Planning to chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø? We’ve come across a well-reviewed experience that seems to hit the right notes for many travelers. Offered by Northern Norway Travel AS, this Aurora Borealis tour combines scenic drives, cozy campfire moments, and guaranteed chances to see the Lights—though, of course, nature’s unpredictability remains.
What makes this experience stand out? First, the professional guiding and the effort to get you the best views possible. Second, the delicious local meal paired with storytelling around the campfire.
That said, a possible snag is that this tour isn’t a guarantee — the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon after all. Still, it’s a solid pick for anyone interested in a relaxed, informative, and scenic Arctic adventure.
Our guides Kirsten and Morten were great, very dedicated and speading good spirit. The driving itself can be a little tedious on the small, winding roads, but they helped making time pass fast. We found several places with holes in the clouds and had good sightings of Northern lights. The final place for the bonfire was at a lake side where the sky opened completely. All in all was the trip well-prepared, the guides fun and professional and nature pitched in also 🙂 When going home, my wife became extremely carsick (not due to the driving, she often has issues with that), and I have never experienced such a caring and empathetic person as Kirsten in that situation. Thank you for a great trip…
With the unseasonably warm weather I had little expectation of seeing the lights. However I was taken aback, we saw the lights almost all night and incredibly vividly. It was so beautiful it took your breath away. Our guide was amazing and was almost as excited as we were to see the spectacular light show
The guides did their best effort to see the northen lights, we had to go close to Finland and we finally saw an amazing northen ligths, they were awesome. I truly recommend them, local guides never never dissapoint.
If you’re someone who appreciates good stories, stunning scenery, and a touch of comfort while chasing the auroras, this tour could suit you well. It’s also a smart choice for travelers who want a more curated experience without roughing it in the wilderness.
- Key Points
- What to Expect from the Tromsø Aurora Borealis Tour
- The Drive and Scenic Journey
- The Search for the Lights
- The Aurora Experience
- Returning and Flexibility
- The Itinerary Breakdown
- What Travelers Say
- Downsides Mentioned
- How Does It Compare to Other Options?
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- More Tours in Tromso
- More Tour Reviews in Tromso
Key Points
- Flexible duration: 5 to 7 hours, so you can choose a time that works for your schedule.
- Small group size: Limited to 15 participants, making it more personalized.
- Professional photos included: One high-def portrait per person, plus tips for capturing your own shots.
- Comfort in cold weather: Thermal suits and cozy campfire environment.
- Local cuisine: A hot meal from a local restaurant adds flavor and warmth.
- Unpredictable sighting: Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed, but the guide’s efforts make success more likely.
What to Expect from the Tromsø Aurora Borealis Tour
This experience is designed to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights while keeping things comfortable and engaging.
From the start, you’ll meet your guide at a specified location—either at Northern Norway Travel or the Tromsø harbor—where hot drinks and a quick safety briefing set the tone. You’ll want to use the restroom beforehand, because once the tour kicks off, bathroom stops are limited.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tromso.
The Drive and Scenic Journey
Soon after, you’ll head out in a luxurious Mercedes Sprinter, driven by a professional driver. The journey through Arctic landscapes is part of the fun; the vehicle is cozy, and the guide will sprinkle in fascinating facts about Northern Norway, local legends, and science behind the auroras.
David (tour guide) was extremely passionate about the Northern Lights which made us very excited as well. He wasted no time in finding the Northern Lights, and brought us to very special places to watch them with no one around us. He also took really nice portraits of us. He answered all the questions in a friendly and informative manner. The driver was also very cooperative with David in his hunt for the lights. They set up a bonfire which was really warming Price was slightly expensive which is understandable due to New Year’s season
We did the Aurora Borealis chase on 23/12 and it was AMAZING. We were very lucky to have a clear night and the lights were on full display. The lights started faint and then by the end of the evening, they were dancing away vividly (life dream/bucket list unlocked!). The tour itself was excellent – Kirsten was phenomenal – super friendly, organised and knowledgeable and our driver was also fantastic. When we arrived at our viewing location, Kirsten and our driver setup a lovely warm fire and we all sat around chatting and enjoying delicious reindeer stew, marshmallows, cookies, warm drinks and other sweet treats. Kirsten also took photos of us throughout the evening with a DSLR camera and tr…
We were fortunate enough to witness the Aurora multiple times during the trip. The guide Pedro was amazing and very knowledgeable and accommodating. He had the best recommendations for photographers and also clicked wonderful pictures of us. Overall it was a great tour and I would highly recommend this tour. The driver also dropped us to the doorstep of our airbnb.
This part of the tour is more than just transportation—it’s a chance to soak in the winter scenery, which can be mesmerizing.
The Search for the Lights
Once you arrive at the chosen spot, your guide will help you gear up in thermal suits—be sure to dress warmly in layers, with thick socks, shoes, mittens, and hats. Some sizes are limited, so keep that in mind.
Then, it’s time to set up camp near a campfire, where you’ll enjoy a hot meal from a local restaurant, with hot beverages in hand. The atmosphere is cozy and social, with storytelling and shared anticipation.
The Aurora Experience
When the sky cooperates and the lights appear, your guide will advise on how to take the best photos and will help by taking professional pictures of you and your group. Many reviews love the quality of these photos, with travelers mentioning they received a high-definition portrait free of charge, and the option to buy more photos afterward.
Thank you for giving me my first, happiest and most enjoyable time in Tromsø. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to see the Northern Lights because of the bad weather forecast, but our guide Pablo did a great job of finding the Northern Lights, and we captured the beautiful green light in our eyes and hearts. He even took pictures for us! 🙂 Reindeer soup, sweet and warm drinks, campfire, comfortable vehicles and great members. It was just perfect. Thank you so much to Pablo and Northen norway.
Our guide Martin and our driver Morton were both incredible! Although the likelihood of of seeing Aurora was calculated at only 10-14% the night we went out – they drove to a solitary (in a good way) and quiet area with open sky and found us beautiful Northern lights!
awesome experience, our guide Martin was really good and very interesting to talk to. He was a awesome person and also very helpful with knowing where ro get the northern lights! overall a very fun trip!
But remember, the northern lights are unpredictable. Some nights deliver a vibrant green dance across the sky, while others might be more subtle or hidden behind clouds. A few travelers report that guides often drive to different spots to improve chances, even crossing into Finland if needed.
More Great Tours NearbyReturning and Flexibility
The tour lasts between 5 and 7 hours, depending on conditions and how far the guide needs to go. Afterward, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel or arranged accommodation, with options for outside the city if you’re staying farther out. The experience is designed to be relaxed, with enough time to enjoy the scenery, food, and camaraderie.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting Point: You’ll meet either at Northern Norway Travel or Tromsø Harbor. This flexible start location helps accommodate different accommodations around the city.
Journey to the Aurora Spot: The guide drives you through the Arctic, with scenic views and interesting stories to keep you entertained during the drive. Traveling in a small group keeps the experience intimate and allows for more personalized attention.
Such an incredible experience and incredible guides ❤️
A large group canceled so that meant we had a smaller of only 4 on the tour. Our guide took us to a place that no one goes and it was great. I'm not a fan of reindeer stew, but now I can saw I have tried it. Martin was a great guide and we had really good conversations on the way. I highly recommend this tour. Make sure you your foot and hands stay warm. They provide a winter suit to put over your cloths and coat, but your foot and hands are only protected based on good your shoes and gloves are. I would recommend hand warmers and/or electric socks and gloves.
Davis was an excellent guide. His passion and enthusiasm was great! We were blessed with an amazing Northern lights show. It was spectacular. The reindeer soup was good. We had plenty of tea and hot chocolate and cookies. This was a highlight of our trip.
Camp Setup and Meal: Arriving at the chosen site, you’ll put on thermal suits (limited sizes available) and gather around a warm campfire. The local meal, often reindeer stew or other hearty fare, provides comfort after braving the cold, plus hot drinks to keep you warm.
Waiting for the Lights: The guide will help with photography tips and take high-quality pictures. The main event—seeing the Aurora dance—is a natural spectacle that can’t be guaranteed, but the guides’ experience and flexibility improve your odds.
Photo and Review: After the lights appear, you’ll have memorable photos to take home. Many guests have noted that the guides are enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated to making the experience special—even if the skies don’t fully cooperate.
What Travelers Say
The reviews are quite telling. Many praise the guides, like Kirsten, Morten, and Martin, for their professionalism and enthusiasm. Multiple reviews mention how the guides go out of their way, even driving long distances or to less-crowded areas, to find clear skies and Northern Lights.
Excellent, could not have asked for a better guide. Such an amazing experience.
We loved everything about it, the boat was great, the guides extremely nice and welcoming, the landscape majestic – and seeing the pod of orcas was a once in I lifetime experience that we’ll never forget!
Aidan was our tour guide and photographer. he explained us about the aurora and take picture with professional camera very passionately trying to get the perfect angle for all the tourists. he was very kind and give us a memorable experience! thank youuu
For example, a traveler remarked, "Our guides Kirsten and Morten were great, very dedicated and spreading good spirit. The driving itself can be a little tedious, but they helped make time pass fast. We had good sightings of Aurora, and the final bonfire spot was at a lakeside where the sky opened up."
Others highlight the food and storytelling aspect. Guests love the hot meal—often reindeer stew or local snacks—and how it adds to the cozy atmosphere. The storytelling around the campfire is another favorite, creating a genuine sense of connection and culture.
The quality of photos gets high marks, with travelers saying the professional pictures are worth the effort, especially since they’re included in the price and delivered in high resolution.
Downsides Mentioned
Despite the positive feedback, a few reviews point out some realistic cautions. The main one is that Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed—a common situation for Aurora tours. Also, the tour requires dressing warmly, and limited thermal suit sizes could be a concern for some.
The tour duration may be long, and you’ll need to be prepared for possibly icy conditions and walking from the bus to camp.
Another point: some reviews note that the photos are purchased afterward, which might seem a bit unexpected if you’re unaware. Also, children under 8 aren’t permitted, so it’s more suitable for older kids or adults.
How Does It Compare to Other Options?
This tour offers a well-rounded experience—comfortable transportation, local food, storytelling, and professional photos—making it appealing for those who want a more curated adventure. Many similar tours focus solely on the chase with minimal extras, but this one balances that with comfort and cultural touches.
Given the consistent positive reviews about guides, scenery, and food, it’s clear the provider invests in quality. The small group size and personalized photographs elevate it above more generic options.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and somewhat luxurious way to see the Northern Lights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good if you want to combine the aurora experience with local cuisine and storytelling. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate a bit of comfort after a long day of Arctic adventures.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a purely adventurous, backpacker-style outing, this might feel a little too curated. Also, for families with small children under 8, this tour wouldn’t fit.
Final Thoughts
This Tromsø Aurora Borealis tour strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort. The combination of scenic drives, cozy campfire, local food, and high-quality photos makes it a compelling option for those seeking a memorable Arctic experience.
The guides’ dedication and flexibility, paired with the effort to find clear skies, boost your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights—though patience and luck still play their part.
This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, well-organized outing, with some cultural flavor thrown in. It’s great for those who value storytelling, good food, and a personal touch, especially if capturing the Lights on camera is part of your dream.
If you’re okay with the possibility that the auroras might not show up every night, and you’re prepared for cold weather, this tour offers a worthy shot at one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena.
Tromsø: Aurora Borealis, Campfire, Hot Meal, Arctic Tour
"Our guides Kirsten and Morten were great, very dedicated and speading good spirit. The driving itself can be a little tedious on the small, winding..."
FAQ
Is there a guaranteed sighting of the Northern Lights?
No, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. The guides do their best to find clear skies and good viewing spots.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 5 and 7 hours, depending on where the guide needs to drive to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, with a hat, gloves, socks, and sturdy shoes. The tour provides thermal suits, but sizes are limited, so additional warm clothing and accessories like hand warmers are recommended.
Are meals included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a hot meal from a local restaurant plus hot beverages around the campfire. Many reviews highlight the reindeer stew and local snacks as highlights.
Can I buy the photos taken during the tour?
Yes, professional photographs are included in the package—one high-definition portrait per person—and additional photos can be purchased afterward.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 8 years old are not allowed, so this experience is better suited for older kids and adults who are comfortable in cold weather.
In essence, if you’re looking for a thoughtfully organized, cozy Northern Lights chase with some local flavor, this Arctic tour could be just what you need. Keep your expectations in check, pack warmly, and enjoy the possibility of witnessing one of the most beautiful displays in nature.
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