Iceland Northern Lights Tours made for you
Start PlanningNorthern lights tours in Iceland, the land of fire and ice
Winter transforms Iceland into something magical. As snow blankets the island and darkness settles in for much of the day, a different kind of beauty emerges. One that’s occasionally lit by aurora displays that appear suddenly in the night sky, shifting green and purple and moving with hypnotic irregularity.
Unlike photographs that freeze a single moment, watching the lights in person reveals their true nature: dynamic, unpredictable and constantly changing. To give yourself the best chance of seeing them, you’ll plan your northern lights tour with one of our expert travel designers. They know where to go, when to travel and how to make the most of the conditions.
Remote Northern Iceland is a wonderful place to start, with clear dark skies and close proximity to the Arctic Circle. This part of the country sits beneath the auroral oval, where northern lights activity is often at its strongest.
To see the aurora in Reykjavík or Southern Iceland, you might join a northern lights boat tour from Reykjavík’s old harbour, or travel to Þingvellir National Park in search of darker skies. Around Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, especially when the aurora reflects across still waters scattered with drifting icebergs.
In the Golden Circle, there’s also a great choice of remote accommodation where you can watch for the northern lights. Depending on where you stay, you might spot them from an outdoor hot tub, a private terrace or wide cabin windows, far from the glow of Reykjavík.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
Although the northern lights can never be predicted, winter is always my favourite time to visit Iceland. The country's famous geothermal activity creates surreal scenes – steam rises from hot springs while the surrounding landscape is frozen, ice caves form beneath glaciers, and in remote areas the dark skies are like nowhere else in the world.
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Iceland
There are many incredible places to stay in Iceland to glimpse the northern lights. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Iceland example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
13-Day Trip
Iceland and Arctic Norway Adventure
13-Day Trip
Iceland and Arctic Norway Adventure
5-Day Trip
Glaciers and Northern Lights
5-Day Trip
Glaciers and Northern Lights
8-Day Trip
Ultimate Iceland
8-Day Trip
Ultimate Iceland
Where to go
Golden Circle
A trio of jaw dropping attractions are the highlights of this outstanding scenic route: Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the geothermal active valley of Haukadalur. Stay in remote accommodation for the best chance to see the northern lights.
Northern Iceland
In Northern Iceland you can witness the northern lights after soaking in the milky waters of the Myvatn geothermal baths, exploring the volcanic landscape close to volatile Bardarbunga, or visiting the Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls.
Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital and biggest city has the intimate feel of a small town. Its colourful streets are packed with things to do, from museums and churches to nightlife and chic restaurants, and there are a choice of northern lights tour options including cruises.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Western Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes. Snaefellsnes Peninsula – often called "Iceland in miniature" – has Snaefellsjökull stratovolcano, black beaches fishing villages and dramatic coastal formations like Kirkjufell mountain.
Southern Iceland
Iceland’s agricultural heartland, rich in Viking heritage. Hike among active volcanoes and geysers and admire Vatnajökull glacier and Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. The area’s black sand beaches provide a uniquely Icelandic backdrop to the aurora.
Meet your Iceland team
When to visit
Winter is the best time for northern lights tours in Iceland. This is when the nights are longest and darkest – to maximise your chances, visit between early September and late April. Ideally, an Iceland aurora trip will coincide with high solar activity and clear skies.
Northern lights tours
October–March
Whale watching
February–March
Frozen waterfalls and ice caves
December–February
Soak in the Blue Lagoon
Year round
Plan your trip to see the northern lights in Iceland
Whatever you want from your northern lights adventure in Iceland, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
