Tromsø: Adult Only Aurora hunt with Citizen Science

If you’re considering a Northern Lights tour in Tromsø, this Adult Only Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science by Wandering Owl offers a thoughtful balance of adventure, comfort, and purpose. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, we’ve sifted through reviews and all the details to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we really like about this experience is that it’s a small-group outing—just eight people—which usually means more personalized attention and a cozy vibe. Plus, the combination of a warm campfire with homemade soup and the chance to learn night photography makes it feel both relaxing and educational. On the flip side, it’s important to note that this is an adults-only tour, so it’s not suitable for kids, and you do need to be prepared for some walking and limited toilet options.

This tour is definitely best suited for those who want a more intimate, responsible, experience in the Arctic, with a penchant for photography or a curiosity about contributing to environmental research. If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized outing with a focus on the Aurora, this could be a good pick.

Key Points

• Small group size (8 guests) ensures a more personal experience.
• Participation in citizen science projects helps contribute to Arctic research.
• Includes thermal suits and boots for warmth, making outdoor conditions more comfortable.
• Offers photography lessons to help you capture the Aurora.
• Comfort food, like homemade vegan soup and hot chocolate, adds to the cozy atmosphere.
• Flexible route based on weather, sometimes traveling all the way to the Finnish border.
• No guaranteed Aurora sightings — but with an experienced guide, your chances are maximized.
• Limited amenities and bathroom options mean some prep is required.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of This Tromsø Experience

Setting the Scene: From City Lights to Arctic Wilderness

This tour begins in Tromsø, but the magic is in leaving the city behind. The guide takes you into the surrounding Arctic countryside where light pollution drops away, leaving the sky open to the heavens. The route is driven by the latest weather forecasts, often taking you toward the Finnish border where microclimates can clear the sky even if Tromsø stays cloudy.

The drive itself adds an element of adventure, as you might travel quite a distance—sometimes through snowy landscapes—to find the clearest sky. The small group size means you won’t be crammed in a bus with dozens of others, making the whole experience more intimate and relaxed.

The Arctic Campfire Experience

Once the guide finds a promising spot, you’ll don thermal suits and boots provided for your comfort. Then it’s time to settle around a campfire. This aspect of the tour is genuinely one of its highlights. The homemade vegan soup is a warm, hearty treat that keeps everyone cozy as you wait for nature’s light show. The hot chocolate and biscuits only add to the welcoming atmosphere.

The campfire isn’t just about warmth; it’s about creating a shared experience. You can chat, soak up the silence, or simply marvel at the night sky. Many reviews mention how the guides make the experience feel relaxed yet special.

Photography and Sharing the Moment

If you’re into photography—or want to get better at it—this tour offers lessons on how to photograph the Aurora. The guides bring tripods and headlamps, helping you stabilize your camera and adjust settings to capture the lights at their best. Even if you’re an amateur, these tips can turn your humble camera into a pretty effective Aurora shooter.

On top of that, the guides are happy to take photos of you, which are later sent in web-sized resolution after the tour—no fuss, no extra charge. This way, you can focus on the moment without worrying about your camera.

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Contributing to Science

A standout feature of this tour is its citizen science element. When conditions are right, you’ll participate in collecting data for environmental research. The guides follow a scientific method, and your contributions are uploaded to a research database. This aspect adds a meaningful twist—you’re not just a tourist, but part of a project helping protect and understand the Arctic environment.

This initiative also supports local conservation efforts and responsible tourism practices, which is increasingly important in sensitive regions like Tromsø.

The Return and Flexibility

After a successful (or sometimes not-so-successful) night of Aurora chasing, you’ll relax with warm drinks by the campfire before heading back to Tromsø. The tour includes multiple drop-off points in the city, making it convenient to plan your next day.

Practical Considerations and What to Pack

Given the outdoor nature of the tour, dress warmly. You’ll want multiple layers, a hat, gloves, scarf, and thermal socks. Weather conditions can vary, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. The tour advises bringing your passport or ID, and to be prepared for limited toilet options—there’s a gas station stop during the drive, but otherwise, you might need to use the forest.

Charge your camera batteries beforehand, and if you can, carry an extra one. The tour involves some walking, but it’s not overly strenuous.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for a small, responsible, and educational Arctic adventure. It’s ideal if you appreciate a relaxed pace, want to participate in citizen science, and are interested in photography. If you’re traveling solo, this is a great chance to meet like-minded people in a cozy setting. However, it’s not suitable for children under 18, those with mobility issues, or people over 136 kg (300 lbs).

Price and Value

While the exact price isn’t specified, the tour includes thermal suits, boots, a homemade meal, hot chocolate, photos, and participation in research, which adds value. The small group size and personalized approach make it a more intimate and potentially more memorable experience compared to larger tours. Plus, flexible booking and cancellation policies provide peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a thoughtful, eco-conscious way to experience the Northern Lights in Tromsø, this tour offers a lot of what you might want—personal attention, comfort, learning opportunities, and a contribution to Arctic research. The small-group setting helps create a relaxed atmosphere, and the focus on conservation and citizen science adds a meaningful layer to the adventure.

This tour is particularly well-suited for adults who value comfort and purpose over large-scale, commercialized chase tours. If your main goal is to enjoy the Aurora at a leisurely pace, learn some photography, and help with environmental efforts, it’s a solid choice.

However, if you’re just after a guaranteed Aurora sighting or prefer a more energetic chase, you might want to explore other options. Remember, Aurora sightings can never be guaranteed—nature is unpredictable, but an experienced guide maximizes your chances.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is specifically for adults over 18. It involves outdoor walking and is designed for an adult audience.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup. You meet in front of Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, scarf, socks, and hiking shoes. Thermal suits and boots are provided, but layering your own warm clothes is recommended.

What happens if the weather is cloudy?
Since the route is guided by weather forecasts, the guide may drive to different locations or even toward the Finnish border in search of clear skies. However, there are no guarantees of seeing the Aurora.

Are there vegetarian or vegan meal options?
Yes, a homemade vegan soup is included, along with hot chocolate and biscuits.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts around 8 hours, with start times varying based on availability.

What’s included in the price?
Thermal suits, boots, tripods, headtorches, homemade vegan soup, hot chocolate, biscuits, and free web-sized photos. Citizen science participation is also included if conditions permit.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

In essence, this Tromsø Aurora Hunt provides a calm, meaningful way to chase the Northern Lights—perfect for those who value comfort, responsibility, and a touch of education amid the Arctic beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: