At a Glance
Quick OverviewTromsø has earned its reputation as the Northern Lights capital of Norway, and for good reason. Located directly under the auroral oval at 69°N, this Arctic city offers some of the world’s most reliable aurora viewing—and an impressive array of guided tours to help you experience it. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly bus excursion or an intimate photography expedition, understanding your options will help you choose the perfect tour for your 2026 adventure.
According to Visit Tromsø, the official tourism board, “there is always a good opportunity to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø from September to early April.” The city’s position in the centre of the auroral oval means sightings are possible even during periods of low solar activity.
Types of Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø
Aurora Chase Tours (Most Popular)
Chase tours are the most common and recommended option for first-time aurora seekers. Professional guides monitor weather forecasts and aurora activity throughout the day, then drive guests to wherever conditions are best—sometimes travelling several hours to find clear skies.
What to expect:
- Duration: 5-8 hours (typically departing 6-8 p.m., returning midnight-2 a.m.)
- Group size: Varies from 8-50 depending on vehicle type
- Flexibility: Guides can cross into Finland or Sweden if Norwegian skies are cloudy
- Success rate: Many operators report 90%+ success over the season
Included typically:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tromsø
- Professional guide with aurora expertise
- Thermal suits and boots (essential in Arctic temperatures)
- Hot drinks and light snacks
- Professional photos (most tours)
Small-Group Tours (Premium Experience)
For a more intimate experience, small-group tours limit participants to 8-16 people, allowing for personalised attention and a less rushed atmosphere.
Advantages:
- More one-on-one time with guides
- Better photography opportunities (less crowding at viewpoints)
- More flexible itineraries
- Often include higher-quality meals and equipment
Price range: NOK 2,000-3,000 (~£150-230)
Photography Tours
Designed specifically for photographers—from beginners to professionals—these tours focus on capturing the aurora rather than simply viewing it.
What makes them different:
- Guides with photography expertise help with camera settings
- Longer stops at each location for composition
- Tripods often provided or available for hire
- Smaller groups ensure everyone has shooting space
- Post-processing tips sometimes included
Ideal for: Anyone wanting to bring home professional-quality aurora images
Budget Bus Tours
Large-group bus tours offer the most affordable way to experience the Northern Lights with professional guidance.
What to expect:
- Groups of 30-50 people
- Lower price point (NOK 1,300-1,500 / ~£100-115)
- Still includes thermal clothing and hot drinks
- Less personalised attention
- May stop at fewer locations
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers or those prioritising seeing the lights over the experience itself
Browse Tromsø Aurora ToursWhen to Book Your Tour
Best Viewing Hours
According to Visit Tromsø, the optimal viewing window is between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., with most aurora activity peaking between 10 p.m. and midnight.
Best Months
The aurora season in Tromsø runs from late September to early April. According to Visit Tromsø, “the green aurora often dances in the sky of the Tromsø region from late August to early April,” though most organised tours don’t begin operating until September.
| Month | Conditions | Tour Availability | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | Mild, autumn colours | Good | Low |
| October | Cool, equinox activity | Excellent | Moderate |
| November | Cold, polar night begins | Excellent | Moderate |
| December | Very cold, festive | Good (weather variable) | High |
| January | Coldest, clearest | Excellent | High |
| February | Cold, prime season | Excellent | Very High |
| March | Milder, equinox | Excellent | High |
Booking Timeline
- Peak season (February-March): Book 8-12 weeks in advance
- Shoulder season (October, November): Book 4-6 weeks in advance
- Off-peak (September, early April): Book 2-4 weeks in advance
What to Look for When Choosing a Tour
Guide Experience and Reputation
The quality of your guide can make or break the experience. Look for:
- Local expertise: Guides who know the region’s microclimates and best viewing spots
- Weather reading skills: Ability to interpret forecasts and find clear skies
- Communication skills: Clear explanations of the aurora phenomenon
- Photography knowledge: Even non-photography tours benefit from guides who can help with photos
Group Size Considerations
| Group Size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Small (8-15) | Personal attention, flexible, better photos | Higher cost |
| Medium (16-30) | Balance of cost and experience | Less flexibility |
| Large (30-50) | Most affordable | Crowded, less personal |
Rebooking Policies
Many reputable operators offer rebooking policies if you don’t see the aurora:
- 50% discount on second booking: Common policy
- Free rebooking: Some premium operators
- No rebooking: Budget tours typically
What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Typically Included
- Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Tromsø
- Professional guide: Knowledgeable about aurora and Arctic conditions
- Thermal clothing: Insulated suits, boots, hats, and mittens
- Hot beverages: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- Snacks: Light refreshments during the tour
- Photos: Many tours include professional photos
Sometimes Included (Check Before Booking)
- Meals: Some tours include dinner or traditional Norwegian food
- Campfire experience: Warming by fire whilst watching the aurora
- Tripods: For photography tours
- Cultural activities: Sami culture experiences, reindeer encounters
Usually Not Included
- Travel insurance: Always recommended for Arctic travel
- Alcohol: Available for purchase on some tours
- Personal photography equipment: Bring your own camera
- Tips: Appreciated but not mandatory in Norway
Maximising Your Tour Experience
Before Your Tour
- Check the forecast: Apps like Norway Lights and My Aurora Forecast help set expectations
- Dress in layers: Even with thermal suits provided, wear warm base layers
- Eat beforehand: Tours are long; a proper meal helps maintain energy
- Charge devices: Batteries drain quickly in cold temperatures
- Bring hand warmers: Extra warmth for extended outdoor viewing
During Your Tour
- Trust your guide: They know the region and conditions better than any app
- Be patient: Aurora activity varies; spectacular displays may take time to develop
- Look in all directions: The aurora can appear anywhere in the sky
- Minimise phone use: Screen light affects night vision; enjoy the moment
- Ask questions: Guides love sharing their knowledge
Photography Tips
Even with a smartphone, you can capture memories:
- Use a tripod or stable surface
- Enable night mode or manual settings
- ISO 1600-3200, shutter 10-25 seconds
- Disable flash (it does nothing for aurora photography)
- Take multiple shots at different settings
Popular Tour Operators in Tromsø
Tromsø hosts dozens of reputable aurora tour operators. Whilst we don’t endorse specific companies, look for operators that offer:
- Clear refund/rebooking policies: Essential given weather unpredictability
- Strong reviews: Check multiple platforms (TripAdvisor, Google, GetYourGuide)
- Appropriate group sizes: Matches your preference for intimacy vs. budget
- Experienced guides: Look for mentions of specific guides in reviews
- Comprehensive inclusions: Thermal gear, drinks, snacks, photos
Alternatives to Organised Tours
Self-Guided Aurora Hunting
If you prefer independence, Tromsø offers opportunities for self-guided viewing:
Recommended spots near Tromsø:
- Prestvannet: Nature reserve 20 minutes’ walk from city centre
- Kvaløya Island: Accessible by car, darker skies than the city
- Sommarøy: Beautiful peninsula 45 minutes west
- Ersfjordbotn: Coastal village with mountain backdrop
Requirements:
- Hire car with winter tyres (essential)
- Proper winter clothing
- Aurora forecast monitoring
- Patience and flexibility
Hotel Aurora Alerts
Many Tromsø hotels offer “aurora wake-up” services, alerting guests when Northern Lights appear. This works best combined with organised tours—the hotel alerts catch unexpected activity, whilst tours provide structured viewing opportunities.
Planning Your Tromsø Aurora Experience
Recommended Itinerary
For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø:
- Minimum stay: 3-4 nights
- Ideal stay: 5-7 nights
- Tours per trip: Book 2-3 aurora tours on different nights
Sample 5-Night Schedule
| Night | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, explore Tromsø, early night |
| 2 | Aurora chase tour (first attempt) |
| 3 | Daytime activities, aurora tour #2 |
| 4 | Flexible: third tour or self-guided |
| 5 | Backup night / departure |
Final Advice
Tromsø’s combination of accessibility, infrastructure, and prime location under the auroral oval makes it the world’s premier Northern Lights destination. With professional guides who know every back road and weather pattern, organised tours dramatically increase your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.
Book early, stay multiple nights, and approach the experience with patience and wonder. The Northern Lights are unpredictable, but Tromsø gives you the best possible odds of witnessing their magic.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Tromsø, the official regional tourism board. Last updated January 2026.