Nordlichter- und Sternenbeobachtungstour in kleiner Gruppe mit lokalem Führer

We are disappointed to see a second review describing what appears to be the same tour, posted by someone travelling together several months after the experience. We received no complaint from either guest at the time or afterwards. Had we been contacted, we would have investigated the matter properly and addressed any concerns. We have since reviewed our photographs and records from the entire season and have been unable to identify a tour matching the conditions described. Northern Lights tours depend entirely on cloud cover and weather. Our guides always try to choose quiet and sheltered locations, but when clear skies are limited, several companies may naturally end up in the same area. Moving during an active display can also mean missing the best part of the aurora. Wind and cold cannot always be avoided in Iceland, and strong wind may occasionally affect stargazing and individual photographs, which is why our guides take several images of each guest. The similarity of these two reviews, their timing months after the tour while the tours is not operated due to having 24 hour daylight, and the fact that no concerns were raised directly with us is troubling. Duplicate negative reviews about the same alleged experience can cause serious harm to a small family-run company and to the guides who work extremely hard to give guests the best possible experience in conditions that cannot be controlled.

We were genuinely sad to read this review, as it does not reflect the way we operate our Northern Lights tours. The review was posted at least several months after the experience took place and does not include any information that would allow us to identify the booking. We have carefully reviewed all available photographs and records from the entire previous Northern Lights season, including the tours operated by the guide referred to in the review, and we could not find any tour or set of photographs matching the experience described. We also never received any complaint at the time of the tour or afterwards. Had we been contacted, we would of course have investigated the matter immediately and responded appropriately. It is therefore difficult for us to properly understand or address these claims several months later, particularly when we cannot identify the booking. Northern Lights tours are completely dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions. Our guides always try to find quiet and sheltered locations away from traffic and other tour groups. However, when only a limited area has clear skies, most experienced guides will naturally be searching within the same area. This can result in certain roads and viewing locations becoming temporarily busier than usual. Sometimes we also need to stop quickly when the Northern Lights appear, even if the location is not ideal. A strong display may only last for a few minutes, and continuing to drive in search of another location can mean missing the best part of the show. Once the display becomes weaker, or when better options become available, we normally move on. The fact that other tour vehicles briefly stopped at the same location would also suggest that this was one of the clearer areas available that evening. It is common practice among Northern Lights guides that, when one group is already using a location, other vehicles may check the conditions and then continue elsewhere rather than overcrowding the same spot. Regarding the cold and wind, we completely understand that Icelandic winter conditions can be uncomfortable. We send detailed clothing recommendations before every tour for exactly this reason. Whenever possible, we choose sheltered locations, but cloud cover often determines where we need to be, and unfortunately wind and cold cannot always be avoided. The same applies to stargazing. We bring a specialised telescope and offer the experience whenever conditions allow, but strong wind, clouds and snowfall can naturally affect how much we are able to show. Photography in darkness and strong wind can also be challenging. Our guides normally take several photographs of each guest to give the best possible chance of getting a good result. Occasionally, individual photographs may be affected by movement, wind, nearby lights or moisture in the air, which is exactly why we take multiple images. We also found it unusual that the guide’s name could not be remembered, as the email containing the photographs includes the guide’s name. We only had one guide last season whose name began with D, Dominik. He has worked with us for several years, was trained directly by Þröstur, and until these recent reviews had consistently received excellent feedback. Þröstur is our lead guide and naturally has the largest number of reviews, as he has been guiding for many years and personally operates most of our tours. However, every guide working for Happyworld is trained by him and follows the same approach to safety, weather planning, photography and guest experience. We are sorry that the experience described did not meet expectations. At the same time, after reviewing our photographs and records from the entire season, and having received no complaint at the time, we have been unable to verify a tour matching the events described in this review.

Thank you so much for the amazing review. That really means a lot to hear! I’m very happy you enjoyed the evening. The Northern Lights are always the main event, but sharing the night sky, the stargazing, and a warm cup of hot chocolate under the stars is a big part of what makes these tours special for us. Thank you again for the kind words and for trusting us with one of your nights in Iceland. It was a real pleasure having you on the tour! ;-D

Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and detailed review. It really means a lot to read! I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the small group atmosphere. Keeping the groups small is very intentional for us. It allows us to spend more time with everyone, answer questions, and make the evening feel more personal rather than rushed. You were also very lucky with the skies that night. Getting two strong rounds of aurora is never something we take for granted. I’m glad the stargazing and the photos added to the experience as well. Nights under clear Icelandic skies are something special in our opinion ;-D We do try to wait as long as possible before deciding, because the weather here can change quickly and we want to give guests the best possible chance without sending people out for cloud gazing. It was a real pleasure having you on the tour. Thank you again for the recommendation and for spending the evening with us! :-D

Thank you for sharing your experience and for joining us on the tour! When the aurora is very faint we try to be flexible whenever we can. Our goal is always for guests to experience the Northern Lights properly, not just to tick the box that they appeared. I’m really happy the second night worked out much better and that you got to see a strong aurora in the end. Nights like that make the patience worthwhile! ;-D Thank you again for your kind words and for coming out with us.

Thank you so much for this wonderful review. It really means a lot to read ;-D We always try to make the evening about more than just waiting for the Northern Lights. Sharing the night sky, talking about the constellations, using the telescope, and enjoying some hot chocolate together is a big part of what we love about these tours. The Arctic night has so much to offer even before the aurora appears. I’m very happy to hear that your guide made the experience enjoyable and that the stargazing and telescope added something special to the night! Thank you again for the recommendation and for joining us. It was a pleasure having you with us under the Icelandic sky!

Thank you so much for the kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! The Northern Lights can definitely test our patience sometimes, so I’m really happy we were able to help you get out one last time and that the lights finally showed up for you. When guests only have a short stay, we always try our absolute best to find a solution, even if that means calling in a favor from friends in the industry ;-D I’m very glad it worked out in the end and that it made your partner’s birthday special. That means a lot to us. Thank you again for the recommendation and for being such great guests during your time with us.

We're really glad to hear everything came together so nicely, from the small group and smooth pickup to the quiet location we ended up at. Stargazing while waiting for the lights is one of our favourite parts, so I’m happy you enjoyed that too ;-D Thanks a lot for choosing Happyworld, and we're sooo glad this turned into one of the highlights of your Iceland trip. All the best and safe travels!

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It genuinely means a lot to us ;-D We’re really happy to hear you had such a great night and that our passion for the Northern Lights and astronomy came through. Thank you again for choosing Happyworld, and we hope to welcome you back to Iceland one day for another adventure under the stars!

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! That really means a lot to us. You’re absolutely right: the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, which is why we’ve always believed the experience should be about much more than just waiting and hoping. Sharing the night sky, the stories, the science, and a few laughs along the way is exactly what we aim for. It was an absolute pleasure taking you out, and we’re truly grateful you trusted us again for the private tours. Hearing that the experience helped make your Iceland trip so special is the best feedback we could ask for. Again, thank you and we very much hope we'll see you again in the future!