Taking a Tromso Northern Lights tour is the best way to ensure an unforgettable aurora experience. Not only will you have the highest chances of seeing the Green Lady, but you’ll also have the benefit of an expert guide who knows exactly which locations and weather conditions are best for aurora viewing. In addition, an organized tour often includes transportation, snacks, and more, so it’s a great deal.
In case you don’t know, Tromso is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, but you should make sure you plan your trip for the right time of year (September to April). Otherwise, you’ll miss your chance to see one of the most spectacular Northern Lights shows in the world.
Another decision you must make is which Northern Lights tour from Tromso to take. There are all kinds of options, from overnight stays to sledding activities and Tromso Northern Lights tour packages for photographers.
To help you out, I’m sharing the 10 best Northern Lights tours in Tromso. No matter your budget or interests, you’ll find the perfect excursion to see this beautiful natural phenomenon.
10 Best Northern Lights tours in Tromso
Whether you want to take the most amazing pictures, or you’d like to immerse yourself in the local culture, there is an aurora tour in Tromsø for you. To sum up, these are the top 10 Tromso Northern Lights tours:
- Guided bus tour, the best cheap Northern Lights tour from Tromso
- Minibus tour, a small-group Northern Lights tour from Tromso
- Aurora photo tour, a Tromso Northern Lights tour package for photographers
- Half-day tour with husky visit, another good Tromso Northern Lights tour package
- Aurora & Sami culture experience, a unique Northern Lights tour from Tromso
- Sailing excursion, the best Tromso Northern Lights tour by boat
- Cable car ride, a fun and convenient Northern Lights tour in Tromso
- Lavvu stay, an overnight tour to see the Northern Lights in Tromso
- Ice domes visit, another full-day Northern Lights tour package from Tromso
- Private aurora chase, the best private Northern Lights tour from Tromso
I’ll share the details and prices for each option below, as well as some tips to help you make the most out of your experience.
1. Guided bus tour, the best cheap Northern Lights tour from Tromso
A bus tour is the cheapest and most convenient way to go aurora hunting in Tromso. I like this option, which departs from downtown Tromso and travels outside the city to give you the best chances of seeing the Dancing Lady for yourself.
During this Tromso aurora tour, you’ll learn what the Northern Lights are, what causes them, and how to properly photograph them. In addition to providing interesting stories and tips, your guide will even offer to take your picture in front of the aurora borealis, so you’ll have a memento to bring home.
1. Guided bus tour, the best cheap Northern Lights tour from Tromso
Another nice thing about this Northern Lights tour from Tromso is that you’ll travel in a heated bus with a restroom, so if you get chilly or need a break, you can rest on the bus. Throughout the night, you’ll enjoy hot chocolate, tea, coffee, and snacks to keep you going while you chase the Northern Lights.
- Price from: $91 per person
- Duration: 7 hours
- Highlights: Northern Lights tour, drinks and snacks included
2. Minibus tour, the best small-group Northern Lights tour from Tromso
Another affordable Northern Lights tour package from Tromsø is this minibus tour, which has the added benefit of being a small group excursion. If you don’t want to battle large crowds, this is one of the best tours in Tromso you can take.
The tour is limited to 21 people and includes a thermal suit for each participant so you can stay comfortable throughout the excursion. Your guide will also provide a tripod that you can use to keep your camera steady while you photograph the dancing lights. You can even have the guide take pictures of you and your companions for a fun souvenir.
2. Minibus tour, the best small-group Northern Lights tour from Tromso
This Northern Lights tour from Tromso also includes some time to gather around the campfire for hot drinks and food like soup and roasted marshmallows. While you warm up and enjoy your goodies, your guide will tell you about the science and local myths surrounding the aurora. Overall, it’s one of the most interesting Tromso aurora tours you can take.
- Price from: $130 per person
- Duration: 7 hours
- Highlights: Small-group Northern Lights tours, drinks and snacks included
3. Aurora photo tour, a Tromso Northern Lights tour package for photographers
If you want to photograph the Northern Lights but you don’t have any experience, this excursion is perfect. It’s a Northern Lights tour package from Tromso designed specifically for photographers and enthusiasts and includes an expert-led workshop so you can capture incredible images.
During the tour, you’ll learn from a professional, who will share tips and tricks for photographing the aurora and finding interesting compositions. You can also have the guide take a professional portrait of you with the aurora for an extra fee. However, if you’d rather have someone take the pictures for you instead of learning how to do it yourself, then this tour may be a better option for you.
3. Aurora photo tour, a Tromso Northern Lights tour package for photographers
If you want to hone your photography skills, then, I definitely recommend this Tromsø aurora photo tour. But don’t forget to check out our guide on the best camera for Northern Lights photography! In addition to professional instruction, the tour also includes hot drinks and snacks throughout the night.
- Price from: $107 per person
- Duration: 7 hours
- Highlights: Northern Lights tours, photo tutorial, drinks and snacks included
4. Half-day tour with husky visit, another good Tromso Northern Lights tour package
If you’re an animal lover, this half-day excursion is a great choice. Not only will you enjoy a Tromso aurora hunt, but you’ll also be able to visit a husky camp and meet some furry friends.
You’ll travel just 30 minutes outside of downtown Tromso, to a husky camp with dozens of cute and cuddly canines. After meeting the pups and saying hello, you’ll enjoy some hot drinks and roasted marshmallows over the campfire.
4. Half-day tour with husky visit, another good Tromso Northern Lights tour package
Then, experience the inside of a lavvu, a traditional tent used by the indigenous Sami people of Scandinavia. While you wait for the skies to turn dark, your guide will share tips and answer any questions over a meal of Norwegian cod. Then, it’s time to watch the Green Lady make her appearance!
If you’re looking for a relaxed experience seeing the aurora borealis in Tromso, Norway, this is one of the best options.
- Price from: $111 per person
- Duration: 4 hours
- Highlights: Northern Lights tour, husky camp visit, lavvu visit with dinner
5. Aurora & Sami culture experience, a unique aurora tour from Tromso
This excursion is another cool Northern Lights tour from Tromso that immerses you in Sami culture. You’ll board the bus and travel to a traditional Sami camp, where you’ll get to feed a herd of wild reindeer and go sledding. If you’re visiting Tromso during Christmas, this is definitely the tour to take!
5. Aurora & Sami culture experience, a unique aurora tour from Tromso
After spending some time with the reindeer, you’ll go inside a Sami hut, or gamme, to warm up. Enjoy hot drinks while your hosts prepare a three-course meal over a roaring campfire. When you’re done eating, you’ll head to a lavvu for some traditional Sami songs and stories.
Once you’re well-fed, it’s time to go outside and see the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky.
- Price from: $160 per person
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Highlights: Northern Lights tour, reindeer sledding and feeding, traditional Sami dinner in a lavvu
6. Sailing excursion, the best Tromso Northern Lights tour by boat
For something a bit different, consider taking a Northern Lights boat tour from Tromso like this one. It departs from the city center and visits several nearby locations, granting you multiple opportunities to see the aurora borealis flashing through the sky.
Even with Tromso’s winter weather, you’ll stay warm and cozy thanks to the provided thermal suits. Plus, you’ll be aboard a luxury catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating, so you can always go inside if you get chilly.
6. Sailing excursion, the best Tromso Northern Lights tour by boat
This Northern Lights cruise from Tromso is limited to 12 participants, so you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and get a good view of the aurora. The skipper and tour guides have years of experience, so they know the best spots to sail to for the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights. So, sit back, grab a hot drink, and enjoy the show!
- Price from: $143 per person
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Highlights: Catamaran cruise, Northern Lights, drinks and snacks included
7. Cable car ride, a fun and convenient aurora hunt in Tromso
If you’re short on time but still want to take a Tromso aurora tour, consider this option. You’ll meet at the Tromso Cathedral, one of the most iconic attractions in Tromso, then head to the famous Fjellheisen cable car.
This is one of the best Northern Lights spots in Tromso, granting you magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and the peak of Tromsdalstinden. The cable car rises 4,060 feet above sea level, so you’ll enjoy unobstructed views and minimal light pollution since you’ll be above Tromso. In addition to the beautiful Arctic landscape, you’ll be able to see the dancing lights of the aurora.
7. Cable car ride, a fun and convenient aurora hunt in Tromso
This Tromso Northern Lights tour includes your cable car ticket and a food tasting of some traditional appetizers. That said, the cable car station is right outside a mountain restaurant, so if you want to get dinner there after your tour, it’s a great option.
