Aurora Basecamp with pickup and drop off is a tour from Reykjavik to Aurora Basecamp - Northern Lights Observatory.
Welcome to Aurora Basecamp - Northern Lights Observatory.
The Aurora Lounge at Aurora Basecamp is a cosy, low-lit geodesic dome furnished with tables, benches, and plenty of hot chocolate to keep you warm on a cold winter night.
Inside this heated dome, your guide will walk you through the science behind the Aurora Borealis. The Dark Park features a unique lighting display with four large glass tubes replicating the blend of gases and air pressure in the upper atmosphere, where the Northern Lights are formed. These gases are charged with electrical energy, creating a stunning, scientifically accurate display of the Northern Lights—just as they appear in the skies above us.
Spending time in the Dark Park prepares your eyes for outdoor viewing, helping them adjust to the darkness, making the colours of the Aurora brighter and more visible when you step outside. The tour ends in a low-lit outdoor area with an open fire and benches to stay warm while admiring the endless space or simply enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.
This Northern Lights tour starts with a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik city to Aurora Basecamp, which is located outside the capital area. You will spend approximately 2 hours on-site before returning to the city.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Meeting Point
- BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center
TourID: SRE33
Activity provider: Reykjavik Excursions by Icelandia
BSÍ Bus Terminal - City center
Requirements
Warm clothing
- Flexible Cancellation
- No Booking Fees
What’s included and what to bring on this tour
It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip
Included
- Entry or admission fee
- Parking fees
- Bus fare
Remember to dress according to weather.
- We recommend bringing thermal layers, a winter hat, scarf, gloves, and wearing warm socks for colder days
Not included
Food and drinks
Are you wondering about something?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip
Almost any camera phone these days is powerful enough to take decent pictures of the Northern Lights. In fact, many phone cameras are actually better than proper cameras!
To take a good photo, turn your exposure to the maximum, turn off the flash, and use night mode. Apps such as Nightcap, Cortex Camera, or the Northern Lights Photo Taker can help too.
The rarest colours of the Northern Lights are blue and red. Blue auroras are produced by nitrogen molecules at lower altitudes and are less common. Red auroras, occurring at the highest altitudes and caused by high-altitude oxygen, are also relatively rare. Both these colours require specific atmospheric conditions to be visible, making them a less frequent but spectacular sight in auroral displays.
The Northern Lights can be seen from Reykjavík, yes. And it’s a magical experience to see them by chance when you’re just enjoying your evening.
However, the city is not the best place to see the Northern Lights. That’s because light pollution can prevent them from appearing with their full strength. Instead, you want somewhere dark to enjoy them at their best.
The Northern Lights are special for a couple of key reasons:
1. Unique Natural Phenomenon: They represent a spectacular natural light display in the Earth's sky, primarily seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. This phenomenon results from the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun, making it a unique celestial event.
2. Cultural and Mythological Significance: Throughout history, the Northern Lights have held significant cultural and mythological importance in various societies. They have inspired numerous folklore tales and art and have been a subject of awe and wonder. Their ethereal beauty and the magical experience they provide add to their special status in human perception and experience.
It’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Iceland throughout the winter.
For the Northern Lights to be visible, you need two things: solar activity and a clear, dark sky. The darker the better—that’s why winters in very northern countries like Iceland are the best time to see them.
The ideal time to see the Northern Lights are the darkest months of the year: November, December, and January. However, you can see them from September through to April.
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