5 Aurora Dessert Stops in the World to Build a Night Around

1.Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Hot Chocolate & Photos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,068 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $172Our pick

Leave Reykjavík by minibus with up to 19 people and chase clear skies using aurora and weather forecasts. Guides such as Baldvin, Michaela, Devin, and Simon combine folklore, science, photography, hot chocolate, Icelandic pastries, and wool blankets. Sightings are not guaranteed, but an unsuccessful tour can be repeated free when space allows.

“Our guide Devin was knowledgeable, entertaining and went above and beyond to ensure we had an opportunity to view the northern lights! He provided historical and cultural background about Iceland as well as scientific information concerning the Aurora as he drove us all over, north of Reykjavik, stopping several times at different spots, each time setting up his camera to try to find them. Finally, at around 1 AM, he said that it didn't look promising, and was time to turn back. We were advised to immediately email the tour company to reschedule a second trip, per the contract. As we drove back to Reykjavik, though, we couldn't help notice…”

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2.Northern Lights Bus Tour from Reykjavik with Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,782 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $76

Leave Reykjavik by bus with guides such as Darren, Simon, Eva, or Barbara, then chase clear skies around Thingvellir and nearby countryside. Expect about four hours, several possible stops, hot chocolate when conditions allow, and one free return trip if the aurora stays hidden.

“Although I didn’t get to see a lot of northern lights, the experience was amazing and the guide was lovely and very entertaining.”

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3.Northern Lights Adventure Tour with Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 729 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $61Best value

Leave Reykjavik’s city lights behind and search for the Aurora Borealis with an English-speaking guide such as Atli or Rachel. Expect a warm coach, several possible photo stops, practical camera tips, hot chocolate, and a free retry or reschedule when conditions prevent a sighting.

“Beautiful aurora❤️ We had a wonderful time taking many photos while the shape changes. Actually the activity of aurora was low on the day we saw it and at times it was cloudy. But we still saw it because the guide found a good place with good timing. We had a very good experience. It contrasted with what I saw at Rovaniemi, where there were high activities of aurora when I went there. They were just different, which increases my experience and knowledge. The only thing is that we went to 3 spots, and the last 2 we didn't see anything. We wanna return and got to bed earlier as…”

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4.Northern Lights 4×4 Tour with Pastries and Cocoa from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 340 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $145Top rated

Leave Reykjavik by heated 4x4 minibus with up to 16 people, following weather and solar activity to find darker skies. Guides such as Laura, Lorenzo, Piotr, Edgar, and George have helped guests spot the aurora, set up cameras, and enjoy cocoa, pastries, hand warmers, and guide-taken photos.

“We did see the Northern Lights, which was the highlight, and the coffee and doughnuts were a nice touch. However, pickup was an hour late and the tour overall felt very flat. Our guide, Margot (sp), was kind but lacked energy and enthusiasm. She didn’t share any folklore and only gave a brief explanation of the science behind the lights. Hand warmers weren’t offered (we found them ourselves on the bus), and both drives were almost completely silent, which made a late-night tour harder to stay engaged in. At the first stop, when clouds blocked the view, she asked us if we wanted to give up or try other locations…”

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5.Northern Lights Small-Group Tour with Free Photos & Hot Chocolate

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $118

Set out from Reykjavik in a minibus of up to 18 people, following cloud gaps to find the aurora. Guides such as Alex, Juliana, Nelu, and Jonas have helped guests spot faint lights and capture portraits. The tour includes hot chocolate, an Hraun chocolate bar, WiFi, and digital photos.

“Once in a lifetime experience! Highly recommended for all ages! Would love to do it again during my next visit!”

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