Tromsø Northern Lights: Should You Take a Tour or Go Solo?
Viewing the Northern Lights in Tromsø - Introduction
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are the primary reason many travelers venture to Tromsø, Norway. With its prime Arctic location, Tromsø offers some of the best chances to witness this natural phenomenon. However, one big question arises: Should you take a Northern Lights tour, or chase them on your own? Here’s everything you need to know from my experience, including tour tips and a solo chase.
Northern Lights Chase - Tromsø, Norway - Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why I Chose a Northern Lights Tour
- My Northern Lights Chase with Friluftsenter
- My Solo Northern Lights Chase
- Pros and Cons: Tour vs Solo
- Should You Take a Tour of Go Solo
- Some Northern Lights Viewing Tour Options
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Why I Chose a Northern Lights Tour
When planning my Tromsø trip, I debated between booking multiple tours or trying my luck independently. Ultimately, I booked a small-group Northern Lights tour with Friluftsenter, a company that promised to drive as far as Sweden or Finland to escape cloud cover. At kr1,150 (USD 142), the tour included professional guides, a warm fire, marshmallows, and technical photography tips for capturing the auroras.
My Northern Lights Chase with Friluftsenter
Meeting Point and Setting Expectations
The tour began at 7:15 PM at the Scandic Ishavshotel, a central Tromsø landmark. Upon arrival, the guides, Knut and Trine, explained that the Aurora forecast was poor due to cloud cover. Despite this, I opted to proceed, intrigued by their willingness to chase clear skies as far as Finland.
The Drive and Photography Setup
The drive took 2.5 hours as Knut navigated toward a promising spot on the Norway-Finland border. During the journey, we watched a short video about the Northern Lights and received camera setup guidance:
- ISO: 400
- Aperture: Lowest possible (mine was 3.5)
- Shutter Speed: 15 seconds
Finding Clear Skies
After a long drive, we found a break in the clouds near the border. While waiting for auroral activity, Knut built a campfire and provided fascinating insights into the KP index, a key factor in predicting where the lights will appear:
- KP 1: Look directly north.
- KP 2 or higher: Look southward; lights may even be visible in southern Europe during strong activity.
Unfortunately, despite clear skies, Aurora activity remained low, hovering near 0. Knut monitored conditions tirelessly, and after multiple relocations, we called it a night at 3:00 AM.
My Solo Northern Lights Chase
On my last night in Tromsø, I decided to try a DIY Northern Lights chase. With a 15% chance of visibility, I walked to a viewing area near the Sydspissen Hotel on the island’s southern end.
To my surprise, the lights appeared after sunset, offering about 45 minutes of clear skies before clouds rolled in. Thanks to the camera settings Knut had taught me, I captured decent photos despite some focusing challenges.
Key Takeaways for Solo Northern Lights Chases
- Use apps like My Aurora Forecast for real-time KP and cloud cover updates.
- Find a dark, open space away from city lights.
- Be patient—nature works on its own schedule.
Pros and Cons: Northern Lights Tour vs. Solo
Northern Lights Tour
Pros:
- Expert guides know the best spots and can navigate quickly to clear skies.
- Learn photography tips and use professional gear.
- Relax and enjoy the experience without logistical concerns.
Cons:
- Expensive (~$150 per person).
- Tours can run late into the night, affecting the next day’s activities.
Solo Chase
Pros:
- Flexible schedule and no added cost if you’re already in Tromsø.
- Potentially more rewarding if you succeed on your own.
Cons:
- Requires research, apps, and luck to find clear skies.
- No guide to teach camera settings or Northern Lights science.
Should You Take a Tour or Go Solo?
If it’s your first time chasing the Northern Lights, a tour is worth it for the expertise and convenience. However, if you’re comfortable navigating apps and Tromsø’s terrain, a solo chase can be just as rewarding—and cost-effective.
Northern Lights Tours from Tromsø
Here are some recommended Northern Lights tours to consider:
- Small-Group Northern Lights Chase
- Private Aurora Hunting Experience
- Northern Lights Photography Workshop
I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using the links below, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
 Tromso Northern Light Chase in Minibus Tour with campfire - $162.48 This is a personal and extraordinary hunt for the Northern Lights, an experience you will never forget. Your Northern Lights chase is guided by a mix of professional tour guides and experienced local aurora hunters, all in small groups as it makes the experience more genuine. |
 Overnight Stay in Lavvu, Northern Lights and Reindeer Sledding in Tromso - $371.47 Try reindeer sledding, the oldest means of transportation in the north. The location has little artificial light and excellent conditions to look for the Northern Lights. Instead of heading back to the city centre where you might miss a late night dance from the Aurora, stay on in this good location in a traditional Sami lavvu, sleeping on reindeer skins in winter-insulated sleeping bags. |
 Northern Lights and Reindeer Sledding in Tromso - $185.87 Crackling snow and clear night-time sky printed with green waves from the Northern Lights enjoyed from a sled being gently pulled by a reindeer. This genuine winter adventure is what we will do our best to give you on this tour. We would also like to give you the opportunity to become better acquainted with the Sami culture and join a pleasant and fun Reindeer Sledding and look out for the Northern Lights at the same time. |
 Northern Light Cruise With Luxury Catamaran in Tromso, Norway - $148.55 Our Northern Lights Tromso Safari is your best chance to experience the Aurora Borealis in Tromso. |
 Lapland Northern Lights Tour from Tromso - $129.06 If you’re keen to see the Northern Lights in the Arctic region in Norway, boost your chances with this viewing tour from Tromsø. Traveling by coach, swap the electric lights of the city for the dark, surrounding wilderness, and head for one of four base stations specially chosen on the day as the best potential viewing location. Stargaze from beside a crackling campfire or from a cozy hut or tepee-style 'lavvo' tent, and with luck, you’ll catch a display to remember forever. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks, and an included delicious hot meal, like local-prepared reindeer stew or fish soup. |
 Northern Lights by Minibus. Photos Under the Lights included. Tromso - $199.36 Get an intimate look at the Aurora Borealis on a 16 people group Northern Lights tour, departing from Tromsø. This 7-hour nighttime tour travels off the beaten path on an Arctic route. See the eye-catching display and focus your camera lens with tips from your photographer guide. Snacks, drinks around the fire, plus a thermal suit, professional photos, and round-trip hotel transportation are all included. |
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