Tromsø: Northern Lights Trip with Campfire and Snacks

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the northern lights in Norway, this tour from Tromsø might catch your eye. It promises an evening of aurora hunting, warm campfire chats, and some handy photography tips—definitely a full package. Having looked into the experience, I can tell you it’s a well-rounded option, especially for first-timers or those wanting a cozy, guided chase after the elusive green spectacle.

What really appeals to me about this tour are two things: first, the focus on comfort and warmth, with thermal suits and heated buses, which makes the experience much more enjoyable in cold Arctic nights. Second, the emphasis on learning how to photograph the lights adds a meaningful touch—you can walk away not just with memories but with skills to capture your own images.

A potential downside is that, like all aurora tours, there’s no guaranteed sighting of the northern lights. The skies are unpredictable, and weather conditions can change rapidly, which means patience and a bit of luck are involved. It’s important to go into this with realistic expectations, understanding that sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate.

All in all, this trip suits travelers who want a reliable, guided experience with a good chance of seeing the aurora, while also enjoying some warmth, comfort, and expert advice along the way. Casual travelers, photography enthusiasts, and those who value a relaxed, social atmosphere will likely find this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: The guides have seen over 1,000 aurora sightings, which increases your odds of a good show.
• Comfort Focused: Thermal suits, campfire, and heated buses keep you warm through the night.
• Photographer Friendly: You get camera tips and access to tripods, perfect for capturing the lights.
• Flexible Locations: The guide might take you as far as Finland for better viewing conditions.
• Food and Beverages: Warm drinks, carrot cake, and crispbread add a cozy, tasty touch.
• Realistic Expectations: Aurora sightings depend on weather; no guarantees but a dedicated chase.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience is designed to give travelers a good shot at experiencing the northern lights with a comfortable, guided approach. Unlike some tours that chase the lights with minimal amenities, this one prioritizes warmth and learning. For $220 per person, it offers a fair balance of value, especially considering the included gear, professional photos, and the personal touch from seasoned guides.

The tour lasts about 6.5 hours, so you’ll need to be ready for a late night. That’s common with aurora chasing in winter, but it’s worth noting if you’re not a night owl. The starting point is at Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø, with the tour ending right back there, making logistics straightforward.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect?

Meeting and Departure

You’ll meet your guide at the Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø. From there, expect to hop onto a comfortable minibus, which is crucial since the journey to the best viewing spots can take a couple of hours. The guides are experienced, with some reviews praising their dedication and their extensive knowledge of the aurora.

The Chase Begins

Once outside the city, your guide will look for the clearest skies, sometimes heading as far as Finland. Why so far? Because light pollution from Tromsø can wash out the aurora, so they go where the sky is darker. This “chasing” aspect is one of the tour’s highlights, as it mirrors the real thrill of hunting for these celestial displays.

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Campfire and Snacks

When a good spot is found, you’ll settle into camping chairs around a cozy campfire. You can expect to enjoy traditional Norwegian crispbread (knekkebrød) and sweet carrot cake—simple but comforting foods that keep you warm. Warm drinks are included, and you might find yourself chatting with fellow travelers, sharing stories under the starry sky.

Photography Tips and Equipment

One of the tour’s standout features is the focus on photography. Guides will provide tips on camera settings and give you access to tripods, so you can try capturing the lights yourself. Many reviews mention how helpful this is—some even say they received professional photos sent afterward.

The Aurora Show (or Not)

The highlight, of course, is spotting the northern lights. Some guests reported spectacular green and pink displays, with guides doing everything possible to find clear skies. However, as one reviewer pointed out, cloudy weather can be a challenge. You’ll be up until late, and patience is key, but the guides are passionate about giving you the best chance.

