Aurora Snowshoe Hike in Tromsø: Search for Northern Lights

Snowshoeing under the Arctic night sky while watching for Aurora Borealis

A four-hour guided snowshoe hike in Tromsø that takes you across snow-covered Arctic trails after dark in search of the Northern Lights. You wear snowshoes and poles provided by the operator, move through terrain that transforms entirely by night, and stop for hot beverages and snacks as you watch the sky. Private transportation picks you up and returns you to your accommodation.

The experience

Four hours on snowshoes means you cover ground without the pace of a faster hike, moving through trails that look completely different after sunset than they do by day. The Arctic landscape around Tromsø sits within the Arctic Circle, and the snow-covered terrain becomes your stage for watching the sky. You're not standing still at a viewpoint. You're actively moving through the winter landscape while staying alert for the Aurora Borealis overhead. The guide leads the way and watches conditions, adjusting the route as needed to find the clearest views.

All snowshoeing equipment comes with you: poles, snowshoes, and whatever else you need to move safely across the snow. The operator provides hot beverages and snacks during the hike, so you have warmth and fuel without needing to plan that separately. Private transportation picks you up from your accommodation and brings you back afterward, which means no coordinating a meeting point or timing a shuttle. The guide speaks English or Norwegian, depending on which departure you choose.

This hike works best if you have at least moderate physical fitness. The four hours of snowshoeing over Arctic terrain requires steady effort, though the pace is set by the group rather than a race. The night sky and the snow-covered landscape create the conditions where the Northern Lights are most visible, but the Aurora itself is a natural phenomenon. The guide knows where to position you for the best chance, but sightings are never guaranteed.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from your accommodation.
• snowshoe rental with poles.
• hot beverage and snacks during the hike.
• live guide in English or Norwegian.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 18:30Last departure this season: 31 Mar 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Norwegian

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Legendary Adventure

Is this one for you?Choose this hike if you want to move actively through the Arctic landscape rather than stand at a fixed viewpoint, and if you're comfortable with four hours of steady snowshoeing in winter conditions. The private transportation and included equipment mean you arrive ready to walk. The guide's knowledge of the terrain and sky conditions is what positions you to see the Northern Lights if they appear.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

What is the Northern Lights season in Tromsø, and when can I actually see them?

The Aurora Borealis is visible in Tromsø from September through March, with the darkest, clearest skies in December and January. The lights are a natural occurrence that depends on solar activity and clear weather, so sightings are never certain, but the winter months offer the longest nights and best conditions for them to appear.

Do I need snowshoeing experience to join this hike?

No experience is required. The guide teaches you how to use the snowshoes before you start, and the pace is set for a group with varying abilities. You need at least moderate physical fitness to handle four hours of movement across snow-covered terrain, but the hike itself is designed for people new to snowshoeing.

What happens if the weather is bad or the Northern Lights don't appear?

The hike runs in winter weather conditions, which in Tromsø means cold, snow, and often clouds. The guide chooses the route based on conditions and visibility. If the Aurora doesn't appear on your departure, that's a natural outcome of chasing a sky phenomenon. The operator cannot guarantee sightings, only the best positioning to see them if they occur.

How cold is it, and what should I wear?

Tromsø in winter ranges from around minus 5 to minus 15 degrees Celsius (23 to 5 Fahrenheit), depending on the month and the day. Dress in warm layers, waterproof outer clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat. The operator provides snowshoes and poles but not outerwear, so you'll need your own cold-weather gear.

Does the hike include a guide the whole time, or am I self-guided?

A live guide leads the entire four-hour hike, speaking English or Norwegian depending on your chosen departure. The guide navigates the route, watches for Aurora activity, and manages the group's safety and comfort throughout the night.