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Reykjavik Northern Lights Cruise & Local Food Walking Tour

  • 5hDuration
  • Max 12 peopleGroup Size
  • EnglishSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration5 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtReykjavík City Center
LanguagesEnglish
Iceland Combo Experience

Northern Lights Cruise and the Reykjavík Food Walk

Taste the city by day, chase the aurora by night — two iconic Icelandic experiences in one unforgettable day.


This combo tour pairs the Reykjavík Food Walk with a Northern Lights Cruise, giving travelers a rare chance to discover Iceland's culinary identity and its most celebrated natural phenomenon within a single, well-crafted itinerary.

The food walk portion takes guests on a three-hour journey through Reykjavík's streets, stopping at five carefully selected restaurants that range from beloved local institutions to lively street food venues. A spirited local guide shares personal stories about Icelandic culture, everyday life, and the history behind the dishes you encounter along the way.

As evening falls, the experience shifts to the water. Guests board a cruise vessel and sail into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay, scanning the northern skies for the aurora borealis while the illuminated Reykjavík skyline reflects off the water behind them. The Imagine Peace Tower, when lit, offers a striking sight as the boat passes by.

Both tours are independently rated among the top experiences available in Iceland, and combining them into one day maximizes time without sacrificing depth. The difficulty level is easy, making this accessible to most travelers regardless of physical condition.

Tour Highlights

Visit 5 distinct Reykjavík restaurants showcasing authentic Icelandic flavors and local culinary culture.

Walk the charming streets of Reykjavík with an insider local guide who shares cultural stories and neighborhood context.

Sail into Faxaflói Bay aboard a comfortable cruise vessel in search of the aurora borealis.

Free thermal overalls, a heated indoor saloon, and an onboard café ensure comfort during the nighttime cruise.

Enjoy 360-degree viewing platforms for unobstructed sky and skyline views during the Northern Lights search.

Sail past the Imagine Peace Tower when lit, a distinctive landmark visible from the bay.

Both experiences are individually top-rated, combined here into one seamless full-day itinerary.

How the Day Unfolds

1
Meet Your Guide in Reykjavík

The food walk begins in Reykjavík city center, where you meet your local guide and receive an introduction to Icelandic food culture before setting off into the streets.

2
Five Culinary Stops Across the City

Over three hours, the group visits five restaurants, each offering a window into a different aspect of the local food scene — from hidden neighborhood spots to popular street food vendors.

3
Stories, Culture, and Local Insight

Throughout the walk, the guide weaves in stories about Icelandic daily life, history, and traditions, turning each restaurant stop into a broader cultural experience.

4
Board the Northern Lights Cruise Vessel

As darkness settles over the city, guests board the cruise ship departing from Reykjavík harbor and sail out into the open waters of Faxaflói Bay.

5
Aurora Hunt at Sea

The vessel navigates away from city light pollution, giving passengers the best possible conditions for spotting the northern lights from the 360-degree viewing decks.

6
Return to Reykjavík Harbor

After approximately two hours at sea, the cruise returns to port with guests having experienced both the city's culinary heart and the Arctic sky above.

What Is Included and Excluded

Included

  • Three-hour guided food walk through Reykjavík
  • Food tastings at five Reykjavík restaurants
  • Local guide with cultural commentary throughout
  • Two-hour Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavík harbor
  • Free use of thermal overalls on the cruise
  • Access to heated indoor saloon on the vessel
  • Onboard café access during the cruise

Not Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Gratuities for guides and crew
  • Travel insurance

Important Information

Please read the details below before booking. Both tours run as separate segments within the same day and require guests to be present at the designated meeting points on time.
Duration
The combined experience runs approximately 5 hours in total: 3 hours for the food walk and 2 hours for the Northern Lights cruise.
Meeting Point
The food walk meets in Reykjavík city center. The Northern Lights cruise departs from Reykjavík harbor. Exact meeting point details are provided upon booking confirmation.
What to Bring
Wear warm, layered clothing suitable for an Icelandic evening. Thermal overalls are provided for the cruise, but sturdy footwear is recommended for both segments.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. The Northern Lights cruise may be rescheduled if weather conditions make sailing unsafe.
Accessibility
The food walk involves walking on city streets and is rated easy in difficulty. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance regarding the cruise vessel access.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for most ages. Families with children are welcome, though the evening cruise may run late depending on the season and aurora activity.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Spaces on this combo experience are limited. Secure your place on the Reykjavík Food Walk and Northern Lights Cruise to make the most of your time in Iceland.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the food walk and Northern Lights cruise on the same day?▼
Yes, this is a combo experience that runs both tours within the same day. The food walk takes place first, followed by the evening Northern Lights cruise.
Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed on the cruise?▼
Northern Lights sightings depend on solar activity and weather conditions, and cannot be guaranteed. Many operators offer a return policy or rebooking option if the aurora is not visible.
What type of food is served on the Reykjavík Food Walk?▼
The walk covers a range of Icelandic cuisine across five different venues, including local favorites and street food. The specific dishes may vary depending on the season and restaurant availability.
Do I need to bring my own warm clothing for the cruise?▼
Thermal overalls are provided free of charge for use during the Northern Lights cruise. It is still advisable to wear warm base layers and sturdy footwear for comfort on deck.
Is this tour suitable for people with limited physical ability?▼
The tour is rated easy in difficulty. The food walk takes place on city streets, and the cruise offers a heated indoor saloon for those who prefer to stay out of the cold.
When is the best time of year to take this combo tour?▼
The Northern Lights cruise operates during the winter months when nights are long and dark enough for aurora viewing. The food walk runs year-round, making this combo best suited to winter travel in Iceland.
Northern Lights IcelandReykjavík Food TourIceland Combo TourAurora Borealis CruiseIcelandic CuisineFaxaflói BayWinter IcelandReykjavík Walking TourIceland Cultural ExperienceNorthern Lights Boat TourIceland Food WalkTop Rated Iceland Tours
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: NLC-RFW-001

Departure area

The exact meeting point is on your voucher.

Activity Site

Where the experience takes place.

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