The Best Northern Lights Organized Tours in Iceland
Guided Group Tours, Vacation Packages, or Planned Itineraries
The northern lights are famous for their beauty and romance. If you're interested in seeing them and experiencing the excitement and winter activities of the northern regions of the world, then an organized tour is a great option. Many of the best tours allow you to experience not only the northern lights, but also the local culture, cuisine, and romantic destinations during the festive winter months. We have carefully analyzed all of the trip options to find the abolute best based on price, service, destinations, quality, and activities. So, here's our list of the best northern lights tours in Iceland for your next trip.
The Best Northern Lights Tours through Iceland
Including guided tours, organized tours, holiday packages, all-inclusive vacations, and guided itineraries.
All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.
Why does Iceland appeal to winter travelers?
Iceland's Arctic regions are among the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Activities like dog sledding and ice hotels enhance the winter experience. Iceland's accessibility and pristine environment make it a prime destination for aurora enthusiasts.
How much do northern lights tours in Iceland cost?
The average daily price of Northern Lights Tours in Iceland is $381 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of Northern Lights Tours in Iceland here.
We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.
Which Tour Companies Offer Northern Lights Tours?
A number of fantastic tour companies offer northern lights tours in Iceland. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.
On The Go Tours
On The Go Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Many of their tours visit Europe and Africa. Some of their most popular destinations include Egypt, Great Britain, Morocco, and India. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as camping, wine tasting, whale watching, island hopping, snorkelling, camel riding, dolphin watching, kayaking, diving, white water rafting, quad biking, horse riding, and cooking classes.
See All Tours from On The Go Tours
Marina Travel
Focusing on Iceland, Marina Travel is a smaller tour company which provides a personalized level of service to customers. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Most of the tours provided by Marina Travel are high-end and luxurious with a top-tier level of service.
See All Tours from Marina Travel
G Adventures
G Adventures is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Thailand, Peru, South Africa, and Vietnam. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as camping, island hopping, snorkelling, surfing, wine tasting, kayaking, cooking classes, water sports, jungle surfing, and canyoning.
See All Tours from G Adventures
CIE Tours
CIE Tours is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 5 countries, including Ireland, Great Britain, Iceland, and Italy. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.
Northern Lights Destinations in Iceland
Wondering where northern lights tours visit in Iceland? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It makes a good starting point for exploring the country, but many people head quickly into Iceland's countryside, as that is what the region is known for. In town you'll find the National and Saga Museums, which offer a fascinating overview on the country's Viking past. Just outside of town is the world famous Blue Lagoon Spa, which is in the town of Grindavik. The city has a thriving nightlife scene that is centered around its many festivals.
The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.
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Other popular destinations for northern lights tours through Iceland include Vik, Kirkjubaejarklaustur, Keflavik, Hella, and Reykholt.
Northern Lights Tours vs. Independent Travel: Pros and Cons
When choosing between booking an organized tour or planning your own trip, consider the key factors of each travel style.
Organized Tours
- Guides take you to the best viewing locations based on real-time weather and aurora activity.
- A guided tour eliminates the stress of navigating remote areas in unfamiliar terrain.
- Experts provide insights about the science and folklore behind the Northern Lights.
- Tours often include specialized photography guidance for capturing the aurora.
- You’ll have access to equipment like warm gear, tripods, or heated shelters.
- Transportation is provided, ensuring safety on icy or unlit roads.
- Groups often create a shared sense of excitement during the experience.
- Tour operators handle permits and regulations for protected areas.
- You may not have flexibility to spend extra time at a promising viewing spot.
- There’s less control over the choice of locations or activities.
- Weather conditions can cause cancellations, and rescheduling isn’t always possible.
- Large groups can make it harder to enjoy the solitude of nature.
Independent Travel
- You can choose your own viewing spots and stay as long as you like.
- Traveling independently allows for a quieter and more personal experience.
- You can design your itinerary to include other nearby attractions or activities.
- You have complete control over the pace and style of your trip.
- Finding the best viewing locations requires extensive research.
- Driving on icy roads in remote areas can be dangerous without experience.
- You need to monitor aurora activity and weather conditions yourself.
- Packing proper gear for cold weather and photography can be overwhelming.
- Viewing locations can be hard to access without local knowledge.
- The lack of a guide may result in missed opportunities or suboptimal spots.
- Travel delays or unpredictable weather may disrupt your plans.
- It can be challenging to photograph the aurora without professional guidance.
Which is cheaper?
Is traveling independently less expensive than taking guided northern lights tours? The answer isn't straightforward. Guided tours often include services like hotels, transportation, meals, entry tickets, guides, and activities, all of which you would need to arrange and pay for individually if traveling on your own. To determine the cost difference, you'd need to compare the total cost of the tour package with the cost of booking everything separately. You may prefer a less expensive hotel or splurge on dining, so the cost of a tour could either save you money or cost you more. Be sure to review what's included in the tour package before making your comparison.
Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.
More Tour Options
See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Iceland, The Best Wildlife Tours to Iceland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Iceland, The Best Historical Tours in Iceland, The Best 10-Day Tours in Iceland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Iceland, The Best 3-Day Tours in Iceland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Iceland, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Iceland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Iceland, The Best Adventure Tours to Iceland, The Best Eco Tours in Iceland, The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Iceland, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Iceland, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Iceland, The Best Cultural Tours in Iceland, The Tours for Animal Lovers in Iceland, The Best Camping Tours in Iceland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Self Drive Tours in Iceland, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Iceland, The Best Walking Tours in Iceland, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best Contiki Tours to Iceland, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Iceland for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.
Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Reykjavik, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Reykjavik, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Keflavik, The Best 10-Day Tours from Reykjavik, The Best 10-Day Tours from Keflavik, The Best 2-Week Tours from Reykjavik, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Keflavik for more package tour options.
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