Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

A Taste of Iceland’s Nightlife: Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

If you’re considering a night out that combines gourmet food with the chance to see the northern lights, this tour offers a smart way to tick both boxes. Designed for those who want a taste of Iceland’s culinary scene while keeping hope alive for a spectacular aurora display, this experience marries fine dining at Kopar with a boat cruise into the harbor. It’s a neat package, especially suitable for travelers who value quality food and unique local experiences.

What really shines here is the exceptional food on offer—six courses of Icelandic ingredients presented beautifully—and the opportunity, albeit dependent on weather and luck, to see the northern lights from the water. The use of warmth-providing coveralls on the boat ensures you’ll stay cozy even if the weather turns chilly. One possible drawback? The cruise only ventures a short distance into the harbor, which might limit your chances of catching the lights if they’re shy or cloudy conditions prevail. Still, for those eager to combine a relaxed evening with scenic views and a good meal, this tour hits the mark.

This tour suits food lovers, first-time visitors, and travelers who want a balanced experience of Reykjavik’s city charm and natural wonders. If you’re looking for a memorable night that balances quality food with the hope of witnessing the aurora borealis, this package provides solid value and a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Key Points

• Gourmet Icelandic Cuisine: Enjoy a carefully curated 6-course meal that highlights local ingredients.
• Two-in-One Experience: Combine fine dining with a northern lights cruise, maximizing your evening.
• Boat Viewing for Aurora: The cruise offers an excellent chance to see the northern lights from the water.
• Warm and Cozy: Coveralls are provided to keep you comfortable during the chilly cruise.
• Limited Visibility: The cruise only ventures into the harbor, which may limit sighting opportunities depending on weather.
• Intimate Group Size: With a maximum of 6 travelers, expect personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere.

In-depth Look at the Experience

Starting with Kopar: Reykjavik’s Harbour-Front Gem

Your evening begins at Kopar, a well-regarded restaurant located right in the Old Harbour area. Known for its spectacular harbor views and contemporary takes on Icelandic ingredients, Kopar offers a warm, inviting setting where you can settle in for a 6-course gourmet meal. Many reviews praise the food for its freshness and presentation—some call it “phenomenal” or “the best meal ever,” with dishes like smoked arctic char, goose breast, and rack of lamb repeatedly earning high marks.

One reviewer mentioned, “The food was beyond amazing and the 6-course meal was truly great for us both,” highlighting how this meal can be a highlight of your Iceland trip. The Adventure Menu seems thoughtfully curated, with some noting it’s quite filling—so plan accordingly if you want room for dessert or a post-dinner walk.

A key point for many travelers is the quality of service—attentive staff and a lively, yet relaxed atmosphere make for an enjoyable dining experience. However, some travelers did encounter hiccups, such as the lamb cutlets being undercooked or fatty, which reminds us that even excellent restaurants can have off nights. But overall, the consensus is very positive, especially if you’re interested in trying Icelandic dishes with a modern twist.

Confirming and Planning Your Dinner Reservation

Important note: after booking, be sure to contact the tour provider to confirm your dinner reservation at Kopar. This extra step helps avoid the common issue of no-show reservations, as some reviews indicate confusion or difficulty in booking the restaurant directly.

Transitioning from Dining to Adventure: The Northern Lights Cruise

After your meal, just a minute’s walk takes you to the Special Tours Ticket Office for check-in. The 2.5-hour cruise departs from Geirsgata 11 and features warm coveralls—a thoughtful touch that many appreciate. The boat is described as spacious and clean, with onboard commentary and video, making it comfortable even for those who prefer a more relaxed, scenic trip over a wild sea adventure.

While the cruise only ventures about half a mile into the harbor, it’s enough to get away from city lights and find a clearer view of the sky. This strategic location increases your chances of seeing the lights without risking seasickness or choppy waters further out to sea. Some reviews note that, even with the limited distance, they managed to catch the northern lights, often within ten minutes of leaving port.

The Aurora Borealis: A Roll of the Dice

Seeing the northern lights is always a bit of a gamble, heavily dependent on weather, solar activity, and luck. Several reviewers mention that despite the crew’s efforts and good weather, the lights were shy or absent during their trip. One customer noted, “The cruise was very cold and you go just beyond the light pollution and hope the Northern Lights show up,” acknowledging that the aurora isn’t guaranteed. Others enjoyed the experience regardless, emphasizing the stellar views of Reykjavik’s harbor and the comfort of the boat.

Some travelers even appreciated the opportunity to return for free if they didn’t see the lights the first time. This flexible policy is a strong point for those willing to try more than once, especially since the auroras are unpredictable. One reviewer called the experience “a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” even if the lights didn’t make an appearance on their first go.

The Value Equation

At a price of $199, you’re paying for a quality dinner and a chance to see the northern lights from a unique vantage point. The meal alone is often described as “worth it,” with high praise for the flavors, presentation, and local ingredients. The cruise adds an element of hope and adventure, which many find worthwhile, especially when combined with a full stomach and cozy coveralls.

The size of the group—limited to six travelers—means you get a more personalized experience, with less noise and more opportunity for conversation. For couples, small groups, or anyone looking for something special without the crowds, this format can be very appealing.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: The full tour lasts about 5 hours, starting with dinner, then moving onto the cruise. Be prepared for a late evening, especially if you’re traveling during the winter months when it gets dark early.
• Dress Warmly: Iceland can be cold, especially at night. The provided coveralls help, but dressing in layers is still a smart move.
• Booking: Confirm your reservation at Kopar after booking, and be aware of the cancellation policy—full refunds are available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.
• Weather Dependence: The cruise requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies who want a memorable Icelandic meal paired with a hopeful aurora sighting. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples seeking an intimate, relaxed evening out. Those who appreciate comfort and good service will find this package appealing, especially since many reviews highlight the excellent quality of both the food and the boat staff.

However, if you’re primarily chasing the northern lights and are willing to venture further out to sea for a higher chance of sighting, you might want to explore options that go beyond the harbor—and be prepared for the choppier waters and longer trips that entails.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded evening: excellent Icelandic cuisine, a comfortable boat cruise, and the chance—even if uncertain—to witness the northern lights. The combination of gourmet food and scenic water views makes it a solid choice for travelers who want to indulge in local flavors and experience Iceland’s natural beauty in a cozy, intimate setting.

It’s best suited for food lovers, small groups, and those who want a relaxed, quality experience rather than a high-octane adventure. The modest group size, attentive service, and thoughtful touches like warm coveralls add to its appeal.

While the northern lights can never be guaranteed, the effort and setting make this a worthwhile choice for those wanting to combine culinary delight with a scenic water excursion. Be prepared for some variability, but rest assured you’ll enjoy a memorable evening filled with good food and scenic views—maybe even the aurora borealis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegans or non-meat eaters?
Yes, reviewers mention that Kopar offers options for vegans and non-vegans, making it accessible for different dietary preferences.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience takes about 5 hours, including dinner and the cruise.

Do I need to confirm my dinner reservation separately?
Yes, after booking, contact the tour provider to confirm your reservation at Kopar to avoid any issues.

What should I wear for the northern lights cruise?
Dress warmly in layers, and take advantage of the warm coveralls provided on the boat.

What’s the likelihood of seeing the northern lights?
It depends heavily on weather and solar activity. Many reviews indicate that even with good weather, the lights are not guaranteed.

Can I cancel if the weather isn’t good?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll get a full refund or alternative date.

Is the boat trip far enough from the city lights?
Yes, the cruise takes you just beyond the harbor light pollution, which improves your chances of seeing the aurora, but visibility still depends on conditions.

This experience combines the best of Reykjavik’s culinary scene with a cozy, scenic cruise—perfect for those looking to enjoy Iceland’s flavors and natural wonders in one memorable evening.