Reykjavik 5-Day Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour: An Expert Review

Thinking of going to Iceland to see the Northern Lights and explore the icy Glacier Lagoon? That five-day tour from Reykjavik, well it could be just what you’re looking for! It gives you a somewhat solid chance to check off those bucket-list sights. What is it really like, though? What makes it worthwhile, and what bits should you maybe be ready for? So, lets get into the detailed look.

What’s the Big Deal with This Tour?

You get picked up, basically right from Reykjavik. Then you’re whisked away on a guided tour that’s primarily aimed at showing off Iceland’s south coast with the possibility, or better yet a good possibility, of spotting the Northern Lights dancing up above. That plan, it bundles stuff like visits to those mighty waterfalls, the black sand beaches, and, certainly a highlight, the Glacier Lagoon, into one, tidy package.

The hunt for the Northern Lights? It’s obviously weather-dependent. Very much so! The guides, they watch the forecast closely and pick spots outside the city’s light glow, aiming to give you that optimal view. So you’re not just blindly hoping; you’ve got folks in charge trying to improve your chances, that’s what I am trying to say.

For someone who likes having things arranged? You are quite covered here! From transportation to lodging, to figuring out what exactly you’re looking at, everything, more or less, gets looked after. I feel like that takes the weight off planning, letting you just soak in the adventure and see Iceland.

Day-by-Day: What You Really Do

So you are wondering exactly what goes on day by day? So let’s just break it down! It’ll give you a better view of what to kind of expect. The weather plays a big part; you have to kind of be flexible because of it. So you need to remember it is always good to go into that kind of trip knowing things are subject to change.

Day 1: Reykjavik and the Hunt Begins

You’ll get settled in, more or less in Reykjavik, and in the afternoon you’ll do the “hunt for the lights” thing, that is what is supposed to happen! Guides usually find a good spot away from the city’s light pollution, basically. Is that the plan? Yes, it certainly is! Is seeing the lights guaranteed? Well of course not! Although the anticipation makes it that much more exciting, right?

Day 2: Waterfalls and Black Sand Beach

Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, they are pretty amazing, honestly! The big waterfalls that you are seeing in pictures? That is these. The black sand beach at Reynisfjara is seriously impressive too, really dramatic cliffs and basalt columns. This day really shows you the southern coast’s raw power; it shows its dramatic coastline in person.

Day 3: Ice Cave Adventure and Glacier Lagoon

The ice cave bit? So very amazing, yet be sure it is something that happens! Tours that actually get you inside an ice cave give you an otherworldly look at the glacial ice; keep in mind this part might hinge on when you’re visiting and safety things. The Glacier Lagoon, with those big icebergs floating by, is a photographer’s dream; It is very much pretty stunning, to be honest. Then the diamond beach, it’s pretty cool seeing the ice chunks sparkling against the dark sand.

Day 4: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and More Lights?

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, just such a pretty sight. Hopefully you go back! It gives you another look at its beauty. If the weather behaves itself? Another night is then dedicated to seeking the Northern Lights, maybe in a different location than the first attempt, it very well could be.

Day 5: Homeward Bound

Most likely that last day will focus more on getting you back to Reykjavik, with, depending on how much time you have, some optional stops. It really is just winding down as you go back.

The Good Sides

Someone Else Plans It: Especially if you’re new to planning trips or you’re short on time, that help is amazing.
Experts with You: Local guides can bring that added layer of cool knowledge, history, and fun facts to your experiences.
Safety in the Winter: Driving in Iceland during winter may be a challenge for those not in the know. The tour means you don’t have to stress about slick roads.
Chasing the Lights: They really keep watch on weather and try their best to bring you to good viewing locations.

Heads Up! Things to Note

The Northern Lights Are Unpredictable: Even with the best trying, sightings aren’t a sure thing, Mother Nature is calling the shots after all!
Some Long Days: Expect long travel times between places and sometimes long days; it’s worth knowing what to anticipate to begin with!
Extra Costs Happen: Things like food, a lot of activities that may grab your attention? That’ll cost you more. Set a little bit of money aside!
Weather’s Call: Plans change fast out there. Weather can change planned itineraries, so keep in mind things could flip-flop!

Is this Tour ‘Worth It’?

Is this tour ‘worth it’? To experience a big chunk of Iceland’s coolest spots in only five days and not have to drive icy roads, oh you might think so, you just might. Those experienced guides greatly increase those chances of catching that sought-after glimpse of the Northern Lights, that is to say, if the skies allow for it of course. If all this fits what you’re looking for? You may feel good with this plan.

What if you’re all about having total control of your schedule, or staying way away from typical tourist routes? In that case? You could look into another way to roam. So think hard what suits you!

What to Bring Along

Layered Warm Clothing: Iceland can definitely surprise you with the weather! Pack layers, it allows you to adapt as the conditions shift, right?
Waterproof gear: Staying dry? Very important! The waterfalls spray, the rain might come around. Have a strong, trusty jacket and pants.
Good boots: Foot comfort and safety? Always vital! Iceland’s landscape is rugged; ankle support and good traction becomes more helpful than you’d think.
Camera Gear: If you really want great shots of the Northern Lights, a decent camera and tripod are key. Just do some research; this could become amazing!

Final Thoughts Before You Book

Alright, so that five-day tour of Iceland, aiming to glimpse the Northern Lights, explore the Glacier Lagoon? A solid method if you’re short on time, really want to check out some of Iceland’s big beauty spots, and don’t want the hassle of all the trip details. Just be sure that those ‘maybe’ parts, weather and luck-based Northern Lights sightings, align with what you’re ok with. Do that? Have the right clothes, mindset, then have a truly stunning Iceland tour.