From Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase with Photos & Snacks

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Norway, this 7-hour tour from Tromsø offers one of the most comprehensive experiences available. It’s a well-organized, expert-led adventure that promises not only a good chance to see the aurora but also a chance to capture stunning photos and stay warm amid the Arctic’s chill.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the dedicated guidance that seeks out the best viewing spots and the quality of the photos you’ll come away with—professional portraits with the Northern Lights as your backdrop. On the flip side, a notable consideration is the long drive (up to 250 km), which might not suit travelers who prefer more comfort or a shorter trip.

This experience really lends itself to those who enjoy a mix of adventure, photography, and authenticity. If you’re eager to chase the Northern Lights with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind the cold, this tour will likely be a highlight of your Arctic trip.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Guides are highly experienced and dedicated to finding the best spots for viewing and photography.
• Photographic Opportunities: Includes help with professional portraits and sharing high-res images afterward.
• Comfort & Warmth: Thermal suits, campfire, hot drinks, and snacks keep you cozy in sub-zero conditions.
• Flexible & Honest: The tour operator openly discusses weather conditions and offers refunds if the aurora is not visible.
• Long Journey, High Reward: The drive can be up to 250 km, but it’s often rewarded with spectacular views.
• Authentic Arctic Experience: You’ll visit remote fjords and mountain areas, far from city lights, for the best aurora chances.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What To Expect

This tour begins at the Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø, a quirky and memorable starting point where you meet your guide. From there, you’ll hop into a warm minibus, a cozy space for the long drive ahead. Expect a roughly 75-minute journey away from city lights, heading toward areas with fewer light pollution and better aurora visibility.

The main part of the tour takes place in Troms County, where your guide will select the best possible spot to witness the Northern Lights. This can mean traveling through stunning Arctic scenery—fjords, mountains, and open skies—sometimes driving as far as the Finnish border. The goal is to maximize your chances, especially when weather conditions threaten to obscure the sky.

Once at your chosen location, you’ll change into heavy-duty thermal clothing—thermal suits are provided—which are essential for comfort during the hours outside. The guide will set up camp with a bonfire, complete with hot drinks and snacks like muffins, fruit, hot chocolate, or tea, offering a welcome warmth and comfort during the wait.

Throughout the night, you’ll have multiple opportunities for photography, with the guide’s help. They provide tripods on request for steady shots and are known for taking beautiful portraits with the aurora in the background—so you’ll have lasting memories.

The return trip involves some 1-hour drives back to Tromsø, with stops along the way if conditions change or if you wish to reach your hotel sooner. The tour concludes back at the Magic Ice Bar or your accommodation, after a long, rewarding night.

The Details That Matter

Transportation & Duration

The journey is approximately 6 to 8 hours, including travel and stops, with the pick-up at the Magic Ice Bar. The minibus is described as new and comfortable, with warm seats and enough space for a group of around 8-10 people—small enough for an intimate experience but large enough to keep costs reasonable. The drive can be lengthy, especially when traveling to Finland to escape overcast skies, but most reviews mention the scenic routes and the effort guides put in.

Price & Value

At $185 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the included extras: thermal suits, hot drinks, snacks, professional photos, and a knowledgeable guide. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the photos and the warm hospitality, which helps justify the cost, especially for travelers keen on capturing the lights professionally and safely.

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Guides & Service

Reviews frequently praise the expertise, friendliness, and dedication of guides like Daniel, who appears to have a genuine passion for the Northern Lights and takes extra steps to ensure everyone sees them. Several reviewers mention that their guides went above and beyond, driving into Finland or multiple spots to find clear skies, even when conditions seemed unfavorable.

Food & Comfort

Snacks are simple but thoughtfully chosen: muffins, fruits, and hot drinks, all served in a cozy campfire setting. The thermal suits are heavy-duty and designed to keep you warm—crucial in the Norwegian Arctic climate, where temperatures often dip well below freezing.

Photography & Memories

The tour includes professional portrait photos and the opportunity to have your own pictures taken with the aurora. Multiple reviews highlight how quickly and efficiently photos are processed and shared—sometimes within 24 hours—making it easy to share or print those special moments.

Authentic Arctic Experience

What sets this tour apart is the authenticity of the experience. You’re not just sitting in a bus looking at a distant sky; you’re venturing into the Arctic wilderness, away from light pollution, in pursuit of one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. The guides’ local knowledge, combined with their effort to chase the aurora across borders, shows a real commitment to giving travelers a genuine chance at witnessing the lights.

Many reviews also mention the camaraderie fostered by the small group setting, which makes the experience more personal and memorable. The evenings often turn into cozy social events around the campfire, with warm drinks and friendly conversation—further enhancing the magic.

The Verdict: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Northern Lights chase is perfect for travelers who value expert guidance and are willing to drive into the Arctic night for a chance to see the aurora. It suits those who enjoy photography and want professional-quality portraits as souvenirs. The experience also appeals to adventurers looking for a genuine, outdoor Arctic experience with the comforts of warm suits and snacks.

However, if you prefer a shorter, more relaxed outing or are sensitive to long drives, this might not be the best fit. The tour’s success heavily depends on weather and solar activity, which are beyond anyone’s control. Still, the tour’s transparency about the possibility of not seeing the lights, plus the option of refunds, shows a trustworthy approach.

The Sum Up

This Tromsø-based Northern Lights tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that combines expert guidance with comfort. The warm clothing, campfire, and snacks make it manageable even in bitter cold, while the focus on photography and remote locations maximizes your chances of witnessing this incredible natural event.

For adventurous travelers eager for a genuine Arctic outing, this tour is an excellent choice. Guided by passionate professionals, you’ll not only chase the lights but also gather memories in stunning photos and stories to share long after the trip ends.

If you’re looking for a value-packed, authentic, and well-organized Northern Lights experience, this tour from Tromsø deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 to 8 hours, including travel, waiting, and return, with the start time depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
You get round-trip transportation in a comfortable minibus, thermal suits, hot drinks and snacks, a campfire setup, and two high-resolution portraits of you with the aurora.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so visibility depends on weather and solar activity. However, the guides have a success rate of 93-96% over the past nine years, and they will drive into Finland or other locations to maximize chances.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, warm layers (thermal underwear, jackets, hats, gloves, wool socks), warm shoes, and thermal clothing. Snacks are provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Can I request specific photos?
Yes, guides can take professional portraits and photos with your camera, and they share these images quickly after the tour.

What if the weather is bad?
If conditions are too dangerous or overcast throughout the region, the tour offers free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

In the end, this tour balances a robust pursuit of the Northern Lights with comfort and professionalism. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a memorable Arctic adventure, with expert guides, memorable photos, and a genuine sense of exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here: