If you’re eyeing Tromso as your gateway to catching the elusive Northern Lights, this tour promises a full day of aurora hunting combined with comfort and good company. We’ve gone through the details, reviews, and what you can realistically expect, so you’ll have a clear picture before booking.
What really caught our attention are the professional photos included—a rare bonus that means you can focus on enjoying the moment, knowing your memories will be beautifully captured.
Plus, the flexibility of a mobile, full-day chase boosts your chances of seeing the lights, which is a huge win in this unpredictable display. But, as with any aurora tour, there’s a chance that weather conditions might not cooperate, so patience is key.
Petra and our driver went out of their way to collect us form our accomodation after confusion at the pickup point. Her expertise in photographic catching of lights was perfect…got GREAT shots. Reindeer soup, Thai curry & marshmellows at the firepit were good. Arctic suits/boots were warm & compared to other operators the price was RIGHT. Worth the money, well done…Annette & Curtis
Amazing tour! They will travel to places they know you will have the best experience. Petra was knowledgeable and very patient with all tourists. It was an unforgettable experience. 10/10.
Profesionalism exhibited By the Arctic explorer team with good knowledge sharing about Northern lights and provision of outdoor suit and boots and of course realised our dream of seeing the Aurora visually!👍
One thing to keep in mind is the necessity of warm clothes and equipment, like a tripod, which isn’t included but makes a difference for capturing those perfect shots. This tour seems tailored for those who want a well-organized, friendly, and scenic Northern Lights experience without the hassle of self-planning.
If you’re someone who values good guides, loves photography, and doesn’t mind late nights in exchange for a shot at the lights, this trip should definitely be on your list.
- Key Points
- What Is the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase Experience?
- The Itinerary — What to Expect
- Starting Point and Duration
- The Search Begins
- Multiple Stops and Locations
- Comfort and Convenience
- Photos and Memories
- Fire and Stories
- What the Reviews Say About the Experience
- Potential Downsides
- Transportation and Group Size
- Price and Value Analysis
- Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
- FAQs
- More Photography Tours in Tromso
- More Tour Reviews in Tromso
Key Points
- Flexible, full-day approach increases chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
- Professional photos are included free of charge, making it easier to cherish your experience later.
- Comfortable heated vehicle helps stay warm while chasing the lights in Arctic conditions.
- Knowledgeable guides work hard to find clear skies and maximize your viewing opportunities.
- Group size is limited to 48 travelers, offering a more intimate experience.
- Weather-dependent, so patience and flexibility may be needed.
What Is the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase Experience?
This tour is designed for travelers eager to see the Northern Lights without sacrificing comfort. Starting from Tromso, it offers a full-day outdoor adventure aboard a heated bus that keeps you cozy while you hunt for the aurora. It’s perfect if you want to maximize your chances by moving around rather than waiting at a single spot.
You’ll appreciate that the tour includes free photos sent after the trip, which is a thoughtful touch. Many reviews highlight how guides go the extra mile to locate clear skies and stunning displays, often driving to different locations, including across borders if needed.
We weren’t lucky enough to see the northern lights but Petra never gave up hope and kept trying. Even though the lights didn’t make an appearance the experience was amazing. I will remember for the rest of my life sitting on reindeer skins in the snow around a campfire drinking hot chocolate! How many people will have done that? Petra and our driver were both excellent I’d highly recommend. Thankyou Petra you made our experience wonderful
Was one in a lifetime. Possibility to see the lights was 2-3/10 and the crew tried their very best to find them, we went all the way to the border! I am so pleased. The only thing is I love photos and I’ve posed a lot, and even though I emailed to receive all my photos, I never received it. It’s a bit sad but other than that it was PERFEKT! I feel very lucky. Tromso is. great city by the way. I will definitely come back 🙂
This was a bucket list excursion for my wife and I. We were not disappointed in the least. We had originally signed up for the Big Bus Chase, but the tour company upgraded us to this mini bus trip. Our guide, Tomas, was one of the best we have ever encountered on many touring trips. He worked very hard to make sure we got to see a spectacular display of the northern lights. He treated us like long, lost friends. I would highly recommend asking for him for a guide.
The tour lasts between 7 to 10 hours, giving plenty of time to chase the best conditions, and begins at 5:30 pm. This means you’ll be out during the prime Aurora viewing hours, often late into the night.
You can also read our reviews of more photography tours in Tromso
The Itinerary — What to Expect
Starting Point and Duration
The adventure kicks off at Fiskekompaniet in Tromso at 5:30 pm. From there, a professional guide will meet you outside the bus, ready to start the hunt. The journey typically lasts around 8 hours, but it can stretch longer depending on weather conditions and the Aurora’s behavior.
The Search Begins
Your guides are well-experienced and genuinely passionate about finding the lights. They monitor weather forecasts and Aurora alerts constantly, adjusting the route to optimize your chances. The goal is to move away from city lights and find the clearest, darkest skies.
Multiple Stops and Locations
Unlike static tours, this experience is mobile. Your guide might drive you into the Arctic wilds of Norway or even across borders, as some reviews mention heading to Finland for better viewing conditions. The benefit here is clear: being flexible allows the guides to chase clear skies, which is crucial because cloud cover is the biggest enemy when hunting the Aurora.
Great experience, guides so so nice and helpful and really wanted to give us best night possible. Recommend
I do believe we were extremely lucky in being able to see the lights that we saw. It was a fantastic show of lights and we were able to see them with the naked eye- a true life experience. Another reason I believe we were so lucky was because the two guides, Georgi and Gabby, were direct with their instructions and we were the first bus to get to the bathroom stop and to the spot where it seemed most busses stopped to see the lights. The light show was fantastic and the photos we were able to get were amazing. Some of the professional photos from Georgi turned out really well with lights in the background, and some did not. I guess it's hit or miss on what you get. I would recommend this tr…
We really enjoyed looking for the northern lights with our tour guide Iris. She is a really cheerful and fun person, and non-stop encouraging us to be patient and also chat with the tour people while waiting for the northern lights. She is also very informative and took excellent pictures of us with the northern lights. We are really grateful and happy that we have her as our guide. Without her cheerful personality and non stop encouragement, we would have given up waiting in the cold dark environment for the northern lights. We really recommend Arctic Explorers tour for those who want to hunt the northern lights.
Comfort and Convenience
The bus is equipped with WiFi, restrooms, and warm drinks, making the long wait more comfortable. Snacks are also provided, so you can keep your energy up while patiently waiting for the lights to show.
Photos and Memories
One of the big perks here is the free photos sent to you after the tour. Many reviewers appreciate this, noting how it takes the pressure off capturing the lights themselves. Guides often take professional-quality shots, and you’re encouraged to snap plenty of your own as well.
Fire and Stories
Once you catch the lights or decide to take a break, your guides might light a campfire, offering hot drinks, cookies, and stories about the Aurora and Norse mythology—adding a cozy, cultural touch to the experience.
What the Reviews Say About the Experience
Many travelers describe this tour as “a once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. One reviewer mentioned how the crew “tried their very best” to find the lights, even driving all the way to the border. This dedication is common among guides, who want everyone to see the aurora if the conditions allow.
Was so good, the guides did eveything they could to make sure we had a magical experience and got to see the lights. They were also very knowledgeable.
From start to finish this experience was amazing. Staff go above and beyond. Added bonus we were so lucky to see the lights. Stunning.
Awesome trip with Iris! She found the right spot at the right time and was always positive and cheerful. Thanks for this special adventure!
Several reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Iris and Georgi, noting how they keep everyone engaged and hopeful. As one person said, “They did everything they could to make sure we saw the lights,” which is reassuring if you’re nervous about the unpredictability of the phenomenon.
The inclusion of free photos is generally well-received, though a few mention they didn’t receive all their images, which can be disappointing for photo enthusiasts.
The tours also get high marks for value for money, especially considering the length and the personalized attention. Some reviewers even drove into Finland for better conditions, which speaks to the flexibility and commitment of the guides.
Potential Downsides
Weather remains the wildcard—clouds, snow, or poor conditions might limit sightings. One review humorously noted they drove three hours to Finland because of the weather back in Tromso, and it paid off. So, patience is crucial, and you might find the trip going late into the night, which could be tiring but is often part of the Northern Lights adventure.
We got SO lucky, not even an hour and a half into the tour, and on the first stop, we got the most spectacular show above us. I honestly can't believe what I've seen, a dream come true! Louis and his team were very friendly and approachable, very knowledgeable and interacted with the group well. We ended up staying at that same stop for the whole night as there was no reason to chase. We got very lucky, with almost 2 hours of dances from the lights. Really would recommend this company! And stunning photos taken as well, good camera knowledge! And received it within an hour of getting back to our apartment.
It was a mesmerising experience. We were lucky to have seen nothern lights dancing and moving. The guides Jere and Georgi including the wonderful guy driving our bus (forgot his name) were enthusiastic. They were kind enough to stop the bus when we saw amazing forms of northern lights. highly appreciated the trip and recommend the trip too.
It was great that the guide was responsive to the conditions to get the most out of the experience. He was really friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. He allowed as many photos taken as people wanted to capture the memories. It would have been good to have had something to sit on round the fire like the other groups around us.
WiFi issues on the bus are mentioned in one review; if you're traveling with kids or need entertainment, it’s something to keep in mind. Also, warm clothes and a tripod aren’t provided, so pack appropriately.
Transportation and Group Size
The bus is heated, comfortable, and equipped with basic amenities, making the long hours easier. The maximum group size is 48 travelers, which balances a social atmosphere with enough space to spread out. Smaller groups tend to have a more personal experience, but even larger groups are managed well by the guides.
Price and Value Analysis
At $172, this tour offers significant value, especially considering the full-day length, warm amenities, and free photos. Compared to other aurora tours, the price is reasonable, given the effort to hunt in different locations and the experience of guides who actively chase clear skies.
You might find that the cost is justified if you value professional photos, flexible routing, and guides. It’s an investment in both comfort and the chance to see the Northern Lights in one of the best locations in the world.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This experience is ideal if you're serious about seeing the Aurora and prefer a comfortable, guided experience over self-driving or waiting in one spot. It’s suited for travelers who don’t mind late nights and are okay with a longer, sometimes unpredictable outing.
If photography is a priority, the included free photos and the guides’ efforts to find the best viewing spots will be appreciated. It’s also great for those who want to maximize their chances of seeing the lights through flexible routing.
However, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, you might want to consider the late hours and cold weather. The tour doesn’t seem specifically family-focused, but it’s accessible for most travelers who are comfortable with winter conditions.
Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Free Photos
"Petra and our driver went out of their way to collect us form our accomodation after confusion at the pickup point. Her expertise in photographic c..."
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for all weather conditions?
The tour relies on good weather; if poor conditions cause cancellation, you’ll get a full refund or the option to reschedule.
What should I bring to enhance my experience?
Warm clothes are essential to stay comfortable during the long wait. A tripod isn’t included but is recommended for capturing the lights.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts roughly 7 to 10 hours, starting at 5:30 pm, depending on conditions and sightings.
Can I expect to get photos?
Yes, the tour includes free photos sent to you afterward, taken by guides or professional photographers.
What makes this tour different from others?
The flexibility to move around, the full-day approach, and the inclusion of free photos set this apart from static, shorter options.
Is it easy to meet the tour starting point?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation at Fiskekompaniet in Tromso.
How many people will be on the bus?
A maximum of 48 travelers, allowing for a more comfortable experience.
What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
While guides do everything possible to maximize your chances, the aurora is a natural phenomenon, so sightings can’t be guaranteed. However, many reviews highlight successful sightings due to the guides’ efforts.
Can I cancel if weather turns bad?
Yes, cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Bad weather may also lead to tour cancellation, with a full refund offered.
This tour balances the thrill of aurora chasing with comfort, making it a compelling option for anyone serious about experiencing the Northern Lights with the support of expert guides. While weather can be a wildcard, the flexible routing and warm amenities make it a practical choice for maximizing your chances and making the most of your Tromso trip.
