Planning a trip to Tromsø and hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive aurora borealis? This Northern Lights Chase with Polar Adventures is a popular choice, and with good reason. It offers the excitement of chasing the lights in a small-group setting, combined with stunning scenery and guides.
What we like about this tour is how adaptable it is—guides actively monitor weather conditions and adjust their route to give you the best shot at a sighting. Plus, the included snacks, warm gear, and photos add a layer of comfort and memory-making. That said, it’s worth noting that seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed—after all, nature doesn’t always cooperate.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want an authentic Arctic experience, value expert guidance, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability. If you’re okay with some driving, enjoy scenic landscapes, and want to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, this could be a good fit.
We had originally booked the experience for a day later but the tour operator got in touch the day before to ask if we wanted to do the tour this night instead as was a clearer night and better chance to see the aurora which we gladly accepted. We set off around 8pm a group of 7 with Oscar our tour guide who was very friendly, knowledgeable and chatty. He stopped at a few locations to check visibility before taking us to a remote location around an hour from Tromso city centre, the stop was to a cosy grilling hut which we could sit in for some warm drinks, hot dogs, sandwiches and choc cake all included whilst we waited for the auroras to appear, Oscar continued to check and alerted us when …
Amazing experience! Hans Eric provided lots of information and took us to the best places to catch the lights! They were amazing! The driver was also really lovely and drives safely.
To make the wait more enjoyable, tours provide a range of amenities, including campfires, hot chocolate and snacks, as well as gear on occasion.
Key Points
- Flexible routes increase your chances of aurora sightings, depending on weather.
- Small groups (max 19 people) create a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
- Expert guides provide insightful info about the lights and local culture.
- Comfort included: thermal suits, snacks, hot drinks, and photos help you stay cozy.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours, so you’re out in the Arctic for a good chunk of the night.
- Weather-dependent: sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the scenery and experience are still memorable.
What the Tour Looks Like
This isn’t your typical sightseeing trip. It’s a dedicated aurora hunt that takes you outside Tromsø’s city lights into Norway’s stunning countryside, mountains, fjords, and even toward the borders of Sweden and Finland. The goal? To find clear, cloud-free skies where the northern lights can dance.
Starting out in Tromsø, your guides will pick you up from a central location, making it easy to join without much fuss. From there, the journey begins—driving through snowy landscapes, stopping frequently to take photos and check for aurora activity.
Each stop is carefully chosen based on weather conditions, which guides constantly monitor. Locations like Hansnes, Kilpisjarvi, Bardufoss, or Sommarøy are typical destinations, sometimes reaching the borders of neighboring countries. These spots are away from the light pollution of Tromsø city, giving you a better chance to see the northern lights if they appear.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tromso.
The Stops
- Tromsø: The tour kicks off in the city, where you’ll be introduced to the Arctic environment and your guides’ plans.
- Hansnes: About an hour away, a quiet spot with good potential for aurora sightings.
- Kilpisjarvi: A slightly longer drive, around two and a half hours, but worth it for the scenery and dark skies.
- Bardufoss: Around two hours from Tromsø, another location to keep your hopes high.
- Sommarøy: An hour’s drive, often chosen for its picturesque setting and open views.
What’s Included and How It Helps
Guides are experienced, and their local knowledge is invaluable in these conditions. They provide thermal suits to keep you warm, hot beverages like tea and hot chocolate, snacks including marshmallows, and two photos to take home—additional photos are available for purchase.
We took 2 different trips with 2 different companies, we preferred this one the most, even if the lights weren't quite as bright. (which isn't the tours fault) If wasn't that cold, but thermal suits are nice when you are standing outside in the snow for so low. They also made hot drinks and had cookies/snacks. Bus was comfortable, and we knew it didn't have a toilet which wasn't an issue. We really enjoyed our tour guide and driver, who talked about different topics as we went, also quiet time. She was super excited about sharing the lights and her stories were interesting. She even sang some of the indigenous throat songs which was unique, and later came out into camp singing as Santa L…
Great experience with great guide and driver (Dimi and Socrates). Very knowledgeable and thoughtful. Nicely caring each tourist, hunting patiently from place to place, and finding us a great spot to see the northern light at night.
Vanessa was a great tour guide. She went out of her way to make sure we had a good time. Her knowledge and expertise was brilliant and she made the whole trip fun and entertaining. We saw the Northern Lights which was amazing, even though there was a lot of cloud at first, the sky did eventually open up enough. Such a magical and unforgettable experience. My only gripe was the 'snacks' offered were minimal and not quite what we were expecting. A few jaffa cakes and cookies. The hot chocolate is weak and very sugary, but a hot drink of any kind is very welcome in the cold. My advice is to take your own snacks as you do spend most of the time in the minibus travelling. We couldn't stop in one …
A bonfire (weather permitting) adds to the cozy Arctic vibe, and the drop-off service ensures you’re returned comfortably to your accommodation after a long night of hunting.
The Reality of Aurora Sightings
Many reviews highlight how unpredictable nature can be. Some guests, like those in glowing reviews, had stunning displays within minutes, while others faced cloudy skies or no visible lights at all. Guides are transparent about the chances, and many reviews commend the honesty and effort of the guides to find clear skies, even if it means a long drive.
One guest shared, “Weather conditions looked dire, and we were worried that our Northern Lights experience was not to be. BUT Joanna and Sokrates saved the day!” This willingness to adapt and work with weather conditions makes all the difference.
The Experience of the Drive
The journey itself is part of the adventure. You’ll likely spend a good chunk of time on the road—anywhere from one to two and a half hours per stop—so comfortable winter clothing is essential. The group size maxes out at 19, which makes for a more intimate experience compared to large bus tours.
Despite the rainy weather our tour guide Hans Eric took us to different locations to chase the northern lights and in our 2nd spot we were able see some good aurora. Huide Hans Eric was really knowledgeable and entertaining. we had a very memorable and fun time with the group.
Small group in a van. The guides did their best to find clear skies, changing the spots, but some of the stops weren't so good (just on the road, cars with lights circulating there..) you are supposed to be in the quiet nature to enjoy the lights. Uncomfortable van.
The northern lights tour was outstanding. Jasmine was knowledgeable about the local area and took us to a great location. We had hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows which kept us warm throughout the night. What can I sat about the northern lights except they were the most amazing thing I have seen and they just kept on coming. A night I will remember for the rest of my life.
Many travelers appreciate the professional, friendly guides who keep the mood upbeat. They monitor real-time aurora activity and weather reports, adjusting routes accordingly. Some guides are very knowledgeable, sharing insights about the science and Sami culture surrounding the lights, while others focus more on capturing perfect photos.
The Most Praised Aspects
- Guides’ expertise: Many reviewers say guides like Simon, Dimi, or Amelia are fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and patient.
- Scenic stops: Locations like Sommarøy or Kilpisjarvi are more than just spots to see the lights—they’re beautiful in their own right.
- Photo opportunities: Guides often take great pictures for you, capturing the moment under the aurora, which saves you from fumbling with your phone.
- Flexibility: The option to cancel if the forecast looks bad, with full refunds, is a thoughtful touch that many travelers find reassuring.
Downsides and Cautions
The main drawback is the unpredictability of weather and aurora activity. Some reviews tell of nights spent driving around with little to no sighting, which is a risk that comes with chasing the northern lights. A few guests noted moments of unprofessionalism or miscommunication, like detours or being asked to walk long distances, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.
Plus, the tour can feel long—6 to 7 hours—and involves a fair amount of driving. If you’re not comfortable in cold environments or with long nights outdoors, it’s worth considering. Also, the tour price (around $178) is reasonable given what’s included, but some may feel it’s a bit steep considering the non-guaranteed nature of the sighting.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This trip suits travelers who are eager to experience the Arctic and see the northern lights but are prepared for the element of luck involved. It’s great for those who enjoy scenic drives, are comfortable spending hours outdoors in winter gear, and want guides with local knowledge.
Very knowledgeable guides Hans Eric and Leila made for an entertaining and informative journey. Mini-bus left around 6:30/7p and first sighting at 8:30p. What a great experience as the lights danced in the background for over an hour u tol everyone had enough! Powerful greens and purples. The team was deliberate in managing expectations as seeing the northern lights is not a given and highly unpredictable. Highly recommend this team!! An unforgettable experience and a dream come true!!
It was a wonderful! Very happy with the trip and the experience. Very kind enough to drop.us off at our hotel as it was late
Guide Sokratis is an excellent guide and determined to show us Northern Lights which we succeeded. It made our flight to Tromso worthy. Van operator Laila was also very good.
It’s especially good for anyone who appreciates flexibility—being able to cancel if weather looks poor—and for those who enjoy sharing the experience with a small, friendly group.
If you’re traveling with children or prefer a more relaxed, guaranteed-lit experience, you might want to consider other options. But for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and the chance to chase one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, this tour offers a memorable, if unpredictable, Arctic night.
Final Thoughts
The Tromsø Northern Lights Chase is a well-rated, thoughtfully organized experience that combines scenic beauty, expert guidance, and the thrill of chasing the aurora borealis. While it’s not a guarantee—something that’s true of any aurora tour—it offers some of the best odds in Tromsø thanks to its flexible routing and guides.
You’ll leave with more than just photos—stories of the Arctic night, perhaps some reindeer sightings, and a genuine sense of adventure. It’s a good pick if you’re okay with some long drives and the unpredictability of weather, but still want a chance at witnessing one of nature’s most incredible light shows.
Nice experience in Tromso to see the Northern Lights. Tour well organised so very satisfied of the tour.
Weather conditions looked dire, and we were worried that our Northern Lights experience was not to be. BUT Joanna and Sokrates saved the day! (or should I say night 🙂 They were absolutely wonderful hosts, and although we were losing hope with the weather, we had a couple hours of complete magic with an unbelievable aurora show. Unforgettable memories… thank you again for everything!
We were lucky because we could see the northern lights. As soon as we had the chance, we could jump out of the car. It's true that it was quite cloudy and we did not see the show in a clear sky, but we still had a great and lasting experience. Lady Aurora danced with pink and purple lace too. We saw it in all our 3 stops. At one the tour guide lit a small campfire, we could choose hot chocolate/coffee and roast marshmallows with the fire. We felt safe during the trip, our driver drove excellently. He also took everyone home to their hotels, which was a great advantage because we arrived after 1 am.
Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour
"Never connected at pick up site. Would not answer phone to connect to driver. Billed full price for tour. All they had to do was answer my call or..."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour is generally accessible for most travelers, it involves long drives and outdoor exposure in winter, so it’s best for families with older children or teenagers who can handle the cold and the length of the trip.
What should I wear?
The tour provides thermal suits, but it’s recommended to bring warm boots, gloves, hats, and layered winter clothing for extra insulation.
Can I cancel if the weather forecast looks bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The guides will inform you of the forecast beforehand, and if it’s too cloudy or poor weather, the trip might be canceled or rescheduled.
How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 6 to 7 hours, including pickup, driving, stops, and drop-off.
What is included in the price?
Guides, driver, thermal suits, snacks, hot drinks, two photos (extra available for purchase), and hotel drop-off are included. Bonfires are weather-dependent and not guaranteed.
What if I don’t see the northern lights?
While sightings are never guaranteed, many reviews mention that even cloudy nights are still enjoyable for the scenery and atmosphere. Some guests have booked multiple trips, knowing the unpredictability, and still found the experience worthwhile.
In all, if you’re after a genuine Arctic adventure with a good shot at seeing the aurora, this tour from Tromsø offers a solid, well-loved option. Just remember, patience and a dash of luck are part of the package.
