The BEST Northern Lights Tour From Tromsø (Review + Tips!)
If you’re trying to figure out which is really the best Northern Lights tour from Tromsø, you’re in the right place!
I saw the elusive Aurora Borealis for the very first time in Tromsø last March, in temperatures of -15°C, my heart racing as the sky lit up green above my head.
It was a truly magical experience!
But when I first arrived in Tromsø, sure, I felt excited, but (after a failed attempt in Iceland a few years ago) I also felt a lot of pressure to get it right…
I mean, Northern Lights tours (and trips to Norway in general) are expensive, right? The last thing you want is to pick the wrong one!
And, as a solo female traveller, I felt this even more.
I wanted a tour that would feel safe and friendly, and also offer pro photography, given I was alone and had no one to take my picture.
Or, to put it another way, I didn’t want one of those overhyped, overcrowded big tour buses!
So, in this post, I’m breaking down exactly what makes Tromsø so special for Northern Lights sightings, how to choose the right tour for you, what to wear so you don’t freeze, and my personal review of the tour I chose!
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Is Tromsø Good for Seeing the Northern Lights?
If there’s one place in Europe that just feels perfect for catching a glimpse of those elusive Northern Lights, it’s got to be Tromsø!
Located around 350 km above the Arctic Circle, this tiny Norwegian city sits right at the centre of the Aurora Oval (where the lights are visible most often).
So, in short, yes! Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights!
The city’s northern location, low light pollution once you escape downtown, and long, dark winters make it almost perfect for aurora spotting.
But what I love most about Tromsø is that you don’t have to travel for hours to find the perfect location. Even a short drive will take you to beautiful fjords and snow-covered landscapes!
Katie’s Top Tip: Download the free My Aurora Forecast app before you arrive, even if you’re booking a tour. It’s so fun to track the KP along with your guide!
Best Time to See Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
The Tromsø Northern Lights season typically runs from late September to early April, so you have a large window of opportunity to spot them!
But the very best time to see Northern Lights in Tromsø is between November and March, when the nights are longest.
During these months, you can sometimes even spot the aurora from the city – even with the light pollution. But I would always recommend heading out with a guide for the best experience.
Katie’s Top Tip: My personal favourite months for seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø are February and March, where the nights are long and dark, but there’s enough daylight for sightseeing in Tromsø and the weather is more stable.
Why Book a Northern Lights Tour in Tromsø?
Even though Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to spot the aurora, nature definitely doesn’t always play ball!
Especially in winter (when Norway’s weather is unpredictable), sometimes the lights stay hidden under clouds for night after night in Tromsø itself.
That’s exactly why booking a Northern Lights tour from Tromsø is so important.
Local guides don’t just drive you around at random, they truly know and understand the local landscapes and weather conditions
And they also use live radar, advanced weather forecasting and sky cameras to track the aurora and openings in the cloud cover.
In short, joining a Northern Lights tour from Tromsø is the most reliable way to see them.
Also, as a solo female traveller, I felt so much more relaxed joining a small-group Tromsø Northern Lights chase, rather than heading out alone.
It’s safer (especially if you’re not used to driving in dark winter conditions), social, and you get expert help with photos to capture the memories of an unforgettable night!
Katie’s Top Tip: Avoid the big bus tours. Instead, go for a small-group minibus experience, where your guide can adjust plans quickly based on the forecasts, offer more personalised photo help, and drive you to the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-track locations.
How to Choose the Right Northern Lights Tour for You
With so many different Northern Lights tours from Tromsø out there, it feels so overwhelming trying to pick the best fit for you, right?
Because honestly, the very best Northern Lights tour isn’t one-size-fits-all.
It depends entirely on your personality, comfort level and what kind of night you want.
For example, some tours focus just on chasing the lights, while others involve different arctic experiences, like Sami storytelling or reindeer sledding.
Types of Northern Lights Tours From Tromsø
Think about what kind of experience you want:
Minibus Chase: Great if you want to maximise your chances of seeing the lights! With a smaller group, you can be a lot more flexible, and your guide will literally chase clear skies based on the forecast (even as far as Finland!)
Cruise or Boat Tour: This is a dreamy option if you prefer a calmer, more scenic evening with no driving involved. You’ll sail away from beautiful Tromsø, admiring the lights of the city, before (hopefully) spotting the aurora dancing overhead!
Specialist Photography Tour: If capturing the perfect aurora shot is on your bucket list, this is the tour for you! It’s led by a professional photographer, who will help you set up your camera or phone, and even take stunning portraits of you under the Northern Lights!
Reindeer or Husky Experience: This option allows you to spend a perfect evening with the Arctic’s most famous animals, with a chance to spot the aurora too! It’s a magical experience, but keep in mind that you’ll be in a fixed location, so it’s less flexible.
Private Northern Lights Tour: If you want something extra personal, private tours are the most exclusive way to see the incredible aurora! You’ll have your own guide, so the itinerary will adapt completely to the forecast and kind of experience you want.
Group Size & Atmosphere
Consider whether you would prefer a:
Smaller group experience (under 15 people), which is more personal and flexible, and you’ll also receive personalised support with photography.
Big bus experience, which is cheaper. But it’s also less personal and flexible, because it’s harder to move if clouds roll in, and you’re also limited by where the bus can safely park.
Private tour experience, where it’s just you and your expert guide. This is the most flexible and exclusive way to chase the lights in Tromsø!
Northern Lights Photography Support
When researching the tours’ descriptions and reviews, look out for:
- Do they offer tripod rentals or photo assistance?
- Do the guides help adjust your camera or phone settings?
- Do they send you professional portraits after the tour? (This is a huge plus for solo travellers!)
Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Look for tours that mention including a “Northern Lights Chase” and also a willingness to drive into Finland, as they have the most flexible routes and experienced guides who will do everything they can to help you see the lights.
Also, check if they offer a free or discounted rebook if you don’t see them (not all do, but this is a big reassurance factor!)
Comfort & Safety
Also look for these nice extras, which will only improve your comfort during the tour:
- Heated van or bus
- Thermal suits included
- Food, snacks or hot drinks included
- Toilet stops or even having their own facilities (my tour had a heated toilet tent)
- Friendly, experienced guides (check reviews for this)
Timing & Duration
Most Northern Lights tours from Tromsø last 6–9 hours, often ending around 2 or 3am.
Keep in mind that if the tour you’re researching is shorter than that (with no flexibility to extend), that means less chance to relocate if the weather changes.
Also, double-check what time the pick-up and drop-offs are (and the location for that, too).
A lot of tours will pick up from a central meeting point and then drop you back at your hotel, but if you’re a solo female traveller like me, it’s good to check in advance for peace of mind.
Katie’s Top Tip: Book your Northern Lights tour early on in your trip to Tromsø. That way, if the weather puts a stop to your first attempt, you’ll still have a few backup nights to rebook.
My Personal Pick & Honest Review: Arctic Circle Tours Tromsø
I’ve done a few Northern Lights experiences, in both Iceland and Norway, but this one from Arctic Circle Tours Tromsø completely stole my heart (even the guides couldn’t stop smiling that night because we had the most incredible aurora!)
This small-group (15-person) Northern Lights chase felt more like a fun adventure with friends, rather than an impersonal, standard tour.
We headed out from the Ami Hotel in Tromsø at 6pm in a comfy, heated minibus, watching the sky camera and listening to our passionate local guide explain how they track the aurora activity in real time, and also a little bit about the science of the Northern Lights.
Our driver drove us safely to a truly stunning, snow-covered spot next to a partially frozen fjord, surrounded by mountains, where we set up our camp.
And then, after a whole lot of disappointment in Iceland, it finally happened!
The aurora started as a faint green glow over the mountains, but then exploded into a once-in-a-lifetime show that reflected in the water of the fjord and lasted for over an hour.
Watching those bright lights dance across the sky, surrounded by snow, has to be one of the most magical travel experiences I have ever had – anywhere in the world.
No exaggeration here, I promise.
It was so bright we could see it clearly, even with the naked eye!
After taking our portraits, our guides set up a bonfire near the lake and told us stories, before handing out delicious hot sausages, warm drinks and marshmallows to toast.
It was the most perfect experience.
Then the next day, the photos landed in my inbox, and they were so much better than I could’ve dreamed of.
Professional, high-quality portraits of me under the lights that I never would’ve been able to take on my own as a solo female traveller!
What stood out most to me about this Tromsø Northern Lights tour, though, was how well-organised it all was.
We were a group of 15, so it never felt overcrowded (although at one point, I’ve got to be real, our two small groups mixed, which made it a little confusing in the dark).
But the guides handled it really well, and it never spoiled the experience.
They also offered a heated tent with a toilet (absolute luxury at midnight in the Arctic Wilderness, let me tell you!) and tripods for anyone who wanted to take their own photos.
Plus, you’ll get a 50% discount on another Northern Lights chase if you don’t see the aurora on your tour (although they have a great success rate, even taking you to Finland if needed!)
What I loved most, though, was how authentic it felt.
There were no gimmicks, and it wasn’t a giant tour bus, so we could all really get to know each other and our passionate guide. Plus, the sky camera and pro aurora tracking meant we never missed a moment.
It was a truly unforgettable night!
So if you’re looking for the best Northern Lights tour from Tromsø, this is the one I would always recommend!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you stay at the Ami Hotel in Tromsø, you’ll also get a 10% discount on the tour. Just use the promo code from the confirmation email when you book your stay!
Other Amazing Northern Lights Tours From Tromsø
Northern Lights + Reindeer Sledding
This Reindeer Sledding and Northern Lights tour from Tromsø includes a delicious dinner, meeting a Sami reindeer herder, reindeer feeding, and an unforgettable sled ride through the snow!
You’ll also enjoy hot chocolate in a candle-lit gamme (a traditional Sami hut), enjoy a three-course meal cooked over an open fire, and listen to traditional joik songs and stories throughout the evening.
Plus, there is, of course, the unmissable chance to see the incredible Northern Lights dancing above the camp!
Just know that, because you’ll be based at their camp rather than chasing clear skies, there’s less flexibility with weather.
Northern Lights + Huskies
If you’re a dog lover like me, it’s impossible to resist the idea of cuddling huskies in the snow!
This Northern Lights husky visit takes you to a husky camp not far from Tromsø, where over 200 Alaskan huskies (and their adorable puppies!!) will be so excited to cuddle with you!
You’ll also warm up by the roaring fire with hot drinks and toasted marshmallows, before heading out to hopefully catch a glimpse of the aurora dancing across the night sky.
Finally, you’ll also enjoy a traditional Norwegian meal of bacalao (fish stew), while your guide shares stories and answers all of your questions.
Again, you’re staying in one location on this tour, so aurora success depends entirely on the weather. But even if the lights hide, it’s still an amazing experience!
Northern Lights Cruise from Tromsø
For a completely different kind of experience, just picture for a second how dreamy this is…
You’re soaking in a hot tub, on the deck of a luxury yacht, while the Northern Lights dance overhead!
Sounds like a dream, right?
This Luxury Northern Lights cruise includes unlimited access to the incredible, steaming hot tub and a delicious, chef-prepared dinner, as you sail aboard the Stella Oceana.
With a small group of just 12 guests, there’s plenty of space to spread out on this 32m yacht, with a spacious deck, a cosy saloon living room, and of course, that all-important hot tub!
As you sail past Tromsø’s beautiful city lights (well worth a photo in their own right!), your captain will position the yacht in the best viewing spots based on the Northern Lights forecast, so you can sit back and enjoy the show!
Private Northern Lights Tour
If you want to make your aurora experience completely your own, this private aurora chase will give you a dream night!
With a private guide and vehicle, you’ll chase the clear skies through some of Norway’s most spectacular (and off-the-beaten-path) scenery, or even to Finland if needed, for your very own mini expedition!
Plus, your guide will help you set up your camera or phone, serve warm drinks and snacks by the fire, and take professional photos to capture the memories.
It’s definitely pricier than a group tour, but that extra comfort and attention from your local guide is so worth every penny if you dream of a once-in-a-lifetime night!
Northern Lights Photography Tour
If capturing the perfect aurora shot is your dream, this Northern Lights photography tour is perfect for you!
It’s led by a passionate photographer (and Northern Lights expert), who will do everything they can to maximise your success at both seeing and capturing the aurora, even if that’s in Finland.
Throughout the tour, the guide uses real-time data and years of experience to choose the best location each night, then helps you set up your camera (or phone!) for the best shots.
You’ll also enjoy a cosy campfire, warm food and storytelling while waiting for the aurora.
And yes, they’ll also take professional photos for you, so even if your own camera doesn’t cooperate, you’ll still leave with unforgettable shots!
What to Wear on a Northern Lights Tour
If there’s one thing that will make or break your experience on even the best Northern Lights tour from Tromsø, it’s what you wear.
