Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik: How to Chase the Aurora with Hot Chocolate
Leave Reykjavik’s city lights behind and ride into black fields where the aurora paints the sky. This four-hour bus tour pairs local storytelling and hot chocolate with practical route choices to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers and windproof outerwear
Icelandic nights are cold and often windy—bring an insulated parka, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots to stay comfortable during roadside stops.
Bring a tripod and spare batteries
Photographing the aurora requires long exposures; phone batteries drain quickly in cold, so bring backups and a compact tripod.
Check pickup details and arrive early
Confirm your exact pickup point (Harpa is common) and be waiting 10–15 minutes before the listed time to avoid missed connections.
Plan for late-night timing
Prime aurora windows are usually between 10pm and 2am—factor late returns into your accommodation and transport plans.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Grótta Lighthouse on Seltjarnarnes — a short local spot for aurora close to town.
- •Þingvellir rift valley — dramatic geology and often clear skies when roads permit.
Wildlife
- •Arctic fox (rare sightings at night)
- •Coastal seabirds and gulls near fjord edges
Conservation Note
Light pollution reduction and leave-no-trace practices are important—stay on road shoulders and avoid shining bright lights at the sky to preserve viewing conditions and local wildlife.
Iceland’s settlement era and sagas influenced local explanations of the aurora; modern tours mix these stories with scientific context about the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and solar wind.
Photographer's Notes
- • Harpa waterfront before departure (city-to-sky contrast)
- • Seltjarnarnes lighthouse for low-horizon compositions
- • Open coastal shoulders used by the bus for wide-sky frames
What to Bring
Insulated parkaEssential
Windproof, insulated jacket protects against freezing nights and gusts.
Waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Provide grip and warmth when stepping onto wet gravel or frozen turf.
Compact tripodEssential
Stabilizes camera for long-exposure aurora shots (useful Oct–Apr).
Power bank and spare batteriesEssential
Cold drains batteries fast—bring spares for phones and cameras.
Common Questions
When is the best time of year to join this tour?
September through April offers the best chances; darkest months (Nov–Feb) have the longest viewing windows.
What is the chance I’ll see the northern lights?
Sightings aren’t guaranteed—visibility depends on solar activity and cloud cover—but guides will relocate to maximize odds and offer a free rebooking if you don’t see them.
Where does the tour leave from?
Main meeting points include Harpa Concert Hall (Tour Bus Stop #5) and central stops; confirm your exact pickup when booking.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes—minimum age is 6; bring warm clothing and consider that nights are late and cold for younger kids.
Can I bring my camera and tripod on the bus?
Yes; the bus permits photography gear and stops for setup, but be ready to move quickly during short roadside viewing stops.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The operator may cancel for poor conditions; refunds are available if you cancel 24+ hours in advance and clouded-out nights are often eligible for a complimentary rebook.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Reykjavik, Capital Region
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; you should be able to stand for short roadside stops and walk on uneven ground.
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