Northern Lights Minibus Tour with Free Photos & Hot Chocolate

Getting a glimpse of the aurora borealis is a bucket-list goal for many travelers to Iceland, but spotting that elusive green glow isn’t guaranteed. That’s where the Northern Lights Minibus Tour offered by Troll Expeditions comes in. For around $114 per person, you get about four hours of expert-led aurora chasing from Reykjavik, complete with hotel pickups, warm drinks, and even free photos taken during the experience. The tour is rated 4.5 out of 5 from over 100 reviews, which suggests most travelers find it a worthwhile adventure—though, like all aurora tours, it depends a lot on the weather and sky conditions.

What I really appreciate about this tour is the focus on maximizing your chances of observing the Northern Lights. The guides seem genuinely dedicated to chasing clear skies and will drive you away from light pollution, which is critical in Iceland where only the countryside offers a chance at a good sighting. Plus, the inclusion of hot chocolate, Icelandic chocolate bars, and digital photos makes the experience feel cozy and worthwhile, especially in the cold winter nights. The fact that you can re-book for free if no aurora appears on your first attempt is a smart touch that reduces the feeling of disappointment—something many travelers worry about with unpredictable natural phenomena.

One consideration to keep in mind is the group size, which is capped at 18 people. This small group size often results in a more personal, relaxed experience. Still, the experience relies heavily on weather and aurora activity, which are outside the control of the guides. Also, some reviewers mention that the bus isn’t the most comfortable or that communication can sometimes be softer than ideal, so dressing warmly and bringing ear protection helps. If you’re expecting perfect clarity or spontaneous lighting displays, remember that the Northern Lights are famously unpredictable, even with this well-organized approach.

Key Points

• Expert guides enhance your chances of seeing the Aurora and provide interesting insights.
• Warm drinks and snacks keep you cozy during the wait.
• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience and better chance for interaction.
• Re-booking options give peace of mind if the lights don’t appear on your first night.
• The tour is weather-dependent; cloudy or stormy nights may result in cancellations or no visible lights.
• Digital free photos are included, capturing your experience without extra cost.

The Experience in Detail

The Start: Reykjavik Pickup & Departure

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from most Reykjavik hotels or designated bus stops—making it straightforward to join without the hassle of navigating Iceland’s sometimes tricky rural roads. Once aboard the small, cozy minibus, you’ll soon realize that your guides are serious about their craft. As one reviewer noted, guides like Jonas and Nelu seem genuinely committed to finding clear skies, driving quite a distance in pursuit of the best aurora viewing spots.

The Drive Out of Town

Leaving Reykjavík’s light pollution behind is crucial because the glow from the city can drown out the faint aurora. The exact location changes depending on cloud cover and sky conditions that night—meaning your guides are flexible and responsive to real-time weather data. This flexibility is crucial because the aurora is quite the fickle friend. Reviews indicate that some nights, despite all efforts, visibility is limited. “You’re either lucky or not,” as one traveler put it, but the guides do everything possible to increase your odds.

Waiting for the Lights

Once at the chosen viewing spot, it’s all about patience. Here, the tour really shines by offering hot chocolate, Icelandic chocolate, and WiFi on board, allowing you to relax and share the experience with fellow travelers. If the lights do make an appearance, you’ll want your camera ready, and many guides—like the cheerful Maggie or Julianna—are happy to take photos of the group and the dancing sky. Several reviews rave about guides who take multiple photos for guests, capturing those magical moments without an extra charge. Just be aware that, as some reviews mention, photo quality can vary—so don’t rely solely on the guide’s pictures for your memories.

The Guides: Knowledgeable & Enthusiastic

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their dedication, kindness, and energy. One reviewer said, “Nelu was really kind and did his best to chase clear skies,” and another referred to David as a “great guide who took all the pictures we wanted.” It’s clear that the guides aren’t just drivers—they’re passionate about sharing their knowledge about the aurora and Iceland’s dark skies. Some reviewers, however, note that communication could sometimes be softer or that they couldn’t hear everything the guide was saying, so bringing a small flashlight or ear protection might help.

The Downsides & Challenges

As with all aurora hunts, the biggest challenge is the weather. If clouds are thick or storms roll in, your chances diminish, and the tour might get cancelled or leave you empty-handed. One reviewer mentioned, “The trip should have been canceled like the other guests in our hotels had been,” pointing out that weather can be unpredictable. This is why the free rebooking policy is so valuable—it allows you to try again without additional cost if the aurora doesn’t show up on your first night.

Another minor drawback is the bus’s comfort level and the softness of some guiding voices, which could be frustrating after a long night. And, of course, if you’re expecting perfect, high-resolution photos, some reviews indicate that the included digital pictures don’t always meet expectations, so managing your expectations there helps.

Worth the Price?

At just under $115, this tour strikes a good balance between affordability and what you get: expert guiding, transportation, warm drinks, free photos, and the chance—however slim—to witness one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. Compared to pricier alternatives, the inclusion of free rebookings and food makes it a strong value. If the weather cooperates, many find this tour to be a highlight of their Iceland trip.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized and friendly tour that maximizes their chances of seeing the Northern Lights but who also understand the unpredictability of nature. It suits small groups, travelers who appreciate warm drinks and snacks while waiting, and those who want to avoid the hassle of organizing transportation on their own. It’s less suited for those seeking a luxurious ride or expecting guaranteed sightings, but perfection isn’t always guaranteed in Iceland, especially with the Northern Lights.

The Sum Up

This Northern Lights Minibus Tour offers a straightforward, friendly way to chase one of Iceland’s most magical sights. The guides’ dedication, combined with flexible locations and the chance to rebook if the lights stay hidden, makes it a solid choice. The inclusion of warm drinks, photos, and WiFi adds to the comfort and keeps the experience engaging, even in the cold. It’s a well-rounded outing that balances adventure, education, and cozy downtime.

If you’re after a chance to see the lights with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind variable weather, this tour provides good value. You’ll appreciate the small-group setting, the efforts guides make to find clear skies, and the memorable photos to take home. Just pack your patience and warm layers, and be ready for the unpredictability—because in Iceland, nature always has the final say.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off from most Reykjavik hotels or bus stops, minibus transportation, hot chocolate, an Icelandic chocolate bar, WiFi on board, a knowledgeable guide speaking English, and digital photos of you and the Aurora.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 4 hours, giving plenty of time to drive out of the city, wait for the lights, and enjoy some light snacks.

Can I rebook if I don’t see the lights?
Yes, if the sky doesn’t cooperate on your first night, the tour company offers a free rebooking, which many reviewers found helpful and stress-free.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers. It can be extremely cold and windy at night, so bring hats, gloves, and warm jackets. Some reviews suggest bringing ear protection or a neck warmer, as it can get very chilly.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Cloud cover can prevent sightings or lead to cancellations. The guides monitor weather conditions closely and will do their best to take you to clear spots. If the weather is poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled.

What about photos?
Digital photos are included, and guides often take pictures for you. However, the quality can vary, and some travelers have been disappointed when they didn’t receive all their photos promptly.

Is this experience suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is generally suitable for most people who are comfortable sitting outside in cold weather. Keep in mind the travel duration and dress warmly. Small groups and the cozy minibus make for a pleasant outing for families and older travelers alike.

This tour truly offers a balanced blend of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance—making it a reliable choice for anyone eager to catch a glimpse of Iceland’s most famous natural spectacle.