Northern Lights tour in Iceland
Plan and book with vetted Iceland experts
Experience the raw power of Lake Mývatn and the ever-changing coastlines of Snæfellsnes on an unforgettable Northern Lights tour in Iceland. One of our most immersive Iceland trips, this North Iceland and Snæfellsnes journey is crafted for travelers seeking an authentic, tailor-made adventure through volcanic landscapes, hidden waterfalls, dramatic fjords, and pristine dark-sky regions ideal for aurora viewing.
Travel at your own pace, choose private guides, and stay in handpicked accommodations full of character. By day, explore Iceland’s most striking natural wonders; by night, venture out in search of the Northern Lights. Book your bespoke journey and transform Iceland’s wild scenery into memories that feel entirely your own.
Northern Lights tour in Iceland highlights
- North Iceland exploration: Discover Lake Mývatn’s volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and quiet countryside, with evening opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
- Dramatic coastal scenery: Visit Dettifoss, Ásbyrgi, and the Troll Peninsula, combining remote nature with aurora viewing when conditions allow.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula highlights: Explore glacier views, lava fields, black sand beaches, and Kirkjufell, a striking setting for Northern Lights photography.
- Countryside stays with character: Overnight in welcoming accommodations away from city lights.
- Aurora-focused experience: Enjoy multiple chances to witness the Northern Lights throughout your journey.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reykjavík to Lake Mývatn | • Flight Reykjavík to Akureyri • Akureyri town visit • Lake Mývatn geothermal highlights • Evening Northern Lights hunt in a dark-sky location | Lake Mývatn |
| 2 | Northeast Iceland | • Dettifoss waterfall • Jökulsárgljúfur canyon and Ásbyrgi • Scenic viewpoints and short nature walks • Evening aurora viewing based on forecast conditions | Lake Mývatn |
| 3 | North to Northwest Iceland | • Goðafoss waterfall • Troll Peninsula scenic drive • Siglufjörður village • Vatnsnes Peninsula and Hvitserkur • Coastal Northern Lights experience | Northwest Iceland countryside |
| 4 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula | • Snæfellsjökull National Park • Kirkjufell and waterfall • Dramatic coastline and lava fields • Evening Northern Lights viewing near Kirkjufell | Snæfellsnes |
| 5 | West Iceland | • Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls • Deildartunguhver hot spring • Reykholt historic site • Northern Lights viewing in West Iceland countryside | West Iceland |
| 6 | Reykjavík | • Hallgrímskirkja and city highlights • Harpa Concert Hall and Old Harbor • Free time in Reykjavík • Optional Northern Lights boat tour or Super Jeep excursion | Reykjavík |
| 7 | Departure | • Transfer to Keflavík Airport • Departure | — |
Reykjavík to Akureyri and Lake Mývatn
Your Northern Lights tour in Iceland begins with a short flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri, offering sweeping views of fjords and volcanic terrain. This first day of your Iceland travel adventure allows time to explore Akureyri’s harbor, cafés, and botanical garden before continuing east.
At Lake Mývatn, discover the steaming mud pools of Hverir, the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, the Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, and the hidden Grjótagjá lava cave.
In the evening, settle into North Iceland’s dark-sky countryside, with an opportunity to search for the Northern Lights if conditions are favorable.
Dettifoss, Jökulsárgljúfur, and Húsavík
Today brings some of the most dramatic scenery on your Iceland itinerary. Begin at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, then follow the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon through Vesturdalur to the striking basalt formations of Hljóðaklettar and the red slopes of Rauðhólar.
Continue to Ásbyrgi’s horseshoe canyon, where the quiet forest and turquoise Botnstjörn pond offer a peaceful contrast to the morning’s raw power.
Optional experiences in the area include the Mývatn Nature Baths, GeoSea in Húsavík, whale watching and seasonal adventures. In the evening, return to dark-sky surroundings with another opportunity to search for the Northern Lights.
North West Iceland, Akureyri and Goðafoss
Continue your Northern Lights tour in Iceland with a journey through the varied landscapes of the northwest. Visit the impressive Goðafoss waterfall before spending time in Akureyri’s relaxed town center and the Lystigarðurinn Botanical Garden.
From here, follow the scenic Troll Peninsula to the colorful fishing village of Siglufjörður, or detour to Vatnsnes to spot seals near the Hvitserkur sea stack and explore the striking Borgarvirki basalt fortress, a route you could also adapt as part of a North and West Iceland trip.
As evening approaches, return to a quiet countryside setting with another chance to look for the Northern Lights if skies are clear.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, often called “Iceland in miniature,” and one of the best places to visit in Iceland. Take in views of the Snæfellsjökull glacier volcano, photograph iconic Kirkjufell and its nearby waterfall, and stroll the dramatic coastline at Djúpalónssandur, Hellnar, and Arnarstapi.
Cross the Berserkjahraun and Búðahraun lava fields before stopping at the stark Búðir black church. In the evening, the peninsula’s open landscapes and low light pollution create excellent conditions for Northern Lights viewing when skies are clear.
Snaefellsnes highlights, West Iceland, and Borgarfjordur
Explore West Iceland as Borgarfjörður’s historic landscapes meet the dramatic scenery of Snæfellsnes. Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, the Deildartunguhver hot spring, and Reykholt, then continue past the lava fields around Grábrók crater and through Borgarnes.
Seasonal options include whale watching, lava caving, or glacier experiences, depending on your interests and timing.
To round out the day, choose geothermal baths at Krauma or Hvammsvik, horse riding, a glacier tour, or a hike to the 198-meter Glymur waterfall for dramatic canyon views, ideas you could also adapt as a West Iceland highlight on a longer Ring Road trip.
In the evening, return to the quiet countryside for another opportunity to witness the Northern Lights under dark, open skies.
Reykjavik City
As your Northern Lights tour in Iceland nears its end, enjoy a relaxed day discovering Reykjavík at your own pace. Stroll along Laugavegur and the main squares, take in panoramic views from Hallgrímskirkja, and walk from Tjörnin pond to the Old Harbor.
Continue along the waterfront to the Sun Voyager sculpture, with optional stops at Harpa Concert Hall or Perlan for sweeping city views.
Tailor the afternoon with a museum visit focused on history, art, or marine life, then savor a final dinner of Icelandic flavors. In the evening, you may choose an optional Northern Lights excursion for one last opportunity to see the aurora before your journey concludes.
Departure
Keep your final morning relaxed with time for a last coffee in Reykjavík, a short waterfront stroll, or some final shopping along Laugavegur. When ready, transfer to Keflavík Airport with ample time for check-in and security.
If your flight schedule allows, consider a stop on the Reykjanes Peninsula for lava fields and coastal views, or unwind with a soak at the Blue Lagoon before heading to the terminal and concluding your Iceland adventure.
Iceland
