Iceland in December: independant travel vs package to see the Northern lights

[cromwell44]

My partner and I want to see the northern lights, probabaly in Iceland for a 40th birthday in December this year. I've looked at packages which seem pretty expensive and seem to mean travelling in a group and having a fixed itinerary which isn't generally the type of holiday we enjoy. I'd prefer to book our own hotel or aparthotel and flights, then book excursions and tours independantly and I wonder how easy it is to do this, rather than use a travel company to sell us an all-included package.
Are excursions easy to book locally or even in advance of travel, we probabaly won't hire a car so I guess we'l'e up on a group tour anyway.?

I'm open to any tips on Iceland as an independant traveller?

I went to Finland a couple of years ago. We did it all ourselves and much prefer things that way tbh. One thing I would have liked though is a guided northern lights trip so that wed have some good photos of us with them. We did see them and took iPhone pics but they’re nowhere near as impressive as the professional ones I’ve seen. The lights were amazing for us - it was Feb and I don’t know if December might be better for that? But I’m sure you can book a trip specifically for the lights if there’s a good chance of seeing them.

Have you seen the current videos doing the rounds of the volcano in Iceland which is eruptingat the moment - would love to go there next!

We saw the Northern lights two nights in a row from Reykjavik. We saw them from our apartment balcony and then went down to the seafront to finish the ‘show’. No excursions needed, although we did do the Golden Circle as a tour as I was worried about the weather that had been forecast. There was a huge snow storm when we stayed over at the Blue Lagoon!

Thanks - your responses have made me feel better about going it alone. We travel independantly to lots of places so I'm not sure what it is about a cold, dark icey place that makes me feel less confident. 😀

@cromwell44 I found the locals to be so hospital with excellent English. You’ll be well looked after should there be any problems.

Hospital 🤷🏼‍♀️ 😂
hospitable

We are going independently in December for a big birthday. Have booked a few hotels, a car and a northern lights tour so far.

I resisted organised trips for years, but have recently discovered small group trips. Absolutely life changing. You get to see and learn such more of the country you're visiting and actually, having someone else do all the organising is lovely too.

Sorry, not what you asked but I'm a real zealous convert 😆

I’ve now booked an aparthotel - I figure if it’s dark we might spend more time in our room and coffee maker and fridge, etc might come in handy. I need to decide on flight times then spend the next couple of months looking at excursions and things to do in Reykjavik. I’m excited to have finally committed to a plan. Thanks all!

We're in the process of planning three days in Reykjavik and three days in Vik so we can take-in the Golden Circle and get to Diamond Beach... we were going to go in October half term, but have realised that the total cost is pretty high for a week (£4K all-in) so we're going to wait a year until DD(5) is at a less moany age (she complained constantly for a week in Seville this year) - and the idea of such a special holiday being spoiled by complaining was too much for me.

There are some places that a friend recommended (she visited last year):

Kaffi Loki (Reykjavik)
Saegreifinn (Reykjavik) for lobster soup
Lava Shop: icelandiclavashow.com/ (Vik)
Blue Lagoon

We're going in November. Travelling independently but booked flights and hotel through BA at it was cheaper than booking direct (hotel was recommended by a friend who stayed there earlier this year). I have status with BA so means we get lounge access, fast track etc.

We've already booked one tour via AirBNB (another recommendation by the friend) but will book others nearer the time. The hotel offers a big selection of tours they'll book in our behalf if required but it seems super easy for independent travel. The only thing I wouldn't risk is hiring a car at that time of year as driving conditions in winter aren't good.

Can you share the hotel and trip recommendations please? :)