Aurora Tracks See Northern Lights

5 Great Short Tours to Northern Lights ICELAND (2024-2025)

tours to northern lights iceland

Looking for the best short tour to see Northern Lights in Iceland? Here, we explore some of the most popular short tours to northern lights Iceland available now.

Booking a short tour of the Northern Light combined with self-planned travel is a great way to enjoy a professionally guided tour on a budget.

While full Iceland vacation packages are great for some, they are also expensive and offer you less flexibility to explore on your own. An alternative is to do a shorter and more affordable 2-3 day tours to northern lights Iceland destinations instead.

If you’re looking for the shortest and best Iceland northern lights tour that will give you plenty of opportunity view the Aurora Borealis, then you’ll want to check out some of these options.

Each of these tours is only 2-3 days duration, and as well as Northern Lights, all tours give you the chance to enjoy some of the main highlights of Iceland such as caves, glaciers and waterfalls.

5 Great Short Tours to Northern Lights ICELAND

3-Day South Coast Tour | Golden Circle, Ice Cave, Jokulsarlon & Waterfalls

This three-day Iceland tour along the south coast will take you through the popular Golden Circle.

three-day tours to northern lights Iceland
Image source: https://nicetravel.is

There you will see a number of beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, caves, and lagoons. Far outside of the capitol city of Reykjavík, there will be plenty of opportunities to view the aurora borealis.

You will travel through the historical Thingvellir National Park, where Vikings ruled for nearly 1000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered by many to be the first parliament in the world. From there, you will have the opportunity to see the Haukadalur Geothermal area, which is home to a number of geysers including Strokkur, which shoots water more than 30 meters into the air.

The Golden Waterfall is one of the most popular stops on this trip. Millions of gallons of water cascade over the Gullfoss every single day, as a result of the melting of the Langjokull glacier. Towards the end of the tour, you will stop by the Kerid crater where you will have the opportunity to walk down into the crater floor.

Itinerary

The first day will stop by a number of important destinations which includes, Þingvellir, Haukadalur, Gullfoss, and Kerið, before stopping for the night. You will spend your first night of the tour in Hveragerði, before heading out to Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull Glacier, and the Black Beach Reynisfjara.

You will spend your second night of the tour in Suðursveit. The following morning you will have the opportunity to go four-wheel driving, visit a blue ice cave, as well as the Glacier Lagoon in Jokulsarlon, the Diamond Beach, Hofskirkja, Eldhraun, and the quaint village of Vik.

What’s Included
  • Pickup in Reykjavík
  • Minibus with Wi-Fi and USB chargers
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • 2 nights’ accommodations
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Ice caving with safety equipment
  • Entrance to the Kerid Volcanic Crater
  • Drop off in Reykjavík
Why it’s One of the Best Tours to Northern Lights Iceland

This amazing Iceland tour will take you along the south coast over the course of 3 days. You will have the opportunity to view the entire Golden Circle, which includes stops at the Thingvellir National Park, and the Gullfoss Waterfall. You will have plenty of time to view the geyser which has virtually the same level of accuracy as Old Faithful.

You will have plenty of time to wander around the Kerid crater, and even tour the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. An entire day is dedicated purely to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, and nearby Diamond Beach. In the evenings, you will have many opportunities to view the Northern Lights on this Iceland tour. All of this equates to a truly memorable experience.

2-Day Iceland Tour Northern Lights & Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This popular tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula will provide you with scenic views of the ocean, Icelandic countryside, and of course, the northern lights.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula tours to northern lights Iceland
Image source: https://www.re.is/

As well as Northern Lights this Iceland tour will give you the opportunity to explore the ice cave at Vatnshellir, which is one of the easiest caves to visit.

This tour provides that truly small group experience that allows for a more memorable experience. You will have opportunities to view the Deildartunguhver Hot Spring, the Hraunfossar Waterfall, the Barnafoss Waterfall, as well as the Gerðuberg Basalt Columns. There will be a number of stops over the course of the tour of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, which includes the Vatnshellir Cave, Djúpalónssandur Beach, the Krauma Geothermal Baths, as well as at Mt. Kirkjufell.

Itinerary

On the first day of the trip you will head out to Snæfellsnes, with a stop at the fishing village of Arnarstapi, before reaching the Snaefellsjokull National Park. While you are in the national Park, you will have the opportunity to view the Vatnshellir lava tube which is more than 8,000 years old. If you choose not to visit the lava tube, then you can head out into the Icelandic countryside and experience nature firsthand. From there, the tour will head out to the village of Hellnar, before making its way to the popular Djúpalónssandur Beach, and finally Mt. Kirkjufell.

