Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromso

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Norway, the Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromso could be on your radar. This tour offers a chance to leave the city behind and chase those shimmering ribbons of green and purple across the winter sky. While it’s a popular choice among travelers, it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for before you book.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its ease of access—meeting right in Tromso’s downtown makes it straightforward to join, and the comfort of the bus ride offers some relief from the cold. Plus, the inclusion of photos and tripods means you can try capturing the magic, even if the lights turn shy. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed — weather and solar activity play a big role here.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a relatively relaxed, guided experience and are okay with the potential unpredictability of the auroras. It’s also a good pick if you’re interested in professional guidance and don’t want to worry about driving or navigation. However, if you’re after a more intimate or customizable experience, the larger group size might feel a bit crowded.

Key Points

• Convenient downtown meet-up makes joining the tour simple.
• Comfortable transportation helps you relax on the long night out.
• Guides with experience increase your chances of spotting the auroras.
• Photos and tripods are included to help you document the moment.
• Weather-dependent — no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights.
• Good value for the price, considering the included extras.

What to Expect from the Northern Lights Chase in Tromso

We know how important it is to understand what’s actually involved in a tour like this. Here’s a detailed look at the itinerary, how it flows, and what you can expect at each stage.

Meeting in Tromso and Departure

Start your evening at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, right in the heart of Tromso. The tour kicks off at 6:00 pm, giving you time to get a good dinner beforehand or grab a coffee nearby. The group is capped at 48 travelers, which helps keep things manageable without feeling cramped, though some reviews suggest smaller groups might give a more intimate feel.

Once everyone is gathered, the bus departs for the countryside — about 2.5 hours away from the city. This ride is more than just transportation; it’s the first step out into the darkness where the sky isn’t cluttered by city lights. The bus is equipped with warmth (it’s winter in Norway, after all), and the ride usually includes some commentary from the guide, sharing insights about the auroras, Tromso, and local culture.

The Search for Clear Skies

The main goal here is to find a spot with optimal viewing conditions. Guides are experienced in tracking weather patterns and aurora forecasts, which can make a big difference. As one reviewer mentioned, the guides often change locations multiple times to chase clearer skies, especially if clouds roll in. This flexibility is significant because, as some reviews point out, “the weather was awful, heavy snow storms all night,” yet the guides still made a strong effort to find clear views.

Waiting and Wishing for the Aurora

Once in a good spot, the bus parks, and you’re free to step outside. The tour provides hot biscuits and coffee/tea, which makes a chilly wait more bearable. The idea is to stay warm, keep your eyes on the sky, and wait for the lights to dance.

If you brought your own camera gear, you’ll be happy to know tripods are included. The guides also offer digital photos of the aurora, which is handy because it’s difficult to get a good shot without steady support. As some reviews suggest, the aurora can often be faint or not visible to the naked eye, which can be disappointing. One reviewer explained that “most photos are edited and what we see in the photos can’t be seen with the naked eye,” so temper expectations accordingly.

Duration and Flexibility

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, which is quite a bit of time spent outdoors in winter conditions, but it’s designed to maximize your chances. Some travelers appreciated that guides were not in a rush to return, allowing extra time to enjoy the scene. However, there’s also the risk of long waits with no sighting, which is something to keep in mind—especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Return to Tromso

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, often late at night. Some reviews mention returning around 1:30 am, which can feel late after a long day. If you’re an early riser or prefer to keep a more flexible schedule, that’s worth considering.

The Pros and Cons of This Tour

What We Love

• Ease of booking and meeting in Tromso’s city center simplifies planning.
• The guided experience boosts your chances of finding good viewing spots, thanks to local expertise.
• Photos and tripods help you document your experience, even if the aurora is faint.
• The warm drinks make waiting in cold weather much more comfortable.

Potential Drawbacks

• No guarantee of Aurora sightings—weather, clouds, and solar activity heavily influence the experience.
• Some travelers noted issues with guide communication, such as broken bus speakers or less engaging commentary.
• The group size (up to 48 people) might feel crowded or less intimate.
• The long duration means a late night, which may be tiring for some.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a comfortable, guided hunt for the Northern Lights and are okay with the possibility of not seeing them, this tour offers good value. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer local guides with experience and don’t mind a group setting. The inclusion of photos and tripods is a definite bonus if you want to take home some visual memories.

However, if you’re seeking a more exclusive or personalized experience or prefer to do your own chasing, you might find this tour’s larger groups and fixed schedule less appealing. Also, travelers who are more sensitive to late nights or want guaranteed sightings should manage expectations or consider alternative options.

FAQs

Is the Northern Lights Chase by Bus suitable for families?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, most travelers of all ages who can handle a late night outdoors in winter should be fine. Just keep in mind the cold and the long duration.

What should I bring for this tour?
Dress warmly — think layers, hats, gloves, and insulated boots. The tour provides hot drinks and photos, but bringing your own camera gear is recommended if you want good shots.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?
No, there’s no guarantee. The tour is weather-dependent, and visibility depends on solar activity and cloud cover.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 8 hours, starting at 6:00 pm and returning late at night, around 1:30 am in some cases.

What happens if we don’t see the aurora?
The tour offers 50% discount on the next tour if no auroras are seen. They also mention no refunds if the lights don’t appear, which is typical with aurora tours.

Are meals included?
No, dinner isn’t included, so plan to eat before or after the tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and the bus is near public transportation, but check with the provider if mobility is a concern.

How many people usually book this tour?
Most days see around 20 days in advance booked, and the group size caps at 48 travelers.

What’s the main advantage of this tour?
Its professional guides and the chance to chase clear skies outside the city make it a strong option for many travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromso offers a practical, well-organized way to try for the auroras without too much fuss. It combines experienced guiding, comfortable transportation, and the chance to photograph the Northern Lights in a scenic setting. While it’s true that aurora sightings are never guaranteed, the effort the guides put into finding clear skies, plus the comfort amenities, make it worth considering if you’re in Tromso during the winter months.

This tour is a solid pick for those who want a relaxed, guided experience with decent odds of seeing the lights, especially if you’re okay with the possibility of a late night and some unpredictability. Travelers with flexible expectations and an appreciation for a comfortable, social outing will find this a worthwhile addition to their Arctic adventure.

Happy aurora hunting!