From Tromsø: Aurora Minibus Chase with Portrait and Hot Meal

Experiencing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list moment for many travelers visiting Norway, and the Aurora Minibus Chase from Tromsø promises to deliver a memorable encounter with this celestial ballet. This tour, offered by Arctic Circle Tours Tromso, has earned a solid 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 300 reviews, which speaks volumes about its consistent quality.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the expert guides go above and beyond to find clear skies, often crossing borders into Finland if needed. Second, the cozy transport with heated facilities and camera gear support ensure comfort and great photo opportunities. Third, the warm meals, hot drinks, and portraits make the long night both delicious and personal. One potential drawback? The price of $205 per person might seem high, but considering the personalized service and chances of seeing the Aurora, many find it worth every penny.

This tour is best suited for those who want a more intimate, flexible, and well-rounded experience—perfect for travelers craving expert guidance, comfort, and a chance to capture stunning photos under the Arctic sky.

• Expert Guides and Flexibility: Guides like Margaux and Martina drive long distances and even cross borders to Finland for optimal viewing.
• Comfort and Convenience: Warm suits, boots, heated tents with toilets, and free Wi-Fi make the experience comfortable regardless of weather.
• Photographic Support: Assistance with camera settings, tripod availability, and included portrait photos help you take home beautiful memories.
• Delicious Food and Snacks: Hot meals such as sausages, hot chocolate, and marshmallows around the campfire elevate the evening.
• Flexible and Personalized: Small groups (up to 15) and frequent updates from guides create a tailored experience, even on cloudy nights.
• High Satisfaction: Consistently praised in reviews, with many calling it the best Northern Lights tour they’ve experienced.

Meeting Point and Arrival

The adventure begins at Ami Hotel, where you’re greeted around 5:45 pm and provided with warm clothing. If your hotel is nearby, there’s a good chance you’ll get a pickup, but most guests start at the meeting point. The tour duration is approximately 8 hours, but this can fluctuate depending on how far the guides need to go to find clear skies.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Journey Begins

Once everyone is suited up, the minibus—equipped with free Wi-Fi and a sky camera pointing upward—sets off into the Arctic night. This vehicle is more than just transport; it’s a cozy HQ that keeps you connected and comfortable. The size of the group is limited to 15 people, making it a more intimate experience compared to large, crowded tours.

Guides like Margaux are passionate and highly knowledgeable, often explaining complex phenomena of the Aurora while keeping the mood lively. Their goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the lights, which sometimes means venturing into Sweden or even crossing into Finland, especially when weather forecasts are challenging.

The Search for the Aurora

The guide constantly monitors weather conditions and sky cams, updating guests with real-time info. Guests frequently mention how dedicated and transparent the guides are, with one reviewer stating, “Martine droves 2 hours away from Tromsø to the Sweden border,” in pursuit of clear skies.

The experience is highly adaptable. If the weather is cloudy or the lights are shy, guides will drive further afield or into different Arctic locations. Some reviews note that guides like Margaux and Martina work tirelessly, often changing locations to find the best view, sometimes heading to a frozen lake in Finland—which many find worth the extra drive.

Campfire, Food, and Comfort

Once settled at a promising spot, the team sets up a bonfire (weather permitting), and guests can relax in heated tents with a toilet. The combination of a warm fire, blankets, and hot drinks creates a cozy atmosphere, making the wait enjoyable even in freezing temperatures.

Food plays a significant role in making the night special. Expect hot meals from “Real Turmat”, including sausages (vegetarian options available), hot chocolate, coffee, and treats like marshmallows, doughnuts, and snacks. As one reviewer said, “The hot dogs, marshmallows and drinks were plentiful and the added bonus of a heated toilet tent was fantastic.”

Photographers are well taken care of, with guides offering help with camera settings and providing tripods. Many guests comment on how their photos turned out beautifully, capturing not just the Aurora but also their group’s joy. One reviewer shared, “The photos she took and shared with all of us were breathtaking.”

Witnessing the Aurora

Timing is unpredictable, but guides’ efforts increase the odds of a sighting. Many travelers report seeing the Aurora within the first 30 minutes of arriving at a location, while others enjoy prolonged displays lasting 20-30 minutes or more. The Aurora dances in pink, green, and sometimes even purple, and guides often tell captivating stories or myths about the lights, adding a cultural layer to the experience.

Several reviews highlight how fortunate guests are when the lights show up strongly and linger, making for incredible photo ops. One guest noted, “We spotted the Aurora within 30 minutes and enjoyed it for about 10-15 minutes, but it kept getting better.”

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The Return Journey

After hours of Aurora chasing, the minibus returns to Tromsø, often around 1-2 am. Many guests leave with a sense of awe, armed with professional photos, warm memories, and new stories to share.

Knowledgeable and Passionate Guides

Guests consistently praise guides like Margaux and Martina for their dedication, knowledge, and friendliness. Their willingness to drive long distances, sometimes into neighboring countries, reflects a commitment to providing the best chance of seeing the lights. This personalized approach is a significant value add, as it often results in better viewing opportunities than larger, less flexible tours.

Comfort and Safety

The inclusion of warm suits, boots, and ice spikes ensures you’re properly dressed for the Arctic cold. The heated tents with toilets make long waits bearable, especially for those who might need a quick break. The availability of camera assistance and tripods helps you capture the moment without fuss.

Food and Social Atmosphere

The hot meal and snacks, combined with a campfire, create a relaxed, social vibe. Being able to enjoy a sausage or marshmallow while waiting for the Aurora makes the experience more than just sightseeing—it’s a cozy Arctic adventure.

Flexibility and Reliability

Multiple reviews mention how guides adapt to weather changes, sometimes crossing borders or changing locations to find clear skies. Guests also appreciate the small group size, which fosters a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

Value for Money

While the $205 price tag might seem high, many guests feel it offers excellent value considering the personalized attention, photographic support, and the potential to see the Aurora—a natural wonder that’s unpredictable and priceless.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just a quick chase; it’s perfect if you value expert guidance, comfort, and personalized service. It’s well-suited for those eager to capture stunning photos and enjoy a cozy, social atmosphere despite the cold. If you’re traveling with a small group and want the flexibility to cross borders or venture into remote Arctic locations, this tour will meet your expectations.

It’s also a great choice if you’re willing to invest a bit more for a higher chance of seeing the Aurora—many reviewers report seeing spectacular displays thanks to the guides’ efforts. However, if you prefer a totally budget-friendly, large-group experience or are not keen on cold weather, you might want to explore other options.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a bilingual guide, heated tent with toilet, hotel drop-off, hot drinks, hot meal, bonfire (weather permitting), portrait photos, warm suit and boots, and a camera tripod.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, as guides sometimes cross borders, and dress warmly with layers suitable for Arctic temperatures.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, the hot meals and snacks cater for vegetarians and vegans.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 8 hours, but start times vary based on availability, so check ahead.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
If the Aurora doesn’t appear on your first trip, the tour offers a 50% discount to join another tour, subject to availability.

Is the group size small or large?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal experience and better engagement with guides.

Can I join from my hotel?
Yes, there is an option for hotel pickup, but most travelers meet at Ami Hotel at 17:45.

What kind of vehicle is used?
The tour uses a minibus (or minivan if groups are smaller), equipped for Arctic conditions and with facilities like Wi-Fi and sky cameras.

Are there any restrictions?
Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you need your passport for border crossings.

If you’re after a well-organized, flexible, and intimate Northern Lights experience, this Tromsø Aurora Minibus Chase is hard to beat. It blends expert guidance, comfort, and authentic Arctic charm, with a good shot at witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays. The friendly guides, hot meals, and photo support make it more than just a chase; it’s an Arctic adventure you’ll remember for years. Perfect for travelers who value a personal touch and are prepared to brave the cold for a chance to see the sky come alive in color.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned northern explorer, this tour manages to balance professionalism with warmth—literally and figuratively. Just remember to bring your camera, a sense of patience, and a desire for awe-inspiring views.

You can check if your dates are available here: