Welcome to TROMSØ!
The Northern Lights in Tromsø (Aurora borealis) are one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and Norway is one of the best spots to experience the phenomenon.
Located in northern reaches of Norway, Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic. Majestic mountain ranges, serene fjords, crystal-clear air, and pristine nature serve as the perfect backdrop for breathtaking views of the mystical Northern Lights. If seeing the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list, then you have found the perfect review guide to help you and your familie find the most magical northern light adventure tour that Tromsø has to offer.
The northern light tours are led by local, experienced, dedicated, knowledgeable, and friendly guides, who will go the extra mile to provide you with ample information about the setting and the lights themselves, will gladly answer all of your questions, and who will always make your satisfaction their utmost priority.
What Are The Best Northern Light Tours?
If you love visiting Norway during the winter and are looking for tips on finding eco-friendly, animal friendly, sustainable and affordable northern light tours, look no further! This is a quick summary of Top 5 best northern lights tours that Tromsø has to offer. Keep reading if you interested in learning more about each tour!
- Northern Light Photography Tour (Most Popular)
- Husky Sled Ride Under the Northern Lights (Dog Friendly)
- Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise by Electric Catamaran (Most Eco-Friendly)
- Northern Light Reindeer Sledding (Animal Friendly)
- Overnight Lavvo Stay With Fjords, Whales and the Northern Lights (Voted Most Romantic!)
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?
While the Northern Lights can appear between the middle of September and the middle of April in Tromso, the best chance of seeing this phenomenon is during the Polar Night period, which begins in mid-November and lasts until mid-January.
The sun never rises higher than the horizon during this time, so it’s dark for the majority of the day, making it the ideal time to see the Northern Lights. The lights appear in the evenings, often between 19:00 and 2:00 (7pm and 2am); however, there is no set time, as they’re naturally-occurring and don’t follow a schedule.
What is the best app to check the activity of the Northern Lights?
There are several high-quality, accurate apps that you can use to track the lights. One of the best is the app: Aurora Borealis Forecast and Alerts.
What causes the Northern Lights to Appear?
Also known as “Aurora borealis”, the Northern Lights are the result of solar winds that are filled with charge particles that enter the Earth’s magnetosphere.
The particles (primarily electrons and protons) are precipitated in the upper atmosphere, and as they lose their energy, the emit vibrant lights that appear in a variety of colors, including red, green, blue, yellow, and pink.
How long do the Northern Lights last?
They can last anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours. The length of time depends on the magnitude of the solar wind the charged particles are traveling on.
Most Popular: Northern Light Photography Tour
Clear skies, clear air, and pitch-black nights make Tromsø, Norway one of the best places to take in the Northern Lights, and a Photography Tour led by these professional guides is the perfect way to capture and remember this breathtaking phenomenon forever.
Tromsø is the doorway to the Arctic and sits directly under the Auroral Oval, making it a prime destination for seeing and taking pictures with the astronomical wonder.
What’s included?
- Pickup at Tromso’s Magic Ice Bar
- Drop-off at your accommodation
- Professional photographer
- Hot meal of sausage or soy sausages, cookies, and hot beverages
- Bonfire
- Thermal suit and boots
- Northern Light portrait and images from the tour
- Photography lesson
What your tour looks like
Prior to picking you up at the meeting place, the guide will carefully assess the weather forecast to find the location that is projected to have the clearest skies that night.
The adventure will begin in Tromsø, which is situated within close proximity to several microclimates, so there are ample opportunities to find the prime spot to view and photograph the lights.
Once the guides have found the ideal spot to take in the Northern Lights, they will get a roaring bonfire going. While gathered around the fire, you’ll enjoy a meal of warmed lamb or soy sausages, cookies, and hot drinks.
You’ll be provided with heat packs and thermal suits to ensure you stay safe and comfortable for the entire duration of the tour.
After you’ve eaten, the guides will take you to the perfect spot to view the Aurora borealis and our professional photographer will capture the most picturesque images of you and your party. How cool is that?
All images will be sent directly to you the following day. You are encouraged to bring your own camera, too! Once the trip has concluded, the guides will drop you off at your accommodation.
- Duration 7 hours
- Tour guides speak English
- Small group-size (up to 15 people)
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Northern Lights Husky Sled Ride
Dog sledding is a time-honored tradition in the Arctic, and it’s the perfect way to take in the magic of the Northern Lights.
Dog Friendly Husky Sled Ride Under the Northern Lights
Head back to nature and marvel at the Northern Lights the same way that the locals have been experiencing their wonder for centuries – on a dog-led sled! You’ll chase the lights on a traditional sled that will be guided by a pure-bred Husky.
