Iceland

[Louiseanne]

I’d like to take DD16 to see the northern lights in Iceland. Can anyone recommend a travel company and also When is a good time to go?

[MichelleB]

Highest chance of seeing them is in deepest darkest winter, but no guarantees so best to plan other things to do and if you are lucky enough to see the Northern Lights it's a nice bonus. You can book tours that go out late evening and drive around to reported sightings.

We flew with Icelandair, but booked hotel independently. Icelandair do packages. Tour companies will pick you up from most hotels in Reykjavik. We stayed at the Northern Light Inn very close to the Blue Lagoon, on a stopover en route to Boston, but it was in July so we didn't expect to see the lights as the hours of daylight were very long. We plan to go back one day to see more of the country.

[gazzastag]

Our first trip there was with Arctic experience. Very good but a few years ago now. They may do northern light trips which spefically go hunting for them. Our winter trip was over New Year but we didn't get to see any unfortunately.

[01Car]

We were in Iceland three weeks ago. My advice would be to book a trip with a company that uses mini buses, it’s easier to get 10 people rather than 40 back into a vehicle quickly when you’re chasing the lights. We just booked on the day. Have a look at the official Icelandic weather site, it has an accurate aurora forecast. Have a look at Tripadvisor for suggestions for tour companies.

[Jessika]

Hi I booked an Iceland holiday with BA in January this year, we travelled in April and stayed 4 nights. I booked a room and car. I booked a northern lights tour independently and we drove to all other attractions/ sights ourselves. We had a fantastic trip.

[lesley1960]

We went in Feb and didn't get to see the lights .The upside it was very snowy and the scenery was amazing

[anji]

I'd agree with minibus tour - we used Solstice Tours and he was wonderful. We went out on a night other tours had cancelled but he knew exactly where to go and sent us the photos he took of the lights and us afterwards. Also he brought along a flask of amazing hot chocolate! There were only 4 of us on the trip too.

I'd advise to look at the moon calendar and book at a time when the moon isn't full - less light the better.

[Glee Fan]

We went in February and booked a package with BA. We didn’t hire a car, we booked trips and tours as we didn’t fancy driving in snow and ice. We did see the Northern Lights but we were really lucky as the trips on every other evening we were there were cancelled! We loved it there and would definitely go back, but be prepared for the costs there. Everything is really pricey.