The following morning you will have breakfast at the hotel before heading over to Borgarfjörður, with stops at the Deildartunguhver hot springs. From there, the tour will head over to Reykholt, before stopping at the Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls. The final stop of the Iceland tour Northern Lights & Snæfellsnes Peninsula is at the Gerðuberg Basalt Columns.

What’s Included
  • Pick up in Reykjavík
  • Minibus with Wi-Fi and USB chargers
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • 1 night’s accommodations
  • Breakfast in the morning
  • Drop-off in Reykjavík
Why it’s One of the Best Tours to Northern Lights Iceland

The 2-day Iceland tour Northern Lights & Snæfellsnes Peninsula provides ample opportunities to view the northern lights, as well as to visit some of the most popular destinations in Iceland. You will have plenty of time to take in the awe-inspiring views of the Icelandic countryside, as well as visit some of the most amazing waterfalls the country has to offer. Just about everything you need for a truly memorable experience is included in the tour package.

2-Day South Coast Iceland Tour – Ice Cave, Skaftafell & Jökulsárlon Glacier Lagoon

When you choose to take this popular tour along the south coast of Iceland, you will have plenty of opportunities to see some of the most memorable parts of the country.

Ice cave tours to northern lights Iceland
Image source: https://aurorareykjavik.is/

There will be a number of stops along the way which includes waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers, ice caves, and more. As you head out from Reykjavík, you will have a better chance of viewing the elusive Northern lights.

Although short, this 2-day Iceland Northern Lights tour is designed to provide guests 2 evenings of Aurora hunting. You will have plenty of opportunities to view the many splendorous sites of Iceland including the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. The trip will stop by both the Seljandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and even provide an opportunity to view the basalt columns and black sand beaches of Reynisfjara.

You will have the opportunity to view a number of volcanoes along the way, including Hekla. Before making the return back to Reykjavík the tour will stop at the quaint village of Vík, the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, as well as the Eyjafjallajökull Glacier.

Itinerary

After departing from Reykjavík early in the morning, the tour will stop at the pristine Seljalandsfoss waterfall, before making its way to the Eyjafjallajokull volcano. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to view the waterfall from both sides, and will even able to walk behind it. From there, the tour will head over to the Skógafoss waterfall, before stopping at the Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. After a stop at the beautiful black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, you will head over to the charming villages of Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Vik.

The second day of the trip will be completely devoted to glacier hunting with the first stop at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, which is the filming location of several popular movies. From the lagoon, the tour will head over to the Crystal Ice Cave where professional guides will take you on a short expedition. Before heading back to Reykjavík, the tour will stop at the Skaftafell Nature Reserve, which is located inside of the Vatnajokull National Park.

What’s Included
  • Pick up in Reykjavík
  • Professionally guided tour
  • Minibus with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers
  • 1 night’s accommodations
  • Breakfast in the morning
  • Certified glacier guide
  • Drop-off in Reykjavík
Why it’s One of the Best Tours to Northern Lights Iceland

Although many tours to Northern Lights Iceland are designed for adult travelers, this popular 2-day tour along the south coast is perfect for kids as young as 6 years old. Even though this Iceland tour Northern Lights is very short, there will be plenty of stops at popular destinations along the way. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore an ice cave, but you will have awe-inspiring views of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and Hekla Volcano. Because the tour takes you outside of the Reykjavík city center, it will be easier to view the northern lights. You will have 2 separate opportunities to hunt for the elusive auroras.

2-Day Northern Lights & Ice Cave Tour with Glacier Hiking & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

From black sand beaches to the aurora glistening off enchanted waterfalls, enjoy all that the South Coast has to offer you, in one of the most adventurous tours to northern lights Iceland imaginable.

Explore Iceland’s South Coast, and experience the natural splendor of Europe’s largest glacier in this 2-day tour of some of the country’s most iconic sites. You’ll have the opportunity to visit an ice cave under the Vatnajökull, and walk along majestic black sand beaches. Enjoy the natural splendor of powerful waterfalls, and gaze across the awe-inspiring Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Once the sun sets, you will have ample opportunity over the course of your tour to see the majestic northern lights.

Itinerary

You’ll start your journey in Reykjavík, then drive past the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, before stopping off at Reynisfjara Beach. There, you will walk along the famous black sands. You will have the opportunity to see the Sea Stacks at Reynisdrangar before you settle in for your overnight stay in a cozy remote hotel that provides you with the perfect views of the northern skies. Wake up the next morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast before you head out on a hike over a glacier and through the ice caves near Vatnajökull. You’ll even have an opportunity to visit the splendid Diamond Beach where you stare in awe at the 2 glistening icebergs resting on the black sand shorelines.

