Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø

One of the best spots in the world to view the northern lights, Tromso is an ideal hub for your arctic Norwegian experience. The main draw of this remote locale is the natural phenomena you will discover in the area. Its long periods without a sunrise in winter provide ample opportunity to chase the aurora borealis.  

Take a northern lights tour in Tromso for the best chance of seeing nature’s best light show.

Here's all you need to know about northern lights tours, one of the most captivating outdoor activities in Tromso.

What are the best northern lights tours in Tromso?

Northern lights walking tours

Escape the city lights in no time with the 2-kilometer trek to Prestvannet Lake from downtown Tromso. It is a moderate walking tour with a gradual hill climb. Guides will point out northern lights while sharing stories and the science behind the phenomenon.

Northern lights hunt

Jump in a minivan or bus to search for magical dancing lights in the sky. Guides seek out the best vantage points according to the day’s weather and solar activity. Choose to travel by bus, minivan or even a Tesla.

Northern lights hunt with dinner

Indulge in a rich cultural experience, as you search for the northern lights. These tours often are led by a Sami, an ancestral inhabitant of northern Scandinavia, who will enhance your experience with legends and facts about their traditions.

Dinner tours include traditional Norwegian soups and sausages, and even a Sami stew. Vegetarian options are available, but you must order in advance.

Boat trips in Tromso

Gain a different perspective of the northern lights on a catamaran or sailboat. A trip in Tromso's waters leads you through a fjord where you may spy orcas and whales, while you scan the sky for lights. The advantage of boat trips is that you can move during the entire trip, following the best light show.

What are the highlights?

Board your transportation and venture as far as 300 kilometers from town in search of the elusive lights. Some tours take you to established camps, and some allow the guide to determine a location for the best chance of northern lights sightings at that time.

You may even cross the Finnish or Swedish border on your search.

The star of these tours is the aurora borealis, but Tromso’s dramatic landscape offers amazing scenery and wildlife sightings. Scan the waters for whales on a boat tour and appreciate the towering mountains illuminated by the northern lights.

Many tours are led by Sami guides who give you a glimpse of their culture. Taste Sami foods inside a “Lavvu” tent heated by a glowing fire. Listen to a “joik,” a song that’s created for members of the Sami culture. Learn the symbolism behind the decorations on their clothing, and interact with reindeer.

How much does it cost?

• Northern lights walking tours in Tromso cost around US$100 per person.
• Northern lights hunt costs between US$100 per person and US$120 per person,  depending on group size and inclusions like snacks and a bonfire experience.
• Northern lights hunt with dinner costs between US$155 per person and US$200 per person, depending on group size, the number of courses for dinner, and whether snacks, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
• Boat trips in Tromso start at US$70 per person for shorter tours that only include snacks and hot drinks.

What is included?

Your Tromso northern lights trip includes a knowledgeable guide leading you to ideal spots for viewing the aurora borealis. The majority of tours include stories and facts from your guide during transportation, as well as around a campfire.

Most tours include hot drinks, snacks and a driver/guide to find spots with the best chance of a dazzling light show. Most tours also provide thermal suits. Many trips lend tripods for cameras (not smartphones) and advice on capturing the best photos.

Where does it start?

Northern lights tours start at one of the major hotels or landmarks in Tromso. Boat tours begin at the port, also located in central Tromso. Everywhere in central Tromso is accessible within about a 15-minute walk.

How long does it last?

The shortest northern lights tours in Tromso are 2-hour walking trips and 2 to 4-hour boat tours. Excursions that take you to locales free of light pollution are a 90-minute drive or more from Tromso, and they vary from 6 to 10 hours.

The duration of your trip depends on how easily your guide spots the aurora borealis. In fall and spring, there is a shorter window of time that you’ll likely spot the lights. However, during the high season, you may see them as late as 3 AM.

Most tours begin at around 6 PM, but with the unpredictable nature of the northern lights, it’s hard to know exactly when the tour will end. Your return time may be any time from midnight to 4 AM.

When is the best time for a northern lights tour in Tromso?

You can view the northern lights from mid-September through late March, and the high season is from late October through the end of February.

Tour companies recommend booking your northern lights tour at the beginning of your visit in case you missed them on your first tour. Many companies offer additional tours at a reduced cost.

Are there any combo tours available?

Northern lights plus husky experience tours

Seek the aurora borealis in Tromso with the bonus of snuggling a husky during your excursion. The camp houses 200 huskies that can keep you company while you scan the sky. These tours often include dinner, but they don’t include a dogsled ride.

Northern lights plus reindeer camp

Chase the northern lights and embark on reindeer sledding, pulled by these impressive animals. Enjoy a hot meal and drinks, and toast marshmallows around a campfire during the tour.

Overnight experiences

Journey to a remote camp in Tromso far from city lights. Enjoy meals and pristine night skies full of dancing colors before turning in for a sleep in a Lavvo or private glass-domed hut.

Are children allowed?

Most tours allow children above the age of 5 to participate. Adults need to keep in mind that the tour may end as late as 4 AM, and decide whether that is feasible for their child.

Which other outdoor experiences can be done in Tromsø?

• Dog sledding
• Snowmobile adventures
• Boat tours
• Hiking tours
• Whale watching
• Reindeer sledding
• Jeep adventures

Travel tips

• Winter temperatures in northern Norway can be as cold as -20 degrees Celsius, so wearing a warm base layer is essential.
• Bring hats, mittens and scarves.
• Carry a passport in case you cross into Finland or Sweden.
• Dinner tours may not serve the meal until quite late, so eat dinner beforehand and/or bring additional snacks and drinks.