Aurora Chase from Tromso with Photos: Northern Lights Hunt

Hunt the northern lights across fjords and mountains, then get portraits taken against them

An aurora chase tour from Tromso that drives up to 250 kilometers into fjords, mountains and toward Finland to find clear skies, with a guide who monitors three weather forecasts and adjusts the route in real time. The tour runs 6–9 hours depending on conditions. You get two professional portraits with the northern lights in the background, taken on a full-frame camera, plus a heated minibus to rest in between, warm one-piece suits, a campfire with reindeer skins, hot drinks and muffins, and camera tripods for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Children are welcome from age 5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chase northern lights from Tromso

• Meet guide in Tromso
• Drive up to 250 km to find clear skies
• Visit Tromso fjords and mountains
• Travel towards Finland if needed
• Stop at scenic locations for photos
• Take portraits with northern lights
• Capture aurora timelapse and videos
• Use warm dresses and camera tips
• Rest in heated minibus if desired
• Enjoy hot drinks, muffins, and fruits
• Return to Tromso late night

The experience

The guide drives you up to 250 kilometers from Tromso to chase clear skies, staying in touch with other experienced guides and tracking three weather forecasts to decide whether to head toward the coastal fjords (about an hour away, averaging −5 to −10°C in winter), the inland areas, or across the border into Finland where temperatures can drop below −20°C. The choice of location changes night to night based on where the weather is clearest, because the coast and inland areas have very different climate patterns. You stay in a heated Mercedes Sprinter minibus throughout, so you can rest or warm up between aurora watches.

When the northern lights appear, the guide photographs you against them using a Sony a7siii full-frame camera. You receive two professional portraits per person the next day. If the aurora is strong and the schedule allows, timelapse or video footage is also captured and shared. You bring a camera tripod for your own DSLR or mirrorless camera if you want to shoot alongside the guide. Winter thermal one-piece suits in sizes XS to XXXL are provided, along with a campfire, tripod camping chairs with small reindeer skins for warmth, hot drinks (fruit tea, hot chocolate or cocoa), muffins and fruit. The tour typically lasts 6–9 hours, with return times to Tromso ranging from 1 to 3am depending on how far the chase took you.

What’s included

• Heated Mercedes Sprinter minibus with rest space.
• winter thermal one-piece suits in sizes XS–XXXL and kids' suits from age 4.
• two professional portraits per person with northern lights in the background, taken on a full-frame Sony camera.
• camera tripods for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
• campfire with tripod camping chairs and reindeer skins.
• hot drinks including fruit tea, hot chocolate and cocoa.
• muffins and fresh fruit.
• Tromso pickup and drop-off from select locations.
• timelapse or video if aurora activity and schedule permit.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 18:00

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (7 to 16 years) · Child (5 to 6 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Flexitour Tromso

Is this one for you?The 6–9 hour drive and variable return time (1–3am) suit travelers who can stay flexible and don't need an early start the next morning. The heated minibus means you can rest between searches, so the length is manageable even if you're not hiking or walking much.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 16 years); Child (5 to 6 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far does the guide drive to find clear skies for the northern lights?

The guide drives up to 250 kilometers from Tromso, choosing between coastal fjords about an hour away, inland areas further from the Gulf Stream, or across the border into Finland, depending on which location has the clearest weather that night.

What happens if the northern lights don't appear?

The guide continues to search throughout the tour, monitoring three weather forecasts and staying in touch with other guides to find the best conditions. The tour runs 6–9 hours regardless of aurora activity, and you still receive the warm gear, campfire, drinks and meals included.

Can I take my own photos of the northern lights?

Yes. Camera tripods for DSLR and mirrorless cameras are provided so you can photograph alongside the guide, who also takes two professional portraits of you against the aurora on a full-frame Sony camera and shares them the next day.

What should I wear, and will I be warm enough?

Thermal one-piece winter suits in all sizes from XS to XXXL are included, along with a heated minibus you can rest in at any time, a campfire with reindeer skins for sitting, and hot drinks served throughout the tour. Winter shoes are not included, so bring your own insulated boots.