Iceland and the Northern Lights: Reykjavík & Akureyri

Aurora borealis over Godafoss waterfall on Skjalfandafljot river, Iceland

Iceland and the Northern Lights: Reykjavík & Akureyri

November 28 - December 06, 2026

Length: 9 days

Region(s): Europe

Activity Level: Activity indicator paw

Type: Land

Chase the magical Aurora Borealis across Iceland on this journey featuring the Golden Circle’s Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and Strokkur geyser. Explore Dimmuborgir’s lava fields, unwind in the Blue Lagoon, meet Icelandic horses, and enjoy farm-to-table meals, tastings, and expert insights. Evenings include guided excursions to search for northern lights.

Early booking and full payment discounts may be available.

Operated by Gohagan & Co.

Tour Highlights

Enjoy specially arranged excursions in search of the otherworldly beauty of the naturally occurring Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights.
Discover Iceland’s first permanent settlement in Reykjavík, which is today the most northern national capital city in the world.
Behold panoramic views of Reykjavík from the observation deck at Perlan, a glass-domed natural history museum.
Explore the wondrous Golden Circle, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Þingvellir National Park; the two-tiered “Golden Waterfall” of Gullfoss; and Strokkur, an active geyser.
Admire Siglufjörður, one of Iceland’s most dramatically sited towns, and visit its Herring Era Museum, which recreates the history of fish salting and oil processing during the early 20th century.
Travel to Hauganes, a small fishing village on the western coast of Eyjafjörður Bay.
Hear guest speaker Elín Björk Jónasdóttir, head of the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s natural hazard monitoring and weather forecasting department.
Cal Discoveries guests will enjoy this experience in the company of other intellectually curious travelers from a variety of alumni associations.

If you would like to receive a PDF copy of this trip’s brochure, please click on the words “Brochure Request Form” under Additional Resources on this webpage.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Activity Level 3

What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.