Private Northern Lights Tour, Iceland
About Package
Private Northern Lights Tour, Iceland
A bus tour books your seat weeks in advance and drives the same loop regardless of where the sky actually clears that night. Enjoy Iceland Tours runs a private aurora tour instead, out of Reykjavík, with the route decided closer to departure based on where the clouds are actually breaking up.
We’ve been running private VIP tours from Reykjavík since 2016. Hunting the aurora borealis is one of the things our guides do most through the winter season, so they’ve got a decent feel for which roads tend to have clear patches when the forecast looks marginal.
Your driver picks you up from your hotel or apartment in Reykjavík, or wherever you’re staying nearby, and from there it’s just your group in the vehicle. No stopping to pick up other bookings, no parking lot full of other tour buses aiming their headlights at the same patch of sky.
Three parts to a private aurora night.
Pickup from your door
Your driver collects you from your hotel or apartment in Reykjavík, or wherever nearby you’re staying.
A route decided that night
Reykjavík’s own light pollution washes out anything but the strongest aurora, so we head for dark skies, in whichever direction that evening’s cloud forecast actually favors.
Viewing on your own schedule
Stay longer in a promising spot or move on early, your call, with your guide checking conditions honestly the whole time.
How a typical night unfolds.
There’s no fixed loop on a private aurora tour. This is the general shape of the evening, with the details decided based on where the sky is actually clear that night.
Private Northern Lights tour out of Reykjavík: a route decided by that night’s sky, not a schedule set weeks in advance
Private aurora tour vs. group bus tour
A group bus tour runs a fixed route for everyone on board. A private tour flips that.
| Private tour (Enjoy Iceland Tours) | Group bus tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Adjusted on the night based on cloud forecast | Fixed in advance, rarely changed |
| Pace | Stay longer or leave earlier, your call | Set by the bus schedule |
| Guide access | Guide speaks directly to your group | Guide narrates to the full bus |
| Vehicle | Private vehicle, your group only | Shared coach with other bookings |
| Photography help | Available on request | Limited, shared attention |
What “private” actually means here.
Your own vehicle
No other bookings, no shared seats. The vehicle is yours for the whole tour.
Your own guide
Your driver-guide’s attention stays with your group, not split across a busload of strangers.
Flexible timing
Start, pace, and stops can shift around what your group actually wants that night.
Direct pickup and drop-off
From your own hotel or apartment in Reykjavík, not a shared meeting point.
Local knowledge
A guide who has been doing this since 2016 and knows the roads and the conditions.
Family-owned, not outsourced
Enjoy Iceland Tours runs its own tours directly, not through a subcontracted operator.
When to see the northern lights in Iceland
You need two things for the northern lights to show up: solar activity, and skies dark enough to actually see it. Summer’s out for that reason alone, the sky here barely gets dark at all. Realistically you’re looking at mid August through late April, with December and January usually giving you the longest, darkest stretch of night to work with.
That still doesn’t guarantee anything on a given night. The Icelandic Meteorological Office runs a cloud cover map alongside an aurora activity scale from 0 to 9, which is roughly what other forecasters mean when they talk about the KP index. Strong geomagnetic activity behind a wall of cloud is invisible, and a quiet night with a clear sky can still surprise you. We check both before deciding where to take you, and if the odds look thin that night, we’ll tell you that rather than sell you a sky full of promises the weather has no intention of keeping.
Where we go to find dark skies away from light pollution
Reykjavík has enough light pollution on its own to wash out anything but the strongest aurora, so we start every tour by getting away from it. How far, and in which direction, comes down to the cloud forecast for that specific evening, sometimes a short drive along the coast is enough, other nights we’ll head further inland toward open countryside with no streetlights at all. Nobody locked in a fixed viewing spot weeks ago for this booking. We go where the sky’s actually clear.
What to expect on the night
Wear more than you think you need. The vehicle itself is heated, but you’ll be standing outside for the actual viewing, and that’s usually where the cold gets to people, so a proper hat and gloves matter more than they sound like they would.
The lights don’t run on a schedule. Some nights they show up within the first hour of driving. Other nights it takes longer, and every so often cloud cover or low activity means nothing happens at all. Your guide will tell you honestly how conditions look as the night goes, rather than keep you waiting on false hope.
Since the vehicle is private, how long the night runs and where it goes depends on conditions, and on whatever you and your guide agree to before you leave.
Other RoutesLooking for a different route
Looking to build out a full itinerary around your private Northern Lights tour? We also run a private Golden Circle tour, a private South Coast tour, and a private Snaefellsnes tour. For anything built entirely around your own interests, just get in touch and we’ll plan the day with you directly. Landing in Reykjavík after dark yourself? Our private airport transfer can be arranged for the same trip.
If you are planning a trip built around seeing the northern lights, or want to add a private Northern Lights tour to a longer Iceland itinerary, get in touch and we will help you plan a night that works around the weather, not the other way around.
Why UsWhy travelers book with Enjoy Iceland Tours
We’re a family-owned tour company based in Reykjavík, running private VIP tours since 2016, and every one of them, Northern Lights included, keeps your group in its own dedicated vehicle. We never mix guests from separate bookings together. Guests have rated us 5.0 across more than 2,000 reviews, and we picked up the LUXlife Global Excellence Award in 2025. On a practical level, that mostly comes down to a guide who’s checked the forecast, knows which roads tend to clear up, and isn’t splitting attention across anyone but your group that night.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is a private Northern Lights tour?
A private Northern Lights tour is an aurora viewing trip booked for one group only, with a dedicated vehicle, driver, and guide. Enjoy Iceland Tours runs every tour this way, with no other bookings sharing your vehicle or your schedule.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?
The northern lights are visible in Iceland from roughly mid August through late April, when the sky is dark enough. The darkest nights, and usually the best odds, fall around December and January, though sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity on any given night.
Are the northern lights guaranteed on a tour?
No tour operator can guarantee a sighting, since the aurora depends on solar activity and clear skies, both outside anyone’s control. A private tour improves your odds by allowing the route to change based on the cloud forecast for that specific night.
How is a private tour different from a group Northern Lights tour?
A private tour uses one vehicle for one group, so the route, pace, and stops can change on the night based on conditions. A group bus tour follows a fixed route and schedule set in advance for everyone on board.
Do I need to bring a camera?
Yes, absolutely. A full-frame camera is the best option, and don’t forget the most important thing: the tripod.
Is a private Northern Lights tour worth it over a group tour?
If you value privacy, flexibility, and a guide dedicated solely to your group, a private VIP aurora tour offers a completely different experience from a shared bus tour.
What should I wear on a private aurora tour?
Dress in warm layers, including a hat, gloves, and insulated boots, since you will be outdoors in cold, often windy conditions during the actual viewing, even though you will be in a heated vehicle for the drive.
Price Info
Starting at ISK 148.900 per group (1-4 persons) - For an exclusive, private-group tour with a maximum of 19 passengers.
A premium experience designed to maximize comfort and give you the best chance to witness Iceland’s natural wonders.
Connect With Us Now
Ready to experience the Northern Lights like never before? Book your private tour today and immerse yourself in the magic of Iceland's night sky. Don't miss your chance to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in a cozy, intimate setting.
Phone: +354 547 7300
Email: hello@enjoyicelandtours.com
For private group bookings or additional information, feel free to contact us. Our team is always here to make your Northern Lights adventure a reality!
Highlights
Private, cozy experience: With a maximum of 19 passengers, you’re guaranteed a personal and intimate adventure to witness the Northern Lights.
Expert guides: Our professional guides are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about ensuring you have the best chance to see the Northern Lights.
Exclusive treats: Enjoy hot chocolate made with Icelandic chocolate plates and milk, along with Icelandic Kleinur (donuts) or Kanilbollur (cinnamon buns), straight from a renowned Reykjavik bakery.
Impressive photography assistance: We provide assistant to help you capture stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis.
Free Wi-Fi: Share your magical moments instantly with friends and family while enjoying free Wi-Fi onboard.
Completely customizable: Your adventure is carefully tailored to ensure you visit the best spots for the Northern Lights based on the night’s conditions.
Included In Price
Round-trip transport in a comfortable, private VIP vehicle.
Steaming hot chocolate made with Icelandic chocolate plates and milk.
Icelandic Kleinur (donuts) or Kanilbollur (cinnamon buns) to enjoy during your experience.
Free Wi-Fi onboard for instant sharing and updates.
Professional guide with extensive knowledge of the Northern Lights.
Assistance with your camera for capturing the northern lights.
Not Included In Price
Warm clothing: Please ensure you dress warmly, as Icelandic nights can be quite chilly. Layers, gloves, hats, and windproof jackets are recommended.
Meals: Meals are not included, but we’ll make stops along the way to explore local options.
Additional Info
Pick-Up Times
- September 1st to September 30th: Pickup at 21:30
- October 1st to March 20th: Pickup at 20:30
- March 21st to March 31st: Pickup at 21:30
Important Notes:
- The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and although we provide the best opportunities, the lights’ appearance cannot be guaranteed.
- The tour may be canceled up to 1 hour before departure due to unfavorable weather. Please check your email for updates.
- Minimum age: 5 years, children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Dress warmly: Layer up and wear windproof and waterproof clothing for comfort and warmth.
- Tripod: Don’t forget to bring your tripod to capture the perfect photos.
Your Private Northern Lights Serenade Awaits—embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey with us and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Aurora Borealis is waiting for you to experience its beauty in the most personalized and cozy way possible. Book now and let’s make your Northern Lights dream a reality!
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Tour Information
Tour Name
Private Northern Lights Tour, Iceland
Price from ISK
ISK 148,900
Max Passengers
19
