Travelers dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights will find this Aurora Borealis Chase in Tromso an appealing option. This tour offers a 6-hour adventure designed for those eager to see the sky’s most spectacular light show in a cozy, small-group setting. It’s a well-organized experience that combines scientific insights, folklore, and a good dose of Norwegian hospitality—all aimed at making your aurora hunt both memorable and comfortable.
What we particularly like about this tour is the dedication to comfort—thermal suits, hot drinks, and a warm campfire create a welcoming atmosphere after hours of chasing the night sky. Another highlight is the small group size, which allows for a more personal experience and better chances for photos and meaningful conversations. The potential downside? As with any aurora tour, seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed—nature can be unpredictable, but the tour’s 6-hour window maximizes your chances. This trip suits those who are patient, curious, and eager for an authentic northern adventure, especially travelers who want more than just a bus ride but a full experience.
Key Points
- Comfortable travel with thermal suits, hot beverages, and a cozy campfire
- Expert-guided with storytelling, folklore, and scientific facts about the aurora
- Small group setting, limited to 15 participants, for a personal experience
- Professional photos included, with one free portrait per person
- Flexibility with a “reserve now, pay later” option and full cancellation policy
- Timing suitable for those who want to start after dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening
Starting Point and Transportation
Your Northern Lights adventure kicks off at Tromsø Havn Prostneset, right in the heart of the city. From there, a comfortable coach whisks you away for about 2.5 hours toward the best viewing spots. We appreciate the ease of this setup—no need to worry about complex logistics, just hop on and enjoy the scenic drive. The guides aim to find clear skies, which is crucial for aurora viewing, especially since cloud cover can easily spoil the experience.
The transportation is designed to be cozy and practical, with limited sizes (up to 15 people) that foster a more intimate atmosphere. Plus, the guides are well-versed in Norwegian culture and local stories, transforming what could be just a bus ride into an engaging part of your night out.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tromso.
The Scenic Viewpoint and Break Time
After the drive, you’ll pause at a carefully scouted location with a high chance of clear skies. This is where the magic begins—standing under the vast Arctic sky, waiting for the lights to dance overhead. The one-hour stop includes photo opportunities, a chance to enjoy hot drinks like coffee and tea, and some local snacks.
This part of the tour is particularly valued by travelers. The opportunity to sit around a campfire adds a warm, communal feeling, especially after hours outside. As one reviewer commented, “We loved the way the guides shared stories and fun facts about the mythology and science of the aurora, making it much more than just a sky show.”
The Experience of Chasing the Aurora
While the main goal is to spot the Lady Aurora, the tour recognizes that northern lights are elusive. The guides’ knowledge and the 6-hour window aim to maximize your chances, but they don’t guarantee a sighting. That said, many guests are pleased with their experience, especially given the effort to find clear skies.
During the viewing, guides will take professional photos—a much-appreciated perk—so you can leave with a beautiful keepsake. One free portrait per guest is included, and additional photos are available at reasonable prices.
Cultural and Scientific Insights
Beyond the sky, the guides share intriguing stories and facts about the northern lights. You’ll learn about folklore, such as the beliefs of the indigenous Sami people, and scientific explanations, which help deepen your appreciation of this natural phenomenon. This educational element enriches the experience, making it more than just a visual spectacle.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn and Drop-Off
After the aurora hunt, your driver will drop you back in central Tromso, often at your hotel or accommodation. The relaxed timing allows for a more immersive night experience, compared to quick bus tours that might rush the moment.
Pricing and Value
At $191 per person, the tour offers a solid return for those seeking a well-rounded, comfortable, and informative aurora experience. The price includes thermal suits (though sizes are limited), hot drinks, local snacks, and a professional photograph—adding significant value to what is essentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
While it doesn’t include additional gear like snowboots or tripods, the tour’s focus on comfort and personal storytelling makes it stand out. It is an especially good choice for travelers who prefer a more intimate setting and want the added benefits of professional photos and cultural insights.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This adventure is perfect for curious travelers who want to combine nature with culture and storytelling. It’s also suited for those who appreciate small groups, comfort, and flexibility. Because of the late start and outdoor nature, it’s best suited for those over 8 years old and under 70, with good winter clothing and a camera.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, the Tromso Aurora Borealis Chase Tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, education, and adventure. It balances the unpredictability of nature with a well-organized plan to give you the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. For travelers who value personalized experience, cultural stories, and professional photos, this tour is a compelling choice.
It’s especially suitable for those who want to invest a bit more in comfort while still enjoying an authentic Arctic adventure. The small group size means you’ll likely have the chance to chat with guides and fellow travelers, making it more than just a sky-gazing trip but a memorable social experience.
Who Should Consider Other Options?
If you’re looking for guaranteed sightings, you might want to explore tours with a “best-effort” approach or those that include extra gear like tripods. If you prefer a very short outing, or are traveling with very young children or seniors over 70, you may need to consider other options better suited to your needs.
Does the tour guarantee a sighting of the Northern Lights?
No, like all aurora tours, it cannot guarantee seeing the lights. The guides do their best to find clear skies and maximize your chances, but nature remains unpredictable.
What is included in the tour price?
The price includes thermal suits (with limited sizes), local snacks, hot drinks, and one professional photo per person. Additional photos can be purchased.
How long is the total tour?
The experience lasts about 6 hours, starting around 8 PM, which helps increase your likelihood of catching the aurora during optimal conditions.
What should I bring with me?
Bring warm clothing, gloves, comfortable winter shoes, a camera, and a reusable water bottle. The tour provides thermal suits, but dressing in layers is recommended.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old, mainly because of the late hours and outdoor cold conditions.
Can I book now and pay later?
Yes, there is a “Reserve now, pay later” option, giving you flexibility with your travel plans.
What if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers peace of mind for last-minute changes.
What type of guide will I have?
An English-speaking guide will lead the tour, sharing stories, folklore, and scientific facts during the trip.
Where does the tour end?
You will be dropped off at your hotel or central location in Tromso, making it convenient for late-night return.
Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size fosters camaraderie, making it a friendly experience for solo travelers as well.
If you’re after an authentic and comfortable Northern Lights experience in Tromso, this tour ticks many boxes. It provides a well-rounded package—combining storytelling, scenic stops, professional photos, and a warm atmosphere—all tailored for those who want to enjoy the Arctic night without sacrificing comfort. Suitable for curious adventurers, cultural enthusiasts, and photography lovers, it’s a journey that offers more than just a sky show. You’ll walk away with memories, stories, and hopefully, a photo or two of the Lady Aurora dancing overhead.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Northern Lights chaser, this tour offers a thoughtful and engaging way to experience Norway’s most captivating natural wonder.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Tromso
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- Tromsø: Island Tour with Tromsø Accessible Tours
- Tromsø: Skjervøy RIB Whale Watching Tour
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