Reykjavik: Northern Lights Adventure Tour with Hot Chocolate

If you’re heading to Iceland during the darker months, chasing the Northern Lights is often top of mind. This Northern Lights tour, offered by Soleil de Minuit, promises a combination of comfort, expert guidance, and a good chance to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays—the Aurora Borealis. We’ve reviewed this experience based on hundreds of travelers’ feedback and the tour details, so you can decide if it’s right for your Iceland adventure.

What we love about this tour is its value for money and the expert guidance that enhances the experience, especially for first-timers. The cozy transportation, included hot chocolate, and chance to see the lights far from Reykjavik’s light pollution are definite highlights. On the flip side, potential travelers should be aware that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed—they depend heavily on weather, solar activity, and clear skies.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a structured, guided experience and are flexible about waiting for the phenomenon to appear. If you’re eager to learn about the science behind the lights while enjoying comfortable transportation, this could be a great fit. However, if you’re a very particular traveler expecting guaranteed sightings, keep in mind the natural unpredictability involved.

Key Points

• Expert guidance and local knowledge greatly improve your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
• The comfortable bus and hot chocolate offer warmth and a cozy way to wait out the cold.
• Multiple pickup points in Reykjavik make logistics simple and reduce stress.
• The full itinerary includes strategic stops and photo opportunities, plus a brief sightseeing segment.
• Weather and sky conditions influence visibility, and sightings can’t be guaranteed.
• The free re-try policy provides peace of mind if the lights don’t appear on your first attempt.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

This guided tour offers a practical way to see the Northern Lights, especially if you’re visiting Reykjavik and want a dependable, well-organized outing. At $67 per person, it’s priced to be accessible, yet it packs a lot of value into its 3.5-hour window. The most important aspect is the expert guidance, which many reviews highlight as a standout feature. Guides seem knowledgeable, friendly, and able to read weather and solar activity forecasts to maximize your chances.

Planning Your Night Out

The tour begins with pickups from five different locations in Reykjavik, starting between 20 and 45 minutes before departure. This spread makes it easier to fit into your day and reduces the hassle of finding a meeting point. The bus itself is air-conditioned and comfortable, suitable for Iceland’s chilly nights, and the guide will provide insights into the science of the Northern Lights—what causes them, why they appear more frequently in Iceland, and how solar activity influences their intensity.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour typically involves:

• A 30-minute drive out of Reykjavik, away from city lights, to find a dark spot suitable for Aurora viewing. The actual direction depends on weather conditions—sometimes a different route is chosen to optimize visibility.
• A brief sightseeing stop in Reykjavik, where you can take photos and get a quick overview of the city’s nighttime charm.
• Multiple stops for Aurora hunting, with guides monitoring weather and aurora forecasts to pick spots with the best potential.
• Photo opportunities to capture the Northern Lights, with guides often offering tips on camera settings—some reviews mention guides helping beginners get good shots.
• Warmth and comfort: Hot chocolate is included, a nice touch that keeps spirits and hands warm while waiting in the cold.

The Science & Visibility

Understanding what makes the Northern Lights so elusive adds to the experience. The lights are caused by charged solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, creating dancing greens, pinks, and purples. But visibility hinges on several factors: dark skies, cloud cover, and solar activity. Heavy clouds or light pollution can hide the phenomenon, and even high activity doesn’t guarantee a sighting. That’s why the tour’s flexibility—offering free re-tries—is so valuable.

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Authentic Experiences & Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides who do their best to find clear skies and optimize viewing. Many mention the guides’ ability to predict when the Aurora might appear, waiting patiently and explaining what’s happening in the sky. Several travelers highlight the hot chocolate as a simple but appreciated touch, making the chilly wait more bearable.

One participant noted, “Our guide and driver were very kind and informative. They did a great job finding us the northern lights,” showing how much effort guides put into this experience. Others appreciated the help with camera settings, ensuring they captured the moment despite the sky’s fickleness.

What’s Not Included

Meals are not part of this tour, so if you’re hungry beforehand or after, plan accordingly. The tour mostly targets Aurora viewing, so don’t expect stops for dinner or snacks beyond the hot chocolate.

Cost & Value

At $67, this tour offers a good balance of affordability and quality. The included transportation, expert guide, photo stops, and the hot chocolate make it a solid deal. The free retry policy adds extra confidence for travelers worried about missing out—especially useful given the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors aiming for a stress-free, guided experience with decent chances of seeing the Aurora. It’s great for those who appreciate comfort and education along with the chance to witness a natural wonder. Also, if you’re traveling on a budget but want a reliable way to see the lights, this offers good value.

However, if you’re a seasoned aurora hunter willing to venture on your own or willing to wait longer in colder, more remote spots, you might want to consider other options. And remember, seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, but this tour does its best to maximize your odds.

The Verdict

This Reykjavik Northern Lights tour ticks many boxes: affordability, comfort, knowledgeable guides, and a flexible policy if weather conditions don’t cooperate. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, professional guides and the stunning sightings they managed to get, even in cloudy conditions.

It’s particularly well-suited for those new to Iceland or Northern Lights hunting who want a straightforward, well-organized outing. The inclusion of photo stops, warm drinks, and expert forecast reading makes it a practical choice, especially for the first-time visitor.

While there’s no way to guarantee the lights, the tour’s reliable structure and supportive guides give you a good shot at experiencing this magical display. Pack warm clothes, bring patience, and be prepared for an evening of natural beauty and fascinating science.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
Check availability for the specific starting times; pickups begin approximately 20-45 minutes before departure, depending on your pickup location.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickup is available from five locations in Reykjavik, including City Hall, The Culture House, Vesturbugt, Höfðatorg, and Hotel Cabin. Exact times vary by location.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses air-conditioned buses designed for comfort during cold Icelandic nights.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 3.5 hours, including stops and driving time.

What’s included?
Transportation, a knowledgeable guide, photo stops, and hot chocolate to keep warm.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No, sightings depend on weather, cloud cover, and solar activity. The tour offers a free re-try if the lights aren’t seen on your first night.

Are children allowed?
This tour isn’t suitable for children under 8 years old.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly—layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes are recommended, as you’ll be waiting outside in cold weather.

To sum it up, if you’re after an affordable, guided, and comfortable Northern Lights experience that combines science, scenic stops, and warm drinks, this tour is tough to beat. It’s an excellent choice for first-timers and those who prefer a bit of structure in their aurora chasing. Just remember, patience and a bit of luck are your best friends when it comes to catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Iceland.

You can check availability for your dates here: