5 Evening Experiences in Iceland Worth Booking Ahead

1.Northern Lights Night Tour from Reykjavik

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 1,921 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $63Our pick

Leave Reykjavik by coach with a guide who explains the aurora’s science and Icelandic folklore, then head to a dark-sky location chosen for that evening’s weather. Expect a flexible 3 to 5 hour search, photo pointers, onboard Wi-Fi and, if no lights appear, a complimentary repeat tour. Pickup details vary, so check your confirmation carefully.

“Was a brilliant experience from start to finish Tina and packo were a brilliant team we got to see so many beautiful places”

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2.Evening Icelandic Food and Drink Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 66 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $176

Walk central Reykjavik with a local guide, stopping at five restaurants and bars for Icelandic food and drinks. Expect a mix of traditional dishes, famous street food, and craft beer, plus stories about the country’s unusual beer history. Guides have included Stevie, Haddy, Cili, and Bryndís, but your guide may differ.

“It was an amazing experience to get to know Reykjavik‘s food scene and at the same time, see some city highlights and share the experiences in the small group. Our guide Steve was very funny, very informative and knowledgeable and has shared many interesting Island facts with the group. We definitely recommend him, if you are interested in Food Tour. He also shared with us information on many good locations to eat and drink in Reykjavik. The food was delicious and it covered typical Island dishes, the various beers were very tastefull. It was sufficient food and drinks, so come hungry and enjoy!”

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3.Evening Lava Tunnel Tour and Northern Lights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $195Top rated

Leave Reykjavík by minibus for a guided walk through Raufarhólshellir, Iceland’s fourth-longest lava tube, then follow the clearest forecast in search of the Northern Lights. You get a helmet, torch, hot cocoa and blanket, plus an aurora photo if the lights appear. Pickup is from authorized Reykjavík stops.

“I’m so glad I did this tour. It was fascinating. Our tour guide was lovely and very informative. Very very happy. My 15 year old enjoyed it. Thank you.”

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4.Premium Whale and Puffin Watching Evening Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 28 reviews · 2 hours · from $200

Set out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour in a 12-person RIB with a captain and wildlife guide. Circle puffin islands, scan Faxaflói Bay for whales and dolphins, then return along the city shoreline. The two-hour evening tour runs in summer, when long daylight makes a late outing practical.

“Amazing!! We were fortunate to see hundreds of puffins as well a humpback whale on 2 separate occasions as well as several dolphins! It does get cold out there so I was glad to have hat/gloves/layers so I could focus on enjoying the experience and not on how cold I was!”

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5.Evening Sleipnir Horse Riding Tour with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 27 reviews · from $202

Leave Reykjavik for a small-group evening ride through Hólmsheiði, Stallion Valley, and Rauðhólar’s red lava formations. Viking Horses provides a short riding lesson, helmets, rain clothes, and hotel-area pickup. You’ll ride with a guide, then return to the family-run stables for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and kleina.

“This was an amazing experience and I highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience Icelandic horses while near Reykjavík. We can’t wait to go back the next time we are in Iceland. The horses are absolutely beautiful and well-cared for with great temperament. The owner is friendly and helpful, and the tour guide provided great instruction and assistance for less experienced riders. If you are unsure of whether to book or not, just do it - you won’t regret it!”

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