Tromso: Northern Lights Chase Tour

About this experience

Northern Lights chase tour from Tromso Book this Tromso Northern Lights chase tour to head out of the city after dark with local guides who know where the clearest skies are likely to be. Tromso sits well inside the Arctic Circle, right under the aurora belt, so it is one of the best places in Europe to see the Northern Lights. The catch is the weather on the coast, and that is exactly what a chase tour is built for: your guide checks the aurora and cloud forecasts each evening and drives to whichever area gives you the best chance, sometimes towards the fjords and sometimes further inland. You choose between two styles of tour. The big bus tour is a shared chase in a heated coach that runs for about six hours, ideal if you want a relaxed evening at a lower price. The small group tour keeps numbers to a maximum of 15 guests for a more personal night of about four hours, with more time with your guide. Both options include thermal gear, hot drinks and snacks, and a campfire when the weather allows. What to expect on the night Your evening starts in central Tromso, where you meet your guide, get a short safety briefing and pick up your thermal clothing. Once everyone is on board, you leave the city lights behind and head for dark viewing spots away from light pollution. If the sky clouds over, the group moves on to try another location, so no two nights follow the same route. At each stop you step outside to watch the sky while the heated vehicle stays close by as a warm base. Your guide explains how solar activity creates the aurora, what the different colours mean and what to look for as the activity builds. When conditions allow, the team lights a campfire where you can warm up with a hot drink and a snack while you wait for the green glow to appear. Photography is part of the experience. On the bus tour your guide helps you set up your camera or phone for night shots, and the small group option includes professional photography so you can enjoy the show without worrying about settings. You return to Tromso at the end of the night with photos and a better feel for how local guides read the Arctic sky. When to go and how to prepare The Northern Lights season in Tromso runs roughly from September to early April, when the nights are long and dark. Clear, cold nights are usually the best, but the aurora is a natural phenomenon and sightings can never be guaranteed on any single evening. Booking early in your stay gives you room to try again on another night if the sky does not cooperate. Dress in warm layers under the thermal gear, with a hat, gloves and good winter boots, as you will spend time standing outside in sub zero temperatures. Bring your own water, as only hot drinks and snacks are provided. If you travel with children, add their age and weight when you book so the right child seat can be arranged. The tour is not well suited to guests with limited mobility because viewing spots can be icy and uneven, and large bags and suitcases are not allowed on board. More Arctic experiences in Tromso Make the most of your trip with other Tromso tickets on VervTrip. You can see the aurora from the water on a Northern Lights cruise from Tromso, pair the lights with a reindeer visit on a reindeer feeding and Northern Lights tour, or spend an evening with sled dogs at a husky camp Northern Lights experience. Browse all things to do in Tromso to plan the rest of your stay.

Highlights

• Chase the Northern Lights from Tromso with local guides who follow the aurora and cloud forecasts
• Choose a heated big bus tour or a small group tour limited to 15 guests
• Stay warm outdoors with thermal gear, hot drinks and snacks
• Relax by a campfire between sky watching stops when the weather allows
• Get help with night photography, or professional photos on the small group option

What is included

• Guided Northern Lights chase tour from Tromso
• Expert local guides
• Big bus tour or small group tour (as per option selected)
• Thermal gear
• Hot drinks and snacks
• Campfire (weather dependent)
• Photography assistance or professional photography (as per option selected)

Not included

• Water (bring your own)

Before you go

Show your voucher on your phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point Northern Lights sightings depend on the weather and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed Wear warm layers, a hat, gloves and sturdy winter boots Bring your own water, as only hot drinks and snacks are provided If travelling with children, give their age and weight when booking so the right child seat can be arranged Large bags and suitcases are not allowed on the tour vehicle

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the bus tour or 72 hours before the small group tour. Later cancellations are not refunded.