From Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase with Photos & Snacks

Imagine spending a chilly Arctic night searching the sky for a swirling, dancing display of lights — sounds magical, right? Well, that’s exactly what the Northern Lights Chase from Tromsø promises. This guided tour takes you beyond the city lights into the remote wilderness of Norway’s Barents Sea region, offering a chance to witness one of nature’s most stunning phenomena, all while staying cozy and capturing perfect photos.

What we love about this experience is how it combines practical comfort with a sense of adventure, thanks to reliable guides, well-organized logistics, and thoughtful touches like warm snacks and professional photography. The hot drinks, thermal suits, and bonfire atmosphere elevate the experience from a simple sky-gazing trip to a memorable Arctic outing. The chance to drive up to 250km to find clear skies or avoid cloudy weather shows real dedication from the team.

A potential consideration? The tour’s success heavily depends on weather conditions and the Aurora’s natural unpredictability. While the success rate during past years hovers impressively around 93-96%, there’s no guarantee the lights will appear on a given night. This means you should be flexible and prepared for a long night, possibly with limited visibility.

This tour suits travelers who crave a balance of comfort, adventure, and authentic Northern Norway experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good organization, expert guides, and the opportunity to photograph the Aurora in stunning surroundings.

Good To Know

Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides like Daniel go above and beyond to find the best spots and ensure you have a memorable experience.
Comfort & Warmth: Thermal suits, cozy campfire, hot drinks, and snacks mean you stay warm, even in Arctic temperatures.
Photography Opportunities: Professional cameras and the guide’s skill help you capture high-quality photos of the Aurora.
Long, Flexible Drive: Up to 250km journey to chase clear skies; a commitment that increases your chances of seeing the lights.
Authentic Experience: Remote locations, bonfires, and local culture make this more than just a sky-watching trip.
Highly Rated: With a 4.9/5 rating based on 228 reviews, most travelers find it offers excellent value and genuine excitement.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience in Detail

Meeting Point and Logistics

You’ll start your adventure at the Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø, a convenient and quirky meeting spot just a short walk from the harbor and several hotels like Radisson Blu and Scandic Ishavshotel. Guides like Daniel are already waiting with a bright red sign, ready to kick off a well-organized evening.

Once everyone is onboard, the journey begins with a 75-minute coach ride into the Arctic wilderness. This isn’t just transportation — it’s part of the adventure. The scenery whizzes past as you leave Tromsø behind, heading toward fjords and mountain vistas that look like they belong in a winter postcard. Many reviews mention how comfortable and warm the minibus is, with features like heated seats and friendly staff making the long drive more pleasant.

The Search for the Aurora

The core of the tour is the search for the Northern Lights. Guides like Daniel are known for their skill, checking weather forecasts and Aurora predictions closely before choosing the best locations. They’re willing to drive significant distances, with some trips reaching Finland to escape cloud cover, increasing the likelihood of sightings.

Once at the chosen spot, you’ll put on your heavy-duty winter clothes and settle in. Expect to be outfitted with thermal jumpsuits (which many reviews praise as being very effective) and provided with warm blankets and chairs. The setting—surrounded by fjords, mountains, and open sky—is ideal for viewing, away from the light pollution of Tromsø.

The Campfire & Cozy Atmosphere

A highlight is the bonfire, where you can gather around the glowing orange flames after bundling up in your thermal gear. This is where the tour stands out — the warmth of the fire, the scent of hot drinks, and the comfort of snacks create a welcoming atmosphere amid the cold.

Guides ensure everyone stays warm with hot chocolate, fruit tea, muffins, and fresh fruit, often replenished throughout the night. Many reviews mention how attentive guides like Daniel are, checking if everyone is comfortable and offering additional clothing or blankets as needed.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Photography & Portraits

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the professional photography. Equipped with full-frame cameras and tripods available upon request, guides assist in capturing the Aurora with high-resolution photos. They also offer two free portraits of each guest, with the Northern Lights in the background, which many reviewers cherish as a memorable keepsake.

The guide’s skill in photography is notable — many reviews highlight how quickly the photos are processed (often within 24 hours) and how friendly and helpful the staff are in making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera.

The Drive & Flexibility

The long drive is both a challenge and a perk. While it might stretch up to 250km, it’s a sign of the tour’s commitment to success. Travelers have appreciated how guides like Daniel are flexible, constantly monitoring weather and Aurora updates, and willing to chase the best chances anywhere from the Norwegian mountains to the Finnish border.

End of the Night & Return

After hours of watching the sky, enjoying snacks, and chatting around the campfire, the tour concludes with a return to Tromsø, often around 2 or 3 am. Many reviews mention punctuality, with guides making stops along the way so that travelers can reach home comfortably, even late at night.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Professional Guides Like Daniel

From glowing reviews, guides like Daniel play a crucial role. They are not only well-informed about Aurora forecasts but also caring and attentive, often going the extra mile — whether it’s making sure everyone’s warm, taking photos, or adjusting plans based on weather changes. One reviewer even called Daniel a “friend,” thanks to his cheerful attitude and professionalism.

Comfort and Equipment

Travelers love the thermal suits, cozy campfire, and hot drinks. These little touches turn a potentially cold, long night into a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The heated minibus and warm clothing options ensure you’re well-protected from the Arctic chill.

Authentic Arctic Setting

Being surrounded by fjords, mountains, and vast night skies makes for a dramatic backdrop that highlights why Tromsø is a prime Northern Lights destination. The experience of sitting by a bonfire under a sky filled with shimmering lights is truly unforgettable.

Flexibility and Success Rate

While the Aurora is a natural phenomenon and never guaranteed, the tour’s success rate of over 93% in recent years shows that guides like Daniel do everything possible to maximize your chances. Many reviews mention how they drove to Finland or other locations to avoid cloud cover, demonstrating a high level of dedication.

Photography & Memories

The benefit of having professional photos and portraits means you’ll leave with tangible memories. Guests consistently comment on how great their pictures are and how they appreciated receiving them quickly after the trip.

Value for Money

At $185 per person for a 7-hour experience including snacks, gear, and photos, many travelers feel this offers excellent value considering the personalized attention, quality equipment, and the effort to find clear skies.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re after a well-organized, comfortable, and authentic Northern Lights experience, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially good for those who value expert guidance and professional photography. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and cozy comfort, and who are prepared for a long night in Arctic conditions.

However, be aware that this is a late-night undertaking, often involving driving long distances. It’s not ideal for very young children or those with health issues related to cold. Flexibility is key, as Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, but the tour’s high success rate means your chances are good.

Practical Tips

• Dress in 2-3 layers with thermals, a warm jacket, wool socks, and sturdy winter boots (rentable if needed).
• Bring passport or ID and thermal snacks if you prefer bringing your own food.
• Consider requesting a tripod in advance for better photos.
• Be prepared for a long drive (up to 250km), and possibly a late return.
• If traveling with children under 6, check if child seats are available or consider suitability.
• Keep an open mind about the unpredictability of the Aurora — patience and flexibility go a long way.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation by minibus is included, making it easy to relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about driving.

What should I wear?
Bring very warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, long pants, thermal layers, and warm shoes. Thermal suits are provided and highly praised by past travelers.

Can I rent winter shoes?
Yes, winter shoes are available for rent at the Tromso Outdoor shop, located at Fredrik Langes gate 14.

What’s included in the tour?
You get warm thermal suits, snacks (muffins and fruit), hot drinks (fruit tea, hot chocolate, water), a tripod upon request, and two professional portraits with the Northern Lights.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour might be canceled free of charge in case of very bad weather or icy conditions, especially if driving is unsafe. Guides continuously monitor forecasts and will adapt plans accordingly.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
While the success rate is very high (over 93%), sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Guides do everything to find clear skies, including driving to Finland if needed.

Is this suitable for children?
Not for children under 6 years old. Check with the provider about child seats and suitability for children under 135cm.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights Chase from Tromsø offers a compelling mix of expert guidance, cozy comforts, and genuine Arctic adventure. The dedication of guides like Daniel, combined with the effort to find clear skies and capture stunning photos, makes it a top pick for anyone serious about witnessing the Aurora in Norway.

The tour’s price reflects the value of personalized service, professional equipment, and the unforgettable memories you’ll create. Perfect for travelers who want to combine a bit of road trip excitement with the magic of nature’s light show.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic, and photo-friendly Northern Lights experience, this tour is definitely worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: