If you’re planning a trip to Tromsø and dreaming of catching the Northern Lights, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, we’ve gone through plenty of reviews, details, and descriptions to give you an honest picture of what to expect.
What really catches our eye are the professional photos included — such a wonderful way to remember the experience — and the comfortable minibus transport that takes you away from the city lights.
One thing we like is how well-organized and flexible the tour is. The guides use advanced weather technology to chase clear skies, which is crucial in Arctic conditions. That said, it’s important to remember that, because the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, sightings are never guaranteed.
We had an absolutely incredible Northern Lights chase in Tromsø, and Tarik made the experience truly unforgettable. From the start, he was professional, friendly, and clearly very experienced. He explained the plan, kept everyone informed about the weather and conditions, and made us feel confident that we were in great hands. Thanks to his persistence and knowledge of the area, we were rewarded with an amazing show of the Northern Lights. The activity was strong, the sky cleared up, and we got to see beautiful, vivid auroras dancing across the sky. It was honestly better than we could have hoped for. Tarik was also great at helping with photos, answering questions, and making sure everyone…
This Northern Lights tour was absolutely incredible! The guide was very professional, patient, and knowledgeable about the weather and locations. They drove us to the best spots and made sure we had the highest chance to see the Aurora. We were lucky to see beautiful, strong Northern Lights dancing in the sky — truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The guide also helped with camera settings and took amazing high-quality photos for us, which we received afterwards. Everything was well organized, comfortable, and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Tromsø. Totally worth it!
The tour of today is really good, and especially the tour guide really nice and helpful, we catch successful clearly the aurora, thank you so much and recommend for everyone
Still, the tour offers a solid chance to see this incredible spectacle, especially with the added bonus of snacks and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
A possible consideration is the location of the meeting point — right in front of Polaria, in central Tromsø — which makes the start and end super convenient. But you’ll want to dress warmly and layer up because you’ll be outdoors during the stops. Also, keep in mind, winter boots, gloves, hats, and scarves aren’t included, so plan to bring your own.
This experience suits travelers who want a balanced, guided approach to Northen Lights chasing, especially those who enjoy scenic drives, local stories, and the comfort of a small group. If you’re after a straightforward, reliable tour with photos and snacks thrown in, this could be a great pick.
- Key Points
- A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience
- Starting Point and Ease of Access
- First Stop: Ersfjordbotn
- Second Stop: Grøtfjorden
- Return to Tromsø and Overall Duration
- Included Amenities and Extras
- Who This Tour Is Best For
- Price and Value Analysis
- Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
- FAQs
- More Photography Tours in Tromso
- More Tours in Tromso
- More Tour Reviews in Tromso
Key Points
- Professional Photos: Get high-quality pictures of you under the Aurora, a keepsake you’ll cherish.
- Scenic Stops: Two main stops — Ersfjordbotn and Grøtfjorden — offer stunning views and photo opportunities.
- Comfort and Convenience: Pickup from a central location, transportation in a cozy minibus, and included warm drinks and snacks.
- Weather-Driven Flexibility: Guides adjust the route based on weather forecasts to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.
- Informative Guides: Local guides share stories and insights about the Aurora while keeping you comfortable around a campfire.
- No Guarantee: Because northern lights are natural, sightings depend on weather and solar activity.
A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Tromso
Starting Point and Ease of Access
The tour begins at Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, right in front of Polaria. This location is central and close to many hotels, which makes checking in smooth and fuss-free. You don’t have to worry about long transfers or complicated logistics — just show up a little early, and you’re set to go. Many reviews mention that this ease of access is a major plus, especially after a day of exploring Tromsø.
Tarik was simply amazing – the forecast was bad but he drove us to the Finland border to see amazing lights! We stopped several times in the way and got some amazing photos on my phone, Tarik also took some great professional photos of everyone – he always made sure everyone was happy and safe – thoroughly recommend
Can I give 10 stars? We thought we had no chance to see the northern lights due to the weather, but Tariq used his experience to take us to the best spots (and even all the way to Finland)! We managed to see amazing lights!! He was also the best photographer and a very kind and fun guide! Our family was very lucky to have chosen this company and to have Tariq as our guide.
Great! Saw so many spots with northern lights show – in green, red and even dancing! Tarik took as many photos with a great camera as you liked Bonfire with marshmallows and chicken hot dogs under the northern lights by the lake surrounded by the fjords was amazing Highly recommend!!
First Stop: Ersfjordbotn
About an hour’s drive from Tromsø, Ersfjordbotn offers a blend of scenic beauty and photo opportunities. Here, you’ll have a chance to snap pictures of the fjord with the Northern Lights dancing above (if visibility allows). The stop includes hot drinks, local snacks, and a cozy moment around the campfire, giving you a break from the cold.
Guests frequently mention the scenic drive on the way there, with reviews noting “beautiful views that make the journey as memorable as the destination.” The guided tour adds context about the area, making the experience more enriching.
Second Stop: Grøtfjorden
Next, the route takes you to Grøtfjorden, another spot renowned for its stunning natural scenery. This stop is slightly longer — about an hour — giving you plenty of time to soak in the views, enjoy the local snacks, and take photos. The guide often provides insights into the Northern Lights phenomenon, making the moment more meaningful.
According to reviews, this stop tends to be the highlight for many guests: “The scenery was breathtaking, and the guides made the experience very personal,” one traveler shared. The combination of peaceful nature and the anticipation of seeing the Aurora above makes this a memorable part of the tour.
