Northern Lights Hunt with The Green Adventure – photos included

Northern Lights Hunt with The Green Adventure — Photos Included
Rating: 5.0 / 726 reviews
Location: Tromso, Norway
Price: $241.79 per person

Quick Overview
This Northern Lights tour from Tromso, run by The Green Adventure, offers an intimate chance to chase the aurora borealis through the Arctic wilderness. For around $242, you’ll join a small group — usually booked about a month in advance — and spend 6 to 9 hours seeking the best spots to see Norway’s most dazzling natural light show. Your guide, Lukas (or other knowledgeable locals), leads the way, driving miles outside the city, sometimes into Finland or near the coast, to escape the city lights and find clear skies.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personal touch. You’re not just part of a large busload; you’ll get personalized attention, professional photos, and warm, hearty food. Second, their ability to adapt, thanks to local weather expertise and contacts, means they often find the best viewing spots even when the weather isn’t perfect.

A potential consideration? The drive can sometimes involve quite bumpy roads, especially when venturing into remote areas, which might be uncomfortable for some. Also, given the unpredictable nature of the northern lights, this tour emphasizes effort and expertise rather than guaranteed sightings. If you’re hoping for a relaxed evening with predictable results, this might be a bit adventurous.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just a quick snapshot — those who appreciate expert-guided hunts, good food, and a chance to capture stunning photos of the aurora. If you’re comfortable with chilly outdoor conditions and value a small-group vibe, this is a solid pick.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups mean more attention and better chances to ask questions and learn.
• Expert Guidance: Guides with local weather knowledge and contacts work hard to find clear skies.
• Photo Memories: Professionally taken photos are included, helping you relive the experience without extra cost.
• Warm Food & Comfort: Soup and marshmallows around a bonfire boost the Arctic experience, especially on cold nights.
• Flexible Locations: The tour ventures up to 200 km from Tromso, sometimes into Finland, for optimal aurora viewing.
• Weather Dependent: The success depends on weather and solar activity, though the guides do their best to maximize your chances.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

How the Tour Works

Starting at the Scandic Ishavshotel, you meet your guide and fellow travelers. The initial moments are informal, with guides sharing tips about the Northern Lights and what to expect. From there, a comfortable, thermal-suit-equipped vehicle takes you into the Arctic night, often covering a 200 km radius around Tromso. Sometimes, this involves a drive into neighboring Finland or along the coast, all in search of clear skies — because, as many reviews point out, weather is king when it comes to aurora watching.

The guides, with their local weather insight and contacts, are adept at navigating tricky conditions. This isn’t just a sightseeing drive; it’s a strategic hunt for the best viewing spots. You might stop at one or more locations, often chosen for their minimal light pollution and good horizon views. One reviewer noted that the guides “really make an effort to find the clear sky,” often driving far into the land to escape cloud cover.

The Journey and Its Stops

The trip typically lasts between 6 and 9 hours, with flexibility depending on conditions. The early part of the evening is spent traveling, chatting, and soaking in the Arctic landscape. Once at a suitable spot, you’ll settle around a bonfire in the wilderness, where you can enjoy warm soup, marshmallows, and hot drinks. This is a thoughtful touch — a welcome break from the cold, making the long wait more pleasant.

Reviewers frequently mention the quality of the food, describing the soup as “deliciously made in Tromso,” with vegan options available. One guest highlighted the marshmallows roasted over the fire, which added a fun, cozy element to the experience.

Viewing the Northern Lights

When conditions align, the guides expertly point your camera at the sky, taking professional photos with a small watermark so you can download high-res images later. Many reviews commend their guides’ photography skills — “the photos they took are just superb,” says one guest. You’ll also have time to marvel at the shifting curtains of green, and sometimes multi-colored, lights dancing overhead. Several comments express amazement at the scenes they witnessed: “an incredible display of shimmering columns and bright colors.”

Keep in mind, though, lighting conditions are unpredictable. Some nights the aurora is faint or absent, despite the guides’ efforts. As one review pointed out, “solar activity wasn’t the strongest, but we still saw some lights,” which aligns with the general understanding that aurora viewing is partly luck.

What Travelers Love Most

Several reviews repeatedly highlight the guides’ expertise and friendly demeanor. For example, one reviewer appreciated that Lukas “shared knowledge of the lights and provided other recommendations,” while another called Antonio and Marcin “the best” for their efforts to find the best sights despite weather challenges.

The quality of the photos and the warmth of the soup and fire elevate the experience from merely watching lights to creating a cozy Arctic adventure. Many commend the small group size, which allows for a more relaxed, personal experience while also enabling the guides to adapt to changing conditions quickly.

Downsides and Challenges

Some travelers mention the bumpy, icy roads, which can be uncomfortable or even unsettling, especially if you are prone to motion sickness. The ride can be quite fast and rough, and the road conditions vary depending on the weather. Also, the cost (~$242 per person) prompts questions about value, especially when weather conditions aren’t ideal or the lights are faint. However, many feel the effort, expertise, and included photos make it worthwhile.

A reviewer pointed out that some of the guides spent a lot of time talking with a few guests, which meant less engagement for others. This highlights the importance of choosing a tour with experienced guides who balance storytelling with inclusivity.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for an adventure with a personal touch, this tour suits travelers who enjoy small groups, expert guides, and hot food in the cold. It’s perfect for those who value photography and want professional images of their Arctic experience. It’s also suitable for families (minimum age 12), but be prepared for chilly outdoor conditions and some bumpy rides.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Northern Lights hunt offers a blend of expert guidance, genuine effort, and cozy comforts that many travelers find worth the investment. The guides go out of their way to find clear skies, sometimes traveling far into Finland, and their knowledge greatly enhances the experience. The included professional photos and warm food add value, making it more than just a night under the stars.

However, it’s important to have realistic expectations. The aurora is a natural phenomenon, and no tour can guarantee sightings. Weather and solar activity are unpredictable, but this tour’s focus on adaptability and local expertise increases your chances significantly.

In the end, if you’re someone who appreciates small groups, good storytelling, and stunning photography, this adventure should suit you well. It’s a well-organized, thoughtful way to chase the Northern Lights in Tromso, especially if you want an experience that’s both fun and memorable.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It typically runs between 6 and 9 hours, giving ample time to drive, wait, and hopefully see the lights.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is the Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromso, and after the tour, you’ll be dropped off back in the city center or nearby hotels.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal clothing and waterproof boots. The tour staff do not provide boots, so bring your own if possible.

Are meals included?
Yes, warm soup and marshmallows are included, with vegan options available. It’s a good idea to bring extra water to stay hydrated.

Can children participate?
Children aged 12 and above can join, but they should be comfortable in cold outdoor conditions.

Is transportation comfortable?
The vehicle is equipped with thermal suits for warmth, but the roads can be bumpy, especially when venturing into remote areas.

What if the weather is poor?
The guides monitor weather conditions closely and will try to find clear skies. If the weather is too bad, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund.

Are photos included?
Yes, professional photos with a small watermark are provided after the tour, and you can download high-res images later.

In all, this Northern Lights tour from Tromso offers a genuine Arctic adventure wrapped in expert guidance, cozy comforts, and the chance to create unforgettable memories — as long as you’re prepared for the cold and the unpredictability of Mother Nature.