Full Night Magic of the Arctic Lights in Tromso

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the elusive dance of the Northern Lights in Norway, the Full Night Magic of the Arctic Lights tour promises an adventure filled with stunning vistas, cozy warmth, and expert guidance. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, detailed reviews paint a vivid picture of what you can expect — from remote locations to the camaraderie of a small group.

What we love about this tour is its focus on personalized experience, the chance to explore remote Arctic spots accessible only by minibus, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere around the bonfire. The small-group limit of 16 ensures you’ll never feel like just another face in the crowd, increasing your chances to catch those shimmering lights. However, a consideration is that the tour doesn’t include a pickup, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point, which might add some planning.

This experience seems perfect for travelers who value authentic Arctic adventures, enjoy small-group intimacy, and want to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights without the frills of large-scale tours. Just be sure you’re prepared for the cold — temperatures can plummet to -30°C — and that you don’t mind a flexible schedule based on weather.

Good To Know

• Small-group size enhances comfort and the chance of a personalized experience.
• Remote access allows visiting locations with the best potential for clear skies and Northern Lights viewing.
• Weather-dependent route means your experience could vary, but adaptability is a key feature.
• Warm clothing and layered outfits are essential due to Arctic temperatures; thermal suits are available upon request.
• Bonfire and hot drinks create a cozy atmosphere, even in freezing conditions.
• Real reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, beautiful photo opportunities, and the thrill of chasing the Lights.
• No included pickup means you’ll need to plan your transportation to the meeting point outside the Magic Ice Bar.
• Tour duration of 5 hours strikes a good balance, allowing flexibility while maintaining comfort.
• No guarantee of Northern Lights, as they are a natural phenomenon, but the tour’s focus on remoteness maximizes your chances.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and Route: Chasing the Aurora

The tour begins outside the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø, where your adventure kicks off with a friendly welcome from guides who are both knowledgeable and approachable. The route you take will depend on weather forecasts, aiming to find clear skies — which are critical for spotting the Lights. This flexibility is a real perk, as local guides are adept at reading the weather and adjusting the journey accordingly.

Some groups explore coastal areas, where the open horizon and minimal light pollution heighten your chances of seeing the aurora. Others might venture close to the Finnish border, about 210 km away, for even more secluded settings. This variability means your experience could differ night to night, but all routes are designed with the same goal: maximizing your Aurora viewing.

The Transport: Comfortable, Capable, Small

Travel is in a modern minibus, limited to 16 travelers, which ensures a cozy yet practical environment. Unlike larger tour buses, this smaller vessel can reach more remote spots that are often inaccessible to bigger vehicles. Several reviews mention the comfort of the transport, with passengers appreciating the space and ease of movement inside.

The Atmosphere: Warmth and Camaraderie

One of the highlights is the bonfire, where you can unwind with warm drinks and light snacks. The guides often bring homemade cookies and cakes, adding a personal touch to the experience. As one reviewer noted, despite challenging weather forecasts, the group was able to see and photograph the Northern Lights, with the guide taking care to ensure everyone felt comfortable and included.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Cold: Dress for Success

Temperatures can fluctuate from 5°C to as low as -30°C, so dressing warmly is crucial. The tour advises layering, and they offer suits and boots if pre-ordered — but most travelers find that their own thermal layers are enough. A tip from past guests is to wear wool socks, thick hats, gloves, and winter boots to stay comfortable during the long waiting periods outside.

Photographic Opportunities

Multiple reviewers mention the guide’s efforts to take beautiful photos of their group, some even sending edited images afterward. However, one guest noted that she didn’t receive her photos and was unsure how to contact the guide, highlighting the importance of clarifying expectations beforehand.

The Value of the Tour

At $186 per person for around 5 hours, this tour offers a lot of value, especially given the small-group intimacy and remote locations. You won’t be crammed into a large bus, and the flexible routing increases your chances of seeing the Lights — which is what matters most. The inclusion of hot drinks, snacks, and a bonfire adds cozy comfort to the experience, making the long Arctic night more enjoyable.

While the tour doesn’t include a pickup, the meeting point is conveniently located outside the Magic Ice Bar, and the overall experience is well-regarded for its friendly guides and authentic Arctic atmosphere. The fact that the tour is not suitable for children under 8 reflects the cold and outdoor nature, but it’s perfect for travelers seeking a genuine Northern Lights chase.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers with a love of nature and a desire for a more personalized, intimate experience. If you’re keen to explore remote locations with minimal light pollution and don’t mind braving cold weather, this tour will suit you. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate guides who are knowledgeable and friendly, and value authentic, unplugged experiences over large crowds and commercialized setups.

However, if you prefer a more structured, all-inclusive experience or have young children, you may want to consider other options. Also, ensure you’re comfortable with the uncertainty of seeing the Aurora, as it is a natural phenomenon and sightings can’t be guaranteed.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own warm clothing?
Yes, layering is recommended since temperatures can drop to -30°C. The tour offers suits and boots if pre-ordered, but most travelers find their own thermal gear sufficient.

Is transportation included in the price?
Transportation within a modern, small minibus is included, but pick-up from your accommodation is not. You will meet outside the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, with flexibility depending on weather and Northern Lights activity.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights?
While the tour aims to maximize your chances by visiting remote locations with clear skies, no one can guarantee sightings because the Aurora is a natural phenomenon.

What should I do to prepare for the cold?
Dress warmly in layers, including wool socks, hats, and gloves. The guide recommends bringing your own winter clothes, though suits and boots are available if pre-ordered.

Are meals or drinks included?
Yes, the tour provides hot drinks and light snacks, along with a bonfire to keep everyone warm and comfortable.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 8 years due to the outdoor, cold environment.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The route will adapt based on weather forecasts. While this improves chances for good viewing, there’s still no certainty of seeing the Lights if weather conditions are unfavorable.

How are photos handled?
Guides often take photos of guests, but it’s wise to confirm if you want professional shots and how to request them. One reviewer mentioned not receiving her photos, so clear communication is key.

Final Thoughts

This Full Night Magic of the Arctic Lights tour offers a truly intimate and flexible way to chase the Northern Lights, with knowledgeable guides and cozy moments around a bonfire. Its focus on remote locations makes it ideal for those who are serious about seeing the Aurora in its natural setting. The small-group size fosters a more personalized experience, which can make all the difference when waiting in the cold for that magical display.

While the uncertainty of Aurora sightings is always present, the emphasis on remote, dark skies maximizes your odds. Plus, the opportunity to learn from guides who know the Arctic and its weather patterns adds a layer of confidence to your adventure.

If you’re an adventurous soul eager to experience a genuine Arctic night, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to pack your warmest layers, keep your expectations realistic, and enjoy every moment of the chase.

You can check if your dates are available here: