The 15 Best Small-Group Northern Lights Tours in Reykjavik

1.Small-Group Premium Northern Lights Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,977 reviews · 4 hours · from $107Our pick

Leave Reykjavik after dark in a small minibus and follow the clearest skies toward the aurora. Guides such as Ody, JP, Michael, Axel, and Sammy explain the science, find darker viewing spots, and help with photos. The four-hour trip includes hot chocolate, refreshments, hotel or bus-stop pickup, and a free retry valid for three years if the lights do not appear.

“We were very happy to see the northern lights as we’re expecting it to be hard due to cloud cover - but fortunately the forecast was wrong. Our guide was super friendly and engaging and found some spots that felt off the beaten path (I was expecting to all go to the same places as other tours)”

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2.Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,068 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $172

Chase the Northern Lights from Reykjavik in a minibus holding no more than 19 people. Guides such as Baldvin, Michaela, Devin, and Simon track forecasts, change locations, explain Icelandic folklore and aurora science, and take photos when conditions allow. Hot chocolate, pastries, and wool blankets help during long waits outdoors.

“This Aurora chasing tour was absolutely incredible and truly one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and determined to give us the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights. We were taken far away from city lights, and the guide carefully tracked weather conditions and aurora activity throughout the night. Thanks to their experience and dedication, we were lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky—an unforgettable and magical moment. The guide also helped us with camera settings and shared fascinating explanations about how the aurora forms, which made the experience even more special. The tour was well…”

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3.Northern Lights Midnight Adventure Small-Group from Reykjavík

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 965 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $140Top rated

Ride from Reykjavík in a small heated minibus while guides such as Tomas and Siggi track clouds and aurora conditions. You may visit several dark sites, learn the science behind the lights, enjoy hot chocolate, and receive professional photos. If the aurora stays hidden, you can rebook free.

“Dress warmly and have the time of your life! Siggy was exceptionally knowledgeable and accommodating!”

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4.Northern Lights Tour w/Pro Photos – Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 400 reviews · 4 hours · from $148

Join Aurora Viking for a four-hour Northern Lights hunt from Reykjavík, limited to 18 people. Guides including Emil, Kolbeinn, Tomas, Kobe, and BG use weather knowledge and high-spec cameras to find clear skies, photograph you under the aurora, and add Viking costumes, replica weapons, hot chocolate, and pastries while you wait.

“Tom was amazing tour guide, we had great time finding lights”

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5.Reykjavik Northern Lights Tour with Pro Aurora Photos Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 349 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $148

Join Aurora Viking for a 3 to 5 hour Northern Lights hunt from Reykjavik. Guides such as Tomas, Emil, Felix, Kobe, Jonas, and BG use weather forecasts and aurora data to choose viewing spots. Expect a small group of up to 18, hot cocoa, snacks, Viking props, and professional photos sent after the tour.

“The guide was brilliant, he was very informative, friendly and efficient. We weren’t sure if we were going to see them based on conditions but he was on a mission to find them for us and he did!”

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6.Northern Lights and Stargazing Small-Group Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 308 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $234

Leave Reykjavík by modified superjeep with a small group of up to 14. Your guide follows cloud and aurora forecasts, sets up a telescope for stars and planets, serves hot chocolate and Kleina pastry, and takes included photos if the lights appear. Guides may include Ástþór, Dominic, Thrusther, Sara, or Vikingur.

“The tour guides energy was great. He was in a great mood, he was really excited to take us out, had a lot of really cool knowledge about the stars and the northern lights. Hats off to Thrustua!”

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7.Northern Lights Small-Group Tour From Reykjavik with Hot Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 264 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $109

Leave Reykjavik’s city lights behind and search Iceland’s darker countryside with an English-speaking guide such as Ody, Michael, Roman, or Harold. Expect flexible stops based on clouds and aurora activity, hot chocolate in the cold, help with night photography, and a free second attempt if the lights stay hidden.

“The tour guide genuinely went the distance literally and chased down an aurora sighting as there was cloud cover with intermittent clear skies. We stopped at 3 spots with underwhelming sights but on our way back hit the jackpot on the final detour he tried to see a great show.”

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8.Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Free Photos & Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $118

Search Iceland’s changing skies with a guide such as Nelu, Juliana, Alex, or Jonas in a minibus for up to 18 people. You’ll leave Reykjavik’s city lights, chase clear skies, enjoy hot chocolate and Hraun chocolate, and receive digital photos of you beneath the aurora.

“Once in a lifetime experience! Highly recommended for all ages! Would love to do it again during my next visit!”

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9.Northern Lights Small Group Guided Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 158 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $120

Leave Reykjavik around 9:30 pm with a local aurora guide such as Kalli or Sol, then travel wherever cloud and forecast conditions offer the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The route changes nightly. Hotel pickup, WiFi, bus fare, and a carbon-neutral operation are included, but food and drinks are not.

“This tour was great! It was our first night in Iceland and we were able to see the lights! Our tour guide Kalli was great and very patient. He let us take extra time to take pics of the lights. He also took us to a remote section where we were the only bus and we got to see the lights and they were truly amazing! It was breathtaking and I would do it again! We got lucky and saw the lights on our first try!”

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10.Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavik with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 56 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $126

You’ll leave Reykjavik in a small vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Denis, Karol, Odi, or Mike, heading toward darker skies on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The guide follows the aurora forecast, helps with camera settings, serves hot chocolate and snacks, and sends high-quality photos afterward. Groups can reach 21 people.

“We were very fortunate and got to see the Northern Lights. Our tour guide and his partner was really nice and well informed. We could tell that their goal was to make sure that we got to see the lights and were working really hard to make it happen. They also tried hard to make sure everyone saw the lights clearly and that they got at least 1 professional picture. The hot chocolate they gave us was amazing as well and they had refills too. After we had seen the lights and the night was winding down, past midnight, they still tried and stopped at 2 different locations just in…”

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11.Golden Circle and Northern Lights Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $180

Spend about 11 hours combining Iceland’s classic Golden Circle with an evening aurora hunt. You’ll visit Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, and Kerið, return to Reykjavik for dinner, then head into the countryside with an experienced guide. Pickup is offered from listed hotels and bus stops, but the northern lights are never guaranteed.

“Did a great job showing all the sights in less than a day. Didn't quite get to see the green and purple Northern Lights you see in photos, but we definitely saw something.”

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12.Northern Lights Small Group Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $117

Leave Reykjavik at 9 p.m. in a Mercedes Sprinter and follow your guide toward the clearest skies. The route may head north, south, or east. You will search several dark viewing spots, learn how the aurora works, and get help with photos. Guides including Diego, Greco, and Arnie have been praised for patient service, warm drinks, and persistence.

“Bus was not overly booked, communication was wonderful when they had to rebook due to low chances to see the lights. Guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We got lucky with seeing the lights right away. 😁”

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13.Aurora Small Group 4×4 Northern Lights Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 13 reviews · 5 hours · from $153

You’ll leave Reykjavík in a 16-seat 4x4 Sprinter with an English-speaking guide who tracks clouds and aurora forecasts. The five-hour outing includes remote viewing stops, blankets, hot chocolate, Icelandic snacks, premium drinks, unlimited professional photos, and a free aurora portrait. Choose Standard or Guaranteed repeat-trip cover.

“Excellent tour. our guide was brilliant. The photos were great and the hot chocolate was just what we needed after a cold night. Thank you”

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14.Northern Lights Small Group with Surprise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 11 reviews · 4 hours · from $103Best value

Leave Reykjavik with an English-speaking guide, such as Roman, and hunt for the aurora in a 16-seat minibus. You’ll follow changing weather and aurora forecasts, stop in the countryside, hear Icelandic stories and science, sip hot chocolate or tea, and receive a small Icelandic gift. Pickup and drop-off are included.

“We saw the best northern lights of the season ! Our tour guide Roman was really enthusiastic and amazing”

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15.Small-Group Tour: Northern Lights with Photos & Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $126

Leave Reykjavik’s city lights in a comfortable Sprinter minibus and follow weather and solar forecasts to a promising viewing spot. Your guide serves hot chocolate and Icelandic pastries, shares stories, and takes photos beneath the aurora. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and ports. The group limit is 19.

“The tour was good, as we seen the lights and were very lucky with the burst we had; amazing experience. The hot chocolate and pastry was delicious. However I do have to take a star away, due to the poor quality of professional camera. You pay extra to have these photos included, in comparison to the other northern lights tours. The guide was not a professional photographer and this can be seen in the photos received. I will attach these. All you can see is the top of mine and my partners heads, better photos were taken on my own iPhone. So if you are booking a tour specifically for…”

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