If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights in all their swirling glory, Wandering Owl’s Tromsø Aurora Hunt is often recommended. This small-group tour offers a chance to chase the aurora in the Arctic wilderness, with experienced guides who know where to find the best views. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a well-reviewed, thoughtfully organized experience that balances adventure, comfort, and education.
Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the expert guidance that maximizes your chances of seeing the aurora and the warm, cozy setting they create with a campfire and homemade soup. It’s clear this isn’t just about the chase but about making it memorable and comfortable for everyone.
A potential consideration is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights—they are a natural phenomenon, after all. While the guides do their best to find the best viewing spots based on weather and aurora forecasts, there’s no guarantee of a sighting on any particular night.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, knowledgeable experience with a good chance of seeing the lights, and those who don’t mind spending a few hours outdoors in winter conditions. If you’re someone who values expert tips, scenic locations, and a warm atmosphere, this could be a great pick.
Key Points
- Expert Guides: They use weather knowledge and aurora forecasts to maximize your chance of seeing the lights.
- Comfort & Warmth: Thermal suits, boots, and a campfire with homemade soup keep you cozy.
- Flexible Locations: The guides are skilled at choosing the best vantage points, sometimes crossing into Finland for optimal spots.
- Small Group: Usually capped at 15 travelers, making for a more personal experience.
- Photos & Souvenirs: Get professional photos sent to your email after the tour, capturing your Northern Lights moments.
- Pricing & Value: At $263.04 per person, it’s a fair price considering the expertise, inclusions, and the potential for a once-in-a-lifetime sighting.
The Experience in Detail
This tour kicks off with a pickup in central Tromsø, from where your guide takes you into the countryside, often into areas with less light pollution. The itinerary is flexible—the guide’s weather and aurora tracking skills decide the best locations, sometimes even crossing into Finland if those conditions promise a better shot at seeing the aurora. Bringing your passport is a smart move, as it covers potential border crossings.
Once you arrive at the chosen spot, the guides set up a camp with a roaring fire and prepare homemade vegan and gluten-free soup. Sitting around the fire, you’ll learn about the science behind the Northern Lights and get tips for photography—many reviews praise guides for their patience and expertise in helping everyone capture great shots. As you wait, you can simply relax, chat with your fellow travelers, or stare up at the sky, hoping for those dancing green ribbons.
Some nights, the lights appear quickly and stay long, offering a show that can last for hours, while other evenings might require patience and a bit of luck. But the guides are committed to doing everything possible to enhance your chances. Reviewers have mentioned guides waiting an extra 30 minutes or scouting multiple spots to find the perfect view.
The tour usually lasts between 5 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of time for the unpredictable nature of this phenomenon. The small group size and professional guidance help keep the experience intimate and informative. Guests often remark on how much they appreciated the warmth provided by thermal suits and boots, especially since temperatures in Tromsø can be quite cold.
The Logistics
Transportation is smooth and hassle-free, with pickup points at several hotels in Tromsø, including the Scandic Ishavhotel. The tour price covers taxes, fees, and handling charges, plus souvenirs—professional photos sent via email and available for purchase in high resolution. The included soup, hot chocolate, and cookies add a comforting touch after hours outside.
The tour operates in most weather conditions; the guides monitor conditions closely and will cancel or reschedule if necessary, offering a full refund or alternative dates. The group size is capped at 15, which keeps things personal yet lively enough to share the experience.
The Reviews Say It All
Many travelers rave about the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. One reviewer mentioned, “Sam (our guide) was very friendly and knowledgeable — most importantly he got us to where we could see the lights and get some incredible pictures!” Several reviews specifically highlight guides’ efforts to find the best viewing spots, sometimes even crossing borders to Finland.
The food gets a thumbs-up, with homemade vegan and gluten-free soup being a highlight. Guests also love the photographic tips, with one reviewer praising Shoja’s expertise in teaching them how to capture the night sky with their phones and cameras.
The unpredictability of the lights is acknowledged honestly. One reviewer said, “It’s an adventure, and sometimes the weather isn’t cooperative, but the guides do everything to make it memorable.” Many mention that even if the aurora isn’t spectacular, the experience itself—the campfire, the company, and the knowledge—makes it worthwhile.
Is it Worth the Price?
At $263.04 per person, this experience is not cheap, but considering the inclusions—expert guidance, warm gear, food, and photos—it offers good value. The potential for witnessing the Northern Lights in this setting is pretty high, especially with guides who actively monitor weather conditions and adjust accordingly.
If you’re someone who values a well-organized, educational, and comfortable tour, this price makes sense. The small group size means you’re not just another face in a large bus, and the personal attention from guides like Mia, Shoja, or Isaac really stands out.
The Perfect Fit?
This tour suits travelers who are serious about seeing the Aurora and appreciate expert advice. It’s especially good if you want to maximize your chances with guides who are dedicated and knowledgeable. It’s also ideal for those who want a balance of adventure and comfort—warm suits, cozy campfire, and delicious food in the freezing Arctic night.
If you’re traveling with family or friends who don’t mind a night outdoors and can handle some walking, it’s a solid choice. Just be aware that the experience involves some waiting outdoors, and the weather can be harsh, so proper clothing is a must.
FAQs
How long does the tour last?
Expect around 5 to 8 hours, depending on weather conditions and aurora activity. It’s designed to give you enough time to see the lights if they appear.
Are warm clothes provided?
Yes, thermal suits and boots are included to keep you warm and comfortable in the Arctic cold.
Do I need my passport?
Yes, bringing your passport is recommended because the guides might cross into Finland if conditions favor better viewing spots.
What do I do if the weather isn’t clear?
The guides monitor weather closely, and if conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund or alternative options offered.
Can I get photos of the Northern Lights?
Absolutely. Guides are skilled at helping you capture the moment, and professional photos are sent via email after the tour, with high-resolution options available for purchase.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience involves walking in cold outdoor conditions and waiting outdoors for extended periods. Families with children comfortable in winter weather should be okay, but always check with the provider if you have concerns.
Tromsø: Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science with Wandering Owl
“Fantastic trip for viewing the Northern Lights. The trip started in Norway but due to weather conditions, it was determined that the best chances …”
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a well-organized, guided Northern Lights experience that prioritizes both viewing success and guest comfort, Wandering Owl’s Tromsø Aurora Hunt is hard to beat. The combination of expert guides, flexible locations, and cozy campfire ambiance makes it a solid choice for most travelers heading to Tromsø. It’s especially recommended if you’re eager to learn about the science behind the aurora, or want to improve your photography skills while in Norway’s Arctic.
While nature’s unpredictable, the attention to detail and care from the guides make this tour stand out, giving you a real shot at catching those elusive, shimmering lights. Just bring your warmest clothes, patience, and a sense of adventure—you might just tick off a lifelong dream.
