northern lights Iceland Why go with me? I believe you
What you get
About this experience
Exclusive to your group- Professional photos - with drinks and comfy chairs to watch the lights and stars I operate Northern lights forecast at the Facebook group Northern lights Iceland Why go with me? I believe you will be maximizing your chances by choosing to go with me. I am very experienced in reading into cloud cover and solar wind data. Eventually what happens is in the hands of mother nature but whatever there will be to see, you will see it with me. 1. Maximising your chances of seeing the northern lights 2. Get professional Photographs. 3. Comfortable private tour, with a knowledgeable and great guide. 4. We have outdoor chairs for everyone 5. We have warm drinks like tea- coffee- warm chocolate- and spiked drinks If conditions are not favorable on your scheduled date, I will cancel and refund you. you can then decide to rebook for another date. If we go and don't see the lights, I will offer a second try for free
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Private Northern lights with photographs. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thor delivers!
I can’t say enough good things about Thor’s care and attention during this private tour experience. I had planned my engagement to happen under the aurora, so there was definitely added pressure, but Thor absolutely delivered. He was flexible with scheduling, which was huge since the weather is so variable, and he was communicative the whole way through. Once the plan was set, he did everything he could to make it happen. He was also just a pleasure to be around, which made the whole experience even better. It was clear he really knew what he was doing when it came to tracking down the aurora. He knew all the tracking metrics, maps, and best locations. We were there on a night that didn’t have the ideal conditions, but he made the best of them and explained everything in detail so we always knew what was going on. He took care of all the photography and logistics, which made the experience as stress-free as possible for me. It took longer than expected for the right conditions to form, and it may even have kept him out longer than ideal, but he was a great sport about it and never made it feel like a problem. In the end, he delivered the perfect set of proposal photos, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Very highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a true honour to be part of such a special moment, and I’m incredibly happy that the aurora showed up for your proposal. I’m glad the flexibility, communication, and planning helped make the evening smooth and stress‑free—nights with changing conditions can be tricky, but you were both fantastic throughout the process. Capturing those memories for you was a real pleasure, and I’m grateful for your kind words. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, and thank you again for choosing this experience for such an important milestone. Very warm regards, Thor
via Tripadvisor
CHASING AURORA in ICELAND
Thor of Iceland in Motion is an experienced Aurora hunter. He authors Aurora apps with complete guide on how to track and chase Aurora. He's very passionate with his craft and knows what he's doing. We got him as our private guide last March 4-7 for Aurora hunt, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, Southern coast and Jokulsarlon. He's a funny guy. Everything was seamless. I give him a 5 star for impeccable service. Highly recommended. Worth every penny spent.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for choosing to spend March 4–7 exploring Iceland with me. It was a real pleasure guiding you through the Aurora hunt, Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Golden Circle, the South Coast, and Jökulsárlón. I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the experience and that everything felt seamless from your side. Chasing the Northern Lights is always a special adventure, and I’m glad we could share some great laughs along the way. Your kind words and 5‑star rating truly mean a lot. Thank you for the high recommendation — I appreciate it more than you know. Hope to see you back in Iceland for more adventures. — Thor, Iceland in Motion
via Tripadvisor
Epic Adventures with Thor
If you’re lucky enough to have Thor as your guide in Iceland, you’re already halfway to an unforgettable trip. From the very start, Thor delivered top-notch service in every possible way. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about Iceland—its landscapes, history, weather, hidden spots, and all the little details that make the country so fascinating. You can ask him anything and he’ll have a story, an explanation, or a fun fact ready. It makes the whole journey feel richer and more meaningful. But what really makes Thor stand out is his personality. He has such a positive outlook on life and an infectious energy that makes every day of the trip feel exciting. He’s also extremely funny—the kind of humor that turns long drives into some of the best parts of the adventure. You’ll find yourself laughing a lot. At the same time, he’s a very safe and confident driver, which is incredibly important when traveling around Iceland’s ever-changing roads and weather conditions. With Thor behind the wheel, you feel completely at ease and can simply enjoy the scenery. And when it comes to hunting the Northern Lights, Thor is on another level. The guy is truly a master of the aurora chase. His experience, patience, and instinct for reading the conditions are remarkable. If the lights are out there, Thor will find them. Watching the aurora with him guiding the experience is something truly special. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine a better guide. Thor is the kind of person who turns a great trip into a once-in-a-lifetime memory. If you’re considering booking him, don’t hesitate. Anyone who travels with Thor will not only see incredible places, but will also come home with amazing stories, unforgettable moments, and the feeling that they explored Iceland with one of the very best in the business.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the incredibly kind words! It was truly my pleasure to share the magic of Iceland with you. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed our long drives and stories as much as the Northern Lights themselves—sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination! Hearing that you felt safe and at ease means the world to me. I hope the memories of those 'off the charts' moments stay with you for a long time. Come back and see me again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Private and Self Guided Tour was incredible
I could not recommend Thor and his services enough. I trusted Thor with the final step of a very elaborate proposal and he delivered perfectly, capturing the moment perfectly under the Northern Lights. Thor was incredibly patient and happy to tailor the experience to my vision. He responded promptly, even months ahead and helped preplan multiple contingencies. His knowledge of space weather and ability to adapt to changing weather conditions was immediately evident during our hunt, and ended up playing a crucial role in the success of our hunt. For something as important and sensitive as a proposal Thor is certainly worth the price he charges. Working with him felt like a collaboration, at no point did he try to upsell us, and the pictures he captured were very high quality (the only blurry shots were caused by us moving too much during the long exposure times and even those didn't look bad). He was also able to "read the room" effectively. He understood the significance of a proposal, and struck the perfect balance between being a guide and letting us share our first night as an engaged couple together. I also used his self guided service to track down the lights another two times on my own. I would strongly recommend this option for anyone renting a car. Thor builds custom maps of viewing locations in your area daily and updates them throughout the night to account for changing cloud cover and weather conditions. He also provides frequent updates to time the peaks. Thanks to this group and the guidance for understanding space weather that Thor provided we were able to see the Northern lights 2 more times (with little planning). Although patience and planning is normally recommended, using Thor's guidance we were able to find the lights twice very efficiently, with minimal interruption to our night/trip's itinerary. We simply saw his messages and drove to one of the locations and arrived for the peak every time. The level of effort Thor put's into this group is really impressive. Space weather tutorials, general and custom viewing maps updated several times a night, and overall responsiveness throughout the afternoon and night makes for a great service. If anyone is renting a car and is even only casually interested in seeing the northern lights, you will easily recoup your money's worth from this service (and if you are serious about seeing them you also came to the right place). Strongly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed review. It was an absolute honor to be part of such a significant milestone in your lives. Proposals are high-pressure moments, and I truly appreciated your trust in me to help navigate the logistics and the unpredictable Icelandic elements. I’m thrilled that we were able to capture that perfect moment under the lights and that the contingencies we planned gave you peace of mind. I’m also very glad to hear the self-guided service served you well for the rest of your trip! My goal is always to make the science of 'aurora hunting' accessible so that my clients can find success even on their own terms. Hearing that you were able to see the lights twice more with minimal stress is exactly why I put so much effort into those daily maps and updates. Congratulations again on your engagement! It was a pleasure collaborating with you, and I wish you both the very best in this next chapter together.
via Tripadvisor
Recommend 10/10
We had an amazing experience! Thor was communicative and helpful, flexible, and energetic. His expertise made this an easy and amazing experience for us. Taking photos for us and the hot chocolate were perfect additions!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind words! It was a pleasure hosting you, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed the photos and the hot chocolate. Hope to see you again soon
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Northern lights with photographs: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Reykjavik.
How much does Private Northern lights with photographs cost?
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Prices start at $1500 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 Private Northern lights with photographs 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 Private Northern lights with photographs worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 22 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 Private Northern lights with photographs?
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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 Private Northern lights with photographs 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 Private Northern lights with photographs?
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Around 8 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 Private Northern lights with photographs 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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