Iceland Northern Lights Holidays – Tailor-Made Adventures
Few places on Earth are as extraordinary as Iceland. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, its dramatic volcanic landscapes, ancient glaciers, powerful waterfalls and geothermal lagoons provide an incredible backdrop for seeing the Northern Lights.
Our tailor-made Iceland holidays combine the country’s must-see sights with excellent Aurora viewing opportunities. Explore Reykjavík, the Golden Circle and spectacular South Coast, stay beneath dark countryside skies or set off on a self-drive adventure. You can also add unforgettable experiences including glacier adventures, Super Jeep tours, whale watching, geothermal spas, ice caves and snowmobiling.
Every itinerary can be customised around you, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, solo or as a family. Our Travel Experts can help you choose your accommodation, activities and destinations to create an Iceland Northern Lights holiday that suits the way you want to travel.
Self-Drive Holidays in Iceland
A self-drive holiday in Iceland gives you the freedom to explore the country’s extraordinary scenery at your own pace.
Iceland’s famous Ring Road, Route 1, connects many of the country’s most spectacular regions, making it possible to combine well-known attractions with quieter towns, villages and landscapes away from the main tourist routes.
Explore the black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs around Vík, discover waterfalls and lava fields, relax in the geothermal surroundings of Hveragerði and then, spend the night in the Icelandic countryside beneath dark skies.
Having your own car also gives you greater flexibility when exploring popular routes such as the Golden Circle. Spend longer at the places that capture your imagination, arrive earlier or later to avoid the busiest periods and discover additional attractions along the way.
We can tailor our Iceland itineraries to include self-drive options for part or all of your holiday, allowing you to combine independent exploration with organised activities and excursions.
Northern Lights Holidays in Reykjavík
Iceland’s colourful capital makes an excellent base for a Northern Lights holiday in Iceland, combining city experiences with easy access to some of the country’s most famous natural attractions.
Explore Reykjavík’s Old Town, visit the striking Hallgrímskirkja church and take in panoramic views across the city’s colourful rooftops, mountains and coastline.
At the Old Harbour, you’ll find restaurants, museums and departure points for whale-watching and Northern Lights boat trips. Elsewhere in the city, attractions such as Perlan, Lava Show and FlyOver Iceland offer immersive introductions to the landscapes, geology and natural forces that have shaped Iceland.
When darkness falls, head beyond Reykjavík’s city lights on a dedicated Northern Lights excursion or, when conditions are particularly favourable, look for the Aurora from darker locations around the capital.
Iceland Activities & Experiences
Whether you’re looking for adventure, sightseeing or time to relax, some of the highlights include:
- Explore the Golden Circle – Discover three of Iceland’s most famous sights: Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal Geysir area and the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall. Explore independently by car or join a guided tour to learn more about the area’s landscapes and geology.
- Discover Iceland’s South Coast – Journey past dramatic scenery to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the black volcanic sands of Reynisfjara Beach and impressive glaciers. It’s also one of Iceland’s best regions for a self-drive adventure.
- Experience glaciers and ice caves – Head onto Langjökull Glacier for the Into the Glacier experience or an exhilarating snowmobile adventure. On the South Coast, explore the spectacular Katla Ice Cave or take a guided walk across the ice.
- Relax in geothermal lagoons – Experience Iceland’s famous geothermal waters at the Blue Lagoon, enjoy ocean views and a wellness ritual at Sky Lagoon or soak in the more traditional surroundings of the Secret Lagoon.
- Go whale watching – Take to the water from Reykjavík in search of humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises, while enjoying a different perspective of Iceland’s coastline.
- Try something more adventurous – Snorkel in the crystal-clear Silfra fissure between two tectonic plates, explore ancient lava tunnels, venture into the remote Highlands by Super Jeep or discover the colourful mountains and hiking trails of Landmannalaugar.
Our Travel Experts can help you choose and combine the right activities to create an Iceland holiday tailored around you.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for seeing the Aurora Borealis, with the Northern Lights season generally running from late August until April. Long, dark nights and vast areas of countryside create excellent conditions for Aurora hunting when skies are clear and solar activity is favourable.
While it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Reykjavík, particularly during stronger displays, travelling away from the city’s light pollution can provide better viewing conditions. Join a Northern Lights boat tour into Faxaflói Bay for darker skies over the ocean, or head into the countryside on a Super Jeep tour, where expert guides use local weather and Aurora forecasts to seek out some of the most promising viewing locations each evening.
When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
The Northern Lights season in Iceland typically runs from late August to April, when the nights are dark enough for the Aurora to become visible.
There isn’t one particular month when a sighting can be guaranteed. Successful Northern Lights viewing depends on a combination of darkness, clear skies and sufficient solar activity.
Travelling during the Aurora season, spending several nights in Iceland and including time away from Reykjavík’s light pollution can all help maximise your opportunities.
Read more: When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Are the Northern Lights Guaranteed in Iceland?
No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Aurora visibility depends on solar activity, cloud cover, local weather conditions and darkness. Even when staying in an excellent viewing location during the heart of the Northern Lights season, there will always be an element of luck involved.
That’s why our Iceland holidays aren’t only about the Aurora. By combining Northern Lights hunting with Iceland’s glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, geothermal lagoons, wildlife and other natural attractions, you’ll have an unforgettable holiday whatever the skies decide to do.
Create Your Tailor-Made Iceland Holiday
The Iceland itineraries featured on our website are designed to provide inspiration and showcase some of the best ways to experience the country. They don’t have to be followed exactly.
We can adapt your holiday to suit your interests, preferred pace and travel style. Extend your stay, upgrade your hotel, switch activities, add new experiences or combine organised excursions with a self-drive Iceland adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a Reykjavík city break, a countryside Northern Lights escape, an Iceland self-drive holiday or a combination of everything, our Travel Experts can help create the right itinerary for you.
Explore our Northern Lights holidays to Iceland and start planning your tailor-made Iceland adventure.
