Sterna Travel
Sterna Travel
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Aurora borealis green northern lights over Iceland
All Day Tours
Sep – Apr

Northern Lights Hunt

Chase the Aurora Borealis with expert guides who know the best viewing spots.

Gallery

  • Northern Lights Hunt — landscape view 1
  • Northern Lights Hunt — landscape view 2
  • Northern Lights Hunt — landscape view 3
  • Northern Lights Hunt — landscape view 4
  • Northern Lights Hunt — landscape view 5
4 hr
Max 19
Sep – Apr
Reykjavik

About this tour

The aurora is happening above your head most of the year — you can only see it when the sky is dark and clear. From late September to mid-April, we drive away from Reykjavík's light dome to find the cleanest sky each night.

Our hunts follow the weather, not a fixed route. Each evening we check the cloud forecast and the KP index, then head wherever the sky is clearest — Þingvellir, Reykjanes, the south coast, sometimes as far as the western fjords. The driver-guide is in radio contact with other operators to share spotting reports.

Aurora is never guaranteed — it's a natural phenomenon, not a scheduled show. If we can't find a clear sky on your tour night, your booking transfers to another night free of charge. Most travellers see the lights on their second attempt.

What's planned

  1. Reykjavík pickup

    20:30

    We pick up at your designated stop. The bus is heated and has WiFi — settle in for the drive out.

  2. Drive to dark sky

    60–90 min

    Direction depends on the night's cloud forecast. Could be Þingvellir, the south coast, or Reykjanes.

  3. First viewing stop

    45–60 min

    Hot chocolate is served. Tripods welcome. Your guide narrates the science of aurora and the Icelandic folklore.

  4. Optional second viewing stop

    45 min

    If activity is strong elsewhere, we relocate to the better location.

  5. Return to Reykjavík

    60–90 min

    Drop-off at your pickup point. Most tours return between 00:30 and 01:30 depending on weather.

Highlights

  • Expert aurora forecasting
  • Best dark-sky locations
  • Photography assistance
  • Warm refreshments

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík
  • Expert guide
  • Hot chocolate

Not included

  • Meals
  • Aurora sightings not guaranteed

Pickup & meeting point

Pickup & meeting point

Pickup is at your designated stop near your hotel in the Reykjavík capital area. Wear warm clothes — the bus is heated but viewing stops are cold. We provide hot chocolate.

BSI Bus TerminalVatnsmýrarvegur 10, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Arrive 15 minutes before departure.

View on map

Meeting point

  • Harpa Concert Hall

    Austurbakki 2, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the tour price?

All transportation, professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavík capital area, and any entrance fees specific to your tour. Meals are not included unless explicitly stated.

What should I bring?

Warm waterproof outer layer, sturdy footwear, gloves, and a hat — Iceland's weather changes quickly. Charged phone and camera. We provide bottled water on board; a small snack is wise for longer routes.

What's your cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable. If we cancel due to weather or road conditions, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule — your choice.

Will the tour run if the weather is bad?

We run year-round and adapt routes to conditions. If a specific stop becomes unsafe, we substitute a comparable alternative. If the entire tour is unsafe, we contact you the night before with a refund or reschedule option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. We pick up at designated stops in the Reykjavík capital area; your booking confirmation lists the exact stop nearest your hotel. The driver waits 5 minutes maximum, so please be ready 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup.

Can I bring my children?

Most tours are family-friendly for ages 6+. Northern Lights, glacier hiking, and highland tours have minimum-age restrictions detailed on each tour page. Children under 12 receive a 25% discount on most tours.

Are tours wheelchair accessible?

Our coaches are wheelchair-friendly with ramp access. Most stops are accessible, but some highland and glacier sites involve uneven terrain. Contact us before booking and we'll confirm accessibility for your specific tour and any adjustments we can make.

How small are the groups?

Day tours are capped at 19 guests. Highland and multi-day tours are capped at 14 guests. Multi-day expeditions to remote regions cap at 8. We never combine groups — your booking is your group.

What guests said

★★★★★

Incredible

One of the best moments of my entire life. Absolutely exquisite. Thank you Maria & Linas — I will never forget this tour.

Batbroad

19 Jan 2021

Verified on Tripadvisor

Ready to book Northern Lights Hunt?

From 79 per person

From79