(Trust me. Standing outside at 11pm in -18°C, with numb toes and fingers that feel like they’re going to snap off, is not fun… Ask me how I know!!)
But the simple key to avoiding my fate during my nighttime reindeer sledding excursion is:
Layers!
More specifically:
- A thermal base layer (ideally merino wool, definitely not cotton)
- A good insulating mid-layer (like fleece or wool)
- A waterproof, windproof coat (bonus points if it has extra insulation!)
- Thermal socks (again, merino wool is ideal)
- Insulated snow boots
- Warm gloves that allow you to use your phone
- A hat that covers your ears
- A scarf or neck gaiter (my personal choice) to protect your face and neck from the wind
And yeah, I get it. It’s the kind of outfit that doesn’t look at all glamorous (in fact you’ll look a bit like the Michelin Man… remember him?!)
But from my experience, being a warm Michelin Man is much more fun than being a freezing cold runway model!
Most Northern Lights tours from Tromsø also include the use of a thermal suit, which helps a lot, but your base layers still matter.
Katie’s Top Tip: Also pack USB handwarmers and thank me later! Pop one into each glove before you head out, and you’ll stay nice and toasty! Oh, and a portable charger is another must – batteries die a lot quicker in the cold.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights (Even as a Beginner!)
If you’ve come all this way to join the best Northern Lights tour from Tromsø, you’ll definitely want a photo that captures the moment. Right?
But you may have also heard that the aurora are notoriously tricky to capture.
Well, the good news (from me, a very beginner photographer!) is that you don’t need to be a pro photographer to get amazing shots.
Plus, most guides will help you with your camera settings or even take photos for you during your tour, so no need to stress.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Camera
If you’ve got a DSLR or mirrorless camera, here’s how to achieve the perfect shot, step by step:
- Mount your camera on a tripod (this is so important!)
- Set your ISO between 800–3200, depending on the brightness of the lights
- Use a wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4)
- Adjust your shutter speed between 5–20 secs (shorter if the lights are moving quickly)
- Switch to manual focus and set to infinity
- Turn on a timer or use a remote to avoid any camera shake
Once you’ve got one shot, you can then play with exposure times if you wish, to balance detail and brightness.
Katie’s Top Tip: Bring extra batteries and keep them in your inner coat pocket to keep them warm. Cold weather kills battery life faster than you’d expect.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights on an Android Phone
If you’ve got an Android phone, you can absolutely still capture the aurora!
During my Tromsø Northern Lights chase, I shot on my Samsung A33 5G using Night Mode, and they turned out better than I expected.
Here’s what worked:
- Open your camera and switch to Night Mode (sometimes called Pro or Manual Mode)
- Set ISO between 800–1600
- Set the exposure time to around 10 seconds
- Place your phone on a tripod
- Tap to focus on a distant light or bright star
- Turn off flash and then let your phone do its thing!
Katie’s Top Tip: Always use a phone tripod to take photos of the Northern Lights. The steadier your phone is, the sharper the lights will look.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights on an Apple Phone
If you’re using an iPhone, I’m very jealous! You’ve got a powerful camera in there that can handle the Northern Lights very well!
Apple’s Night Mode does most of the work for you, but here’s how to make the most of it:
- Open your Camera app and swipe to Night Mode
- Place your phone on a tripod
- Manually extend the exposure time to around 10 seconds if you need to
- Tap to focus on a bright star or distant light
- Turn off Live Photos and flash, then let your phone do its thing!
Katie’s Top Tip: You can also use your Apple Watch as a remote shutter to prevent camera shake and make your photos sharper.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably buzzing to book your own best Northern Lights tour from Tromsø!
I can confirm that seeing the aurora dance above you is one of those travel experiences you’ll never forget (definitely worth the hype!)
And whether you’re chasing the lights with a small group, watching the sky dance from a hot tub on board a luxury yacht, or cuddling with huskies while hoping they’ll appear, every Tromsø Northern Lights experience offers something different but magical.
And if you’re travelling solo (like me!), know that you’ll be travelling in very safe hands.
Every tour guide I’ve had the pleasure of exploring with in Norway has been incredibly friendly and well-organised. Plus, they genuinely go the extra mile to make sure you get your once-in-a-lifetime moment!
Just remember to book early, especially during the peak Tromsø Northern Lights season (December to March), as the best tours always sell out fast.
FAQs About Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
Are Northern Lights tours in Tromsø worth it?
Yes! Northern Lights tours in Tromsø are absolutely worth it, especially if your main dream is to see the aurora during your trip to Norway.
Local guides know how to read the Northern Lights forecast, track weather patterns, and drive you to the best viewing spots (even if that means crossing into Finland!)
Going with a small group experience massively increases your chances of seeing the lights and takes the stress out of driving yourself in dark, snowy and icy conditions.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Tromsø without a tour?
Technically, yes, but it’s not as easy as going with a tour.
The Northern Lights in Tromsø can sometimes be seen right from the city centre or nearby beaches, especially on clear nights when solar activity is strong. However, this is a gamble.
Without a guide, it’s harder to know where to go or how to read the forecast properly, which means you might just spend the night waiting in the wrong spot.
If you’re only in Tromsø for a few days, this tour gives you a much better shot at success!
What if it’s cloudy or snowing? Do tours still run?
Most tours do still run. Your experienced local guide will check the Northern Lights forecast throughout the day and then drive you wherever the skies are clearest.
If conditions are truly impossible (like complete cloud cover across Norway and Finland, or dangerous driving conditions), reputable companies will offer to reschedule or give you a discount on another trip if you go but don’t see them.
Is Tromsø safe for solo female travellers at night?
Yes! Tromsø is one of the safest-feeling cities I’ve ever been to as a solo female traveller.
Even late at night, I found that the city was calm and well-lit. (For example, on one night, I had to walk back from a tour drop-off to the port to catch my ferry at midnight, and never felt unsafe or uneasy).
Plus, most Northern Lights tours drop you back at your hotel anyway, so you won’t be wandering around in the dark alone.
How long do Northern Lights tours last?
Most Tromsø Northern Lights tours last between 6 and 9 hours, depending on conditions and how far the guide needs to drive.
Most minibus chases from Tromsø leave around 6pm and return between 12am and 2am.
If you choose a Northern Lights Cruise from Tromsø or a reindeer or husky experience, the schedule will be shorter.
Is the Northern Lights guaranteed in Tromsø?
Unfortunately, no tour can ever guarantee the Northern Lights (not even the guaranteed Northern Lights Tromsø tours you’ll see advertised!)
The aurora is a natural phenomenon, and while Tromsø’s location definitely gives you great odds, at the end of the day, it depends on solar activity and cloud cover.
I was lucky enough to see the lights on my first try in Tromsø, but I’ve also had nights (in Iceland) where we didn’t see anything at all.
If this happens to you, most companies will let you join again at a discount.
When is the best time to see Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is from late September to early April, when the nights are long and dark.
December to March are peak months, but also the coldest and snowiest.
Whereas autumn and early spring usually have clearer skies and milder temperatures, which makes the chase more comfortable.
What is the best Northern Lights forecast in Tromsø?
For accurate updates, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute’s Aurora Forecast and the My Aurora Forecast app are your best options.
They show real-time data on cloud cover and aurora strength (measured on the Kp index).
If you’re joining a guided Tromsø Northern Lights tour, your guides will already be constantly checking multiple sources. But it’s still fun to track the numbers yourself!
What is the best Northern Lights tour from Tromsø?
After trying several aurora experiences in both Iceland and Norway, this Small Group Northern Lights Chase by Arctic Circle Tours has by far been my favourite, so I have to recommend it here.
It truly felt like an adventure with friends rather than just another tour, with only 15 guests, a friendly guide, and expert aurora tracking that took us to a beautiful frozen fjord surrounded by mountains!
We were treated to a spectacular display of Northern Lights, roasted marshmallows by a fire and received professional portraits the next day (this was a huge bonus for me as a solo traveller!)
Read More About Travel in Norway:
- 11 Things To Do in Oslo in Winter (That Aren’t Just Museums)
- 12 Magical Things To Do in Bergen in Winter (Cosy & Fun!)
- Norway Coastal Express in Winter: Solo Travel Guide + Review
- Svolvaer Travel Guide (+ 7 Things To Do in Svolvaer, Norway)
- The BEST Northern Lights Tour From Tromsø (Review + Tips!)
- Is Norway Safe For Solo Female Travellers? (+ Safety Tips)
- 15 BEST Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter for First-Timers
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