Reykjavik to the Northern Lights: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
8h 30mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Embark on an adventure to some of Icelandās most incredible natural sites and chase the Aurora Borealis across dark skies on this day trip from Reykjavik. Youāll visit Thingvellir National Park and a viewpoint in Hella on one seamless journey.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Reykjavik whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverās local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĆ© here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youāll love sharing later. This isnāt a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Depart Reykjavik with a friendly, professional driver to explore Thingvellir National Park and try to see the Northern Lights from the dark skies of Hella before enjoying a comfortable return journey.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Thingvellir and Hella should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$341
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$1,023
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Reykjavik
You choose the pickup spot. Thingvellir
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Thingvellir National Park is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can see the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates as they slowly separate.
What to see
- The magnificent Oxarafoss waterfall
- On a clear night, try to spot the aurora borealis
What to do
- Walk between the tectonic plates at Almannagja Gorge
- Explore the site of Iceland's first parliament, the "Law Rock."
What to bring
- Sturdy, warm walking shoes or hiking boots
- Extra layers, including a windproof coat, for those staying into the evening for aurora watching
Take note
- Trails leading to Almannagja Gorge and the Oxarafoss Waterfall start at the visitors center and are partially paved
- The aurora borealis is an unpredictable natural phenomenon, and there is no way to guarantee a sighting
Hella
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Seeing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory is a bucket list item for many travelers, and there are few better places to see it than around Hella on a cold, dark night.
What to see
- When conditions cooperate, enjoy spectacular aurora displays in the countryside around Hella
What to do
- Visit the observatory at Hotel Ranga, open to the public, with expert astronomers on-site during peak activity to guide your viewing
- Explore Hella before the sun sets, enjoying authentic Icelandic meals and a slower pace than Reykjavik
What to bring
- Plenty of warm layers, including insulated boots and a windproof coat
Booking & info
- Call Hotel Ranga in advance to secure your observatory visit, as space is limited: https://hotelranga.is/hotelrangaobservatory/
Back to Reykjavik
Weāll take you back to your starting point.Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Absolutely. Thingvellir offers compelling experiences both day and night. During daylight hours, you can fully appreciate the geological formations, walk between tectonic plates, and explore Oxarafoss waterfall. The dramatic landscape reveals Iceland's volcanic origins. Many visitors combine daytime exploration with evening aurora viewing for a comprehensive Icelandic experience.
Weather plays a crucial role in Northern Lights visibility. Cloudy or stormy conditions can obscure the aurora even when solar activity is strong. Winter weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, with sudden changes common. Your driver will monitor conditions and can adjust timing when possible. The trip remains enjoyable even in challenging weather, as both locations offer indoor warming areas and sheltered spots.
While aurora sightings are never guaranteed, Hella offers excellent viewing conditions due to minimal light pollution and dark countryside skies. The best chances occur on winter nights between 8:00 PM and 2:00 AM, from September through April. Clear skies and strong solar activity increase your odds. Even if the lights don't appear, Hella's remote beauty and starry skies make the journey worthwhile.
Hella's location in southern Iceland provides exceptionally dark skies far from urban light pollution. The surrounding countryside offers unobstructed views of the northern horizon where auroras typically appear. The small town atmosphere and rural setting create an intimate viewing experience.
Dress in very warm layers, as you'll be outside in cold temperatures. Thermal underwear, a heavy winter coat, warm hat, gloves, and insulated boots are essential. Bring a camera with manual settings and a tripod if you want to photograph the aurora. Hand and foot warmers can make the experience more comfortable during extended viewing periods.
The journey from Reykjavik to Hella and back covers approximately 140 miles. Your private driver will handle all navigation, allowing you to enjoy Iceland's dramatic landscapes. The route passes through diverse terrain, from volcanic fields to rural farmland. The total trip takes about 8.5 hours, including exploration time at both destinations.
Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Almannagja Gorge. The site hosted Iceland's ancient parliament, making it historically significant. The park features Iceland's largest natural lake and the beautiful Oxarafoss waterfall. At night, the lack of light pollution makes it one of the best spots for aurora viewing.
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