The 6 Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromso
Are you looking for the best Northern Lights Tours in Tromso, Norway? Well, here is our review of all our favourite tours and everything you need to know!
Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and taking a tour is easily the best way to maximise your chances.
Sure, you can try on your own, but having a local guide who knows the weather patterns, can read the forecasts, and is ready to drive you all the way to Finland if needed makes a huge difference.
We’ve done multiple Northern Lights tours in Tromso, from cosy camps with hot chocolate to all-night chases in minibuses. And the only time we saw the Northern Lights – despite lots of aurora activity – was when we took a tour outside the city.
The right type of tour also depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. So, we decided to break down the best Northern Lights tours in Tromso, compare the pros and cons, and help you find the one that fits your trip.
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In a hurry?
These are our favourite Northern Lights TOURS in TROMSO!
- HIGH END: Private Tour
- MID-RANGE: Small Group Minibus Chase
- UNIQUE: Hot Tub Yacht Cruise
- BUDGET: Big Bus Tour
How to Choose the Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromso
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a Northern Lights tour in Tromso.
- Group size: Small groups feel more personal, while big bus tours are cheaper.
- Chasing strategy: Some tours stay at a fixed aurora camp, others keep moving until they find clear skies.
- Photography help: The best guides will not only take photos for you, but also help you set up your camera or phone.
- Comfort & inclusions: Are thermal suits, toilets, or food provided? It matters on a 6–8 hour night out in the Arctic cold.
We personally think the size of the group, the photography ability, and the chasing strategy are the most important factors to consider.
When booking a Northern Lights tour in Tromso, the main goal is, of course, to actually see the lights. So, having guides who know how to capture them on camera is a huge bonus.
The tour style also matters.
We’ve tried both: a static camp and a moving chase.
We personally would’ve preferred the static tour IF we’d have actually seen the northern lights. It was more comfortable; they gave us thermal suits, and the food provided was delicious.
But…in this case, we didn’t actually see the lights because there was too much cloud.
In contrast, when we took a moving bus tour, they drove us for hours towards the Finnish border in search of clear skies. It was a much longer night, but we ended up with an unforgettable show!
It’s also worth checking whether tours include things like food, toilets, and thermal gear for extra comfort.
👉 Based on our own experience, we recommend going for a chase tour if your top priority is actually seeing the lights, and a static camp tour if you want a more relaxed evening with food and atmosphere.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tour Type | Duration | Group Size | Comfort Level | Photography | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small-Group Minibus Chase | 6-8 hours | 8-15 people | Budget travellers, families | Yes, guides help + take photos | Thermal suits, hot drinks, and some snacks | 👉BOOK HERE |
| Large Bus Tour | 6-8 hours | 30-50 people | Hot drinks, snacks, toilet on board | Sometimes, depends on the guide | Yes, guides help + take photos, but are more limited | 👉BOOK HERE |
| Private Tour | Flexible (5-8 hours) | Your group only | Highest comfort, flexible schedule | Sometimes, depends on the guide | Budget travellers, families | 👉BOOK HERE |
| Reindeer Sledding + Northern Lights Combo | 6 hours | 20-30 people | Thermal suits, dinner included, toilets on site | Sometimes, depends on guide | Adventure lovers, short trips | 👉BOOK HERE |
| Aurora Safari Camp | 6 hours | 20-40 people | Thermal suits, warm camp, hot drinks, food, and toilets | Usually yes | Travellers who want the best chance of seeing the lights | 👉BOOK HERE |
| Boat & Hot Tub Cruise | 5-6 hours | Up to 12 people | Hot tub, lounges, bar, snacks, toilets on board | Space on deck, some tours offer help | Travellers wanting comfort + less driving | 👉BOOK HERE |
The Best Northern Lights Tours in Tromso (Reviewed)
This truly is one of the best things to do in Norway, so picking the right option is important. So, out of the tours we’ve personally been on and some recommendations from friends, these are the best Northern Lights Tours in Tromso.
1. The best small group tour
Small-Group Minibus Northern Lights Chase
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Why we love it: More intimate, easier to move quickly to where the skies are clear
- Photography: Most guides will help with settings + take professional photos
- Perfect for: Travellers who want the best chance of actually seeing the aurora
- Book here → Small-Group Minibus Northern Lights Chase
This tour is perfect if you don’t want to be stuck in a crowd of 50 people. Groups are usually around 8–15, and the guides really focus on helping everyone get good photos.
They’ll drive as far as needed (within reason) to find clear skies, and provide thermal suits, hot drinks, and sometimes even tripods. It’s more expensive than the big bus tours, but the small group size makes it feel more like an adventure with friends.
This is our top pick if you want a higher chance of actually seeing the lights without feeling like you’re on a crowded bus.
2. The best budget-friendly tour
Northern Lights Chase by Big Bus
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Why we love it: Affordable, and big buses can travel further out
- Photography: Still often included, but less personal
- Downside: Large groups = less flexibility and more waiting around
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious travellers
- Book here → Northern Lights Chase by Big Bus
If you’re on a tighter budget, this is one of the most affordable ways to see the Northern Lights in Tromso. We really loved this tour, and it was where we saw the most incredible aurora display.
The buses are larger (30–50 people), but the guides are still skilled at reading the weather and coordinating with other tours to find the best viewing spots.
The buses will drive as far as needed (again, within reason!), and provide hot chocolate and cookies when you stop. There are also toilets on the buses, which is a bonus over the minivans.
As there are more people, you probably won’t get as much one-on-one photography time with the guides, but if your main goal is just to witness the aurora without overspending, this is the best option.
3. The best luxury/private tour
- Duration: 6 hours
- Why we love it: A guide + driver all to yourself, a fully customised experience
- Price: Higher, but worth it for honeymooners or photographers
- Perfect for: Couples, special occasions
- Book here → Private Northern Lights Tour
If you want a more exclusive experience, a private tour is the way to go.
You’ll have your own guide, flexible departure times, and often your own comfortable vehicle (sometimes even a premium van with reclining seats or an SUV).
You’ll have maximum flexibility – whether that’s chasing the aurora into remote valleys or taking it easy with frequent breaks – and some tours even include a meal, or extra touches like cosy blankets.
This is by far the most expensive option, but if you’re looking for professional photography opportunities or planning a big moment (popping the question, for example!), you can’t ask for a better experience!
4. The best combo tour
Northern Lights + Reindeer Sledding Combo
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Why we love it: Combines two Arctic experiences in one night
- Downside: No moving around – you only stay in one place.
- Perfect for: Adventure travellers
- Book here → Northern Lights + Reindeer Sledding Combo
If you’re short on time but want to pack in multiple arctic experiences, then combo tours let you do just that!
You can spend some time with the reindeer in the early evening and go sledding across the snow. Then, after a hearty 3-course dinner, head out under the stars to try and spot the Northern Lights.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see the aurora, but if the conditions are right, it’ll make for a magical evening.
These tours usually include hot meals and thermal gear, and they’re ideal if you’re short on time but want to experience both reindeer sledding and the Northern Lights in one pretty incredible day.
❤️ Book a place on a reindeer sledding and northern lights tour!
5. The best unique tour
Aurora Safari Camp with Dinner & Sami Culture
- Duration: 6 hours
- Why we love it: Warm base, hearty meals, and traditional Sami stories around a fire
- Comfort: Toilets + heated tents or cabins make this much easier than a bus ride
- Downside: If clouds roll in, you may not see the lights since you’re staying put
- Perfect for: Families, travellers who prefer comfort and culture
- Book here → Aurora Safari Camp with Dinner & Sami Culture
Aurora camps are a comfortable alternative if you don’t want to spend the night driving around. You’ll be taken to a dedicated base camp outside Tromso, where there’s less light pollution, heated tents or cabins, and warm food.
If the skies stay clear, it’s a wonderful way to watch the lights without hours on the road, especially since the scenery at the camps is often gorgeous!
The downside is that if clouds roll in, it’s harder to just move – but for many, the comfort (and toilets!) make this a great option.
6. The best boat tour
Northern Lights Yacht Cruise with Hot Tub
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Why we love it: Relax in a warm hot tub on deck while watching the aurora dance overhead.
- Photography: Plenty of space on the open deck to set up your camera – some tours even have guides who help with settings.
- Perfect for: Couples, friends, or anyone who wants to combine a bucket-list moment with serious relaxation.
- Book here → Northern Lights Yacht Cruise with Hot Tub
This tour is ideal if you want something more memorable than just chasing lights in a bus. You’ll board a comfortable catamaran or yacht, complete with an outdoor hot tub, cosy lounges, and often even a sauna.
As you sail into darker waters away from Tromsø’s city lights, you’ll have the perfect conditions to spot the aurora, and what better way to enjoy the show than soaking in a hot tub?
The cruise also usually includes dinner, drinks and snacks as well. If you’re looking for romance, relaxation, or just a once-in-a-lifetime way to see the Northern Lights, this is the tour for you.
Top Tips for Booking a Northern Lights Tour
Since this is one of the most popular things to do in Tromso, here are a few tips to ensure you get the best experience.
The best time to spot the Northern Lights is between September and early April, with the peak season being between December and February. This is also the busiest season, and tours sell out well in advance during this time.
To guarantee your spot, we recommend booking months in advance. This is the same for most tours in Tromso, like dog sledding and reindeer sledding too.
On the tour itself, you’ll need to dress warmly. Bring layers, thermals, and wear proper boots. Don’t forget your hat and gloves either.
Some tours provide thermal suits, but not all – so double-check when you book. The same goes for food, drinks, and toilet facilities, which can make a huge difference on a six-hour tour in Arctic conditions.
On one of our tours, they stated that food wasn’t provided, only hot drinks and cookies, so we made sure we had an early dinner before we set off.
And finally, bring a camera (or even just your phone). Most guides will help you set it up, and many also take professional photos you can download afterwards.
Can you see the Northern Lights without a tour in Tromso?
Yes, you can; however, your chances are slimmer. Tromso is by the coast, so it is often covered with a layer of cloud that makes spotting the aurora impossible. On top of that, you’re competing with the city lights, which drown out the glow of the lights.
Nonetheless, if you do have clear skies and good aurora activity, there are some places in Tromso you can go to spot the lights.
The Fjellheisen Cable Car runs until midnight most days and is one of the best spots in the city to see the northern lights in Tromso.
Alternatively, you can also head to places like Prestvannet lake, which is around 20 minutes from the city centre, and offers a dark open space. Or, if you have a car, you could even drive to the surrounding fjords in search of the lights.
👉 For a truly unique experience, check out our favourite Northern Lights Hotels in Tromso.
How much do Northern Lights tours in Tromso cost?
The best Northern Lights tours in Tromso can be a little pricey. Many tours start at around £75 ($100) and can go up to £300+ ($400+) for a private tour.
The cheapest tour option is usually the big bus tours, as they cater to large groups of people and offer a great way to spot the lights if you’re on a budget.
However, if you’d rather avoid the crowds, it might be worth splashing a little more for a more personal experience.
How long do the tours last?
Northern Lights tours usually begin at around 6pm and can last until well past midnight, depending on the conditions.
We’ve had one tour, which dropped us back in the city at around midnight and a second, which was more like 2am, because the show was incredible and we didn’t want to leave!
However, on average, you can expect the tour to last anywhere from 5-8 hours, depending on the weather and distance travelled.
What happens if you don’t see the lights?
This is something that actually really surprised us about aurora tours in Tromso: they don’t usually automatically offer you a second chance to spot the lights. Many companies will only offer a discount of between 25-50% off your second booking.
We found this quite surprising because many of the Northern Lights tours we’d looked at in Iceland offer you an automatic second chance if you don’t see them, and your chances are usually higher in Tromso because it’s further north.
So, make sure you read the fine print before you book.
If seeing the aurora is your absolute priority, it may be worth planning for more than one night of tours to maximise your chances. We booked two tours while we were in Tromso and only saw the lights on the second night.
This is why, even if you only have 2 days in Tromso, we recommend booking multiple tours, just to be safe!
Final Thoughts
All in all, we highly recommend booking a Northern Lights tour in Tromso. It was one of the most incredible things we did during our 3 days in Tromso, and we would book one again in a heartbeat!
As you can see, there are lots of different tour options available.
So whether you’d prefer to stay put at a cosy aurora camp, go reindeer sledding under the stars, or go on an all-night chase across the Arctic, there are loads of amazing Northern Lights tours in Tromso.
If your number 1 goal is to see the lights, we recommend going for a moving minibus or big bus tour – that’s how we got lucky, even when the weather looked bad. However, for the most unique experience, we highly recommend the yacht cruise!
Whichever tour you choose, we guarantee that the memory of the aurora dancing across the sky will be unforgettable.
👉 Still haven’t decided where to stay? Check out our favourite hotels in Tromso!
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