sergejf · CC BY-SA 2.0Iceland pairs the northern lights with an unreal landscape of waterfalls, geysers and black-sand coast. Reykjavík makes a comfortable base; drive 30 minutes out of the city glow and the whole sky opens up.
Why it works
- Combine aurora with the Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon
- Self-drive or guided 'cloud-chasing' tours
- Short flights from Europe and North America
When activity is up, face north and get away from town lights — the lower the Kp, the more the display hugs the northern horizon.
Our shortlist for Reykjavík
Real, named tours we checked against live listings in July 2026 — no invented ratings, and prices are approximate. Each button opens a live search for that exact tour so you can check tonight's dates.
Paid linksWe earn a commission if you book or buy through these — at no extra cost to you.
Reykjavik Sailors northern lights cruise
Best for: Escaping the city glow without a long drive — the boat sails straight out of Reykjavík's light dome.
Check live availabilityPremium small-group minibus hunt
Best for: Small groups — around ten per minibus, with a free retry night if the sky stays quiet.
Check live availabilityClassic northern lights coach with hot cocoa
Best for: Budget hunters — the lowest-priced way out of town, and it still includes a free retry tour.
Check live availability
Plan your visit
Tours & stays in Reykjavík
Some links below are paid affiliate links. If you book a tour, reserve a stay or buy gear through them, we may earn a commission — it never costs you anything extra and helps keep the forecast free.
- GetYourGuide
Aurora chasing tours
Guided minibus & boat tours that drive you to the clearest skies around Reykjavík.
from ~€65 pp
See Reykjavík tours - Hotellook
Aurora cabins & lodges
Cabins, lodges and aurora-view stays near Reykjavík — settle in and watch the lights.
from ~€120 / night
Find stays - Discover Cars
Rent a car to chase clear skies
Self-drive to dark-sky spots away from town glow. Compare every local supplier.
from ~€40 / day
Compare cars - SafetyWing
Cover the trip
Travel medical cover for a trip to Reykjavík — remote, cold and weather-dependent — from a few dollars a day.
from ~$1.50 / day
Get covered
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Compare it head-to-head
Where it’s reliable
