Magic Ice Bar Reykjavik and Northern Lights – Perfect Night Itinerary

If you’re visiting Iceland in winter, one of the most iconic evenings you can design is Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík + northern lights. Think glowing ice sculptures first, then glowing skies.

Why This Combo Works So Well

• Both experiences are evening-based.
• They share the same wintery, Arctic mood.
• You start the night in a controlled environment, then head out into wild Icelandic nature.

Ideal Timing Structure

Use this as a starting blueprint:

17:30  Early dinner in central Reykjavík
19:00  Magic Ice Bar (entry, 1–1.5 hours inside)
20:30  Quick warm drink / snack nearby
21:00–01:00  Northern lights tour departure and return

This flow ensures you’re not rushed in the bar, and still on time for your aurora pick-up.

Booking Options

There are generally two ways to combine these:

1. Separate bookings

   • You book Magic Ice Bar tickets and a northern lights tour individually.
   • Gives you more flexibility on timing and providers.

2. Combo packages

   • One booking that includes both the ice bar visit and aurora hunt.
   • Less admin, but timing and inclusions are pre-set.

✅ Tip: Whatever you choose, double-check pick-up times and locations so you’re not sprinting across Reykjavík in a frozen panic.

What to Wear for a Double-Feature Night

You’ll be moving between indoor freezing (ice bar) and outdoor freezing (aurora tour). Plan your outfit like this:

• Base + mid layers: Thermal top, sweater, and warm trousers.
• Proper winter coat: For outside while waiting for the tour.
• Good boots: Insulated and grippy.
• Hat, scarf, gloves: You’ll absolutely need them outside the city.

Inside the ice bar, you’ll likely wear their cape over your coat or sweater, which adds extra warmth.

Managing Expectations for the Northern Lights

Unlike Magic Ice Bar, the aurora is never guaranteed. Weather and solar activity matter.

Still, you can:

• Check the aurora forecast on the day.
• Choose tours which offer a “retry” policy if lights don’t show.
• See the ice bar as a success on its own, with the aurora as a spectacular bonus.

What If the Forecast Looks Bad?

If cloud cover is heavy:

• Keep your Magic Ice Bar night — it’s indoors and unaffected.
• Move your aurora tour to another night if your schedule allows.
• Add a cozy spa or hot pool session the next day to stay in the wintery mood.

Sample Variations by Traveler Type

For couples:

• Magic Ice Bar → Romantic dinner → Aurora tour.

For groups of friends:

• Dinner → Ice bar → Aurora tour → Late-night bar back in town (if you have the energy).

For families:

• Early dinner → Short ice bar visit → Earlier or family-focused aurora tour.

Final Thoughts

Combining Magic Ice Bar Reykjavík with a northern lights tour turns one evening into a mini Arctic festival of ice, color, and sky. Plan your timing carefully, dress for both indoor and outdoor cold, and treat the aurora as the cherry on top of an already unforgettable night.