- Price from: $178 per person
- Duration: 3 hours
- Highlights: Fjellheisen cable car ride, Northern Lights tour, food tasting
8. Lavvu stay, a unique overnight tour to see the Northern Lights in Tromso
For an exciting Northern Lights holiday in Tromso, consider an overnight excursion like this one. It departs from Tromso and includes a ferry ride past the Lyngen Alps to the Aurora Wonderland Basecamp.
The base camp is surrounded by spectacular fjords and mountains and has minimal light pollution, so you’ll have an even higher chance of seeing a phenomenal light show. But first, make yourself comfortable and tuck in for a hearty lunch.
While you still have some daylight, you can take advantage of fun outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing. Or, you can take a rest in a crystal lavvu while you wait for the skies to darken.
8. Lavvu stay, a unique overnight tour to see the Northern Lights in Tromso
Later, you’ll get a photography workshop from your professional guide, then fuel up with a warm dinner before going in search of the Northern Lights. Afterwards, you’ll return to your lavvu for some sleep. In the morning, enjoy a traditional Norwegian breakfast and return to Tromso.
I recommend this Tromso Northern Lights tour package if you’re not sure where to stay in Tromso. This way, you’ll have your accommodation and excursion taken care of in one package.
- Price from: $260 per person
- Duration: 1 day
- Highlights: Northern Lights, ferry view of Lyngen Alps, snowshoe hike, photography workshop, overnight stay in a crystal lavvu, meals included
9. Ice Domes Stay, the best Northern Lights tour package from Tromso
On the other hand, if you want to stay in one of the best Northern Lights hotels in Norway, then this excursion is for you.
This Northern Lights tour package from Tromso takes you to the famous Ice Domes, a popular attraction with ice sculptures, an igloo bar, and, of course, an ice hotel. Your guide will walk you through the Ice Domes and share interesting facts about its construction. Then, your group will stop by the igloo bar for a drink.
9. Ice Domes Stay, the best Northern Lights tour package from Tromso
Afterward, your guide will give you a thermal suit and snowshoes for a hike through the surrounding wilderness. Here, there is very little light pollution, so you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Settle around the campfire and enjoy a three-course meal while keeping an eye on the skies.
After dinner, you’ll head back to the ice hotel for some sleep. The next day, savor a traditional Norwegian breakfast and get ready for another one-of-a-kind activity: dog sledding. Later, warm up by the fire for lunch, then board the bus back to Tromso.
- Price from: $1,479 per couple
- Duration: 1 day
- Highlights: Northern Lights, snowshoe hike, dinner, overnight stay in an ice dome
10. Private aurora chase, the best private Northern Lights tour from Tromso
Finally, if you want to make your Northern Lights trip extra special, book this private tour. This small-group Northern Lights tour from Tromso is limited to 8 people, so it’s ideal for a group of friends or family members.
You’ll get picked up at your Tromso hotel and board a private minivan. Depending on the forecast, you may venture to the western fjords of Tromso or go to the Finnish border in search of auroras. Your guide will share tips and camera techniques to help you capture the Green Lady in your photographs.
10. Private aurora chase, the best private Northern Lights tour from Tromso
Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll wait for the Northern Lights to make an appearance. Coffee, tea, and muffins will keep you energized during this Tromso aurora hunt, and after the excursion, you’ll be dropped back off at your Tromso hotel.
- Price from: $886 per group of up to 8 people
- Duration: 6 hours
- Highlights: Private tour to see Northern Lights, drinks and snacks included
Tromso Northern Lights tour prices
You’ve probably noticed that there are all kinds of Northern Lights tour packages in Tromso. From boat cruises to overnight stays, there is an option for every budget and interest. Of course, that also means that the cost of a Tromso Northern Lights excursion varies significantly, ranging from around $100 to over $700 per person.
To give you a better idea, here are the prices for each tour I mentioned, as well as what they include:
PRICE | DURATION | HIGHLIGHTS |
|
|---|---|---|---|
$91 | 7 hours | • Northern Lights |
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$130 | 7 hours | • Northern Lights |
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$107 | 7 hours | • Northern Lights |
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$111 | 4 hours | • Northern Lights |
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$160 | 4.5 hours | • Northern Lights |
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$143 | 3.5 hours | • Northern Lights |
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$178 | 3 hours | • Northern Lights |
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$260 | 1 day | • Northern Lights |
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$1479 per couple | 1 days | • Northern Lights |
|
$886 per group of up to 8 people | 6 hours | • Northern Lights |
|
BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS TOURS FROM TROMSO |
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Best time to take a Tromso Northern Lights tour
It’s important to choose the best Northern Lights tour in Tromso for your budget and interests, but it’s also crucial that you know when to book. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is between mid-September through April.