The dogs are well-adept to the climate and their noses know the region like the backs of their paws! Together with one or two other guests, the four-legged furry friends will guide you away from the city lights of Tromsø to the darkness of the Arctic Circle at night.
What’s included?
- Transportation
- Warm winter clothing
- A 45 to 60 minute sled rid, guided by a team of pure-bred huskies
- A warm campfire
- A hot, freshly prepared, traditional Norwegian meal of stockfish or bocalao in tomato sauce
What your tour looks like
As you’re pack guides you along the glistening snow, be sure to look around at the majestic mountains and of course, look up at the endless star-filled sky – and the dancing Northern Lights.
The group will stop to take a break gathered around a warm, crackling fire, and share a hearty meal of fresh, locally-sourced Norwegian stockfish or bacalao (salted cod) in tomato sauce. Chat with others in the group in the tour guides, and take in the stunning views that surround you.
When you’re finished eating, take the opportunity to enjoy cuddling with the pups! This tour lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is simply an amazing way to enjoy nature’s majesty.
Northern Light Night Cruises
There are few places that provide darker skies and pristine backdrops for viewing the brilliant, vibrantly colored dancing lights of the Aurora borealis than the pristine fjords of Tromsø.
Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise by Electric Catamaran (Most Eco-Friendly)
The Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise by Electric Catamaran is ideal for a honeymoon excursion, an anniversary dinner, or a romantic dinner just because; it’s also perfect for those who love gastronomy and have always wanted to view the Aurora borealis.
What’s included?
- A 3.5-hour tour aboard a luxurious silent electric catamaran
- An experienced, dedicated, and highly knowledgeable tour guide
- A freshly prepared traditional Arctic Tapas dinner, made with fresh, locally sourced produce
- Freshly made dessert
What your tour looks like
On this tour, you’ll set sail from Tromsø aboard a silent electric catamaran. A fully licensed and highly experienced captain will take you on a tour of the undisturbed Artic Sea, where you will be able to take in stunning uninhibited 360-degree panoramic views of Tromsø Island, mountains covered with glistening snow, the Arctic Cathedral and other beautiful landmarks.
You’ll even have the chance to explore the mysteries of the dark waters underneath you, as the crew will launch illuminated underwater drones into the depths below.
While you relax in the warmth of the luxurious catamaran’s indoor cabin, you’ll be served a freshly prepared Arctic Tapas dinner, complete with traditional dishes with a modern twist, and made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
Finish up the tour by tickling your sweet tooth with a delicious dessert. Do note that drinks are available on board, but there is an additional charge.
The Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise by Electric Catamaran is truly a delight for all of your senses and is the most environmental friendly option to chase the northern lights by boat!
Animal friendly: Northern Light Reindeer Sledding
There’s just something so magical about getting up-close and personal with real-life reindeer in a snow-filled, natural setting – and on our Northern Light Reindeer Sledding, Dinner, and Chance of Northern Lights tour, that’s exactly what you’ll get the chance to do!
This excursion, which lasts approximately 4.5 hours, departs out of the city of Tromso.
A short 25-minute drive from the city center will take you to a Sami reindeer camp, where you’ll have the chance to interact with and feed a heard of roughly 300 wild reindeer.
The reindeer are super-friendly, will gather around you, and some may even eat directly out of your hands!
What’s included?
- Transportation to the Sami reindeer camp
- Tour guides
- A three-course, freshly prepared, traditional Sami dinner
- Wild reindeer interaction
- Hot beverages, dessert, and snacks
What your day looks like
The Sami and their reindeer have been living and working on the land for centuries and are an integral part of the culture. It was only recently that they began inviting guests to become a part of their daily lives.
You will gather with the Sami, the other members of your tour, and the tour guides, around a warm fire inside a candle-lit gamme (a traditional Sami hut), where you will sip hot beverages, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
You’ll also be served a casual three-course traditional Sami dinner, which will include bidos (a traditional Sami stew) prepared over the open fire. Don’t eat meat? There’s a vegetarian option available, too!
Once dinner is complete, you’ll be invited to a lavuu (a Sami tent), where you will gather around another fire and will have the opportunity to hear traditional Sami stories and learn about their culture.
A traditional Sami song, called a joik, will also be performed by the Sami guide. Don’t forget to look up into the crystal clear sky, too, and try to catch the Northern Lights; however, even if they don’t come out, there’s no doubt that the view of the endless stars will leave you in awe.
Of course, sharing a traditional meal with the Sami, learning about their culture, and interacting with a heard of more than 300 wild reindeer are all enough to make this experience an unforgettable one.
Northern Lights by Snowmobile
Experience the ultimate adventure with our Northern Lights by Snowmobile tour. On this excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to ride your very own snowmobile into the mountains of the Arctic Circle.
As you travel through the dark night and over the glistening snow-covered valley, be sure to take in the beauty of the undisturbed nature that surrounds you.
What’s included?
- Transportation
- Safety and demonstration course
- Snowmobile provided
- Gear
- Warm meal and drinks
What your tour looks like
The tour begins at Magic Ice Bar, where you’ll board a bus that will take you to the Tromsø Ice Domes wilderness center. You’ll be supplied with all of the necessary gear, including warm clothing, and will complete a safety and a demonstration course – no previous snowmobile experience needed!
After boarding the snowmobile, a certified driver will guide you over the scenic landscape to Finn-valley. The trip takes about 2 hours, dependent on the snow and weather conditions.
Stops will be made along the way so you can take in the beauty of the scenery and search for the Northern Lights.
Northern Light Overnight Stay
Imagine spending the night in the wilds of the Arctic? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll have the chance to do on one of our Northern Light Overnight Stay tours, of which there are two different options.
Stay at the Ice Domes Hotel with Meals and Transfer
Truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, our Tromsø Ice Domes Hotel Overnight Stay with Meals and Transfers is an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
This excursion would be ideal for a honeymoon, an anniversary, or with any loved one for any reason at all.
What’s included?
- Transportation
- An overnight stay in an ice hotel
- A tour guide
- Guided snowshoe adventure
- Dinner prepared on an open fire
- Drinks at the ice bar
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dogsledding excursion
- All of the necessary gear and warm clothing
What your tour will look like
The adventure begins at 5:00 in the evening, when you will be transferred from downtown Tromsø to the Tromsø Ice Domes, with a 6:30 arrival time.
An experienced and friendly tour guide will be available to assist you with all of your needs from the second they greet you at the Ice Domes until the time you deport the next morning.
The Tromsø Ice Domes feature ice bars, an ice cinema, ice bedrooms, and even an ice restaurant. As if that isn’t “cool” (pun intended) enough, each of the areas have unique themes, too, which range from local Sami culture to the northern lights, and are conveyed through intricate ice sculptures and vibrant colored lighting.
Your guide will take you on a tour of the Ice Domes and will share how it was constructed. Sit down and relax while sipping adult libations at the ice bar.
In the evening, the guide will take you on a snowshoe tour into the pristine wilderness. Once you’re in the darkness of the Arctic, look up and take in the never-ending stars and try to see if you can spot the dancing Northern Lights.
The guide will also teach you how to make a fire and will help you grill a dinner made of fresh ingredients. After the excursion, you’ll return to the Ice Domes for the night, where you will retire in expedition sleeping bags on a soft mattress covered with warm, authentic reindeer skin.
In the morning, you’ll awaken in a true winter wonderland. You’ll be served a traditional Norwegian breakfast at 9:00 am. After exploring further, you’ll be served lunch, and will then be taken back to the City Center, where you will arrive at 3:30 pm.
Overnight Lavvo Stay With Fjords, Whales and the Aurora Borealis
Have you ever wanted to see whales in their natural habitat while also having the chance to see Northern Lights? If so, then our Overnight Lavvo Stay with Fjords, Whales, and Aurora. Herds of Humpback and Orca whales gather in Skjervoy from the months of November through January.
What’s included?
- Eco-Friendly Rib-boat whale watching excursion
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Warm beverages
- Overnight accommodations in a private Crystal Lavvos
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Warm flotation suits
What your tour looks like
A local guide will pick you up at bright and early at 6:00 am outside of the Scandic Ishavshotel , and will transport you to Skjervoy. Upon arrival, you’ll receive flotation suits that will keep you safe and warm during your adventure.
You’ll then board a rib-boat, where you will have the opportunity to see Humpbacks and Orcas up-close – talk about a once in a lifetime experience!
After the whale watching excursion, you’ll dine on tasty sandwiches and sip warm coffee or tea before heading off to the Green Gold Villa in the beautiful Lyngen Alps.
You’ll then enjoy a warm, freshly prepared group dinner and a short, but informative photo workshop. Once the sun sets, you’ll head outside to try and view and capture images of the incredible Northern Lights and will stay the night in one of the private Crystal Lavvos.
The experience concludes with a lovely breakfast before returning to Tromso.