If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights, Tromsø is one of the best spots in Europe—and this Northern Lights minibus tour aims to give you the best shot at witnessing that elusive aurora.
While no one can guarantee a sighting—mother nature is unpredictable—the way this tour is set up, with dedicated guides and the chance to chase clear skies, makes it a solid option for anyone serious about seeing the lights.
What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines a small-group adventure with professional guidance—including a photographer who’s there to help you get great shots—and the thoughtful touches like warm thermal suits and hot drinks. That said, it’s worth noting that patience is key, as the lights are never a sure thing, and weather can be tricky.
Great experience Awesome viewing of the lights Bitterly cold on the night -19 Guide was great , lit 2 fires , hoy drinks, pictures,
Very good, but be sure to have a toilet break before the tour! Bring all winter clothes you can! Very low temperaturs!
It was a great experience. Our guide was very friendly and tried his hardest for us to see the Auroras even though the weather wasnt on our side. Thanks to him we still managed to see some Auroras.
This tour is best suited for those who want a focused, well-organized hunt for the aurora with a good chance of a memorable night out. If you’re comfortable with cold weather and enjoy being outdoors in winter, this could be a highlight of your Tromsø trip.
Key Points
- Expert guides and photographers increase your chances of capturing the Northern Lights.
- Small groups (max 8 passengers) make the experience more personalized and comfortable.
- Warm thermal suits, hot drinks, and snacks help you endure the cold Arctic night.
- The on-board Wi-Fi and professional photos allow you to share your experience instantly.
- Experience can vary depending on weather and aurora activity—no guarantees, but effort is evident.
- The tour’s value for money is high when considering the included gear, guidance, and photo service.
Why Choose the Northern Lights Minibus Tour?
We loved the way this tour takes you out of Tromsø’s city lights, into the darkness where the aurora is more likely to dance across the sky. The small-group setting means you’re not just another face in a large tour bus, which can make the experience feel more intimate and flexible.
The professional guide doubles as a photographer, offering tips from his own experience—something that’s especially valuable if you want to get good photos of the Northern Lights.
One of the main highlights is the effort the guides put into chasing the best viewing opportunities. Reviewers consistently mention guides going above and beyond—driving to different locations, communicating with other guides, and adjusting plans based on weather conditions. This proactive approach maximizes your chances of seeing the aurora, even if the weather isn’t cooperating initially.
George was an amazing host who did everything in his power to allow us to see the lights despite cloud coverage and snow. He drove us to multiple locations where we were often the only group and regularly checked the sky and his tracking app in order to try and allow us to see the lights. Despite a few hours of uncertainty a stroke of luck occurred and the clouds parted and the lights came out to play. Amazing experience and definitely a bucket list moment ✨️ Pick up location was easy to find and bus was modern and comfortable. Would definitely book another tour with George in the future ✨️
Amazing experience and the guide was the best; I highly recommend this tour to others and I was a solo traveler.
Amazing tour with amazing guide, the best trip i have ever been in in all my life, we were very lucky to have a high activity night and the guide knows his stuff
However, there’s a trade-off. This is a weather-dependent experience, so if the skies stay cloudy or the aurora is weak, the night can be disappointing. But the guides’ dedication is clear, and most reviews praise their perseverance and enthusiasm, which can turn a so-so night into a memorable one.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Tromso
In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
The tour begins with a pickup in Tromsø’s city center around 6:00 pm, making it convenient for travelers staying downtown. From there, you’ll board a cozy 8-passenger minibus that heads into the Arctic darkness. This small group size is ideal for those who want personalized attention and flexibility.
Your guide, who also drives, is key to this experience. Many reviews highlight guides like Alan as knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive. They not only search for clear skies but also help you set up your camera—crucial because capturing the aurora often requires some technical know-how.
Plus, during the night, your guide will take professional shots of you under the lights, which are then shared via the bus’s Wi-Fi or sent later by email.
Really lovely experience, very knowledgeable guide and driver who went out of his way to ensure we had the best chance of catching views of the Northern Lights travelling close to the Finnish border.We would highly recommend this company.
The guide was very attentive and knowledgable and made everything possible to ensure our comfort. Luckily we were able to see the Northern Lights after a 1 hour drive so intense, that we returned early to the pickup point.
Alan was fantastic and had a deep understanding of the Northern Lights. He was very knowledgeable and knew exactly where to go. Even though it was a cloudy night with very low chances at 6 p.m., we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights around 9 p.m. He even predicted when the next “dance” would be which was an amazing moment! Thanks to his expertise, it turned out to be a great experience.
The stops are carefully chosen based on real-time weather information. For example, one reviewer described a night where the guide went south, then north, trying different spots like Kvaløya and Kårvik, to find the best viewing conditions. Sometimes, the group will sit around a campfire, where hot drinks and snacks are served, adding to the cozy, outdoor experience.
The final part of the journey often involves a beach or lakeside location, where the view is less obstructed, and the chance of seeing the lights is higher. As one reviewer vividly described, they witnessed the aurora dancing above them, with the fire crackling nearby, making for a magical scene.
What to Expect During the Tour
Temperature & Comfort: Expect to be outdoors in sub-zero conditions, so the thermal suits provided are essential. Many reviews mention how cold toes and fingers can get, so layering is key. The tour also includes bonfires, which help a bit, but be prepared for the chill.
Photographic Opportunities: Having a guide who’s also a professional photographer is a major plus. They’ll help with camera settings, tripod setup, and even take photos of you under the lights. Reviewers have noted that the photos they received were beautiful and well-processed, capturing the lights’ movement and colors vividly.
our guide gave all his best for us to find the Aurora Borealis and he succeeded 100%!! we were so lucky to experience an amazing "show" on the sky (: I was impressed by the dedication of our guide, he drove us to the north of Finland, it was quite a long drive but so worth it! Thank you!
We had a wonderful night with enjoy the Arctic! As anticipated we had to drive all way to Finland due to the weather, but our guide made sure to get us there in time for the Aurora show (we got lucky that night). He also made sure we could stay in the car a bit longer to avoid the -15 degrees outside until it paid off to go outside. I would recommend the tour 100%, for comfortable travel with a knowledgeable guide who drives safely and takes great pictures! Thanks for the great trip!
I had a great experience with Enjoy the Arctic! Alan was a great guide, super knowledgeable and did his absolute most to find us a good spot to see the lights. We had a fire and warm drinks to keep warm while waiting. Photos were sent to us promptly and are really high quality.
Weather Variability: The experience hinges on the sky being dark and clear. Some nights, clouds might obscure the lights, but guides stay persistent and flexible, often traveling to different locations to maximize your chances. Several travelers appreciated guides who kept the group informed and upbeat, even when the aurora was faint or absent for periods.
Group Size & Atmosphere: With a maximum of 8 travelers, the vibe tends to be friendly and relaxed. Smaller groups mean more space and less noise, which enhances the overall experience.
Duration: The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, which gives plenty of time to wait, move around, and enjoy the surroundings. Some reviews mention that the night can be long, especially when patience is tested by weather conditions, but most agree that the effort is worth it.
The Value of This Experience
At roughly $174 per person, the tour offers good value considering what’s included—thermal suits, hot drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and professional photography. Many reviews emphasize the personalized attention and dedication of guides, which can make the difference between a forgettable night and a special one.
Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate even though our tour operator tried his utmost to locate the Northern Lights during our tour. In fact, our tour guide went south, then north, and late into the evening there was a slight opening in Finland when we saw a glimpse of the Northern Lights until they disappeared by cloud cover. It was an extremely windy evening when we stopped in Finland, and our tour guide graciously moved the minibus we were in to block the harsh wind. We got back to our hotel around 3AM. Kudos to our tour guide for doing his best to find the Northern Lights. I'm giving this tour 4.5 stars because we were only given a week or so to download the tour guides pictures wh…
Our tour with Alan our guide, driver and photographer, from Enjoy the Arctic, was memorable and thoroughly enjoyable. Our chase took us to a few locations, including Kvaløya and Kårvik, where we witnessed magnificent aurora borealis displays in the warmth of an open fire, while enjoying cake and hot chocolate. Alan is experienced, knowledgeable, and professional. He did his best to ensure we were not disappointed and drove to several locations, where he took many photographs of us under the northern lights. Our photographs were available for download a few days later. We highly recommend this tour.
We had an amazing trip with Alan. He was engaging, interesting and knowledgeable about the Northern Lights. He absolutely did his best to find the optimum spot to where we might see lights (never a guarantee with nature!). We were unbelievably lucky to see a beautiful light show. Can highly recommend this tour, just be realistic and remember that the guide can't magic up the Northern Lights if the conditions aren't right!
It’s also worth noting that this tour is booked around 52 days in advance on average, indicating strong interest and trust from previous travelers. The free cancellation policy adds a layer of security, allowing for flexibility if weather forecast expectations change or your plans shift.
Summary and Who Should Consider This Tour
This Northern Lights minibus experience from Tromsø is best for travelers who value a guided, well-organized chase rather than just renting a car or going alone. If you're eager to see the aurora and want a small, intimate group with expert guidance, this tour is worth considering. The inclusion of thermal suits and professional photos adds real value, especially when dealing with Arctic cold.
However, patience is essential. While guides do everything possible to find clear skies, the Aurora Borealis depends on weather and solar activity—nothing can be guaranteed. So, if you're flexible, prepared for cold, and interested in a personalized experience with a guide, you’ll likely find this tour both enjoyable and rewarding.
Northern Lights by Minibus. Photos Under the Lights included. Tromso
"Great experience Awesome viewing of the lights Bitterly cold on the night -19 Guide was great , lit 2 fires , hoy drinks, pictures,"
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own warm clothing? No, the tour provides thermal suits to keep you warm during the outdoor waits. However, layering underneath is recommended for extra comfort.
What is included in the price? The ticket covers the minibus transportation, thermal suits, warm drinks, snacks, and professional photos taken during the tour.
How long does the tour last? The experience runs for about 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting around 6:00 pm and ending late in the night.
Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Be aware that the outdoor cold and late hours might be challenging for very young kids.
What if I don’t see the Northern Lights? The guide will do their best to find good viewing spots, but because it’s weather-dependent, sightings aren’t guaranteed. The experience, however, often includes engaging storytelling, warm fires, and great photos.
Can I expect to receive the photos taken by the guide? Yes, many reviewers received professionally taken photos delivered via a link or email, though some have noted delays or issues which the provider tries to resolve.
Is there Wi-Fi onboard? Yes, the minibus offers Wi-Fi, so you can share your pictures instantly or keep in touch during the tour.
What should I do if the weather forecast predicts clouds? The guides monitor weather conditions closely and will adjust plans accordingly, trying to find the clearest skies possible for the group.
In short, this Northern Lights minibus tour offers a well-rounded, thoughtful way to experience one of nature’s most spectacular displays. With guides, warm gear, and the chance to share photos immediately, it’s a solid choice for anyone eager to chase the aurora in Tromsø. Just remember, patience, warmth, and a sense of adventure are your best companions for the night.
