Tromsø sits beneath the auroral oval, and Visit Tromsø puts the Northern Lights season at late August to early April, so a chase tour is the most reliable way to turn that into an actual sighting. This evening trip starts at the Prostneset bus terminal on the harbour and sets off by coach with professional photographer guides, who watch the weather and the aurora forecast and drive wherever the sky is clearest, sometimes for several hours and sometimes across the border. On arrival the guides help you photograph the display and send a gallery of pictures afterwards at no extra charge. It is the large-group option, with up to fifty guests, so it is sociable and good value rather than intimate. The evening usually runs somewhere between five and nine hours depending on where the clear sky turns out to be.
How it works: you meet at the Prostneset bus terminal, or use hotel pickup where offered, and board a heated vehicle. The guides decide the route on the night, which is the whole point of a chase, because Tromsø weather changes valley by valley. Expect to stop at one or two viewing spots, stand outside in the cold, and wait. A campfire and a warm drink are often part of the stop, and there are cookies and warm berry juice on board, but clothing, tripods and a proper meal are not included, so eat a good dinner first.
What to know: there is no refund or rebooking if the lights do not appear, because the tour runs in all weather and nobody can promise the aurora. Depending on numbers the operator may use a minibus instead of a large coach, and an onboard toilet is not guaranteed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, which is worth using if the forecast looks hopeless. Dress in layers, with a windproof outer shell, warm boots, a hat and good gloves, or rent winter clothing in town.
Pairing: this fits neatly with a daytime activity such as the Fjellheisen cable car or Polaria, then a quiet afternoon rest before the late departure. If you have three or more nights, book the chase early in your stay so that a cloudy night can be replaced by another attempt.
What to expect
The experience
A coach-based aurora chase led by photographer guides, with stops at clear-sky viewing spots and a free photo gallery afterwards.
Best time
From the late afternoon departure on a clear, dark night between autumn and early spring.
How long
Five to nine hours depending on how far the guides drive to find clear sky.
Tips
Eat dinner first, wear several warm layers and book early in your stay so a cloudy night can be repeated.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want the best-value, best-reviewed way to see the Northern Lights.
- Families
- Children who can stay up late and stay warm enjoy it, but the evening is long, so check the age limits when you book.
- Couples
- Bring a flask and stand together by the campfire while the guides set up the shot.
- Pair with
- The Fjellheisen cable car by day, or Polaria in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- A full evening, usually back after 10:30 pm and sometimes much later.
Good questions
Will I definitely see the Northern Lights on this tour?+
No, nobody can guarantee the aurora, and there is no refund if it does not appear. The guides drive to the clearest sky they can find, which gives the best odds.
When is the Northern Lights season in Tromsø?+
Visit Tromsø gives the season as late August to early April. Dark, clear nights in the middle of winter are the best bet.
Do I need to bring my own camera gear?+
The photographer guides take pictures of the group and share a free gallery, so a phone is enough for memories. Tripods are not included, so bring your own if you want to shoot long exposures.
Is warm clothing provided?+
No, clothing is not included on this tour, so wear warm layers or rent winter clothing in town beforehand. A hat, gloves and insulated boots matter more than anything.
Where does the tour start?+
It meets at the Prostneset bus terminal on the Tromsø waterfront, with hotel pickup offered on some departures. Check the voucher for the exact meeting instructions.