If you can, try to book your Tromso aurora tour around the Equinoxes, when the solar activity usually ramps up, which is ideal for aurora viewing. The Fall Equinox takes place during the last two weeks of September, while the Spring Equinox is in the second or third week of March.
Best time to take a Tromso Northern Lights tour
You can check the Northern Lights forecast up to 15 days in advance, so if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can plan to visit Tromso according to the forecast.
Weather forecast is also important but unfortunately, it’s difficult to plan based on weather because it can change a lot.
Tips for booking a Northern Lights chase from Tromso
Now that you know the best time to visit Tromso for the Northern Lights, here are some tips for booking your tour and preparing for your trip:
- Northern Lights tours in Tromso are popular, so book your spot in advance!
- Make sure you wear lots of warm layers, including a winter coat, wool socks, boots, gloves, and a hat. Many aurora tours in Tromso include thermal suits, but it’s always a good idea to come prepared.
- The best months to see the Northern Lights in Tromso are September to April, so try to book your tour within that time frame.
- You can make things easier and streamline your trip by staying in one of the best hotels in Tromso.
- Read our guide on how to photograph the Northern Lights so you can get the best images during your tour!
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to make the most of your experience seeing the aurora borealis in Tromso.
FAQs – Northern Lights tours from Tromso
To wrap up this guide, here are the answers to some common questions about Tromso Northern Lights tours:
What is the best Northern Lights tour in Tromso?
The best Northern Lights tour from Tromso depends on your interests. This minibus tour is very popular and a great option if you want to take a small-group Northern Lights tour in Tromso.
How much does a Tromso Northern Lights tour cost?
A Northern Lights tour package from Tromsø ranges from around $100 to over $700 per person, depending on the duration and any included activities.
When is the best time to take a Northern Lights tour in Tromso?
The best time to take a Northern Lights tour in Tromso is in the early fall (September/October) or late winter (February/March).
Do you need a tour to see the Northern Lights in Tromso?
You don’t need a Tromso Northern Lights tour to see the aurora, but it certainly helps! These tour operators have a lot of experience, so they know the best locations and times to see the aurora borealis. Plus, they can offer tips on how to see the Northern Lights in Tromso.
Now you know the best Tromso Northern Lights tours, so all that’s left to do is book your adventure. Seeing the Northern Lights in Norway is a one-of-a-kind experience, and with the help of expert tour guides, you have the highest chance of seeing the dancing lights in all their glory.
You can’t go wrong with any of these Northern Lights excursions from Tromso, but if you want to go aurora hunting on your own, I recommend learning more about the Northern Lights forecast. You can also join us for our yearly Swimming with Orcas & Northern Lights tour or our Lofoten Islands photo tour and experience the Northern Lights and Tromso with us!
Of course, if you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience taking a Tromso Northern Lights tour, feel free to leave me a comment below.
Good luck and have fun chasing the aurora in Tromso!
Hi Ascen,
Thanks for all this useful information. My wife and I are considering a trip to Tromso in September next year to see the Northern Lights and also the Fjords. I will be 70 years old and my wife approaching her mid-sixties. Though we can move around well enough, we are not as active as some years ago. Hence, we would really like to go on comfortable tours, staying as warm as possible and possibly not very long but we would still like to see both the sights. We would appreciate if you could recommend the most suitable tours for us.
Many thanks! 🙂
Hi Manas,
I think you’d appreciate one of the shorter tours like the Tromso Northern Lights sailing excursion or the cable car ride. Some of the shorter bus tours could also work for you. 🙂
My name is Lilian and I will be in Tromso from 12 to 16 of October to see the Northern Lights. I can walk, but not very long distances. Do you think any of the tours could be suitable for me?. Tbank you in advance!!!
Hi Lilian,
I recommend checking out the Northern Lights boat tour from Tromso. You’ll be able to see the aurora without having to walk anywhere. Alternatively, one of the bus tours or the cable car ride should be fine. Once the tour group finds a good place to spot the aurora, you’ll stay put. Have fun!