What’s Included
  • Pick-Up and Reykjavík
  • Certified Glacier Guide
  • Glacier Hiking Gear Included
  • Accommodation Included
  • Breakfast Included
  • Small Group (Max 21 People)
  • Wi-Fi On the Bus
  • Northern Lights Hunt
  • Drop off at Reykjavík
Why it’s One of the Best Tours to Northern Lights Iceland

This tour is extremely popular because it combines some of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go hiking on a glacier and through an ice cave. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to visit locations that showcase some of the most beautiful landscapes that Iceland has to offer. Moreover, you will be staying in a prime location to witness the northern lights, should they appear, and the smaller group sizes ensures a more personalized adventure led by experienced guides. See all that Vatnajökull and Iceland have to offer, when you embark on this today, northern lights and ice cave tour.

Golden Circle Express

When it comes to tours to northern lights Iceland that also provide access to the most popular destinations in the country, this 3-day tour is the perfect option.

Golden Circle tours to northern lights Iceland
Image source: https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/

You will spend several days in the Icelandic countryside exploring waterfalls, volcanoes, and geysers along the golden circle. You’ll have an opportunity to bathe in the popular Blue Lagoon and take advantage of additional activities such as snowmobiling and hiking. The evenings will be spent outside of the city limits, where you will have a better opportunity of viewing the northern lights.

Over the course of the 3 days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Golden Circle and even hunt for the aurora borealis. Professional, English-speaking tour guides will ensure that you get the most out of your trip, as you make your way to the many excellent destinations along the Golden Circle.

Not only will you have the opportunity to view the Gullfoss waterfalls, but you will be able to marvel at the eruptions of the nearby geothermal geysers. And of course, what trip to Iceland would be incomplete without a stop at the Blue Lagoon for some much-needed rest and relaxation in the mineral baths.

Itinerary

You will start your trip at the Keflavik International Airport where a professional driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodations. You will have the entire day to yourself to explore all that Reykjavík has to offer. In the evening, you will be picked up and join a small group as you head out into the countryside to view the aurora borealis. The professional guide will take you to a forecasted spot to hunt for the elusive lights before returning you to your hotel in Reykjavík.

The second day of the tour will take you down through the Golden Circle where you will visit the UNESCO heritage site in the Þingvellir National Park. You will be able to check out the waterfall in Gullfoss and even view the Strokkur geyser. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to try Icelandic food, as they will be included in this Iceland northern lights tour. On your way back to Reykjavík for the evening, you will visit the majestic Faxi waterfalls.

For those whose flights will depart in the afternoon, the tour also includes a morning trip to the Blue Lagoon which is a popular mineral bath located just outside the city. The lagoon itself is surrounded by basalt lava and provides guests with one of the most unique experiences imaginable. At the end of the tour, your professional driver will take you back to the Keflavík International Airport, just in time for your flight.

What’s Included
  • Pick up from Keflavík Airport
  • 2 nights’ accommodations
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Minibus with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide
  • Tour of the Golden Circle
  • Northern lights tour
  • Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
  • Nordic Visitor’s Iceland Travel Guide
  • Map of Reykjavík
  • Personalized itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline
Why it’s One of the Best Tours to Northern Lights Iceland

This popular Iceland tour Northern Lights and Golden Circle provides the perfect introduction to the marvels of Iceland. You will spend 3 days exploring the many popular destinations of the country, including waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, and glaciers. You will have the opportunity to bathe in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon and view the northern lights on a guided evening tour. This particular tour provides a number of additional upgrades such as touring in a super jeep, as well as snowmobiling. Not only will you have the opportunity to view the Icelandic countryside, but you will have the convenience of staying in Reykjavík each evening.

Final Thoughts on Tours to Northern Lights Iceland

Here we have shared five Iceland best northern lights tour options of 2-3 days duration, for you to enjoy during your aurora vacation. This is just a selection of some of the most popular tours to Northern Lights Iceland but of course there are many other tour providers as well.

Building short tours to northern lights Iceland destinations intro your trip is a great way to enjoy the freedom of a self-planned holiday, while also having the opportunity to enjoy a professionally guided tour to places you might not otherwise access.

As always, before booking in your vacation and any tours to northern lights Iceland destinations, make sure you carefully research the best time to see the Northern Lights, to ensure that you visit Iceland at the right time of year to see the aurora. For more travel and tour options, check out the links in the further reading section below.

Further Reading – Tours to Northern Lights Iceland

This article was originally published on 24 July 2022 and updated on 4 October 2024 to replace outdated information and maintain accuracy.

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