Northern Lights chase from Sortland: Small group, flexible route

Follow the forecast, not a fixed route, to find the clearest Arctic skies

A Northern Lights tour from Sortland in Vesterålen with a small group and local English-speaking guide who adjusts the route each night based on weather and aurora activity. You travel in a warm vehicle with hot drinks and snacks included. Your guide takes professional photos of you with the lights and sends them after the tour. The chase runs 3 to 5 hours and is suitable for ages 12 and up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights chase in Vesterålen

• Meet local guide in Sortland
• Drive to best clear sky spots
• Learn about Northern Lights and Arctic nature
• Enjoy hot drinks and snacks
• Receive professional aurora photos

The experience

The vehicle leaves Sortland with a local guide monitoring live weather and aurora forecasts. Instead of driving to a fixed viewpoint, you'll head toward whichever direction promises the clearest skies that night: sometimes staying nearby, sometimes driving inland over the mountains. The route changes every evening depending on cloud cover and aurora activity, so no two nights are the same. You travel in a heated car or van, which means you stay warm while watching the sky instead of standing outside in the cold.

Along the drive, your guide shares what's actually happening in the atmosphere: how the Northern Lights form, why they move the way they do, what the colors mean. They'll also help with camera settings if you want to photograph the lights yourself. The guide takes professional-quality photos of you with the aurora and sends them to you after the tour, so you leave with images you didn't have to set up or take yourself. Hot drinks and light snacks keep you comfortable during the 3 to 5 hours you're out.

This is a small-group experience, which means fewer people in the vehicle and more flexibility when the guide decides to move to a different spot. The atmosphere stays quiet and personal rather than crowded. Because the route is not fixed, the tour adapts to what the night actually offers instead of sticking to a plan that might chase clouds.

What’s included

• Transport in a heated vehicle.
• hot drinks and light snacks.
• professional aurora photography taken by your guide and sent to you after the tour.
• hotel pickup from Sortland.
• live guide commentary in English about the Northern Lights and Arctic nature.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDeparts at 20:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Vesteralen Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a small group and the flexibility to chase clear skies instead of staying at one viewpoint: the guide adjusts the route each night based on real weather and aurora forecasts, which is what makes finding the lights possible on nights when fixed-location tours stay put.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear on the night I book?

The tour runs regardless of aurora visibility. Your guide will still drive to the clearest skies available and share knowledge about the lights and Arctic landscape. The photos your guide takes are included either way.

How warm is the vehicle, and do I need to bring my own winter coat?

The car or van is heated, so you stay warm inside during the drive. You must dress appropriately for cold Arctic weather, including a winter coat, boots and layers. The operator does not provide winter clothing.

Can I book this tour if I'm visiting Bodø instead of Sortland?

The tour departs from Sortland in the heart of Vesterålen. Hotel pickup is included, so if you're staying in Sortland or nearby, the guide will collect you. Check with the operator about pickup availability from Bodø.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but it is suitable for all other fitness levels.

How long does the Northern Lights chase actually take?

The tour runs between 3 and 5 hours depending on conditions and how far the guide needs to drive to find clear skies. Your guide will explain the route and timing before you depart.