Reykjavik is an incredible location for tours, of all times of the day. If you’re looking for something unusual to get up to, take a look at Reykjavik night tours.

Iceland is a fantastically unusual place, which extends to not only rural areas but also its capital city, Reykjavik. With so much in the country to see, tours are a great way to make the most of your time. Reykjavik is an excellent base for Icelandic tours, even at night time! 

Whatever the time of year, the midnight hours in Iceland are a spectacular time. During summer, the midnight sun ensures the night sky never dims, so you can continue to explore Reykjavik’s streets until you drop. On the other hand, winter’s skies set the ideal backdrop for the dancing northern lights. Let’s take a look at some of the best night tours in Reykjavik.

Northern lights over a snowy Icelandic landscape.

Northern Lights Tours Reykjavik

Despite the fact that the northern lights are typically only visible in more rural areas of Iceland, northern lights tours can start anywhere, including in Reykjavik. Northern lights tours can last hours, which will fly by when staring up at the starry sky - even if the lights don’t appear to you on your tour! Expect some late nights if you’re serious about searching for the northern lights.

No matter where you stay in Reykjavik, there is bound to be a tour pickup location either at your hotel or close nearby. Northern lights tours can take you to a variety of locations, depending on just how far away from Reykjavik the tour will take place. 

 

Northern Lights Boat Trips

Not only can you search for the northern lights on land, but also on the water! The harbour in Reykjavik makes it possible to set off as the sun sets, or hours afterwards as it may be during the winter months, and sail away from the artificial light pollution over the city of Reykjavik. The sound of the ocean can create an incredible peaceful soundtrack to the dancing northern lights.

Whales seen on a whale watching tour from Reykjavik.

Whale Watching Tours

Reykjavik is also a great place to spot some incredible wildlife, despite being a capital city. The harbour is home to a myriad of tour operators sending regular boat trips out of the shallower bay to catch a glimpse of something amazing. Whales, dolphins, porpoises and a range of birdlife can be spotted from these boats. 

Mainly during summer, these tours run well into the evening, when the midnight sun shines a light on the warmer waters where these creatures roam. These also offer pickups from across the city, or you can hop on a boat from the harbour’s edge. Don’t forget that camera!

 

Evening City Tour

The capital city is full of interest and fascinating corners, which you’ll find best when guided by an expert. Tours run across the greater Reykjavik area to show visitors things they might not normally notice about the city. From the Hallsgrimkirkja to nearby settlements and traces of Iceland’s Viking past, experts can teach you a great deal. It may even surprise you how quickly the city lights fall away as you drive further into rural Iceland.

 

For more ideas of things to do when staying in Iceland, take a look at our suggested Iceland itineraries. Itineraries can pair perfectly with an Icelandic road trip, whether you only have a few days or for a week!