If you’re dreaming of catching those elusive, shimmering lights dancing across Norway’s night sky, then this Northern Lights Photography Tour from Tromsø might just be what you’re after.
We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on a detailed review of countless traveler feedback and tour descriptions, this experience offers a cozy, well-organized way to chase the aurora borealis—especially if you’re keen on photography.
What we really like about this tour is its focus on maximizing your chances of seeing the lights while giving you a chance to learn about Norway’s landscape from guides. Plus, the free pictures you receive afterward are a bonus—nothing beats having professional shots of you under the sky’s most spectacular light show.
Full marks for effort! We only got to see a bit of the northern lights and Robin tried very hard to get us to the best locations possible! Thank you very much for that and we hope we would catch more of the northern lights next time!
What a night!! We had absolute amazing time on our new years eve tour! Hasan was a great guide, he made sure everyone was warm enough, got enough food and drinks and that everyone got a picture. The viewing spot the guide found for us was incredible, we were blessed with a 4 hour aurora show! Fireworks at midnight were a nice touch! thank you to our guides for an unforgettable night. I strongly recommend booking this tour.
The tour was awesome! Communication with the guide was perfect. He realized that the northern light activity was going to occur earlier in the day and contacted everyone to ensure we had the best chance to see the lights!! He was very helpful and explained so much from the Norwegian culture to why there is northern light activity. He was really professional and ensured everyone had an opportunity to see the lights. He even took pictures of the lights with families posing to ensure the families had outstanding pictures with his professional camera. We highly recommend this tour! We’re actually going to go again because our guide was so good!!
On the flip side, a potential consideration is the weather; the northern lights are famously unpredictable, and if clouds roll in, your chances diminish.
Still, this tour’s flexible approach means you’re not stuck in one spot, often making it more rewarding than static options.
This experience suits travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and photography, particularly those who are serious about capturing the aurora on camera. If you’re eager to explore Norway’s wilderness while enjoying some warm drinks around a campfire, this might be just the ticket.
- Key Points
- Experience Overview: What You Can Expect
- The Journey and Stops
- The Scenic Landscape
- Multiple Photo Stops
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- The Photography Focus
- The Duration and What You Get
- Group Size and Language Options
- What Do Travelers Say?
- Warmth and Comfort
- The Value for Money
- Family-Friendly or Not?
- Practical Details You Need to Know
- The Bottom Line
- FAQ
- More Photography Tours in Tromso
- More Tours in Tromso
- More Tour Reviews in Tromso
Key Points
- Flexible and guides work hard to find the best spots for viewing the aurora borealis.
- Includes free professional photos, so you’ll have memories to cherish without needing your own camera skills.
- Comfortable transport and campfire experience add a cozy, social element.
- Weather can be unpredictable, but guides are experienced at adapting to maximize your chances.
- Duration varies from 5 to 9 hours, allowing for a relaxed, unhurried trip.
- Small group size (maximum 16 people) offers a more personal experience.
Experience Overview: What You Can Expect
This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Starting from Tromsø’s city center, you’ll hop into a cozy van, leaving the city lights behind to chase the northern sky’s most mesmerizing show. The tour usually lasts around 5 hours, but some nights stretch closer to nine if there’s a lot of cloud cover or if the guides want to maximize your chances.
its amazing trip, warm and cozy. robin is amizing guide with his assistant burger 😉 around. i definetely suggest this trip for sure. we got wonderful aurora and pictures!
We had such an adventurous night! This tour takes you to out of the ordinary spots, so you’re not in a crowd of people. We ended up on a ferry (where we managed to get a glimpse of the lights) and then driving to some dark areas with clear skies. Our guide was incredible and kept stopping the van whenever he could see the lights. We were also given some hot chocolate which was lovely!
The trip with Robin was amazing. He really aimed to chase the northern lights instead of waiting for them in one spot. This way, he decided spontaneously to use a ferry to cross the fjord where aurora was waiting for us soon after. Even if it meant driving home a longer way back. Due to him being flexible where to go, we were also flexible where to stop – so when ever aurora appeared, Robin was immediately looking where to stop quickly to take pictures of the spectacle. This way we didn’t only see very strong aurora, we also got fotos from different locations / different backgrounds, and we were not standing in the cold for long due to continue driving to the next spot. The bus was super c…
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Tromso
The Journey and Stops
The tour kicks off at Tromso Activities Hostel, where you’ll meet your guide and get a quick safety briefing. From there, the journey begins with a roughly one-hour drive through scenic landscapes—whether that’s the fjordlands, Lapland, or the outer islands. These locations are selected to be away from light pollution, giving you a better shot at seeing the aurora.
One of the highlights is the campfire stop, where you can sit around warm flames, sipping hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows. This part of the experience is not just about the lights but about connecting with the wilderness and warming up in the Norwegian outdoor tradition. The guides often bring their own camera gear, helping you set up your camera or phone to capture the lights.
The Scenic Landscape
Along the way, you’ll see landscapes shaped by glaciers over the past millennium—fiord views, snow-covered islands, and possibly reindeer or moose if you’re lucky. Several reviews mentioned that the guides are enthusiastic and dedicated to finding the best spots, sometimes even crossing into neighboring countries—Finland and Sweden—if the weather is uncooperative in Norway.
Multiple Photo Stops
The itinerary includes multiple photo stops, one of which is a “secret” spot, and others labeled as “hidden gems,” where the night sky’s natural display seems even more intense. Guides often take professional-quality photos of your group with the aurora—so you can just relax and enjoy the spectacle, knowing your memories are being captured.
The weather conditions weren’t in favor of seeing the northern lights but our guide still managed to find them. He is really enthusiastic and makes the trip quite enjoyable.
We took a spontaneous trip with the ferry and we were very lucky to catch some strong auroras in 4 different spots. Chapeau to our amazing tour guide, it was a night to remember.
When we gathered at the meeting point, the snow was heavy and the situation was clearly hopeless. We might see some moose or reindeer or husky. But definitely no way to see the Northern Lights at Tromso. But our guide Robin was confident. He drove for more than 2.5 hours, over 150km from Tromso, Norway, crossing over Finland, until all the way to Sweden, where we were able to catch the Northern Lights. Robin had turned what was clearly an impossible task into a successful trip. He succeeded not because of luck. Rather, he succeeded against all odds because he was a determined pro and truly knew his stuff. This guy was obviously a veteran. I highly recommend Robin to anyone looking for a chan…
Flexibility and Adaptability
One of the most praised elements—mentioned repeatedly in reviews—is the guides’ flexibility. Whether it’s adjusting the route to avoid clouds or switching to a ferry crossing a fjord, they are committed to finding the best viewing conditions. This proactive approach is reflected in rave reviews that describe guides who genuinely care about giving their travelers a memorable night.
The Photography Focus
For many, capturing the northern lights is half the fun. This tour’s emphasis on aurora photography makes it especially appealing if you’re serious about getting good shots. The guides are equipped to help set up most cameras, and they bring their own gear as well, ensuring that even amateurs can get decent pictures.
Reviewers frequently noted that the photos they received afterward were of excellent quality, often sent the very next day. This added value for travelers who want professional shots without the hassle of lugging extra equipment.
The Duration and What You Get
While the tour is billed as 5 hours, some people mentioned it can extend up to 9 hours if conditions are tricky. The flexible timing helps improve your chances of catching the lights, especially since the aurora is a natural phenomenon that doesn’t guarantee a sighting.
Amazing view of the aurora. Robin was an excellent guide, had a great time.
Excellent!! Will definitely go again. Robin is friendly and extremely professional!! Knows just the right place to go.
It was a fantastic trip with our lovely tour guide Robbin. We were so lucky that the spots Robbin taking us were amazing. We saw the northern lights clearly and we really enjoyed it
Included in the package are warm waterproof suits to help you stay comfortable in the cold, as well as hot drinks and snacks—not just marshmallows but hot chocolate and other warm beverages, which make the night more enjoyable.
Group Size and Language Options
With a maximum of 16 people, this tour isn’t crowded, and you’ll likely feel more like a small group adventure than a big bus ride. Guides speak multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish, so language barriers are rarely an issue.
What Do Travelers Say?
Reviewers agree that the guides are the real star. From Robin, Hasan, Jess, to others, everyone seems to be incredibly committed to making the experience special. Many mention how guides went above and beyond—driving out of their way, crossing borders, or adjusting plans based on weather for the best possible chance to see the aurora.
Several comments highlight the warmth and friendliness of guides, often sharing interesting facts about Norwegian culture and the science behind the lights. Their enthusiasm clearly makes a difference, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating.
It was an amazing tour even if there were no much northern lights because it was cloudy. Robin, the guide, is such a nice guy and he drove a lot to try to find them but it wasn’t possible because of the weather. We saw a weak ones. The group was a mix of different countries and they all were nice people. I enjoyed it.
Our trip was fantastic! We did get to see the lights which were beautiful, however even if we hadn’t seen them, this tour still would’ve been a lot of fun! We also saw reindeer, roasted marshmallows and got to see a lot of the area surrounding Tromso. Our guide Robin was very funny, friendly and ensured he did his best to show us the lights, which were amazing! The photos he took are also incredible. During the drive he also taught us some random facts about Norway. Overall this tour was brilliant and we couldn’t recommend it more!
We had a wonderful evening with Robin and Burger. As the chances of seeing the aurora were low in recent days, a more convenient date was suggested. Robin was very knowledgeable about weather conditions and places worth visiting, and kept us informed about the situation whole evening. Eventually we saw much more than we expected and when it got cold, we warmed up by the fire and admired the lights, sipping hot chocolate in a cheerful atmosphere. The photos were very impresive and were sent to us the same day with a personal note, which we highly appreciated. I can recommend this tour in 100%.
Warmth and Comfort
While the tour involves a lot of time outdoors in cold temperatures, the provision of warm suits, campfire, and hot drinks helps make the experience cozy. Some reviews mention that the vans are comfortable and well-heated, which is key after hours of exposure to the cold.
The Value for Money
Given the inclusion of professional photos, flexible routes, and expert guides, many travelers feel this tour offers great value. Even if the lights are faint or clouds obscure the sky, the experience of being out in Norway’s wilderness with guides makes it worthwhile.
Family-Friendly or Not?
While this tour is generally suitable for anyone comfortable with cold outdoor conditions, it’s not explicitly marketed as a family-friendly activity. If you’re considering bringing children, be prepared for the cold and long hours outside. There’s no specific mention of age restrictions, but the focus on outdoor comfort suggests it’s better suited for older kids or teenagers.
Practical Details You Need to Know
- Duration: Typically 5 hours, but can extend to 9 based on conditions.
- Meeting Point: Tromso Activities Hostel, with clear instructions and coordinates provided.
- What to Bring: Warm clothing, waterproof boots, drinks, and snacks.
- Group Size: Max 16 people, ensuring a more intimate experience.
- Languages: Tours are offered in English, Japanese, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish.
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if plans change.
- Cost: Considered good value given the included photos, guides, and flexibility.
The Bottom Line
This Northern Lights Photography Tour from Tromsø stands out for its dedicated guides, flexible routes, and emphasis on photography. You’re not just sitting in one spot waiting for a possibility; the guides go out of their way to find the best viewing conditions, even crossing borders if needed.
The inclusion of free professional photos is a nice touch, especially if you want a keepsake of your trip without extra effort.
For those who love a relaxed, small-group atmosphere, and enjoy learning about Norwegian landscapes and culture while hunting for the aurora borealis, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. The warmth, campfire socializing, and scenic drives make it more than just a lights chase—it's a memorable adventure in the Norwegian wilderness.
If you're serious about photography, want a more personal touch, and appreciate guides who are genuinely committed, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just keep in mind that, like all aurora tours, it depends on weather and solar activity, so patience and a bit of luck are part of the package.
From Tromso: Northern Lights Photography Tour
"Full marks for effort! We only got to see a bit of the northern lights and Robin tried very hard to get us to the best locations possible! Thank yo..."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for people who want to take photos of the Northern Lights?
Absolutely. The tour is focused on photographing the aurora, and guides help set up your camera. They also use their own equipment to ensure you get good shots.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about 5 hours, but can extend up to 9 hours depending on the conditions and how long the guides want to chase the lights.
Where does the tour start?
You meet at Tromso Activities Hostel, a clearly marked blue building with the provided coordinates.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, waterproof boots, and drinks. The tour provides warm suits and hot chocolate to keep you comfortable.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes, hot drinks like hot chocolate, marshmallows, and snacks are provided during campfire stops.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it’s generally suitable for those comfortable spending time outdoors in cold weather. Use your discretion.
What’s the group size?
A maximum of 16 people, making it intimate enough for personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
While sightings depend on weather and solar activity, guides are highly experienced at finding the best spots, and many reviews describe successful sightings, sometimes even multiple times during the tour.
What if the weather is cloudy?
The guides are proactive about adjusting routes and locations to find clearer skies, but if clouds persist, the aurora might not be visible. Still, many travelers appreciate the scenic drives and guides' effort.
To sum it up, this tour offers a well-organized and personable way to experience Norway’s sky lights, especially if capturing photos is a priority. It's great for travelers who want a small-group adventure with expert guides, scenic landscapes, warmth, and the chance to see the aurora borealis in a relaxed setting.
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