Tromsø Northern Lights Guide: My Aurora Chase Experience
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.
Tromsø Northern Lights Guide: My Aurora Chase Experience - Table of Contents
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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
Linked below are various Northern Lights Tours that depart from Tromsø. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.