Return Journey

After hours of waiting, if the skies cooperate, you’ll get your photos and enjoy the experience. If not, you’ll still leave with new knowledge, some warm snacks, and perhaps some memorable stories about the chase.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included are all the essentials: hot drinks, cake, camera tripods, thermal suits, camping chairs, a campfire, professional pictures, and WiFi. It’s quite a comprehensive package, and many reviewers appreciated the extra touches like the warm suits and the photos sent afterward.

What isn’t included is pickup at the Magic Ice Bar (which is the meeting point) or drop-off at your hotel in Tromsø. This means you should be prepared to make your way to the meeting point, but that’s typical for tours in the area.

The Experience From the Traveler’s Perspective

The reviews paint a pretty clear picture: guides make a big difference. Many mention guides being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and willing to go the extra mile—some even drove hours to find clear skies. This dedication is crucial because aurora hunting often depends on the weather, which is unpredictable.

People love the warmth and comfort provided, especially the thermal suits and the campfire setup. Sitting around a fire, sipping hot drinks, and nibbling on cake while waiting for a natural phenomenon feels much more manageable than freezing outside with minimal shelter.

The photography aspect is also a hit. Guests often walk away with great photos, and guides sharing tips and providing tripods makes a tangible difference.

Of course, some reviews mention that weather can spoil the show—cloud cover is sometimes unavoidable. But even in those cases, the guides’ efforts are appreciated. One reviewer noted that the guide was able to find spots with clearer skies on the way, which can be the difference between a night of disappointment and one of awe.

Value for Money

At $220, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering what’s included—transport, gear, snacks, professional photos, and guided expertise—it feels like a fair deal. The chance to chase the lights in a comfortable setting, with the possibility of capturing beautiful images, adds plenty of value.

It’s also flexible in terms of booking: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before if plans change. This flexibility is reassuring when dealing with Arctic weather.

This experience is ideal for those who want a guided, well-supported hunt for the northern lights without sacrificing comfort. If you’re nervous about the cold, the thermal suits and campfire setup make this a safer bet. Photographers or social travelers will appreciate the focus on capturing images and sharing the experience with others.

It may not be suitable for very young children (under 10), given the late hours and cold conditions, but adults of all ages who enjoy a relaxed, social outing with the potential for seeing one of nature’s greatest light shows will find this rewarding.

If you’re after a straightforward, reliable way to hunt the aurora with knowledgeable guides and a cozy experience, this tour ticks most boxes. Patience and a bit of luck are still needed, but with the effort the guides put in, your chances are high.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 10, mainly because it involves late hours and cold conditions. It’s best suited for adult travelers or older teens.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in weather-appropriate clothing. The tour provides thermal suits, but layering and warm accessories like hats and gloves are advisable.

Can I see the northern lights on this tour?
While the tour increases your chances with experienced guides and flexible locations, sightings depend on weather conditions. The aurora is a natural phenomenon, so it’s not guaranteed.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 6.5 hours, starting in the evening and returning late at night. Be prepared for a potentially late night.

What’s included?
Hot drinks, carrot cake, crispbread, camera tripods, thermal suits, camping chairs, a campfire, professional pictures, and WiFi.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation to the viewing spots is included, but pickup at the Magic Ice Bar is the starting point. Drop-off is back there as well.

What if the weather is bad?
Guides do their best to find clear skies; sometimes they drive hours to improve your chances. If the weather remains poor, the tour might not result in a sighting, but you’ll still gain valuable knowledge and enjoy the experience.

This Tromsø Northern Lights tour offers a grounded, friendly approach to chasing one of nature’s most captivating displays. With experienced guides, cozy amenities, and a focus on photography, it’s well suited to those wanting a serious but comfortable shot at seeing the aurora borealis. While nature can be unpredictable, the dedication of the guides and the thoughtful setup mean you’re giving yourself a good chance without freezing your toes off.

Whether you’re a first-timer or someone looking to add a magical night to your Arctic adventures, this tour delivers genuine value and memorable moments. Just pack your warm clothes, bring patience, and get ready for a night under the northern sky you’ll never forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: