Experience Tromso’s Northern Lights with a small-group, professionally guided minibus tour for about 5 to 8 hours, starting from around $212 per person. This tour takes you to prime viewing spots with clear skies, offering a chance to see the aurora borealis in comfort and style. Included in the experience are warm clothing, toilet facilities, hot meals, and a photo assistance service to capture your moment under the sky. The tour also boasts a guarantee — if you don’t see the lights, you get 50% off your next trip.
What we love about this tour is the thoughtful logistics — everything from the comfort of the vehicle to the hot food by a campfire — and the high success rate of sightings, bolstered by guides who know how to find the best spots. The small group size (max 15 travelers) makes the whole experience more intimate and flexible. On the downside, the nature of trying to chase the northern lights means your chances depend heavily on weather and sky conditions, which are always unpredictable.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized experience with knowledgeable guides, especially if you’re new to aurora hunting or prefer avoiding cold, uncomfortable nights. If you love having your photos taken with the lights or enjoy hot meals outdoors, this trip will suit you well. It’s also a smart choice for those who appreciate small groups and personalized attention.
Key Points
- Comfort and convenience are prioritized with warm clothing, toilet access, and hot meals.
- Expert guides actively search for the best viewing spots, increasing your chances of seeing the lights.
- Small group size ensures a personalized experience with attentive service.
- Photo assistance helps you capture the moment, plus professional-grade photos are provided.
- Guarantee policy offers peace of mind — if no lights, half off your next trip.
- Weather dependency means flexibility is key — your success depends on clear skies.
An In-Depth Look at the Northern Lights Chase Tour
Planning more time in Tromso? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Starting Point and Logistics
The tour kicks off at Skolegata 24, 9008 Tromsø, with a meeting time of 17:45 at the Ami Hotel. Here, you are provided with warm clothing—a thoughtful touch that ensures comfort during the evening’s adventure. In some cases, the pickup can be arranged directly from your hotel, which adds to the trip’s convenience. The tour begins around 6:00 pm, and depending on conditions, lasts between 5 and 8 hours.
This flexible duration is a smart feature because northern lights chasing is all about timing—sometimes the perfect display appears early, sometimes near midnight. The tour’s ability to adapt based on sky conditions helps maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis.
The Transportation Experience
Travel is in a luxurious minibus that seats around 15 people, providing a cozy yet spacious environment. Several reviews praise the comfortable seating and quiet ride, which make the long drive more enjoyable. The vehicle is equipped with a widescreen camera that displays the sky, so you can keep an eye on potential aurora activity without constantly craning your neck or straining your eyes.
A key advantage is the small group size, which makes the atmosphere more personal and flexible. Guides can quickly adjust the route or stop based on weather updates or the latest aurora forecasts, a flexibility that larger tours often lack.
Warm Clothing, Toilet Facilities, and Comfort
One of the standout features here is the provision of warm clothing at the start — an absolute necessity given Tromso’s winter chill. We love that the guides also ensure travelers are dressed appropriately, which prevents the cold from spoiling the experience.
The tour also includes toilet facilities, a significant plus considering how remote some of the good viewing spots can be. Several reviews mention how convenient and appreciated this was, especially during long waits outside.
The Scenic Stops and Viewing
The guides take you to areas where clear skies are most likely, often near lakes or open landscapes away from city lights. The reviews consistently mention the guides’ expertise in finding the best locations, sometimes traveling quite a distance to beat the clouds or bad weather.
Guides like Sarah, Bert, David, and others are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, often sharing stories about the lights or tips on photography. Several travelers mention how guides like Margot and Martina helped them capture stunning photos of the aurora, and some received professional-grade images afterward.
Campfire, Hot Food, and Hot Chocolate
Once in a good spot, the group gathers around a campfire, which adds warmth and creates a cozy, communal atmosphere. The tour includes a hot meal or hot dog, with hot chocolate and biscuits to keep everyone warm and energized.
Many reviews highlight how these small touches — the campfire, the hot drinks, the hot meal — make the experience feel authentic and comfortable. Even in cold weather, the guides’ effort to provide hot food and warm drinks keeps spirits high, making the outdoor experience enjoyable rather than miserable.
The Aurora Borealis and Photography
The main goal? Seeing the northern lights dancing in the sky. Many reviews describe the lights as breathtaking and magical. Guides assist with photography tips, helping travelers take the best shots, and some provide professional photos afterward.
Even when the weather isn’t perfect, guides like David and Margot do their best to maximize visibility, and some guests mention how persistent guides are, often traveling to different spots to catch a glimpse of the aurora.
Guarantee and Future Booking Discount
The tour offers a “next chance guarantee” — if you don’t see the lights during your trip, you’re eligible for 50% off on a future tour. This policy underscores the tour’s confidence in their guides’ ability to find the aurora, and it provides peace of mind for travelers worried about missing out due to unpredictable weather.
Overall Value and Experience
While $212 might seem steep, it’s a competitive price considering the inclusion of warm clothing, transportation, meals, and photography assistance. For many travelers, the small group setting and the guaranteed effort by guides to find the lights make it a worthwhile investment.
The reviews consistently praise the professionalism, friendliness, and dedication of the guides, which significantly enhances the overall experience. Many mention that this tour was “the best northern lights experience” they’ve had, even compared to tours in Alaska, Iceland, or Finland.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This tour suits adventurers seeking comfort and convenience. If you prefer to avoid cold, uncomfortable nights outdoors and want a well-organized experience with knowledgeable guides, this is a top choice. It’s also ideal for travelers who want professional photos and those who appreciate small groups for a more personalized experience.
Because the success of seeing the northern lights depends on weather, this tour is best for flexible travelers who understand the unpredictability of nature but want the best possible chance, backed by expert guidance.
Final Thoughts
This Northern Lights Chase minibus tour in Tromso offers a well-rounded, thoughtfully designed experience. Expect comfortable transportation, warm gear, hot meals, and guides who know the skies. While the aurora isn’t guaranteed, the high likelihood of seeing it, combined with the small group intimacy and personalized service, makes this tour stand out.
It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting to maximize their chances of witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays in a way that’s as cozy as it is adventurous. If you’re prepared for the weather and looking for an experience that combines comfort, expert help, and authentic Northern Norway scenery, this tour should be on your list.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
It typically runs between 5 and 8 hours, depending on how quickly the guides find clear skies and good spots for viewing.
Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is Skolegata 24, 9008 Tromsø, at the Ami Hotel, with a start time of around 6:00 pm.
Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a luxury minibus known for its comfort. It seats about 15 travelers, making the trip intimate and less crowded.
Are warm clothes provided?
Yes, warm clothing is included, which is essential for staying comfortable in Tromso’s winter cold.
What food is included?
You’ll enjoy hot meals or hot dogs near the campfire, along with hot chocolate and biscuits to keep you warm.
What if we don’t see the lights?
The tour offers a “next chance guarantee”, giving you 50% off a future trip if the aurora doesn’t appear during your scheduled tour.
Can I get photos of the Northern Lights?
Absolutely. Guides assist with photography, and some travelers receive professional-quality images afterward.
Is this suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, including those with service animals. The tour is especially good for those who value personalized attention and good organization.
How is the weather?
The success of the tour depends on clear skies. Guides will adapt the route based on weather conditions to optimize your chances.
To sum it up, if you’re after a comfortable, well-organized, small-group experience with knowledgeable guides, hot food, and a good shot at witnessing the aurora borealis, this Tromso tour fits the bill. It’s designed to blend adventure with comfort, making it an excellent choice for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.
More Tour Reviews in Tromso
More Tromso experiences we've covered
- Northern Lights Adventure
- Half-Day Scenic Wildlife & Photographic Fjord Tour.
- Husky Hike and Puppy Visit with Lunch
- Tromso: Private Aurora Chase by Minivan
- Fjord Photo Tour
- Arctic Roadtrip: fjords with scenic picnic | Private
- Fjord & History Cruise
- Tromsø Aurora Tour For All
- Aurora Tour For All with Tromsø Accessible Tours
- Overnight Stay with Reindeer Sledding & Feeding
- Aurora Cuisine Cruise
- Fishing from shore