Tromso: Northern Lights Tour with Hot Drinks

Exploring Tromso’s Northern Lights: A Practical Review of the Hot Drinks Tour

If you’re heading to Tromso during aurora season, chances are you’re eager to witness the Northern Lights. This Northern Lights Tour with Hot Drinks promises a cozy, guided adventure designed for those who want to see the Aurora in a relaxed setting. While it’s priced at around $170 per person and lasts about three hours, it’s important to keep expectations real — nature is unpredictable, and sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What we really like about this experience is the thoughtful touches: hot drinks are included to keep you warm and comfortable, and professional picture options are available so you can take home a memory. Also, the focus on small group sizes means more intimate, less rushed moments. The only potential downside? Some travelers have noted inconsistency in the experience, especially regarding pictures and hot drinks, so managing expectations is key.

This tour is ideally suited for travelers who want a manageable, budget-friendly Northern Lights chase that combines comfort with the chance to see one of nature’s most spectacular displays. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided insights, value warm refreshments, and prefer a flexible schedule that adapts to the weather.

Key Points

• Comfort-focused experience with hot drinks and thermal suits available
• Guided small-group tour, offering personalized attention
• Photographic options available, using high-quality smartphone cameras
• Weather-dependent — no guarantee of Aurora sightings, so flexibility is important
• Meeting point at Circle K gas station ensures easy access
• Flexible timing — the tour can end early if you’ve seen the lights or want to return

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at Tromso’s Northern Lights Tour

What’s Included and What’s Not

Starting with the basics, this tour includes a guide, transport, hot drinks, and pictures with an iPhone 15 Pro Max. For an all-in price of $170, that’s a fairly straightforward offering. The professional picture package, which involves a camera, isn’t included, but many travelers might find the smartphone photos just as good, especially since they can be instantly shared via AirDrop.

The not included items, mainly the pro camera pictures, are a consideration for those wanting print-quality or high-resolution images. It’s worth noting that most nights, the tour uses the iPhone, which still captures quality images of the aurora, thanks to its advanced low-light capabilities.

How the Tour Unfolds

The tour typically lasts up to 3 hours, a duration that balances the unpredictability of Aurora sightings with the comfort of not staying out in extreme cold too long. The guides are experienced and will select locations based on current weather and aurora forecasts, which is vital because Northern Lights are notoriously fickle.

Once at a location, you’ll have time to wait for the Aurora to appear. During this period, the guides often serve hot chocolate or hot drinks, creating a cozy atmosphere amid the wintry landscape. On some nights, a campfire may be lit, adding to that warm, Arctic vibe.

Comfort and Convenience

For those concerned about cold weather, thermal suits are available for around $20. While not included in the base price, these suits can make a significant difference in staying warm, especially if the night turns especially chilly. The small group size (limited to 8 participants) means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and guides can focus on personal needs.

The meeting point, at the Circle K gas station, is conveniently located and easy to find. The tour ends back at the same spot, so no need to worry about complicated logistics afterward.

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Real Traveler Experiences and Insights

One reviewer shared a less favorable experience, describing how their private tour felt disconnected: “Only two of us, taken in the guide’s own car, with no hot drinks or photos included as promised.” This highlights the importance of clarifying expectations before booking, especially with small operators. While most reviews are more positive, it’s a reminder that the tour’s quality can depend on the guide and specific conditions.

On the brighter side, many travelers praise guides for their knowledge and ability to find the best viewing spots. The combination of a knowledgeable guide and remote, dark locations maximizes your chances of seeing the Aurora, even if the weather isn’t perfect.

The Value of This Tour

Compared to more elaborate, longer Northern Lights excursions, this tour offers a straightforward, budget-friendly option. It’s priced under $200, which makes it accessible and offers good value, especially considering hot drinks and photos are included. However, it’s important to note that Aurora sightings are never guaranteed, as the lights depend entirely on weather and solar activity.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided experiences, appreciates small groups, and is flexible with timing, this tour could be a good fit. It’s less about pushing for a perfect photo and more about enjoying the Arctic night in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

Who This Tour Is For

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a short, manageable Northern Lights experience without breaking the bank. It’s ideal if you value guidance, cozy refreshments, and flexibility. If your main goal is seeing the Aurora and you’re okay with the potential for a night without a sighting, this tour fits the bill.

It’s less suitable for travelers seeking luxury photography experiences or those with special needs like wheelchair access, as the tour isn’t designed for accessibility. Also, if you’re expecting a guaranteed Aurora sighting, you might want to consider longer or more specialized options.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak Aurora season.
• Check the weather forecast before confirming, as poor weather may reduce chances of sightings.
• Consider adding a thermal suit if you tend to get cold easily.
• Be prepared for a flexible schedule — the tour might end early if you see the Lights or if weather conditions warrant.
• Manage expectations: patience and luck are essential; Aurora isn’t guaranteed every night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts up to 3 hours, with flexibility to end earlier if you’ve seen the Aurora or want to leave.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Circle K gas station and finishes back at the same spot, making it convenient for most travelers.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guide, transport, hot drinks, and pictures taken with an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Are thermal suits available?
Yes, for around $20, you can rent thermal suits to stay warmer during the tour.

Is there a professional camera picture package?
Not included. The tour offers smartphone photos, which are usually sufficient, but you can ask guides to take more photos if needed.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful if forecasts predict poor conditions.

How many people are in each tour group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, offering a more intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or sensitive travelers?
While it’s a family-friendly activity, the cold outdoor environment and small group setting suit most travelers. However, accessibility is limited, and anyone with mobility concerns should check.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights Tour with Hot Drinks in Tromso offers a solid, budget-friendly way to chase Aurora Borealis in a comfortable, guided setting. Its small group size, warm refreshments, and location choices based on real-time forecasts make it a dependable option for those wanting a relaxed Arctic experience. While it’s not a guarantee of sightings — a universal truth in Aurora hunting — the combination of knowledgeable guides and scenic spots maximizes your chances.

If you’re looking for an affordable, straightforward tour that emphasizes comfort and flexibility, this experience is worth considering. Be prepared for the inherent unpredictability of the Northern Lights, but rest assured, you’ll be in good hands with guides who know the area and weather patterns well.

In summary, this tour is best for travelers who want a manageable, friendly introduction to the Northern Lights without fuss. It’s perfect if you prioritize warm drinks, small groups, and flexibility but don’t mind a bit of uncertainty with the aurora’s appearance. For those seeking an authentic, relaxed Arctic adventure, this tour hits most of those marks.

You can check availability for your dates here: