Winter Travel

We offer most of our tours all year around but here are some tours designed for winter travel and Northern Lights. Winter is the time of the Northern Lights sometimes referred to as Aurora Borealis in the tours below you have the chance to see the Northern Lights if weather conditions permit.

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Self Drive

Longer bus tours

Private tours

During the winter months we offer also winter excursions like dog sledding/sledging, Northern Lights and snowmobiling tours.
For day tours, please have a look at the "Day Tour Planner" for more details.

More info on traveling to Iceland in winter
If you are considering traveling to Iceland in winter to see the northern lights you might be interested in learning more by reading some of our related articles.

Which northern lights tour to choose can be difficult but this article discusses the benefits of self drive and guided bus tour and what to keep in mind when hunting for the northern lights in Iceland.
Northern Lights Tours, what to keep in mind?

When traveling in winter it is getting a sense of the weather and daylight hours can help you make a decision on when is the best season for your and be better prepared. Read more about it here
Weather, climate and daylight by month

Would you like to experience walking into an Ice Cave? Winter is the best season for that activity. This article among other things touches on what are ice caves?, where the Ice caves are located?, which ice cave is the best?
Guide to Iceland Majestic Ice Caves

Dressing for the occasion is very true when visiting Iceland especially during winter. This post should help you pack for your tour to Iceland.
How to pack for your Iceland trip, in all seasons.

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FAQ

What are the northern lights ?

The Northern Lights are an inspiring natural phenomenon visible in the sky above Iceland between end of August to mid April. The Northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun, sometimes referred to as the solar wind hitting the atmosphere. (br) During spring and summer, the long daylight hours make the sighting of the Northern lights impossible or at least unlikely. The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is when the days are shorter, from mid September till end of March.

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Iceland?

In order to see the Northern Lights, you need a dark, clear night. The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between mid September till end of March. They are however visible from late August to early April anytime during dark hours. There are no guarantees that you will see the Northern Lights during your stay, but in most cases, sightings are greatly improved outside populated areas, especially away from the light pollution of the capital. That is why our Northern lights self drive tours and guided tours staying out of the city are the ideal way to see the Northern lights.

What should I pack for a winter trip to Iceland?

For a winter trip to Iceland, pack warm and waterproof clothing. Essentials include:

- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Insulated, waterproof jacket and pants
- Wool or synthetic sweaters
- Warm, waterproof boots with good traction
- Thick socks (preferably wool)
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Swimwear (for hot springs and geothermal pools)
- A good camera with a tripod (for Northern Lights photography)
- Sunglasses (for low-angle sun glare) for more details see our post about How to pack for your Iceland trip

How do I choose the right winter travel package?

Consider the following for winter:

Time and Budget: Determine how much time you have and your budget. Self-drive tours offer flexibility with start dates, while Longer Bus Tours have set departure dates.

Tour Type: Decide if you want the freedom of a Self-drive tour, where you control your schedule and pace, or the convenience of a Longer Bus Tour with guided experiences and no driving worries for a mix of both, consider a Private Tour.

Season: Choose dates within the Northern Lights season, and check the availability before booking flights. Self-drive tours provide independence, while bus tours offer expert guidance and a social atmosphere. For winter conditions, consider a 4x4 vehicle.

Each tour type has unique benefits, so select one that fits your preferences and travel style for more details see our blogpost Iceland Northern Lights Tour Packages, what to keep in mind?