If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights in Norway, this small-group tour from Tromso could be just what you’re after. It’s designed to maximize your chances of witnessing that spectacular aurora dance across the sky, all while keeping the experience personal and comfortable. We’ve looked into it, and here’s what makes this tour stand out — along with some honest notes on what to expect.
What I really like about this experience is the small group size, capping at just five guests. That instantly promises a more intimate, flexible outing — no noisy bus cramming everyone together. Plus, with a professional photographer included and thermal suits provided, it’s clear they’re focused on quality and comfort.
One thing to consider is the price, which is around $192 per person. It’s not the cheapest option, but the value for personalized attention and professional photos can really add up.
Had a driver and a guide, Jinyar. Picked us at our apartment and dropped us back. They were focused. Not much conversation in the start or vehicle. Then got chat at the campfire. Had another trip the other night, but this one managed to get us a good spot, small group of 7, also got some shorts of the northern lights, good photos. Given thermal suits which does help sitting in cold with campfire. Highly recommended
Amazing tour. Picked up from our accomodation in a comfortable van with a group of only 8 people. We drove a long time because of bad weather in Tromso. We ended up in Finland and it was all worth it! Amazing lights and a great hot choccy and corn by a fire to finish it off. Great experience, would 100% recommend.
It was an amazing experience. I didn’t realise how important it was to choose the right place to observe. They are great at chasing the northern lights.
This tour seems ideal for travelers who want a tailored, stress-free Arctic night with a good chance of seeing the lights.
Key Points
- Limited to 5 guests for a more personal experience
- Pro photographer ensures high-quality aurora photos
- Hassle-free pickup from Tromso accommodations
- Warm thermal suits and cozy campfire make the night comfortable
- Flexible location selection based on forecast for better chances
- Duration of 6-8 hours allows plenty of time for aurora chasing
If you’re heading to Tromso and are keen to see the Northern Lights, you’re likely aware that weather and location are key. This tour’s main selling point is its small group size — a maximum of five guests. It’s a detail that hints at a more relaxed, personalized experience.
When you’re out in the Arctic, away from city lights, and with a guide, your chances of witnessing the aurora feel higher, especially with the tour’s flexible location choices.
What’s the itinerary like?
The tour kicks off with pickup from your Tromso accommodation around 6:30 pm. Since the tour lasts roughly 6 to 8 hours, you can expect to be out well into the night. The guide will choose the best spots based on the aurora forecast and their experience, aiming for clear skies and minimal light pollution — key ingredients for a good aurora sighting.
We were unlucky with the weather but Zein did absolutely everything he possibly could to find clear patches – including taking us all over to Finland. There were only 8 of us. He had good cosy suits for people to wear; made a lovely fire and the best hot chocolate ever!
Excellent tour – we found clear skies, had a lovely campfire with hot chocolate, warm suits, only 6 people, and most importantly saw lots of aurora activity. Highly recommend
May be a long ride but very worth it. Dress warm they will supply jacket and bottoms. Great experience
You’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is appreciated even in cold weather, and be dressed in thermal suits that protect against temperatures as low as -20°C. This focus on staying warm is crucial, as nights in Tromso can get quite cold, especially when standing still for long periods.
Once at the location, you’ll enjoy a mix of quiet Arctic landscapes great for capturing photos and just soaking in the moment. The guide will capture professional photos with a Sony 7 III camera, and you’ll get access to unlimited edited images during the tour. For many, this is a big perk — you get to relax and enjoy the show without worrying about snapping photos yourself.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Tromso
What makes the experience special?
The small group setting really shines here. As one reviewer put it, “It’s very exclusive with no more than 5 people. It simplifies and gives more flexibility during the tour.” This means fewer distractions and more time to find the perfect spot, especially if clouds roll in or weather shifts.
Another highlight is the guide who speaks English, Arabic, Kurdish, and Norwegian. Their language skills help make the experience accessible and informative, no matter your background. Many reviews mention that the guides are caring and dedicated, often willing to stay longer if the aurora is still visible.
Alshemal is a great guide, very positive and happy. He provided hotel pick up and thermal suits. We had hot chocolate while we watched the aurora dance. He also took some great professional photos of us. The van fit 7 people so we weren't crowded. Would definitely recommend if you're in Tromso.
I joined the light-chasing tour with my friend and had such an amazing experience! Our guide was very experienced and brought us to a quiet lake with a breathtaking view of the northern lights. It was just our group there, calm and peaceful. We stayed for hours by the campfire, roasting corn and enjoying hot chocolate while watching the aurora dance across the sky. Truly an unforgettable and magical night.
You cannot control the sun or the temperature or the skies but you CAN control which tour you take. Victor was absolutely amazing. He worked so hard chasing pockets of open sky deep into Finland. He made certain that we experienced the Aurora and took amazing photos for us to have forever. Drinking cocoa in the frozen landscape of Finland was magical. Dress warm (especially your toes!) and follow all of the instructions of the tour director. I cannot recommend this tour, and especially this guide enough!
The photography angle
If you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want professional-quality images of your Arctic adventure, this tour delivers. The included PRO photographer ensures that your memories are captured beautifully.
One reviewer said, “The guide managed to find a nice spot where we were able to see the northern lights several times during the night.” With unlimited photos taken with high-end gear and a dedicated editing process, you’ll walk away with stunning images of the aurora.
Comfort and amenities
The tour makes an effort to keep guests comfortable. Besides thermal suits, you’ll enjoy warm drinks like coffee and tea, snacks like grilled corn and marshmallows over a campfire, and WiFi on board. These little touches make the long night more enjoyable.
Note: There’s no restroom on board, so plan accordingly. This is typical for Arctic tours that focus on outdoor experiences, but it’s good to keep in mind.
Jinyar was nice tour guide who kept make sure everyone of us was okay, warm enough to sightsee northern lights. He took good care of us. also he is professional phorographer and take so many aweosme photos patiently with suggestion on posture. Im looking forward to seeing photos! I would recommend tourists to join this tour if opt for small group of northern light sightseeing with privacy!
What an unforgettable experience! Our guide, Mark, was so amazing! Van was super comfortable. We were so lucky we went the night we went and the skies were clear. Saw the beautiful northern lights and admired them for a while. Mark came prepared and started a campfire and brought some corn to grill and made hot chocolate. As cold as it was, he made it so cozy! Will definitely do this tour again when I come back to Norway!
We had always wanted to see the Northern Lights and were not disappointed. We chose a small group so that we could move quickly as weather conditions changed. Tromso, our starting point was overcast but our excellent guide, Jinyar drove us to several sights looking for clear skies with the Aurora display improving at each one. After 2 hours we ended up near the Finish border watching the display against the stars eating marshmallows and corn toasted on a camp fire. Jinyar took great pictures of everyone which we downloaded the next day. If we had relied on our own old iPhone (SE) we would have had no photos as it had poor night picture capabilty.
The value and pricing
At around $191.61 per person, this tour isn’t cheap. But when you consider the included professional photography, thermal suits, cozy campfire, and the intimate group size, the value starts to make sense. You’re paying for a tailored experience that balances comfort, expertise, and the chance to see the northern lights without the chaos of large groups.
One reviewer summed it up well: “It’s a very exclusive tour that offers more flexibility and the chance to see the northern lights several times during the night.” When aurora hunting, flexibility and personalized attention can be worth the extra dollars.
Small Northern Lights Tour Max8 Guests PRO Photographer included
“Had a driver and a guide, Jinyar. Picked us at our apartment and dropped us back. They were focused. Not much conversation in the start or vehicl…”
Who is this tour best for?
This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized Arctic adventure with high chances of seeing the aurora. It’s especially suited to travelers who value professional photos, comfort, and expert guidance. The small group size means it’s not ideal for those who prefer budget options or are okay with larger, busier tours.
If you’re traveling with young children or in a big family, this might be less suitable unless your kids are comfortable in cold outdoor environments. Also, be aware that this tour runs late, so it’s best if you’re prepared for a long night of aurora chasing.
Well organized and the guide was excellent. It was a cloudy and rainy day but I had no choice so he made the best efforts and I could get some decent pictures. We left at 7pm and reached back after 1am. I was traveling solo and was taken good care of. If I ever travel again to Tromso I'm doing this again.
Our guide drove us to different spot to chase the northern lights!! And got to see Miss aurora dancing!!!! very beautiful, stunning! Plus we got to experience 1st snow in this season. Everything is perfect in this trip👍🏻
It was an interesting experience. Our tour guide was very good and put a lot of effort into giving us a great experience in spite of the weather conditions (clouded over and raining). When we thought we would not see any northern light, we waited and fortunately We got very lucky in seeing the sky clear up the way it did, considering the consistently cloudy cloudy conditions.
For those who want to make their Northern Lights experience meaningful, this small-group tour ticks a lot of boxes. The focus on quality, comfort, and personalized service makes it stand out from more generic offerings. You’ll enjoy the Arctic scenery, warm up around a campfire, and walk away with professional photos to remember your trip.
While it’s a bit pricier, the combination of expert guidance, limited group size, and great photo opportunities offers significant value. If spotting the Aurora Borealis in an intimate setting is your goal, this tour is worth considering.
Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup from your Tromso accommodations, making it convenient and stress-free.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, including travel time from Tromso and the aurora hunt itself.
What’s the maximum group size?
Up to 5 guests, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.
Are thermal suits provided?
Yes, thermal suits up to -20°C are included and come in multiple sizes to keep you warm.
Will I get professional photos?
Absolutely. The guide captures unlimited photos with a Sony 7 III camera, and you’ll receive edited images afterward.
Is there food or drinks on the tour?
Yes, coffee, tea, snacks, and marshmallows are available, and a campfire keeps everyone cozy.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
No, there are no restrooms on board, so plan accordingly.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly advertised for kids, the experience may suit families with older children comfortable outdoors late at night.
What might I expect weather-wise?
Expect cold temperatures, especially at night, but thermal suits and warm drinks help make the experience comfortable.
This small Northern Lights tour offers a thoughtful blend of comfort, personalization, and opportunity — great for travelers looking to make the most of their Arctic adventure.
