Northern lights photography tour

Planning a trip to Norway and eager to see the iconic Aurora Borealis? If so, you’ve probably come across numerous options for Northern Lights tours. One popular choice is the Northern Lights Photography Tour offered by Tromsø Activities. While I haven’t experienced this exact tour myself, I can share what makes it stand out—plus some honest thoughts on what to expect. It’s a solid pick for travelers who want a mix of adventure, expert guidance, and a chance to capture this natural wonder on camera.

What I really like about this tour is how it combines traversing through fjords, mountains, and islands with hands-on photography tips—so you’re not just waiting for lights but also learning how to photograph them beautifully. Plus, the focus on warm drinks and snacks sounds simple but essential when you’re outside in cold Norway, making the experience cozy and memorable. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this tour doesn’t include warm shoes or gloves, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate guided outdoor adventures, want to improve their photography skills, or simply dream of witnessing the Northern Lights in a comfortable, well-organized setting. If you’re someone who likes a bit of flexibility in timing and values expert guides, it might be a good fit. However, if you’re looking for an extremely short or luxury experience, you might want to compare options.

Key Points

• Expert guidance helps you understand how to photograph the Aurora Borealis effectively.
• Traveling through scenic fjords and islands maximizes your chances of witnessing the lights in a spectacular setting.
• Snacks and hot drinks are included, making the outdoor experience more comfortable.
• The duration varies from around 4 to 8 hours**, depending on conditions and aurora activity.
• The tour supports a small group size (up to 15 travelers), which often means more personalized attention.
• Bring warm shoes and gloves yourself, as they are not supplied.

What the Tour Entails

This Northern Lights Photography Tour is designed to give you not just a chance at seeing the lights, but also the skills to capture them. Starting in Tromso’s city center, the group heads out into the dark Arctic night, with the destination varying depending on that night’s conditions. The journey takes you through stunning Norwegian landscapes—fjords, rugged mountains, and small islands—each providing a unique backdrop for your Aurora experience.

The tour lasts roughly 4 to 8 hours, offering flexibility based on aurora forecast and weather. The longer the tour, the better your chances of catching the lights if the weather plays nice. Your guide, who is knowledgeable and passionate, will help you identify the best spots and give photography tips along the way. This is particularly helpful if you’re keen to get photos that truly reflect the stunning greens and sometimes reds of the Aurora Borealis.

The Stops and Scenery

While the exact stops shift nightly, the emphasis is on moving away from Tromso’s city lights to find darker skies. The scenery—fjords shimmering under moonlight, snow-covered peaks, and tiny islands—is part of what makes this tour special. Many reviews highlight how helpful and enthusiastic guides are, often going out of their way to assist with camera settings and framing shots, which can be a huge help in cold conditions.

The Photography Focus

Most travelers on this tour seem to value the photography aspect, with guides providing photo portraits and tips to help you capture the best images. Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or just want to snap a decent shot, having an expert guide explain camera settings makes a difference. As one reviewer put it, the guide was “incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and passionate about his job,” which came through in the quality of the experience.

Comfort and Practicalities

Snacks and hot drinks are included, which is a lifesaver during the cold hours outside. You’ll be given snow suits to stay warm, but you’ll need to bring your own warm shoes and gloves. The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness—so if you can handle some walking and standing in chilly weather, you’ll be fine.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the small-group vibe feels more personal and less rushed. This also allows guides to give more tailored advice. Many reviews speak highly of the guides’ friendliness, enthusiasm, and ability to keep everyone engaged despite the cold temperatures.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $210, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering the inclusions—expert guidance, snacks, hot drinks, photo help, and snow suits—it offers a good value for those keen on photography and a more curated experience. The fact that it lasts several hours means you’re not just crammed into a quick bus ride but genuinely out in the Arctic night, increasing your chances of a good aurora sighting.

How About the Duration?

The flexibility of a 4 to 8-hour window means you’re not locked into a rigid schedule. Some nights, auroras appear early; other times, they might take longer to show. This approach allows guides to chase the best conditions, which many travelers appreciate. If the weather isn’t cooperative, longer tours increase your odds of catching the lights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re excited about learning photography techniques or want a more relaxed, guided outing focused on Aurora hunting. It’s suitable for those comfortable with cold weather and minimal walking, as long as you bring your own warm gear. Families or groups with children might enjoy it if they’re prepared for the outdoor chill and eager for a night adventure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading to Tromso and want an experience that combines scenic drives, expert advice, and the thrill of chasing the Aurora, this tour ticks many boxes. The guides’ passion and knowledge, combined with the chance to photograph one of nature’s most incredible displays, make it a worthwhile option—especially if you’re not just after a quick glimpse but want to capture memories.

That said, keep in mind the need to bring your own warm footwear and gloves, and be prepared for potentially long hours outside. The success of catching the Lights depends on weather and aurora activity, but with a flexible schedule, your chances are higher.

In the end, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, learning, and comfort—a good choice for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone eager for a memorable Arctic night under the Northern Lights.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own warm shoes and gloves?
Yes, the tour does not supply warm shoes or gloves, so you’ll want to pack these separately to stay comfortable during the outdoor hours.

How long does the tour last?
It varies from about 4 to 8 hours, depending on conditions and aurora activity. This flexibility helps increase your chances of seeing the lights.

What is included in the price?
Snacks and hot drinks, snow suit rental, photo portraits, and guidance are included. You’ll need to handle your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it can be suitable for travelers comfortable with outdoor winter conditions and moderate walking. Always check with the provider if you have very young children.

How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 15 travelers, which helps keep the group small and the experience more personalized.

Can I expect help with photography?
Absolutely. Guides are knowledgeable and passionate about photography, offering tips and assistance to help you capture the Aurora in the best possible way.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines scenic Norwegian landscapes with expert guidance and photography help, this Northern Lights tour in Tromso might just be the highlight of your trip. Just be prepared for cold nights, and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!