Reykjavik: Northern Lights Adventure Tour with Hot Chocolate

Traveling to Iceland in search of the Northern Lights is a journey many dream about. This particular tour, operated by Soleil de Minuit, promises an evening of awe-inspiring sky shows, expert guidance, and cozy comforts. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, we’ve poured over reviews, itinerary details, and what makes this experience stand out for travelers seeking a memorable Arctic night.

What we love about this tour is its combination of expert guidance and comfort — from knowledgeable guides to warm hot chocolate in the frosty darkness. Plus, the fact that you get a second chance if weather conditions aren’t perfect initially means this isn’t a gamble but a well-thought-out experience. The only potential drawback? Since sightings depend on weather and solar activity, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights, so patience and flexibility are essential.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a reliable, guided experience that balances learning with the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. If you’re content with an evening of anticipation and want some expert help chasing the Aurora Borealis, this trip offers solid value.

Key Points

• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable local guides enhance the experience with expert insights.
• Reliable Re-try Policy: A free rebook if the lights aren’t seen or the tour is canceled due to weather.
• Comfortable Transportation: Air-conditioned, cozy buses help keep travelers warm and relaxed.
• Authentic Viewing: Stops focus on finding the best skies away from light pollution, maximizing your chances.
• Added Comforts: Warm hot chocolate and photo stops make the outing enjoyable.
• Weather-Dependent: Clear skies and solar activity are crucial; sighting isn’t guaranteed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience at a Glance

The tour begins with pickup from five different Reykjavik locations, starting 45 minutes before departure, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying. From there, it’s about a half-hour drive out of the city, away from the glare of streetlights and city illumination. That’s where the real magic begins—or at least, where your guide hopes it will.

The itinerary involves two main driving stops, giving your group a chance to stretch, take photos, and enjoy the vast, open Icelandic landscape. Then, a roughly two-hour window in the dark sky ensures ample opportunity for Northern Lights spotting. The guide will share scientific insights—explaining how solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and create the dancing lights—adding a layer of understanding to the visual spectacle.

The Itinerary – What You Can Expect

Pickup and Departure (30–45 minutes): The tour kicks off with pickups at strategic locations, including City Hall, the Culture House, Vesturbugt near the Old Harbour, Höfðatorg, and Hotel CABIN. The early start (about 45 minutes before departure) allows for efficient travel out of light-polluted Reykjavik.

Transportation: You’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned bus. Many reviews praise the quality of the vehicle, noting it keeps everyone warm and comfortable, essential when waiting outside in Icelandic winter.

Drive Away from the City Lights: The route depends on current weather conditions. Guides monitor forecasts closely to choose the best direction, which may vary night to night. This flexibility is vital, as clear skies are the biggest factor influencing your chances of seeing the Aurora.

Stop 1: Scenic Photo and Sightseeing: The first stop offers a chance to take photos of the Northern Lights if they are visible, along with some sightseeing. Guides often teach camera tips—many travelers praise how helpful guides are in teaching how to capture the lights with phones or cameras.

Stop 2: Additional Drive and Search: After a brief drive, the bus stops again, giving everyone more chances to find a dark, clear sky. If the sky isn’t cooperating, guides patiently watch the forecast, and many reviews note that they continue to adapt their plans accordingly.

Viewing and Learning: Once in the dark, the guide will explain the science behind the Aurora Borealis, describing how charged solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere, producing the vivid greens, pinks, purples, and reds that dance across the sky. Some guides go beyond basic facts, sharing stories and local legends about the lights.

Hot Chocolate and Comforts: To keep spirits high and bodies warm, hot chocolate is provided—another feature that travelers rave about. It’s simple but effective, and many reviews mention how welcome this treat is after waiting outside in winter.

Optional Extra Time: The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, allowing enough time for multiple stops and a real chance at catching the Aurora, weather permitting. If clouds or solar activity prevent sightings, guides often offer a free rebook or a next-day reschedule.

Drop-off: After a memorable night, the bus returns to Reykjavik, with drop-offs at the same convenient locations, closing out a well-organized experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviews emphasize the guides’ passion and expertise. They don’t just chase lights; they explain what’s happening in the sky, how to photograph it, and adjust plans based on real-time forecasts.

Flexibility and Reliability: The free replay policy is a significant plus. If the weather isn’t cooperating or you don’t see the lights, you can reschedule without extra cost. That means your chances of a successful sighting are higher than many other tours.

Comfort and Convenience: The air-conditioned buses, hot chocolate, and carefully chosen dark sky stops add up to a more enjoyable experience, especially in cold Icelandic nights.

Authentic Learning and Experience: The combination of science, local insights, and a chance to photograph an incredible natural display makes it a well-rounded trip.

The Real Value of the Tour

At about 3.5 hours, this tour offers a good balance of time and effort. The price accounts for transportation, guiding, hot chocolate, and the chance to see the Aurora—something priceless for many travelers. Given the unpredictability of the Northern Lights, the rebook policy adds reassurance, making this a risk-mitigated option for those chasing the lights.

It’s also worth noting that the tour is not suitable for children under 8 or people with mobility challenges, reflecting the need for patience and patience outdoors in cold weather.

More Great Tours Nearby

Reviews in Practice

Many travelers describe guides as friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, with one noting that guides even help with camera settings to capture the lights better. Several mention that they managed to see the Aurora despite less-than-perfect weather, thanks to the guides’ skill in reading forecasts and choosing the right spots.

The hot chocolate is a recurring highlight—simple but appreciated, especially after waiting outside in the cold. Travelers also appreciate the safety and comfort of the bus, which is a key factor for those wary of outdoor winter conditions.

The Sum Up

This Reykjavik Northern Lights tour offers a well-organized, informative, and cozy way to try your luck at witnessing the Aurora Borealis. The combination of expert guides, flexible rebooking policies, and comfortable transportation creates a reliable package that maximizes your chances of seeing the lights, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate at first.

If you’re looking for an authentic, educational experience with a decent chance of success, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value guidance, comfort, and learning—and who are patient enough to wait for nature’s unpredictable light show.

For those wanting a hassle-free, memorable night under the Arctic sky, this adventure hits the mark. Just remember, since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, seeing it can never be guaranteed—so bring a sense of adventure and a warm jacket.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, starting from your pickup time, which begins about 45 minutes before departure.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickups are available from five locations in Reykjavik: City Hall, the Culture House, Vesturbugt near the Old Harbour, Höfðatorg, and Hotel CABIN.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the bus is air-conditioned and designed to keep travelers warm and comfortable during the drive and wait times.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, preferably in layers, since you’ll be outside in cold weather waiting for the lights to appear.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No, sightings depend on weather conditions, cloud cover, and solar activity. The tour offers a free rebook if you don’t see the lights or if the tour is canceled due to weather.

What about photography?
Guides often assist with camera settings, and stops are arranged to give good photo opportunities. Many reviews praise the guides’ help in capturing the Northern Lights.

Is hot chocolate included?
Yes, hot chocolate is provided to help keep you warm during the viewing.

Can children join?
This tour is not suitable for children under 8 years or for people with mobility issues.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather prevents sightings or causes the cancellation, you can reschedule or get a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

How does the guide choose the viewing spots?
Guides monitor real-time forecasts and choose locations away from city lights and with clear skies, aiming to maximize your chances.

In summary, this tour offers a well-balanced approach to one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. With knowledgeable guides, a flexible policy, and a cozy setting, it’s a smart choice for those eager to chase the Northern Lights with confidence.

You can check availability for your dates here: