Planning a trip to Norway in search of the elusive Northern Lights? If so, the Northern Lights Tour in a Minibus with Photos from Tromsø promises a well-rounded experience that balances comfort, expert guidance, and unforgettable scenery. This tour, offered by El Gigante Tour Aurora, has garnered a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 120 reviews, making it a popular choice among aurora chasers.
What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the small-group minibus ensures a cozy and personalized experience, while included amenities like warm thermal suits and professional photographs elevate the overall value. We also appreciate the flexible approach that allows guides to shift locations based on weather, increasing your chances of catching the lights.
A potential consideration? The 7-hour duration and sometimes cold weather mean you’ll want to be prepared for a long night outdoors. This tour suits travelers who are eager for a more intimate, guided experience and don’t mind bundling up in winter gear. If you’re after a comfortable, well-organized Arctic adventure with guaranteed photo memories, this could be a great fit.
Good To Know

- Personalized small-group experience with only 15 travelers maximum
- Expert guides who are knowledgeable, friendly, and multilingual
- Warm suits, shoe spikes, and safety gear included to keep you comfortable and safe
- Capture professional photos of the Northern Lights to take home
- Flexible location options based on weather for the best viewing chances
- Snacks and hot drinks offered during the wait, enhancing the cold nights
An Authentic Arctic Experience in a Compact Package

The 7-hour journey from Tromsø is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights while keeping comfort in mind. Starting from Tromsø’s city center, you’ll be picked up at the Tromsø City Library, a convenient and central meeting point. The transportation is a cozy 15-seater minibus—small enough for intimacy but large enough to share the experience with a few fellow travelers.
The guides are known for their multi-lingual skills (English, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish), and their enthusiasm is evident. One reviewer, Carmen from Spain, highlighted how Nelson, the guide, was fantastic at setting the scene and capturing photos. Nelson’s dedication to both spotting the aurora and making sure everyone feels comfortable is a recurring positive note.
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What to Expect During the Tour
Once on board, the guides will provide thermal suits, safety lamps, and shoe spikes. These are essential in Arctic conditions, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. The suits are well-reviewed—reviewers like Chloe from Australia appreciated how the thermal gear was effective, allowing her to endure the cold long enough to see the lights dance overhead.
The journey involves driving to locations with the best chances of clear skies. Guides are proactive about adapting the route based on weather forecasts, as some reviewers pointed out that location changes are common but crucial for success. One guest, Ernesto from Brazil, noted that the guide did everything possible to make everyone comfortable, including lending warm clothes and taking care of photos.
The Viewing Experience
When the perfect spot is reached, the guides set up tripods and lighting equipment, while you relax with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea—a warming treat during the wait. Snacks like cookies are also provided, making the long wait enjoyable and less cold.
The highlight? Seeing the Northern Lights dancing overhead—an experience that many reviewers describe as “magical” and “breathtaking.” Elizabeth from the UK shared how Nelson was constantly running around to capture photos and ensure everyone had a chance to get a good shot. The professional photography service included in the tour means you won’t be relying solely on your phone, which many travelers appreciate.
Why This Tour Gets High Marks
Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides who go above and beyond. Ernesto was especially impressed with how Nelson shared local folklore and historical tidbits about the Aurora, making the experience more meaningful. The small group size allows for more personalized attention, and the hot drinks and snacks contribute to a cozy atmosphere despite the cold conditions.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Value of the Experience

At $152 per person, this tour provides a package packed with value. The inclusion of transportation, thermal suits, professional photos, snacks, and hot drinks simplifies the experience, reducing extra costs and logistical hassles.
Some travelers mentioned that the price feels justified because the guides make a real effort to find the best viewing spots and ensure everyone leaves with fantastic photos and memories. The 7-hour window offers ample time for multiple attempts at seeing the lights, increasing the likelihood of a successful sighting.
However, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings are never guaranteed. Guides will do everything possible to improve your chances but cannot control the weather or auroral activity.
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The Itinerary and Locations: What Makes It Special
Most of the tour revolves around finding the clearest skies, which means locations may change based on weather reports. This flexibility is key, as some reviews noted that the locations are carefully chosen to optimize visibility, often away from city lights. This wandering nature adds an element of adventure, as each stop might offer a different backdrop, from snowy forests to open plains.
Once at the viewing spot, you’ll have time to stare up at the night sky and marvel at the auroras’ shapes, colors, and movements. The guides’ photography skills mean you’ll receive high-quality images, often within hours of returning to Tromsø.
The Return Journey
After hours of chasing lights, the group heads back to Tromsø, usually arriving around dawn. The hotel/airbnb drop-off makes logistics simple, especially after a long, cold night.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is ideal for anyone who values small-group intimacy, expert guidance, and quality photos over large bus loads or overly commercialized experiences. It’s perfect for travelers eager to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora with the help of local knowledge and flexible planning.
Because of the long duration and outdoor conditions, it’s best suited for adults and older teens who are comfortable in cold weather and willing to stay out late. The included thermal suits and safety gear help make the experience enjoyable for most.
If you’re after a well-organized, authentic, and memorable Northern Lights experience in Tromsø, this tour offers genuine value and several thoughtful touches that set it apart.
FAQs
Is transportation provided?
Yes, you will be picked up from Tromsø City Library in a comfortable 15-seater minibus.
What should I wear?
Dress in at least two layers of warm clothing, along with gloves, a hat, and sturdy winter boots. The tour provides thermal suits for extra warmth.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 6-8 hours, starting at a time you can check based on availability.
Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea while waiting for the auroras.
Can I expect to take professional photos?
Absolutely. The guides take many photos and send them to you afterward, so you can share the experience.
Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed?
Since the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon, sightings aren’t guaranteed. However, the guides’ experience and flexible location choices significantly improve your chances.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 due to the long, cold nights and outdoor conditions.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Norwegian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, ensuring flexibility for your travel plans.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for a balanced experience that combines expert guidance, comfortable gear, flexible locations, and memorable photography, this Tromsø Northern Lights tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who prioritize quality, intimacy, and a genuine Arctic adventure over large group tours. Prepare well, dress warmly, and get ready for a night under the stars that you’ll remember for years.
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