Northern Lights Tour with Photos, Snacks, Warm Snowsuits, Chairs

Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is part science, part patience, and part luck. This small-group trip gives you a serious aurora chase, then makes the waiting easier with warm winter jumpsuits, outdoor chairs, hot cocoa, and snacks. Guide and photographer Heimir also takes high-resolution portraits of you beneath the sky and helps with your own camera settings.

I like two things especially: the guide adjusts the departure date when the forecast looks poor, and the group can stay outside comfortably instead of standing beside a bus in the cold. I also like that the tour is built around photography, with tripods and unlimited high-resolution photos included.

The main drawback is that weather can cancel the outing, sometimes more than once. A free rerun or refund helps, but you need several nights in Reykjavík if you want a good chance of fitting in a second attempt.

Key points to know before booking

• Heimir combines aurora science with photography: He watches cloud cover, weather, and geomagnetic forecasts before choosing the viewing area.
• Warm clothing is supplied: The winter jumpsuits are a major help in Icelandic cold, but you should still wear plenty of layers.
• The waiting setup is unusually comfortable: Chairs, tripods, hot drinks, and snacks let you stay outside longer.
• Photos are part of the price: You receive unlimited high-resolution images from the outing, including portraits beneath the aurora when conditions allow.
• The group is limited to 18 people: That is smaller than a typical large coach excursion, though the exact group size can vary.
• Build in spare time: Poor weather may lead to a new date, and one vehicle means a mechanical problem can affect the schedule.

Leaving Reykjavík for the Southern Region

The tour begins around 8:00 p.m. with pickup from selected locations in Reykjavík. Some hotels can receive direct pickup, while accommodations in the restricted central area usually use a designated bus stop. If you stay outside Reykjavík, pickup is available from BSÍ Bus Terminal.

Once you leave the city lights, the purpose of the trip becomes clear. Darkness matters. The aurora may be strong, but Reykjavík’s streetlights and buildings make faint activity harder to see. The guide therefore looks for darker countryside and checks the forecast before settling on a viewing place in Iceland’s southern region.

The advertised outing lasts about four to six hours, with roughly three hours listed for the main stop. That difference is normal for an aurora chase: driving time, forecast changes, and waiting for the sky all shape the evening. You are not following a fixed sightseeing route with a set parade of landmarks. The destination changes according to cloud cover and aurora conditions.

Along the way, Heimir may point out striking natural scenery and explain what makes the surrounding area useful for viewing. The emphasis is not on a long daytime sightseeing tour. You are being taken away from light pollution and toward the best available patch of clear sky.

How the aurora chase actually works

The Northern Lights are not an attraction that appears on demand. Clear skies are needed, and solar activity must be strong enough to produce visible aurora. Even then, the lights can appear faintly, fade, or wait until well after the expected end of the outing.

Heimir’s role is important because he does more than drive to a random dark spot. He studies cloud cover, weather forecasts, and geomagnetic activity, then uses those details to choose the night and location with the best odds. Several bookings have been shifted to a better night when the original forecast looked poor. That is a sensible approach, even if it can disrupt your plans.

You may spend a long time watching a sky that seems empty. That does not necessarily mean the night has failed. Some outings have continued past midnight because the guide believed conditions could improve. The payoff can be sudden: a pale band becomes easier to see, then stretches or moves across the sky.

I appreciate the educational side of this. Heimir explains how the aurora forms and why it changes. He also helps you understand the difference between what your eyes see and what a camera records. A modern camera can collect more light during a long exposure, so photographs may show stronger green or purple color than you noticed in person.

This is still nature, not a guarantee. The free rerun policy gives you another chance when the lights do not appear, subject to availability. If the company cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Why the snowsuits and chairs matter

The supplied winter jumpsuits are one of the strongest reasons to consider this particular outing. Northern Lights tours often involve standing still in open countryside for a long time. The cold feels sharper when you are waiting rather than walking, especially in winter.

The jumpsuits help you remain outside longer, but do not treat them as your only protection. Wear warm layers underneath, along with suitable socks and gloves. One useful piece of advice from the experience is simple: dress as if you will be outside longer than planned. The suits are helpful, not magical.

The outdoor chairs make an equally practical difference. You can sit while watching the sky, drink something hot, and get up when the aurora begins to move. That is much kinder than standing for hours on frozen ground.

You can also return to the vehicle for a warm break. The supplied WiFi is useful during the ride, but the real comfort comes from being able to alternate between the van and the viewing area. Bring patience. The more comfortable you are, the less likely you are to quit just before the sky changes.

Hot cocoa, Icelandic snacks, and the social side

The food service is modest but well chosen for a cold night. You can expect hot cocoa, cinnamon rolls, pastries, chocolate, dried fish, and Icelandic vodka and snaps. The mix gives you both familiar comfort food and a taste of local fare.

The snacks matter because the outing can run for several hours. You are not being rushed back to Reykjavík after a quick photograph. A hot drink and something to eat help make the waiting feel like part of the evening rather than dead time.

The small group also helps. With a maximum of 18 people, the experience should feel less crowded than a large coach tour, and the guide has a better chance of helping with individual cameras. It is not a private tour, so you will still share the viewing area and photography time. Still, the smaller format suits an activity where everyone may need help getting positioned for a photo.

The included premium Icelandic vodka and snaps may not suit every participant, and the supplied information does not specify how the drinks are handled for different ages or preferences. If you do not want alcohol, the hot cocoa and other refreshments remain part of the welcome.

Photography with Heimir

Photography is not an extra add-on here. Heimir sets up professional equipment and takes photos of the group beneath the aurora. The high-resolution images are included, with no stated limit on the number you receive.

