7 Northern Lights Tours on the South Coast That Are Worth the Daylight

1.3-Day Ice Cave, South Coast, Golden Circle and Northern Lights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 634 reviews · 3 days (approx.) · from $1,058Our pick

Spend three full days traveling from Reykjavík through Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, Jökulsárlón, and Vatnajökull. You’ll hike on a glacier, enter a naturally formed blue ice cave by Super Jeep, sleep two nights with breakfast, and hunt for the Northern Lights with an English-speaking guide.

“We were picked up from the nearest bus stop in Reykjavik (tip: if you want hotel pickup instead of walking to the nearest bus stop, book a hotel that isn't in the city centre exclusion zone). The whole pickup process was seamless, no complaints there. Firstly, shout out to Paul who was our bus driver/tour guide (this company doesn't employ a seperate tour guide so the bus driver has to drive the bus, be the guide and organise everything). Paul was a warm and friendly local who knew Iceland like the back of his hand. He took us to little spots where he grew up and told us stories about…”

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2.South Coast and Northern Lights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 90 reviews · 13 hours · from $173Best value

Travel from Reykjavík by comfortable bus to Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara, and Vík, then return at night for an Aurora Borealis search. Expect a 13-hour day, an English-speaking guide, multilingual audio, Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and optional hotel pickup.

“Fantastic day trip our guide Eric was amazing his knowledge and professionalism whilst keeping it fun was so refreshing. And our driver Pawel was fantastic in the very very windy conditions thank you. But we just found it was such a busy day we just couldn’t face another few hours on the coach in the wind”

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3.South Coast, Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Winter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 66 reviews · from $255

Spend a long Iceland day on the South Coast, with stops at Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara, Skógafoss, and Sólheimajökull. A certified glacier guide supplies crampons and instruction for the ice walk. Return to Reykjavík for dinner, then head out again with guide Frank to search for the Northern Lights.

“The glacier hike was surprisingly the highlight of the tour. The view was exceptional and the guides were very professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend the tour. It’s a shame that i couldn’t catch the northern lights that day or the day would have been perfect.”

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4.4-Day Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, Volcano Hike & Northern Lights

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 46 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,349

You’ll travel from Reykjavík in a group of up to 19, with guides such as Carl or Olie leading the route when available. Expect three hotel nights, breakfasts, Wi-Fi, the Golden Circle, South Coast, Vatnajökull Glacier, a volcano hike, and a Northern Lights outing. Weather may change the plan.

“This was an absolutely unforgettable adventure! In my opinion, the best way to experience Iceland in the winter. Having Olie, our very skilled tour guide, navigate the terrible icy roads was reason enough to use this tour. We had a small group of 10 and each was a delight to spend a few days discovering Iceland with. The waterfalls, the geyser, the snow, the atmosphere, all of it was top notch. Our number one fave- the glacier hike with ice cave. ASTOUNDING. There was such a feeling of rare sacredness getting to hike along such a massive and beautiful feat of nature. Iceland is beautiful, rugged, violent, brutal and WILD.…”

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5.South Iceland Highlights and Northern Lights Combo Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $185

Spend a long day exploring South Iceland by coach, with stops at Skógafoss, Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara, Vík, and Seljalandsfoss. After time to rest in Reykjavík, join a northern lights hunt with hot chocolate, WiFi, and a restroom on board. Guides such as Ritchie, Victoria, Sarah, and Noi have been praised for lively storytelling and personal help.

“Very disappointing experience. The guide talked nonstop, to the point where multiple people complained. I skipped the second part of the tour and felt I wasted an entire day. I’ve been on over 60 Viator tours worldwide, and this was easily one of the worst. Concerns were raised but seemed to be ignored. The driver was great.”

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6.South Coast, Glacier Hike & Northern Lights from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 13 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $287

Spend a long day seeing Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, and Sólheimajökull Glacier, then return to Reykjavik for a Northern Lights hunt. Guides such as Ronan, Bessi, Simon, and Fred bring local stories, glacier safety, and photography help. The day is busy, weather-dependent, and best for active visitors.

“Justinas was an absolutely amazing guide, made a great experience better. Very knowledgeable, told the stereotypical tour guide jokes that can't offend anyone, shared his personal experiences with the sites, got us everywhere on time, and on two occasions we actually had spare time and he fit in an extra thing to see nearby which is excellent improvisation. One note: make sure your boots go above your ankles. My hiking shoes are good enough for 99% of things but without that extra length crampons cannot attach. If you forget, they can rent them, but better to not forget.”

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7.Private South Coast Guided Day Tour + Northern Lights(Optional)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.)

Travel privately from Reykjavik to Iceland’s South Coast with a guide such as Sultan or Adnan. See Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara, and Vík in 8 to 10 hours. Pickup, WiFi, bottled water, and private transport are included. A Northern Lights option is also available.

“Adnan is a darling. He is so polite, respectful and on the top of it so knowledgeable and intelligent and gives a 360 degree details and view of any activity he does regardless of the activity size, doesn't matter if it is as small as a simple transfer by car. He keeps the guest involved and engaged.”

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