Aurora Hunt with the campfire and professional photographer

Traveling to Tromso to see the Northern Lights is a bucket-list dream for many, and this Aurora Hunt tour promises an authentic, cozy, and expertly guided experience. With a high rating of 5.0 based on over 100 reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour both memorable and value-packed. From setting out into the wilderness with professional photography included to the warmth of a campfire under the stars, this experience aims to blend adventure, comfort, and stunning visuals.

What we particularly love about this tour is the personal touch—guided by knowledgeable locals who understand the art of chasing the Aurora, combined with added comforts like thermal suits and hot soup. However, it’s worth noting that Aurora sightings are never guaranteed. This means you need a bit of patience and luck, especially if weather conditions turn cloudy.

This tour is ideal if you’re eager to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights without sacrificing comfort or professional-quality photographs. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere in the Arctic wilderness but also want a chance to learn about the science and folklore behind the lights.

Key Points

• Expert guides and local knowledge significantly improve your chances of witnessing the Aurora.
• The thermal suits, campfire, and warm food ensure comfort despite cold winter conditions.
• The professional photos are a fantastic souvenir, capturing the lights and your experience at high resolution.
• The flexible itinerary and communication with other guides expand your opportunities to see the Aurora.
• This tour offers great value for the price, combining activities, food, and photography.
• Small group size (max 15) fosters a more intimate experience with personalized attention.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Setting Out from Tromso

Starting from the Scandic Ishavshotel, located in the heart of Tromso, the tour begins in the early evening. This central meeting point means easy access, whether you’re staying in the city or nearby. From here, you’ll board a comfortable minibus with a small group, typically no more than 15 people, which helps maintain an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

The driver and guide are seasoned professionals, with many reviews praising guides like Lukas, Adam, Kat, and Antonio for their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and effort to maximize your Aurora experience. One reviewer, Diane_B, highlighted Antonio’s positive, energetic approach, noting how he took them to the “best chance” spots away from the cloudy skies, which is crucial given Tromso’s unpredictable winter weather.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour’s stops are flexible, depending on weather conditions—a smart move considering Tromso’s often cloudy winter nights. The guide’s ability to communicate with other teams and adapt on the fly sets this experience apart. One reviewer noted that they ended up in a farmer’s field, which might not be the most picturesque setting but was the best available given the conditions.

Multiple stops are made, some possibly crossing into Finland if needed, to find clear skies and optimal viewing spots. Each location aims to give travelers a different perspective, increasing the chances of witnessing the Aurora’s mesmerizing dance. While the specific sites aren’t named, reviewers appreciated the effort to find “a beautiful place” with minimal light pollution and a good view of the sky.

Campfire, Food, and Warmth

One of the tour’s standout features is the cozy campfire in the wilderness, complete with marshmallows and the opportunity to chat while warming up. This is a surprisingly valuable aspect—after all, spending hours outside in winter can be cold, but the thermal suits and hot food make all the difference. The included hot soup, made in Tromso, is tailored for Arctic expeditions and is praised for being hearty and delicious, especially after a long, cold wait.

Guests consistently mention the quality of the food, with some reviews noting the soup and hot drinks as highlights of the evening. Kat, the guide, was praised for her humor and friendliness, which helped keep spirits high even if the lights didn’t appear immediately or cloud cover was stubborn.

Photography and Memories

A key feature of this tour is the professional photos taken during the night. Travelers receive high-resolution images (2048px) with a watermark, capturing the lights and their own faces in the magical glow. Several reviews, including one from Lakshna_S, emphasized how much these photos added to the experience, making the trip not just memorable but also something you can relive and share.

The guides are very attentive to guests’ photo requests, often snapping shots while guests enjoy the spectacle. Having a professional photographer on hand means you don’t have to worry about fiddling with your camera in freezing conditions—your guide will handle it, ensuring you get great shots.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts roughly 6 to 9 hours, offering ample time to chase the lights, warm up, eat, and relax amid the wilderness. The small group size (max 15) creates a friendly, less hurried atmosphere, allowing for better interaction with guides and fellow travelers.

Weather and Aurora Chances

Weather is always a wildcard in Northern Lights tours, and this is no different. Many reviews mention that guides are in constant contact with other teams, increasing the odds of finding clear skies. Occasionally, clouds or poor weather mean no visible Aurora, but the guides’ efforts—like driving into Finland—help optimize your chances.

One reviewer pointed out that the weather didn’t cooperate, and despite four different locations, no lights appeared that night. Nonetheless, they appreciated the effort and the campfire, indicating that even without a sighting, the experience was still enjoyable.

Value for Money

At around $192 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: hot drinks, soup, professional photos, thermal suits, and a guided wilderness experience. Many reviews highlight the guides’ enthusiasm, local knowledge, and their dedication to maximizing chances of seeing the Aurora, which adds to the perception of value.

The inclusion of high-quality photos is a bonus, giving travelers a tangible souvenir of their night in the Arctic. Plus, the warm suits and cozy campfire make the cold bearable and fun, rather than uncomfortable or rushed.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This Aurora hunt suits travelers who are serious about seeing the Northern Lights but also want a comfortable, social experience. It’s perfect if you enjoy small-group outings, are interested in professional photography, and appreciate local expertise guiding your night.

It’s ideal for those who don’t want to spend hours in cold, uncomfortable conditions without warmth or food, and for anyone eager to learn about the folklore and science behind the lights. However, be prepared for the unpredictability of weather—if your trip coincides with cloudy skies or poor Aurora activity, patience and flexibility will be your best allies.

Final Thoughts

This tour combines expert guides, cozy comfort, and genuine effort to give you the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights in Tromso. It balances adventure with practicality, ensuring you’re warm, well-fed, and equipped with stunning photographs to remember your Arctic night.

If you’re after a small-group, well-organized experience with knowledgeable locals and a focus on authentic moments, this Aurora hunt is worth every penny. While nothing can guarantee a sighting, the dedicated efforts of the guides and the included extras make it one of the most rewarding ways to chase the Northern Lights in Tromso.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a thermal suit (by size), hot chocolate or tea, a bowl of hot Arctic soup, professional photos of you with the Aurora, a campfire with marshmallows, and drop-off to your hotel in Tromso city center.

Do I need my own winter gear?
While a thermal suit is provided, you should bring your own boots, hats, gloves, and scarves for extra warmth and comfort, especially if you want to be prepared for extra cold moments.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 6 to 9 hours, offering plenty of time to chase the lights, warm up, and enjoy the wilderness.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the guides do their best to find clear skies and increase your chances, sightings are never guaranteed due to weather conditions. However, many reviewers still find the experience magical even without a sighting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 12 and above can participate, and they must be accompanied by an adult. The experience is designed for small groups, making it more manageable for younger guests.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. The guides actively communicate and adapt, sometimes driving into neighboring countries to find clear skies.

Can I get drop-off outside Tromso city center?
If you stay outside the main city area, the tour offers drop-off at the bus stop or taxi stand nearby. For accommodations further away, additional arrangements might be necessary.

In essence, this Aurora Hunt combines expert guidance, cozy amenities, and flexibility, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to chase—the potentially spectacular—Northern Lights in Tromso.