Tromsø is Norway’s capital of the Northern Lights. There are more than 100 Northern Lights tour providers in the city. So, how do you choose the best Northern Lights tours in Tromso?
We believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to the Northern Lights tours. Some prefer small active tours, while the price is the most important factor for others.
To help you decide which provider is right for you, we put together this article, which discusses the aspects you should consider before booking an aurora hunt in Tromso (group size, price, type of vehicle, etc.)
❗Do you want to know which of the Northern Lights tours are available right now? Check our Tromso winter activities availability calendar!
❓ Are you looking for other activities you can do in Tromsø in winter in addition to aurora hunting? Then check out our article on the 13 best things you can do in Tromsø during winter.
We spent six months living in Tromsø in 2022. During that time, I (Radka) worked for a Tromsø-based travel agency that offered Northern Lights tours and other excursions in Tromsø and Lofoten.
Answering inquiries about visiting Tromsø in winter, especially questions concerning the Northern Lights—whether it was when is the best month to see the aurora, which aurora tracking app to use, or what is the best aurora tour in Tromso—was part of my daily routine.
I often wished I had comprehensive material to direct customers to answer these questions instead of answering tons of emails with the same questions every day. So here it is – your guide to the best northern lights tour providers in Tromsø!
I hope you find it helpful!
Radka & Ivar 💙
We don’t have experience with every single company offering Northern Lights tours in Tromsø, so if the tour you chose isn’t on this list, it doesn’t mean it’s not a great choice!
The companies we feature are those we know through my previous work in Tromsø, recommendations from trusted friends in the industry, or ones we’ve reached out to ourselves.
Our criteria are straightforward: the companies must be registered in Norway, have all the necessary paperwork, and have a solid track record of great reviews.
For some of the newly established companies on our list, you may notice there are almost no reviews yet—but that’s because they’re often run by guides with years of experience in the industry who’ve now decided to start their own business.
We also aim to establish personal relationships with the companies we recommend, getting to know them and their offerings—ideally meeting them in person and trying their tours ourselves. We update this list every year, and sometimes even mid-season, as we get to know new companies or make adjustments.
In short, we’re committed to recommending only the most reliable, enjoyable options based on personal and industry knowledge, so you’re in good hands <3
As we mentioned in the first paragraph, there are more than 100 Northern Lights tour providers in Tromso and its surroundings, and new ones are popping up every season.
We highly recommend reading this article to help you find the perfect Northern Lights tour based on your needs—whether it’s group size, price, activity level, or a focus on photography.
But if you’re just here for a quick list of great companies, here it is:
👉 Wandering Owl (Minibus tours up to 15px)
👉 The Green Adventure (Minibus tours up to 15px)
👉 Arctic Circle Tours Tromsø (Minibus tours up to 15px)
👉 Arctic Wild Tours (Minibus tours up to 15px)
👉 Arctic Photo Guide (Small groups up to 6px)
👉 Greenlander (Small groups up to 8px)
👉 Northbound (Small groups up to 8px)
👉 Green Gold of Norway (Small groups up to 8px)
👉 Arctic Wild Tours (Small groups up to 8px)
👉 Northern Shots (Big coaches up to 45px)
👉 Arctic Wild Tours (Big coaches up to 44px)
👉 Best Arctic (Basecamp concept, up to 44px)
Let’s start with what most people prefer: Northern Lights chasing tours in small groups of up to 8 people.
Choosing a small group tour can allow you to connect personally with the guide and other travelers, making the experience more intimate and enjoyable.
These small tours fill up fast, so be sure to book as early as possible! What does “early” mean? The sooner, the better. Now, at the end of October (2024), most small tours are fully booked until mid-January. Occasionally, there’s an opening due to cancellations, but usually only for one or two people.
Here are our tips for the best northern lights tours in Tromso for up to 8 people:
Nico from Arctic Photo Guide is probably Tromso’s smallest Northern Lights tour operator, who approaches Northern Lights chasing a bit differently.
While other companies take you to one of the parking spots around Tromso, where you can enjoy magnificent views, the tour with Nico is a bit more active and takes you off the beaten path.
You will get thermal suits, snowshoes/ice cleats, and walking sticks, and you will hike through the winter landscape to a secluded location where you can have an intimate aurora viewing away from light pollution or crowds.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: Max 6 pax
💰 Prize: from 2450 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: approx 5-9 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes! Portraits, landscapes, and group photos!
🚌 Vehicle: 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser
👶 Minimum Age: 13 years
“Our journey with Nicola was exciting and magical. It was a small group, and everyone got along very well, despite some amusing language barriers at times.
The first 2.5 to 3 hours or so were spent chasing gaps in the cloud, occasionally spotting quite minimal activity. As the hours went by, Nicola kept everyone’s spirits high, grabbing opportunities to take souvenir photos with the Northern Lights when the camera could detect what the human eye could not.
After some food and some more chat around a campfire (some four hours into our journey), the heavens opened. We were treated to a truly marvelous display of the lights, with elements of green being visible to the naked eye. Nicola helped me set up my camera in an optimal manner and captured some great shots. I’ve also attached a couple of Nicola’s photos of us, which were sent to us promptly.
Overall, we loved our trip with Nicola. The group size and dynamic suited us very well. His guidance was helpful, informative, and considerate, and the display was fabulous. Thank you!”
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check more reviews on TripAdvisor.
Northbound was started by two Northern Lights fanatics and photographers, Oli from England and Ryan from Australia. After countless nights under the Arctic sky, they decided to team up and share their love for the Aurora with the world.
✅ Northbound tours include high-quality photography and time-lapses of the night under the lights (included in the price)!
✅ Northbound offers fixed pricing – meaning that the rates stay the same no matter the time of year.
✅ Oli and Ryan usually guide the trips together, with Oli handling both driving and guiding, while Ryan focuses on guiding and photography. In Tromsø, it’s truly unique to have two guides on a minivan tour!
👨👩👦👦 Group size: Max 8 pax
💰 Prize: from 2250 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 5-9 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes (even timelapses!)
🚌 Vehicle: Mercedes Vito 4×4
👶 Minimum Age: 8 years
“Our experience began with a morning phone call, where they explained that there was little hope of seeing the aurora that night and gave us the option not to go. We decided to tempt fate and chose to go anyway.
The guys from Northbound are incredibly skilled and managed to find a clear patch of sky away from Tromsø’s rain. There was a lot of waiting, but eventually, the northern lights appeared as if by magic.
Other groups that night didn’t manage to see them. If you want to see the northern lights, go with Oli and Ryan—the best northern lights hunters!”
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check more reviews on TripAdvisor.
Greenlander is one of the most renowned Northern Lights companies in Tromsø, famous for going the extra extra extra mile to find the best views and capture stunning photos of the aurora and sometimes returning to Tromsø super late after a long night of chasing.
The guys from Greenlander are known for enjoying the thrill of the northern lights chasing, spending long hours outside in search of clear skies.
So, if you’re looking for a shorter tour and want to return to your hotel early, they might not be the best fit for you. However, Greenlander is an excellent choice if you’re up for a longer adventure to experience the best of the Northern Lights.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: Max 8
💰 Prize: (dynamic pricing) 2550 – 2950 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 6-9 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes, in a website resolution (2048px long side)
🚌 Vehicle: 4×4 Mercedes Benz Minivan
“If you want to see the lights, this is your guide and tour. Markus is the Best Northern Lights hunter for granted. I do not know how Markus did it, but if he had told me before the tour that we would be able to see the lights that night, I would say impossible, no way, because the weather was very cloudy, windy, and snowing.
He drove us for a few hours, trying to find clear skies with stable activity, but the weather was pretty bad. However, his ten years in the business paid off. He found a clear sky spot from nowhere, and within 2 minutes of getting out of the minivan, the dancing lights just showed up for at least 30 minutes. It was absolutely incredible. There are no words to express that feeling.
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check more reviews on TripAdvisor.
Aurora Chases by minibus offer a great middle ground between the more expensive small group tours and the larger, more affordable bus tours.
With a minibus, you still enjoy a more personal experience than you would on a big bus, as the guide can connect with everyone in the group.
Additionally, minibusses can access parking spots that might be difficult for larger buses, allowing for more flexibility in choosing the viewing locations for the Northern Lights.
Here are our tips for the best minibus northern lights tours in Tromsø:
Wandering Owl was established in 2014 by three friends who saw an opportunity and a challenge to share the beauty of Tromsø’s nature with visitors.
Since then, they have become a go-to company for Northern Lights chasing in Tromsø, offering over ten years of experience.
Their friendly guides, who are professional photographers and trained nature experts, create unforgettable experiences in the stunning wilderness year-round.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: 8 – 15 pax (Minimum of 4 adults to confirm the tour)
💰 Prize: from 2350 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 5-8 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes, in web-sized resolution
🚌 Vehicle: 15 Person Minibus
👶 Minimum Age: 6 years
👨👩👦👦 Group size: 8 – 15 pax (Minimum of 4 adults to confirm the tour)
💰 Prize: from 1800 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 4 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes, in web-sized resolution
🚌 Vehicle: 15 Person Minibus
👶 Minimum Age: 6 years
“Bart and Vitek from Wandering Owl were quite awesome. Despite some inclement weather (one or two roads may have been closed to snow), they took us to a sheltered valley, where we could see the majesty of the Northern Lights unfold while protected from the winds that we encountered in other places!”
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check out more reviews on TripAdvisor.
The Green Adventure is a small, family-run tour company in Tromsø, led by Rob and Katarzyna, who are passionate about eco-friendly travel.
They offer a range of guided tours, including Northern Lights chases, scenic fjord drives, and snowshoe hikes. Their tours explore the stunning landscapes of Kvaløya Island and sometimes stretch all the way to the Finnish border.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to photos, warm food, hot drinks, and thermal suits, all included in the tour price.
Green Adventures will pick you up from the meeting point located in front of Scandic Ishavshotel in the city center of Tromsø. After your adventure, they offer drop-offs at selected hotels or taxi stands in the city center, making it easy to end your trip comfortably.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: 3 – 15 pax
💰 Prize: from 2090 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 6-9 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes, in web-sized resolution (2048px resolution with a watermark)
🚌 Vehicle: 15 Person Minibus
👶 Minimum Age: 12 years
“Kat did an amazing job in initially unpromising conditions: widespread heavy wet snow. It took quite some driving, but clearer skies with some color were found. Huzzah! We moved to another spot, had a cozy dinner, and were treated to more lights. Back in the van to head home, everyone was satisfied with a successful hunt.
We did not expect Kat to stop two more times on the way home to view increasingly amazing displays, culminating in a spectacular horizon-to-horizon dance. She could have let us snooze none the wiser, job already well done, and called it a night, but for those of us who can only briefly visit to see the lights instead, she went the extra distance to give us memories for a lifetime.”
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check out more reviews on TripAdvisor.
Arctic Wild Tours, founded by Lorenzo, is for those who want a real, meaningful Arctic experience. Lorenzo isn’t just any guide; he’s got a strong background in biology and years of hands-on experience studying wildlife from the Falklands to Tromsø. Starting out in Rome, he chased his love for nature and science through degrees in animal physiology, eventually completing a PhD in California.
On top of all that, he’s a diver and wildlife photographer—so he knows how to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments the Arctic offers. His scientific background and passion for nature are the backbone of Arctic Wild Tours.
Why Choose Arctic Wild Tours for Northern Lights?
Arctic Wild Tours isn’t just about getting you out there to “catch” the lights—it’s about giving you a full, eye-opening experience. The company reflects Lorenzo’s values: a strong respect for the Arctic, a commitment to sharing knowledge, and an appreciation for natural beauty.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: 8 – 15 pax
💰 Price: from 2150 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 5-7 hours
📸 Photos included: for purchase
🚌 Vehicle: 15 Person Minibus
👶 Minimum age: 1 – 99
Note that Arctic Wild Tours also runs small tours for up to 8 people and big bus tours for up to 44 people.
“Arrived almost in Finland on an evening that had been very difficult for the success of the tour .. we spent a fantastic evening with photos of us and the unparalleled dawn. Professional and very prepared.“
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check out more reviews on TripAdvisor.
Arctic Circle Tours, run by the folks behind Ami Hotel in Tromsø, is all about making your Northern Lights experience both unforgettable and comfortable. They keep the groups small—just 7-15 people in a van or minivan.
Now, here’s what makes Arctic Circle Tours stand out: they’ve got a special camera pointed at the night sky that shows live video of the Northern Lights right on a TV screen in the minibus.
And if the lights don’t show up for you the first time, no need to stress. You can book another go at a 50% discount if there’s space. Plus, they’ve thought of the little comforts too. You’ll have access to a heated tent with a toilet—something you won’t find with most small-group Northern Lights tours.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: up to 15 pax
💰 Prize: from 1890 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 6-9 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes!
