Tromsø: Aurora Safari Chase by big bus with Camp meal

If you’re dreaming of catching the northern lights in Norway, Tromsø’s Aurora Safari Chase offers a well-rounded experience that balances comfortable travel, authentic local hospitality, and the thrill of witnessing nature’s most spectacular light show. We’ve looked into this tour to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your Arctic adventure.

What really appeals to us are the warm, spacious bus with modern amenities, and the private Aurora Camp, which promises an intimate and cozy atmosphere away from city lights. Plus, the chance to meet locals and enjoy traditional Norwegian food makes this experience feel genuine. However, it’s worth noting that, like all aurora tours, the sighting of the lights isn’t guaranteed — weather and solar activity play a big role.

This tour suits travelers who want a comfortable, guided experience with plenty of opportunities for photography and warm snacks. If you’re not a fan of roughing it or overly adventurous outings, this is a solid way to see the lights without sacrificing comfort.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Spacious bus with Wi-Fi, onboard toilet, and charging stations.
• Authentic Experience: Private Aurora Camp with local hosts, traditional Norwegian food, and campfire.
• Photo Opportunities: Tripods available, and guides take professional shots of you with the lights.
• Flexible Location: The tour can switch sites if weather conditions threaten visibility.
• Value for Money: Inclusive hot drinks, meals, and high-quality photos for a reasonable price.
• Limited Suitability: Not ideal for children under 4 or travelers with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Your evening begins at the Bus Terminal Prostneset in Tromsø, where a friendly guide welcomes you to a comfortable bus equipped with modern conveniences—Wi-Fi, a toilet, and charging stations. From there, you settle in for a scenic 30-minute drive as your guide plays a Northern Lights film, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The bus heads toward the best forecasted clear skies based on weather updates, which is a smart move considering the unpredictability of Arctic weather. This flexibility is one of the tour’s strengths, giving you a better shot at seeing the aurora.

The Aurora Camp Experience

Once at the private Aurora Camp, you’ll be greeted by local hosts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and local traditions. One of the biggest perks here is the thermal suit provided; it’s designed to keep you warm while standing outside waiting for the lights to dance overhead.

The camp facilities include a warm shelter and a bonfire (weather permitting), creating a cozy spot to relax, chat, and wait for the show in comfort. The camp’s location is chosen for its favorable conditions — away from city lights and with good chances of clear skies.

Food, Drinks, and Photography

Hearty Norwegian snacks like lefse (a sweet, flatbread) and warm drinks—hot chocolate, coffee, or tea—are available to keep you comfortable. During your time there, you might also indulge in a hot stew or fish soup, depending on the camp. Vegetarians can request an alternative, ensuring everyone stays warm and satisfied.

Several reviewers highlighted the quality of the food—many found the reindeer stew especially tasty—and appreciated the generous hot drinks. One guest said, “the fish soup was delicious,” emphasizing how much the food added to the overall experience.

Photographically, guides are eager to help. They set up tripods and take professional photos of guests with the aurora behind them. Many reviews mention how guides patiently took photos and offered tips, making it easier for travelers to get memorable shots. If the weather turns, guides will check if it’s better to move to another location — a thoughtful touch that maximizes your chances.

The Drive and Flexibility

If the sky clouds over or the lights remain elusive, the tour is quick to adapt. The bus can relocate to a different spot, offering another chance at seeing the Aurora. Most guests agree this flexibility is valuable since aurora sightings depend heavily on weather conditions.

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Duration and Pacing

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 7 hours, starting in the early evening and wrapping up late at night. This gives ample time to travel, wait, and enjoy the camp. It’s a longer outing, but the combination of comfort, food, and potential for sightings makes it worthwhile.

Transportation: Comfort and Convenience

The big bus used for this tour is a highlight. Its spaciousness, Wi-Fi, onboard toilet, and power outlets make the journey comfortable, especially when compared to smaller, more cramped options. Travelers frequently remark on how these amenities contribute to a relaxed experience, letting you focus on the sky rather than discomfort.

The bus departs from and returns to the same meeting point, Prostneset, making logistics simple for most travelers. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the starting point.

The Private Aurora Camp: A Cozy Arctic Hideaway

The Aurora Camp is the heart of this experience, offering an authentic and inviting environment. The local hosts add a personal touch, sharing stories and insights into Arctic life and the northern lights.

The warm shelter allows visitors to step inside when the cold becomes too much or if the weather deteriorates, which many travelers find reassuring. The bonfire (when weather permits) provides a traditional Nordic atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after hours outside waiting for the lights to appear.

Provision of warm overalls and tripods means you’re well-equipped to stay warm and document the moment. Many reviews mention how guides assist guests with camera settings and pose for group photos, turning a potential once-in-a-lifetime event into a memorable photo shoot.

Food, Drink, and Local Hospitality

The tour includes a hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and a sweet Norwegian cake— lefse—adding a comforting touch to the chilly night. When the lights appear, many guests rave about the delicious reindeer stew or fish soup, which is served hot at the camp. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Several reviews recommend the food as a highlight, noting how it adds warmth and sustenance during the wait. The friendly hosts and the cozy environment elevate this from a simple chase to a true Arctic hospitality experience.

The Photography Experience

Guides encourage guests to use tripods, and they’re happy to take professional photos of you with the aurora behind. Many travelers appreciate this service, as it’s often difficult to capture the lights adequately with smartphones alone. The final photos, available for free web use and purchasable high-resolution copies, ensure you’ll have lasting memories of your Arctic night.

The Cost and What You’re Getting

At $146 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. It includes transportation, a private camp experience, local food, hot drinks, photo services, and thermal gear. Compared to the cost of booking separate activities—private guides, meals, and transport—this package is quite reasonable.

While high-resolution photos are extra, the web-resolution images included are a nice bonus for social media or quick sharing. The value increases when you consider the quality of the experience, the comfort, and the guided help with photography.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience appeals most to travelers who prioritize comfort over rugged adventure. The modern bus, cozy camp, and quality food make it suitable for those who want to enjoy the northern lights without sleeping in a tent or trudging through snow. Families with children over age 4, and those who value local hospitality and authentic Norwegian snacks, will find much to love.

However, if you have mobility issues, this might not be ideal, since the camp’s facilities are basic and outside waiting is involved.

Final Thoughts

The Tromsø Aurora Safari Chase offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, cultural authenticity, and potential for awe-inspiring sights. The knowledgeable guides, cozy camp environment, and delicious local food elevate the experience beyond just chasing lights in the Arctic.

If you’re after a hassle-free, warm, and guided adventure that maximizes your chances of seeing the northern lights, this tour is worth considering. Just remember that nature can be unpredictable, so patience and a sense of adventure are your best companions.

This tour is perfect for those who want a reliable, friendly experience with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of Arctic hospitality. It’s less suited for travelers seeking raw wilderness or private, secluded viewing spots—this is a group experience with a focus on comfort and camaraderie.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation by a spacious bus with Wi-Fi and a toilet, a private Aurora Camp with local hosts, warm overalls, hot drinks, Norwegian cake, a hot stew or fish soup (vegetarian options available), and photos taken during the trip.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, the meeting point is at the Bus Terminal Prostneset in Tromsø. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from this location.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, including a hat, gloves, waterproof shoes, and a scarf. The tour provides thermal suits, but additional warm clothing is recommended for outside waiting.

How long is the tour?
It lasts between 5 to 7 hours, starting in the evening and ending late at night, giving ample time to travel, wait, and enjoy the experience.

What if the northern lights don’t appear?
Guides will check weather conditions and may relocate the group to different sites to maximize your chances. However, aurora sightings are never guaranteed due to weather and solar activity.

Are children allowed?
Yes, but the tour isn’t suitable for children under 4 years old. Parents should consider their child’s comfort in cold outdoor conditions.

In summary, Tromsø’s Aurora Safari Chase offers a reliable, comfortable, and culturally enriching way to experience the northern lights. It’s best suited for those who want good value, local hospitality, and a chance to capture stunning photos—all while staying warm and cozy. Whether you see the lights or not, this experience will leave you with lasting memories of Arctic Norway’s magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: