From Tromsø: Aurora Minibus Chase with Portrait and Hot Meal

Imagine cruising through Norway’s snowy wilderness in a cozy minibus, chasing the elusive and magical Aurora Borealis. For $205 per person and lasting about 8 hours, this tour offers a blend of adventure, comfort, and authenticity. Led by experienced guides, you’ll visit scenic Arctic spots, enjoy hot drinks and a hearty meal, and come home with professional portraits under the swirling lights.

What we love about this experience is how thoroughly it caters to both comfort and curiosity. First, the warm clothing and gear—from suits to ice spikes—are included, so you’re prepared for the cold without extra fuss. Second, the personalized photos and the chance to see the Aurora dancing in the sky make it feel truly special.

One thing to consider: weather is unpredictable, and despite their efforts, the Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed. But the tour’s flexibility—driving to Finland if needed—gives you a better shot at a sighting.

This trip suits travelers who want a well-organized, interactive, and comfortable Arctic adventure, especially those eager for professional photos and hot meals in a chilly landscape.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and dedicated to maximizing your chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Comfort & Warmth: Warm clothing, heated tents, and toilet facilities ensure comfort during long waits.
• Flexible Locations: Guides will drive to prime spots, even crossing borders to Finland if necessary.
• Photo Opportunities: Included portraits and assistance with camera settings create memorable keepsakes.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Hot drinks, meals, bonfire, and snacks keep you cozy and energized.
• Weather Dependence: Clear skies are crucial; the tour’s flexibility helps but doesn’t guarantee sightings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review: What to Expect on This Arctic Adventure

When we signed up for this tour, our main goal was to experience the Northern Lights in a way that felt genuine, comfortable, and fun. Led by guides like Margaux and Martina, the roughly 8-hour journey begins at Ami Hotel in Tromsø, where warm clothing is provided. This initial step is a thoughtful touch—no need to drag your own bulky gear through the airport or worry about staying warm, because they’ve got you covered.

The Transportation: Cozy, Tech-Enhanced, and Small Group

The journey itself is in a minibus equipped with Wi-Fi and a sky camera—a clever touch that allows you to watch the night sky on a TV screen even while inside. The group size is limited to 15 people, which means you’ll get personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere than larger tours. Some groups, especially when fewer than 7 participants, may be driven in a minivan, adding an extra layer of intimacy and comfort.

The guides are highly flexible—driving long distances to chase clear skies, including crossing into Finland if needed. This flexibility is a major plus, especially if weather challenges clouds overhead. As one reviewer noted, they drove two hours to the Sweden border to find better conditions, a testament to their commitment.

The Scenic Stops & Arctic Environment

Once on the road, you’ll venture into some of the most stunning Arctic landscapes. Stops are planned at locations like frozen lakes and beaches, which are perfect backdrops for the Aurora. The guides know these spots well and are quick to adapt based on sky conditions.

Weather can be frigid, but that’s part of the charm. We appreciated the warm suits and ice spikes, allowing us to walk comfortably on icy ground. A heated toilet tent is also available—luxury in these remote settings—and a bonfire with chairs and blankets creates a cozy social atmosphere. Several reviews rave about the fire, hot drinks, and the chance to grill sausages or marshmallows, which makes waiting much more pleasant.

The Food and Drinks: Hot & Hearty

The inclusion of hot meals from “Real Turmat”—including vegetarian and vegan options—adds a real value. The hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks keep everyone warm and energized, especially during those long waits. Several travelers mention how much they appreciated the hot dogs, marshmallows, and donuts shared around the campfire. This warm, communal aspect is a highlight, turning a chilly night into a memorable gathering.

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Photography & Portraits: Personalized Memories

One of the most talked-about features is the professional portrait photography. Guides like Rikke are praised for their ability to take stunning pictures, which are then shared via email—no need to fuss with your own camera settings. The tour provides tripods for cameras and phones, and help with camera settings ensures you get the best shots of the dancing lights.

Multiple reviews highlight how these photos are breathtaking and serve as lasting mementos. Seeing the Aurora reflected in your face, captured professionally, makes it all the more special.

The Northern Lights: The Main Event

While the Aurora is highly dependent on weather and solar activity, guides use sky cams and real-time data to optimize the chances of a sighting. Several guests were lucky enough to see spectacular displays, with pinkish-green auroras dancing across the sky. Some reports describe seeing the lights within the first 30 minutes of the tour, while others suggest patience and flexibility are key. When the lights appear, you’ll be treated to a truly breathtaking spectacle—an experience that many describe as unforgettable.

If the Aurora doesn’t appear on your first night, the tour offers the chance for a discounted second trip, which shows their confidence in providing a good shot at seeing the Lights.

The Experience’s Value

At $205 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive Arctic experience. You’re paying for expert guides, comfortable transportation, warm clothing, hot meals, and professional photos—all ingredients for a memorable night. Many reviewers feel that the service, flexibility, and quality make it well worth the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want a well-structured, personalized journey in search of the Aurora. It’s ideal for those who value comfort—thanks to warm gear and facilities—and want to capture professional photos of this natural wonder. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find the small group size fosters a friendly, intimate atmosphere. If you’re someone who appreciates local stories, good food, and a dedicated effort by guides to find the perfect view, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting point is at the Ami Hotel at 17:45, with hotel pickup available in some cases.
• The tour runs between 5-8 hours, depending on weather and sky conditions.
• Bring your passport—some drives may cross into Finland.
• Weather can be cold, so dress warmly, even with included gear.
• The tour is not suitable for alcohol or drugs.
• If the Northern Lights are elusive, you’ll have the option to join another tour at a 50% discount—a nice safety net.
• Language is English and Norwegian, and guides are friendly and knowledgeable.
• Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the guides do their best to find clear skies and good spots, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon that depends on weather. Many guests do see spectacular displays, but it’s not guaranteed.

What if the weather is bad?
Guides monitor weather closely and will drive to locations with the best chances. If conditions are unfavorable, they may cross borders to Finland or other Arctic spots to improve your odds.

Is the hot meal vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
Yes, the tour offers hot meals from “Real Turmat” that cater to vegetarians and vegans, along with hot drinks and snacks.

How warm will I be during the tour?
Warm clothing, suits, and ice spikes are provided. The heated tent, bonfire, and hot drinks help keep everyone comfortable during long waits.

What photographs are included?
Guides take professional portraits and can assist with camera settings. The photos are emailed to you after the tour, so you can relive the night.

Can I participate if I don’t want to walk or stand outside for long?
Yes, the tour involves outdoor viewing at various spots, but facilities like the heated tent and toilet provide comfort. The guided nature ensures you’re not left alone in the cold.

Final thoughts: Is this tour right for you?

If you’re after a well-organized, friendly, and comfortable Northern Lights experience, this tour ticks all the boxes. The guides’ flexibility and dedication to finding the Aurora, combined with the inclusion of hot meals, professional photos, and warm gear, make it a solid choice. The small group setting ensures a personal touch, and the effort to drive far and even cross borders shows they truly want you to see the Lights.

However, keep in mind the weather’s unpredictability—if clear skies don’t cooperate, the experience might be less dramatic. Still, the chance to learn about the Aurora, sit around a campfire, and take home stunning portraits makes this a worthwhile adventure for most Arctic travelers.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Aurora chaser, this trip offers a good blend of comfort, authenticity, and excitement—an Arctic night to remember.

You can check availability for your dates here: