If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights and considering a tour in Tromsø, Norway, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed a popular Aurora Tour offered by Amazing Arctic Tours — and while we haven’t personally joined it, we’ve sifted through plenty of reviews, details, and feedback to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect.
What we love about this experience is how it emphasizes maximizing your chances of seeing the Aurora with a wide viewing area that includes not just Tromsø but also Swedish and Finnish territories. Plus, the fact that guides go above and beyond to make the night memorable — from helping with photography to providing thermal suits — really stands out.
On the flip side, a few travelers have mentioned that the start can feel a bit chaotic, especially during the busy December season, and that some may find the tour a little pricey for what’s essentially a weather-dependent hunt. Still, if you’re after a well-organized, knowledgeable-guided outing and don’t mind the unpredictability of Mother Nature, this trip could be a great pick.
Amazing, Adam was great! He got us to the perfect spot pretty quickly, very informative and had an amazing show!
It’s very exciting, we go far and far to find and see the spectacular Northern Lights in the dark and cold
Dress very warm. Our tour guide Mansoor went above and beyond to make sure we got to see Aurora. Sitting down around fire pit out of nowhere was beautiful. He had halal marshmallow to make smores!
This tour is particularly suitable for those who want a reliable chance to see the Northern Lights, appreciate added comforts like warm gear and snacks, and enjoy an experience led by guides with a reputation for effort and care. It’s less suited if you’re looking for a private or ultra-quiet experience, or if you prefer a specific, guaranteed sighting.
- Key Points
- The Full Experience: What to Expect on the Aurora Tour
- Starting Point and Duration
- The Journey and Stops
- What’s Included
- The Guides and Their Efforts
- Photo Opportunities and Personal Touches
- Weather and Aurora Visibility
- Group Size and Atmosphere
- Is This Tour Worth It?
- The Reviews Say It All
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
- More Tours in Tromso
- More Tour Reviews in Tromso
Key Points
- Increases your chances of seeing the Aurora with a broad, multi-national viewing area.
- Includes thermal suits, snacks, and a campfire, making the cold nights more comfortable.
- Guides are experienced and attentive — many reviews highlight their effort and knowledge.
- Weather is the biggest factor; the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, but the guides do their best.
- Small group size (max 21 travelers) fosters a more personal experience.
- Pricing at $0.00 suggests it’s a promotional or included tour, but consider value based on what’s offered.
The Full Experience: What to Expect on the Aurora Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tromso.
Starting Point and Duration
The tour begins in the heart of Tromsø’s historic city centre at Kirkegata 2. It lasts roughly 5 to 9 hours, depending on conditions and the night’s success. You’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle, ready for a night that could take you into Swedish and Finnish territories — a strategic move to increase your chances of a good Aurora sighting.
The Journey and Stops
The tour covers an area about 300 km wide around Tromsø. Unlike some quick bus rides, this is a serious hunt across various scenic spots, giving you multiple potential viewing points.
As one reviewer put it, “the guides drove two deep inland to find a prime viewing spot,” which makes sense — the best chance to see the lights often comes from moving away from city lights and finding clear, dark skies.
Pick up was near accommodation. Guide was excellent and very good at finding aurora. Really enjoyed the marshmallows sweet treat and drinks at the camp fire stop.
The tour operators arrived late to the location and there were a 100 plus people waiting it was utter chaos! The operators who were there were not helpful! After waiting what seemed like an eternity we were the last people assigned a tour group along with 4 others. Once the tour began, Aram was great about finding the perfect spots. He provided beautiful photos after the event.
Well prepared guides who help you find and take great pictures of the Northern Lights! They have thermal suits available and make a campfire, but be sure you have adequate gear to keep your feet and hands warm! We were outside for 3 hours because the lights were near Tromso so we were able to enjoy them for longer.
What’s Included
You’ll get thermal suits to beat the Arctic chill, hot drinks, traditional cinnamon cake, and marshmallows roasted on a campfire. The warmth around the fire is a highlight for many, turning a potentially freezing night into a cozy gathering. The guides also help set up your phone or camera for snapping photos, which is essential since the Aurora is a fleeting and delicate display.
The Guides and Their Efforts
Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and proactive attitude. Comments like “Mansoor was very knowledgeable and worked hard to spot the lights” and “he made scenic stops for photos” are common. Guides often go beyond just driving around; they share insights into the lights, help with photography, and make sure everyone stays comfortable.
Photo Opportunities and Personal Touches
Guests frequently mention the bonus of a free Aurora portrait taken by the guide, adding a personal souvenir to the experience. This, combined with warm treats and a bonfire, creates a more engaging and memorable outing.
Weather and Aurora Visibility
The biggest challenge remains the weather. As one guest said, “They did all that was in their hands to make us see the Northern Lights in a super cloudy night.” Even with the best efforts, cloud cover or weak solar activity can mean no Aurora show — but guides tend to be persistent and flexible.
The guide Mansoor was very knowledgeable and could spot northern lights when others didn't. He did all he could to get people involved, but also let them in the min buses to stay warm. There was limited activity and guides made sure people got a chance to look at when lights were visible
What an incredible time it was. The tour guide worked extremely hard to make sure we saw the lights. I’d highly recommend this to anyone looking for such an epic experience.
What a brilliant night! We were concerned that the poor weather conditions would ruin our chances of seeing the Aurora. Aram, was honest that he could not guarantee finding the lights and gave everyone the opportunity to bear with him and we all did. We had done an unsuccessful trip with another company last year, however Amazing Arctic Tours were different that as a guide, Aram genuinely had the knowledge and experience, and found us a good spot near the border. Rather than dash around, he predicted we had a chance at the selected location – he was spot on! And we got the amazing display we had hoped for! Thank you Aram.
Group Size and Atmosphere
With a maximum of 21 travelers, you’re likely to find a friendly, intimate atmosphere. Many reviews describe guides as courteous, sincere, and attentive — “helping my mother with difficult terrain” or “taking great photos on our phones.” This personal touch makes a difference, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.
Is This Tour Worth It?
Considering what’s included — thermal gear, snacks, a campfire, and personalized photos — the value is pretty solid, especially given the effort guides put into finding the lights. Many guests felt they got their money’s worth, with some calling it “worth every penny,” and others appreciating that they saw the lights after a season of uncertainties.
The tour’s price tag, listed as $0.00 here, probably indicates a free or included experience, but the true value lies in the effort and expertise. If you’re after a tour where guides really aim to give you a fair shot at witnessing the Aurora, this one tends to impress.
The Reviews Say It All
Several guests mention the guides’ dedication — “worked extremely hard to make sure we saw the lights” and “helped us take photos and set up for the best shots.” Others highlight the cozy atmosphere, hot chocolate, marshmallows, and the scenic stops along the way.
This was our first tour booked in Tromso for the Northen lights and it was fantastic. Our tour guide was Mansoor, who was very knowledgeable and worked hard to get us to the right places to see the lights. It was a very long night, but very well worth it when you get to tick off the bucket list. Thanks!
The guide drove for two deep inland to find a prime viewing spot. His excitement was palpable, and he gave background both on the lights-and was patient in taking pictures for the group and setting up everything. And, well, the lights danced. 5/5 and would highly recommend.
Mansoor simply knew what he was doing and took us to many different spots with clear skies and of course we saw the aurora! He was polite, experienced and cared for all our needs. There were also a fire to warm us, cake, hot chocolate and marshmallows. He insisted on finding many different spots and took participants' pictures with the aurora. Finally he dropped us off at our hotel. Thank you Mansoor! If I came to Tromso again and took a tour, I'd choose you again!
Of course, not everyone is satisfied. One reviewer called it “overpriced for what you get,” citing “loud music and stressful narration,” but that appears to be an outlier. Most describe the experience as “incredible,” “fantastic,” and “once in a lifetime.”
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This Aurora Tour is ideal for anyone who values expert guidance, comfort, and a good chance to see the Northern Lights. It’s especially suitable if you’re okay with some unpredictability because weather and solar activity can vary. The small group size makes it a good choice for those who prefer a more personalized, less commercial experience.
If you’re traveling with family or friends who prefer a bit of a social vibe and enjoy cozy nights outdoors, they’ll likely appreciate the campfire, snacks, and photo opportunities. But if you’re expecting a private, quiet experience or a guaranteed sighting, you might want to explore other options or accept the inherent unpredictability of nature.
FAQs
What is included in the Aurora Tour?
You’ll receive thermal suits, hot drinks, traditional cinnamon cake, marshmallows roasted on a campfire, help with photography, and a free Aurora portrait. Snacks and hot beverages are on the house, making the cold nights more bearable.
They did all that was in their hands to make us see the Northern lights in a super cloudy night . Thank you because thanks to you, at least I have a nice picture of them with me, even if they were not that strong to see them with my eyes ~
Worth every penny! Our expectations were low but the outcome was high. Weather was not great, and we were first tour of the season…but at the very end we were able to see the beautiful northern lights! Seeing wild reindeer and moose along the way were just icing on the cake. Guide is very smart and knows the best places to go and what to look for. We had a small group of 5. The bonfire, marshmallows and delicious cake were all bonuses. We got back about 2:30-3 am and although tired.. it was totally worth it! Highly recommend.To our wonderful guide: Thank you so much for a lovely tour last night! It was wonderful. How can we get photo that you took of husband and I in front of the Aur…
Holy cow, what an experience! It was one of the last tours of the season and we decided last minute to take a chance and book since the possibility of the northern lights showing up was increasing based on an app we were following. And the weather had JUST cleared up. Mansoor was an amazing tour guide!! He made a few scenic stops to give us an opportunity for photos on the way to the area to see the northern lights. Literally the first stop we went to, the northern lights showed up!! It was very dim at first but within the 2-3 hrs we were there, it came through many times with a few times with very strong aurora activity (green even without using the camera to view!). Monsoor helped capture …
How long does the tour last?
The experience typically lasts between 5 and 9 hours, depending on weather conditions and Aurora activity. You start in Tromsø and may venture into nearby territories for the best viewing.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Kirkegata 2 in Tromsø’s city centre and returns to the same spot afterward.
Is it suitable for children or families?
The tour involves outdoor activities in cold weather and walking over potentially difficult terrain, so it’s better suited for older children comfortable with winter conditions. No explicit family restrictions are noted.
What about the weather?
This tour depends heavily on good weather. Cloud cover and solar activity influence the chances of seeing the Aurora. Guides do their best to find clear skies but cannot guarantee sightings.
What should I bring?
While thermal suits are provided, it’s recommended to wear warm clothing underneath, including hats, mittens, and winter boots (not included). Dress very warmly, especially for extended outdoor periods.
How do the guides help with photography?
Guides assist in setting up your mobile phone or camera, offering tips to capture the Aurora. They also take photos of the group during the show, which you can get afterward.
What’s the group size?
A maximum of 21 travelers ensures a relatively small, friendly experience.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start. Cancellations within 24 hours won’t be refunded, so plan accordingly.
Aurora Tour
"Amazing, Adam was great! He got us to the perfect spot pretty quickly, very informative and had an amazing show!"
Final Thoughts
If you want to chase the Northern Lights with a seasoned guide who genuinely cares about giving you the best shot and making the night cozy and memorable, this Aurora Tour in Tromsø is worth considering. The effort guides put into finding the best spots, combined with warm gear, snacks, and personal photos, creates a rounded experience that many guests love.
It’s best for travelers who understand that the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, unpredictable and weather-dependent, but who value excellent guidance and a comfortable setup. Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, this tour offers a good balance of adventure, comfort, and chance.
For those seeking a reliable, well-reviewed chance to see the Northern Lights with friendly guides and a nice touch of Arctic hospitality, this tour fits the bill. Just keep in mind the weather and book with flexibility in mind — the lights are worth it when they appear.