Tarik was excellent! The day before our booking he reached out because of the cloudy conditions. We were able to postpone for a couple of days. He was right, and the wait was worth it! He was enthusiastic and kept encouraging pictures. He really made the trip feel about us.
great time on the tour, guide made a great effort to find a spot with clear sky's and we were rewarded with a fantastic display, the campfire, sausages and hot chocolate was a nice touch too
Had a great evening, saw amazing Northern lights even with low KP index. Tarik was great for photos and the fire with sausages, marshmallows and hot chocolate kept us warm throughout the night. Highly recommend!!
Return to Tromsø and Overall Duration
After the two scenic stops, the bus returns to Polaria. The total tour lasts around 7 hours, which is a good length — not too long to be exhausting, but enough to chase the lights effectively. In winter, the Aurora can be unpredictable, so guides are prepared to stay out longer if needed, patiently waiting for clear skies.
Included Amenities and Extras
- Warm Drinks and Snacks: Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and traditional Norwegian snacks keep you warm and energized.
- Photographer Service: A professional photographer is on hand to take quality photos of you under the Northern Lights, which many guests love as a valuable souvenir.
- Winter Suits: These can be requested in advance if you don’t have suitable winter gear.
This is a thoughtful addition, especially for travelers who might not be used to Arctic cold.
- Transport and Comfort: The minibus has chairs and a toilet (though not on the small group option), making it comfortable for the long night ahead.
- Campfire Experience: Sitting around a campfire adds a cozy, authentic touch and allows for relaxed storytelling.
Who This Tour Is Best For
If you’re someone who appreciates reliable, guided experiences with a mix of scenic drives, cultural stories, and comfort, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s suitable for travelers who want photos to remember the trip, enjoy local snacks, and prefer a hassle-free setup with pickup close to their hotel.
However, because winter gear isn’t included, you’ll need to prepare accordingly. This is especially true if you tend to feel cold easily or plan to stay outdoors for extended periods.
Tarik top guide to hunt aurora Northern lights.Know all the hidden spots to view Northern lights. Keep up the good work! Sam
We drove until almost the border with Finland and saw an incredible spectable of Northlen Lights dancing. Really a great experience!!! We had individual and group amazing pictures. Really recommended!!
Tarik is a very enthusiastic guide who made the trip very happening. He is extremely friendly, approachable, and takes care of all his guests. He took us to a surreal spot, a valley between two mountains, the moon shining overhead and the snow glistening in the moonshine. And then the aurora started dancing in the sky. It was out of the world! We enjoyed hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows and hotdogs in this surreal atmosphere. He also carries winter suits once you place a request. Finally he dropped us off at our hotel, so we came back to our accomodation without any hassle. This trip is 100% recommended!
Price and Value Analysis
At $152 per person, the price seems reasonable considering the included photos, snacks, and guided service. Professional photos alone can be costly elsewhere, so that adds real value. The scenic stops and personalized route adjustment based on weather forecasts make it a solid choice for those wanting a customized experience.
While the cost might be slightly higher than some budget options, the added comforts and the emphasis on maximizing your chances of seeing the Aurora make it worthwhile. You’ll likely come away with great photos, warm memories, and a better understanding of this natural wonder.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
This Northern Lights tour from Tromsø is particularly good for travelers who want a reliable, comfort-focused experience. If chasing the Aurora feels like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and you’d love professional photos as part of the package, this tour delivers. The scenic stops add a scenic, peaceful dimension, making it more than just a lights chase.
It’s also well-suited for those who prefer to avoid organizing their own logistics or dealing with unpredictable weather alone. The local guides’ expertise and flexible planning give you confidence that you’re doing your best to see the lights while staying comfortable.
Wonderful experience! The guides were incredibly friendly and helpful. The good weather certainly helped, but they were truly amazing at finding the perfect spot for us to take beautiful photos. I highly recommend this experience — watching the Northern Lights around a fire pit while toasting marshmallows was simply incredible.
It exceeded expectations. A great guide. Highly recommend.
It was fantastic, the guys really do everything they can to see the northern lights! It snowed the whole way, except for them, we think everyone had given up on the idea that anything would happen, and yet..!! it was amazing!!
On the flip side, if you’re a very independent traveler or want to explore on your own terms, this guided tour might feel a bit structured. Also, if winter gear isn’t your thing and you arrive unprepared, you'll need to plan accordingly, as gear isn’t included.
Overall, if you want a relaxed, scenic, and photo-ready Northern Lights experience from Tromsø, this tour earns our recommendation.
Tromsø: Northern Lights Tour with Photos & Snacks
"We had an absolutely incredible Northern Lights chase in Tromsø, and Tarik made the experience truly unforgettable. From the start, he was profess..."
FAQs
Do I need to bring my own winter gear?
Yes, winter boots, gloves, hats, and scarves aren’t included, so it’s best to bring your own or request winter suits in advance.
What is included in the tour?
You get a local guide, an expert photographer, transportation by minibus, hot drinks, snacks, and a campfire experience. Winter suits are available if requested.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Polaria, just outside Tromsø at Hjalmar Johansens gate 12 — a very central and accessible location.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, including scenic stops, so it’s a comfortably paced evening.
Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, since Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides use weather technology to improve your chances, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, it’s generally suitable for travelers who can handle outdoor cold and long hours in winter. Very young children under 1 year or those over 95 might not be ideal.
In the end, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, comfort, and professionalism. It’s great for travelers who want to prioritize quality photos, local insights, and a smooth experience while hunting for the Northern Lights in Tromsø.
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