🚌 Vehicle: 15 Person Minibus, 8-seater van
👶 Minimum Age: 5 years
“This tour had everything covered: warm clothes, boots, hot drinks, food, sweets, blankets, camera tips, WiFi on the bus, and tripods! The forecast showed clouds everywhere, but Margaux and Martine still went the extra mile, checking with locals and apps to find a good spot. We set up a campfire and roasted marshmallows, and although we couldn’t see the Northern Lights with the naked eye, they caught them on camera and took photos of all of us—just in case.
After some hotdogs and stories about the Northern Lights, the sky got cloudier, so we started heading back. But then, on the way, the lights showed up on the roof camera, so Martine pulled over, and we finally got to see them in person! They took more photos of us with the lights, making sure each one was sharp. As a solo traveler, I was so grateful to have those pictures. Less than 14 hours later, we got all the photos and even a timelapse. It was truly unforgettable—even more than just the lights!“
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check out more reviews on TripAdvisor.
Northern Horizon is a company born from a passion for nature and the wilderness. They offer northern lights tours in medium-sized groups for up to 15 persons in a minibus and all-year-round Arctic Nature Sightseeing Tours to Tromsø´s neighboring island, Kvaløya.
The guides at Northern Horizon are passionate photographers, and professional pictures are included in the tour price.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: Max 15 pax
💰 Prize: from 2300 – 3500 NOK/pax (dynamic pricing based on season)
⏱ Duration: 6-9 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes
🚌 Vehicle: 15 Person Minibus
“We had no hope of seeing the Northern Lights after arriving in Tromso on a cruise to heavy clouds and rain/sleet, not to mention a low KP index, but Team Northern Horizon got us on one of their cruise special tours and promised to get us back to the ship before departure.
Max, our guide, kept his eyes on the sky and found the opening we needed. OMG! We ended up with photos and a viewing experience our friends envy!!! Thanks!!!”
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check more reviews on TripAdvisor.
Northern Horizon is a company born from a passion for nature and the wilderness. They offer northern lights tours in medium-sized groups for up to 15 persons in a minibus and all-year-round Arctic Nature Sightseeing Tours to Tromsø´s neighboring island, Kvaløya.
The guides at Northern Horizon are passionate photographers, and professional pictures are included in the tour price.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: Max 15 pax
💰 Prize: from 2300 – 3500 NOK/pax (dynamic pricing based on season)
⏱ Duration: 6-9 hours
📸 Photos included: Yes
🚌 Vehicle: 15 Person Minibus
“We had no hope of seeing the Northern Lights after arriving in Tromso on a cruise to heavy clouds and rain/sleet, not to mention a low KP index, but Team Northern Horizon got us on one of their cruise special tours and promised to get us back to the ship before departure.
Max, our guide, kept his eyes on the sky and found the opening we needed. OMG! We ended up with photos and a viewing experience our friends envy!!! Thanks!!!”
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check more reviews on TripAdvisor.
If small or medium-group northern lights tours are too expensive for you, joining a big coach tour might be the best option. These tours are more affordable because they can accommodate up to 50 people.
Plus, they have added comforts like a toilet on board and heating, so you can stay warm inside the bus while waiting for the lights to appear.
Remember that thermal suits are usually not provided for these tours since you can stay on the heated bus.
Here are our tips for the best budget-friendly northern lights tours in Tromsø:
Northern Shots is a company that offers one of the cheapest northern lights tours in Tromsø. Their tours are conducted by big coaches (buses) with a capacity of up to 48 people.
If you don’t spot the lights, you’ll get a 50% discount on your next tour, subject to availability!
Northern Shots is known for employing guides with strong photography backgrounds who will teach you how to set up your camera and take pictures of the aurora borealis.
However, additional fees apply if you want a photo of yourself and the northern lights taken by a guide.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: 48 pax
💰 Prize: from 1300 – 1850 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 6-7 hours
📸 Photos included: For an additional fee.
🚌 Vehicle: Big coach (bus) with toilet and WiFi on board
👶 Minimum Age: Northern Shots welcomes all ages on their tours. Just remember to request a child seat 48 hours before your tour!
“It was cloudy and snowing in Tromsø when we left, and I wondered if we’ll ever find a clear patch of sky. But they took us way into Finland, where we saw Aurora Borealis. Shy at first, but then… spectacular!
Words can’t describe it. Marek is a kind, positive, knowledgeable guide and professional photographer. He taught everybody how to set up their phones or cameras.
Unfortunately, taking photos with an iPhone is impossible if it is older than 11 generations. Marek can take a photo of you that is available to buy. I just wish it was less expensive. The tour is the best value for money in town, in my opinion, and you get to go the second time for half price.
Ah! Don’t expect to see the lights as green as they appear in photos—that’s how cameras see them, but they are nonetheless beautiful with the naked eye.”
*I deliberately chose a review from customers who were facing challenging weather conditions. You can check more reviews on TripAdvisor.
I might be repeating myself here since Arctic Wild Tours also runs small group tours for up to 8 people and minibus tours for up to 15, in addition to their big bus tours. I’ve already mentioned them in the respective sections, but for those of you who used the table of contents and jumped straight to the big bus section, here’s a quick refresher on who Arctic Wild Tours is:
Arctic Wild Tours, founded by Lorenzo, offers travelers a real, meaningful Arctic experience. Lorenzo isn’t just any guide—he’s got a strong background in biology and years of hands-on experience studying wildlife from the Falklands to Tromsø. Originally from Rome, he followed his love for nature and science through degrees in animal physiology, eventually completing a PhD in California.
Beyond his academic expertise, he’s also a diver and talented wildlife photographer, skilled at capturing the Arctic’s once-in-a-lifetime moments. Arctic Wild Tours is built on Lorenzo´s scientific background and passion for the natural world.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: 15 – 44 pax
💰 Prize: 1550 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 5-7 hours
📸 Photos included: For an additional fee.
🚌 Vehicle: Big coach (bus) with toilet
👶 Minimum Age: 1-99
Best Arctic offers a unique concept for northern lights tours. Unlike other operators who drive around searching for good weather, Best Arctic has several “basecamps” around Tromsø.
They decide which base camp to visit based on the weather conditions. Each camp features a cozy shelter located in a secluded area away from light pollution. Guests don’t need to walk far, and there are toilet facilities on-site.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by local hosts who share personal stories and ensure a pleasant experience. At the camp, guests are served a small hot meal, such as warm soup or stew, with vegetarian options available upon request, along with hot drinks and a local Norwegian sweet snack.
👨👩👦👦 Group size: 44 pax
💰 Prize: from 1390 – 1590 NOK/pax
⏱ Duration: 5-7 hours
📸 Photos included: Low resolution with logo for free, high resolution with logo for purchase
🚌 Vehicle: Big coach (bus) with toilet and WiFi on board
👶 Minimum Age: 4 years
When it comes to choosing the best northern lights tour in Tromsø, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The right tour for you depends on your preferences and what you want to get out of the experience.
Here are some key factors to consider:
▶️ Affordability
▶️ Group Size
▶️ Photography Focus
▶️ Activity and Accessibility Level
▶️ Size of the Company
▶️ Additional Activities
▶️ Bathroom Facilities
▶️ Reputation and Reviews
Let’s go through these preferences one by one, and we’ll provide suggestions for tour providers that meet each specific need.
The best northern Lights tours in Tromsø aren’t exactly cheap, but they can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a lifelong dream for many.
We’ve tried small tours, minibus tours, and big coach tours, and while all of them had great guides and experiences, we personally prefer small groups. The smaller, the better. But we understand that the small group tours are costly.
The additional advantage of traveling by big bus (apart from the price) is that it is comfortable. The bus is heated, so you can wait for the northern lights inside. Plus, the coaches have a toilet on board, which might be handy when nature calls.
Here are our tips for the most affordable aurora tours in Tromsø:
👉 Northern Shots (up to 48px): Starting at 1300 NOK per adult
👉 Arctic Wild Tours (up to 44px): 1550 NOK per adult
👉 Aurora Safari Camps from Best Arctic (up to 50px): Starting at 1390 NOK per adult
👉 Wandering Owl (express tour, up to 15px): Starting at 1800 NOK per adult
👉 The Green Adventure (minibus, up to 15px): Starting at 2090 NOK per adult
👉 Northbound (small groups up to 8px): Fixed price of 2250 NOK per adult
Capturing the northern lights isn’t as easy as it might seem. While modern smartphones can capture the aurora, digital cameras, and proper equipment are still the best option for truly great photos.
You’ll need a tripod, a wide-angle lens, a remote shutter (or self-timer), and a lot of patience. Determining the correct focus, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture settings can be challenging, especially when you know the lights could disappear at any moment.
If you want excellent photos, choosing a small group tour led by a photographer is best.
👉 For avid photographers, we highly recommend Nico from Arctic Photo Guide and Oli from Northbound. Their tours are specifically designed to help you capture the best possible images of the northern lights.
👉 We don’t know anyone besides Nico, aka the Arctic Photo Guide, who offers active northern lights tours. These tours combine aurora chasing with a hike on snowshoes or microspikes. Most other companies typically take clients just a short walking distance away from the parking area.
👉 On the other end of the spectrum, few companies provide wheelchair-accessible northern lights tours in Tromsø. A bright exception is Tromsø Accessible Tours.
Does company size really matter? Yes and no.
As someone who owns a two-person company where we wear many hats—handling bookings, guiding, driving, and more—we can tell you that small businesses go above and beyond. It’s make it or break it for us. For huge companies, you are one of many; but for us, small business owners, you are a dear guest.
Most people taking northern lights tours from Tromsø opt for a (mini)bus tour. However, some might find chasing the northern lights quite dull, as it can involve much driving in search of clear skies or long hours sitting by a bonfire waiting for the lights to appear.
If this sounds like your situation, consider combining the northern lights hunt with other activities, such as reindeer sledding with a traditional Sami dinner, snowmobiling, or sailing.
One downside of these combination tours is that they limit you to a specific location.
For example, with dog sledding and reindeer sledding, you’re tied to one spot, and if the sky is cloudy on the night of your tour, you might miss the aurora. Sailing trips cover a broader area, but they still don’t offer the same flexibility as bus tours, which can take you all the way to Finland if necessary to find clear skies.
If you are a photographer, I imagine you would like to join a tour with guides who choose locations with pleasing compositions so that you can get some fantastic shots of Aurora.
If you are not into photography, then having a tour guide who is a skilled photographer is even more critical so that you can take pictures of yourself and the northern lights.
All Northern Lights guides are somewhat trained in photography, but some are better than others.
The best photographers (in our opinion) are in:
📷 Nico from Arctic Photo Guide (small groups up to 6px)
📷 Oli from Northbound (small groups up to 8px)
📷 Greenlander (small groups up to 8px)
📷 Wandering Owl (minibus groups up to 15px)
📷 The Green Adventure (minibus groups up to 15px)
📷 Northern Shots (big buses up to 45px)
We always recommend checking the tour reviews and sorting them from the lowest to find out what people were unhappy about.
For example, sometimes people leave a negative review because they did not see the northern lights on the tour—which is irrelevant.
However, it is helpful to learn how the company deals with other problems, like overbooking the tour or cancellations due to bad weather.
Personally, I always check the photos from the tours as well. If I pay for an expensive tour, I want to have great portraits—ideally included in the price of the tour, in full resolution!
While booking a guided aurora hunting tour to see the aurora borealis in Tromso is not strictly necessary, we highly recommend it.
We understand that some of you are not big fans of organized tours.
However, if you do not know how to read the weather and aurora forecasts, you can easily miss the aurora display.
We have met many people looking at a weak aurora and thinking it is just a clouded sky.
If you join a northern lights excursion, the guides will recognize the aurora and show you what camera settings you need to take a great picture, even if it is not visible to the naked eye.
In 2005, five companies sold Northern Lights tours in Tromsø. Nowadays, more than 100 tour providers have Northern Lights tours in their portfolio, which can make it somewhat overwhelming and challenging to choose the best one.
Honestly, there are few differences between the northern lights tours in Tromso.
For example, all the companies and guides operate using the same weather and aurora forecast. Moreover, some of the guides share their plans and locations in a private WhatsApp group, where they inform each other about the current weather situation and recent aurora sightings.
However, some companies have more experienced guides than others, some have more skilled photographers, and some are known for chasing the northern lights into late morning hours!
But in general, all the guides do their absolute best to find the best conditions for aurora viewing so you can still enjoy the northern lights even when the forecast looks challenging.
The term “aurora chasing” is misleading because it implies that one can actively pursue the northern lights.
In reality, since the aurora borealis generally extends from 80 to 640 kilometers (50 to 400 miles) above the Earth’s surface, you’re not actually chasing the lights themselves but rather looking for a clear sky.
The appearance of the lights depends on natural conditions like solar activity and weather patterns, which we can’t control. So, if the weather around Tromsø isn’t great and there are only a few spots with potential breaks in the clouds, you might bump into other tours that went to the same place.
Here is what you can expect if you book basically any aurora-chasing tour in Tromsø:
You will meet your guide and driver at the pick-up point in Tromsø city center, and they will brief you about the current aurora and weather conditions. You will also be offered to wear a warm thermal suit for the small group and minibus tours.
The guide usually has a plan A, a plan B, and sometimes even a plan C. If the weather looks great in Tromsø and its immediate surroundings, you’ll head to a location further away from the city to avoid light pollution.
If not, you will arrive at the selected area, and your guide will make a campfire and/or tell you stories and legends about the northern lights while you wait for them to show up.
On nights with challenging weather conditions, the guide will need to check other options and contact other guides to decide whether you should stay in the selected location or continue your search for better conditions.
If the weather is particularly bad around Tromsø, you’ll likely end up driving towards the Finnish border, so be prepared for a long drive.
On tours with the big buses, you can relax inside while waiting for the northern lights. On the smaller tours, the guides usually make a small bonfire to keep you warm and create a cozy atmosphere. Some tours offer warm food, like “realturmat” or stew, while others provide hot drinks and cookies.
Most tour providers aim to return to Tromsø between midnight and 2 AM. However, if you’re on a small group tour, it’s sometimes possible to stay longer if the northern lights display is particularly impressive, especially if the guide is the company owner. On the other hand, big tours are much less flexible with their schedules.
You will be dropped off in the Tromsø city center, so it will make things much easier if you have accommodation nearby. Small tour providers tend to be more flexible with drop-off locations, offering more personalized service.
When planning your Northern Lights tour, it’s important to set the right expectations.
While the guides will do their utmost to find the best spots and create a memorable experience, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and can be unpredictable.
Even with clear skies, the lights might not appear or be so faint that they are barely visible to the naked eye.
In any case, the guides will keep you entertained with stories, and if conditions allow, they might set up a campfire to keep you warm and comfortable. They are committed to ensuring you have a good time while you wait for the aurora, whether or not she shows up.
However, be prepared for cold weather, potentially long waits, and the possibility of not seeing the northern lights.
If seeing the aurora borealis is your biggest dream and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider booking tours on multiple nights to increase your chances.
The guides work hard in challenging weather and temperatures, often under a lot of pressure to provide the best experience possible. Be nice to them and appreciate their efforts! 🙏🙏🙏
When it comes to finding the best northern lights tours in Tromsø, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
It’s essential to do some research before booking—read about the company, check their social media, and read reviews from past guests. Also, be sure to check the cancellation policy to avoid any surprises.
❗Set the right expectations: The tour may involve long drives and waiting periods, and sometimes, the aurora might not appear even if the sky is clear. However, don’t panic if the aurora activity is low; it’s possible to see the northern lights in Tromsø even with Kp=0-1.
❗Make sure you’re properly equipped for the cold. While some companies provide thermal suits, you should still have appropriate footwear and winter clothing. Always read the tour description carefully to know what to expect.
❗To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, consider staying in northern Norway for at least four days, ideally a week, and book multiple tours.
With the right preparation and expectations, your Northern Lights adventure in Tromsø can be an unforgettable experience.
Good luck with the aurora chasing! 🐉✨
Ivar & Radka 💚
Before we wrap this article about the best northern lights tours in Tromso up, let’s just remind you that we’ve written a few other helpful articles about planning your trip to Tromsø in winter:
👉 What to expect from Tromsø in winter – where we cover how to get there, get around, what the weather’s like, and more.
👉 The Best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø —not all tours are the same, so we recommend providers we’ve had great experiences with, from small active tours to big buses or stationary Aurora camps.
👉 Best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø – we break down why there’s no “perfect” time and why joining a tour might be your best bet.
👉 The ultimate guide to whale watching in Tromsø – where we discuss ethical whale watching (or the issues around it) and give tips for tour providers we trust.
👉 Our guide to the best hotels in Tromsø – we don’t just throw names around; we’ve actually stayed at 8 different hotels in Tromsø and share our honest reviews.
👉 Visiting a reindeer farm in Tromsø – hands down, our favorite activity in Tromsø and a must-do if you’re traveling with kids.
👉 Best Apps for Aurora Tracking – for those who want to dive into the science behind the Northern Lights or try chasing them on your own.
👉 Winter Packing List – originally written with Lofoten in mind, but honestly, you can use it for all of northern Norway.
Check them out if you want to learn more about visiting Tromso in winter!
The success rate of seeing the northern lights on tours in Tromsø is generally quite high (some companies report up to 98%), thanks to the region’s location directly under the auroral oval. This means that even on nights with low auroral activity (KP 0-1), there’s still a good chance of seeing the lights.
However, cloud cover is the key factor that affects the likelihood of witnessing the aurora. Tour operators chase clear skies, sometimes traveling as far as Finland to find a good viewing spot.
Minibus or bus tours, in particular, have a high success rate because they can cover large areas to find clear skies, while other tour types, like sailing, are more stationary and may not offer the same flexibility to chase clear weather.
Yes, you can still see the northern lights when it’s snowing or raining, though it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. Tromsø’s weather is super localized—so while it might be raining or snowing right above you, there could be patches of clear sky just a short distance away.
The auroras themselves are much higher in the atmosphere than any clouds, so if you’re lucky enough to find a break in the clouds, you might catch a glimpse of the lights even if it’s snowing or raining around you.
It’s all about being in the right place at the right time and sometimes just a bit of patience.
You do not need to book a tour with a travel agency to see the northern lights. If the sky is clear and the northern lights activity is good, you can see northern lights even from the city center of Tromsø.
However, booking a tour with an experienced guide is always better if you want to increase your chances of seeing them.
On cloudy days, the guides are excellent at reading the local weather forecast and choosing the spot with the most significant chance of a hole in the cloud cover. If the weather forecast looks dim, they might drive you all the way to Finland and back if that is the spot that promises the best chances for the night.
In addition, you will learn a lot about the region, local legends, and the northern lights themselves. The guides will also take pictures of you and the lights, which requires some practice, and they will give tips on taking great pictures with your own camera.
However, exploring on your own gives a certain satisfaction and peace that joining a tour cannot provide. If that´s what you are looking for, then you need our Interactive Map of Tromsø, which includes 48 spots around Tromsø that the professional northern lights tours use.
You might also want to check out our article about which Aurora tracking apps to use and how to read the Aurora forecast.
The general policy among Northern Lights tour operators in Tromsø is not to offer refunds or discounts if the aurora isn’t visible during the tour.
This is largely due to the unpredictable nature of the northern lights. Tromsø’s popularity as a prime viewing location means that most tours, especially small group and minibus tours, are fully booked several weeks in advance. Consequently, it is challenging/impossible for operators to offer free spots on subsequent tours.
However, there are exceptions. For instance, Northern Shots offers a 50% discount on the next tour if you don’t see the aurora on their initial tour.
Therefore, it’s crucial for travelers to manage their expectations and understand that while operators will do their best to find clear skies, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon that cannot be predicted with certainty.
There is a common misconception about Northern Lights tours going to Finland. It is not a given that you will go to Finland on your Aurora Borealis tour. The first option will always be some location close to Tromsø.
It is a long drive from Tromsø to Finland (3 hours one way), meaning that out of a 7-hour tour, you would spend 6 hours driving!
Therefore, Finland is always the last option when the weather forecast in the near and far surroundings of Tromsø does not look promising.
When I worked for a travel agency in Tromsø, many guests asked if the tour would be canceled when it was windy/cloudy/stormy/snowing in Tromsø.
Tromsø is such a popular location for northern lights watching because there are different microclimates in the city’s surroundings. Finding a clear sky within a 1-3 hour drive from Tromsø is possible, even though the city’s weather does not look very promising.
Do not give up your hopes when the forecast for Tromsø doesn’t show a clear sky. Our guides had many successful hunts on the days when the guests were doubtful.
The tours will get canceled/rescheduled only in the case of extremely bad/hazardous weather.
To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Tromsø, plan to stay for at least four days, but ideally a week. This gives you a better shot at catching clear skies and active auroras, especially since the northern lights are unpredictable and can vary with solar activity.
Plus, Tromsø’s weather can be quite stormy, with periods of heavy clouds and rain that might last for several days.
Having a longer stay increases your chances of experiencing a break in the weather and catching the lights. It also allows you to book different tours, from bus chases to unique activities like sailing or reindeer sledding.
Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.
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Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten.
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Hello, Himesh here from India me and my wife will be traveling to Tromso on 3rd oct to 5th Oct(plus 14th oct) and Lofoten from 5-11 oct, we are interested in NL tour and other activities in Tromso please help us with that
We’re interested to book Tours for the Northern lights in Tromso.
And other tours you are offering.
We’re arriving in Tromso November 6, 2023. Departing November 11, 2023.
Thanks