That is valuable for two reasons. First, photographing the Northern Lights requires a steady camera, a tripod, a long exposure, and the right focus. Second, you may want a portrait that shows both you and the sky, which is hard to manage alone in the dark.

Tripods are supplied, and Heimir can help you adjust your own camera settings. He has also loaned a tripod to someone who could not pack one. That kind of assistance is useful, but I would not rely entirely on borrowed equipment. If you own a suitable camera, bring it. If you use a phone, bring a small tripod or phone stand if you have room, since steady support improves night photos.

Your own phone pictures may look less impressive than the professional images. That is expected. The camera used by the guide can capture more light and detail than a handheld phone. The included photos are therefore a real part of the tour’s value, not just a souvenir extra.

Photo timing can vary. The aurora may appear early, fade, and return later. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire evening staring at a screen. The best memory may be the sky itself.

What the price means at $212

At $212 per person, this is not the cheapest way to search for the Northern Lights from Reykjavík. The price makes more sense if you use the equipment and support: pickup, a small group, winter jumpsuits, chairs, tripods, hot drinks, snacks, camera help, and unlimited high-resolution photos all come with the outing.

A cheaper trip may suit you if you only want transport to a dark area and are happy to bring your own warm clothes and camera gear. This tour is aimed at a fuller evening, with the guide taking responsibility for forecast decisions and photography.

The rerun policy also adds value. If the lights do not appear, you may be offered another outing at no extra charge, depending on availability. That policy cannot overcome a short stay in Iceland, however. If you leave the next morning, a rerun may not be possible.

I would compare the price with the cost of hiring a photographer or buying winter gear separately. If you already have both, the difference may feel large. If you want a ready-to-go night with photos included, the package is easier to justify.

Pickup, timing, and the one-vehicle concern

Pickup is available from selected Reykjavík hotels, cruise ship terminals, and central bus stops. Reykjavík restricts bus access in parts of the city center, so you may need to walk to the nearest designated stop. Check the pickup instructions carefully rather than assuming your accommodation has a direct stop.

The start time is 8:00 p.m., but the outing can stretch to six hours. Keep the following morning flexible if possible. You may not return immediately after the first faint glow, especially if the forecast suggests that stronger activity could arrive later.

One practical concern is the operator’s small setup. At least one canceled outing resulted from a vehicle problem, and there have also been cases where repeated weather cancellations made it difficult to reschedule. That does not make the tour a bad choice, but it does make planning important.

Book this near the beginning of your Reykjavík stay. You then have a better chance of using the rerun option if the first night is canceled or produces no sighting. Also keep an eye on messages, since moving to a better forecast date may improve your odds.

The limits of a Northern Lights promise

No company can promise an aurora display. The operator can choose a dark place, watch the forecast, and wait longer, but the sky remains in charge.

The strongest part of this tour is its honest approach to that problem. Rescheduling a weak forecast rather than sending the group out simply because the calendar says so is sensible. On the other hand, a canceled trip can be frustrating when you have planned other activities around it.

Communication appears to be important. The company has contacted people on arrival day when the forecast favored an earlier date, and some communication problems have also occurred through booking-platform messaging. If you need to discuss a change, use the alternative contact method provided by the operator when available and confirm your pickup details.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and a late cancellation by you is not refunded. If weather or minimum numbers cancel the trip, you receive a new date or a full refund.

Who will like this tour most

I would choose this outing if you want more than a bus ride and a quick look at the sky. It suits you if photography matters, if you dislike standing in the cold, or if you want a guide who can explain the aurora while managing the practical details.

It is also a good fit for couples and families who want a shared portrait beneath the lights. The chairs and snacks make the wait easier for people who would not enjoy standing outside for hours.

You should think twice if your schedule allows only one possible night. A weather cancellation could remove the experience entirely, even with the refund policy. You may also prefer a cheaper tour if you already own warm outdoor clothing, a tripod, and the photography skills to manage your own images.

The tour is offered in English, and most people can participate. The vehicle has WiFi, but the main attraction is far from the city, in the dark countryside.

Should you book the Northern Lights Tour?

I would book this tour for a multi-night Reykjavík stay, especially if you want professional photos and do not want to buy or pack a full set of cold-weather gear. Heimir’s forecast work, patience, camera help, and enthusiasm are the features that give the experience its character.

The best booking strategy is to schedule it early in your Iceland visit, keep another evening open, and dress warmly even with the supplied jumpsuit. At $212, you are paying for comfort, photography, and a more careful search rather than a simple ride into the countryside.

Book it if you value the whole night, not just a guaranteed flash of green. Skip it if your timetable is too tight for a rerun or if you mainly want the lowest possible price.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Lights tour start?

The tour starts with pickup from selected locations in Reykjavík at about 8:00 p.m. Some hotels and cruise terminals can receive direct pickup, while parts of central Reykjavík require pickup at a designated bus stop.

Can I be picked up outside Reykjavík?

Pickup is offered from Reykjavík city center. If you stay outside the city, you can use BSÍ Bus Terminal as the pickup point.

How long does the tour last?

The total experience takes approximately four to six hours. The main stop in the southern region is listed as about three hours.

Are winter clothes provided?

Yes. Warm winter jumpsuits are included. You should still wear plenty of warm layers because the tour may involve waiting outdoors in very cold conditions.

Are chairs and tripods included?

Yes. Comfortable outdoor chairs and tripods are included, and the guide can assist with your own camera settings.

Are photographs included in the price?

Yes. Unlimited high-resolution photos from the tour are included. The guide and photographer takes pictures of the group when conditions allow.

What happens if the Northern Lights do not appear?

The operator offers a free rerun in the event of a non-sighting, depending on availability. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.