Northern Lights Chase Alta: 5-hour guided tour

Board a heated bus and follow a local guide into the Arctic night to hunt the Northern Lights.

A 5-hour Northern Lights tour in Alta, Norway, where a local guide leads small groups across Arctic fjords to catch the Aurora Borealis. The tour runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, includes thermal clothing, hot drinks and snacks, and departs from five pickup points around Alta. A guide fluent in English or German shares stories of Sami culture and Arctic life while you watch the sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights Chase in Alta

• Pickup from various Alta locations
• Board modern comfortable bus
• Receive thermal clothing and hot drinks
• Travel to prime Aurora viewing spots
• Learn about Sami culture and Arctic stories
• Enjoy Northern Lights viewing and photography
• Return to pickup locations

The experience

The tour leaves at 7 p.m. and runs until midnight, timed to the hours when the Northern Lights are most active. You'll travel in a modern bus with up to 25 guests, equipped with toilet facilities and heating: essential when you're spending hours in the Arctic night. The guide knows the region's hidden viewing spots, the places where clouds thin and the aurora shows clearest, and drives to whichever location offers the best chance on the night you go.

Thermal clothing is provided so you can step outside without your own winter gear, and hot chocolate, coffee or tea keeps you warm between sky-watching sessions. The bus itself becomes a refuge: you can retreat inside to thaw, watch from the windows, or step out when the lights appear. A camera or phone is all you need to capture the moment. The guide will help you frame shots and adjust settings if you ask.

Pickup happens at five locations across Alta: the cruise port, Scandic Hotel, Thon Hotel, Flatmoen Nature, and Sorrisniva. The guide speaks English or German, so the commentary on Sami culture and Arctic stories reaches you clearly. The tour suits all ages and fitness levels. You're riding and watching, not hiking or climbing.

What’s included

• Five-hour guided tour with a local guide speaking English or German.
• pickup from Alta Cruise Port, Scandic Hotel, Thon Hotel, Flatmoen Nature or Sorrisniva.
• thermal clothing.
• hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
• snacks.
• modern heated bus with toilet facilities.
• photography guidance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 19:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled 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 effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Luuso Travel AS

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or German, so you follow the commentary and stories clearly without translation. Book this tour if you want a local's knowledge of where the lights show best on any given night, rather than driving to a single fixed spot and hoping.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What are the chances of actually seeing the Northern Lights on this tour?

The Northern Lights depend on solar activity and clear skies, both unpredictable. Alta sits at 70 degrees north, one of the world's best locations for aurora sightings, and the tour runs during the winter season when darkness lasts longest. The guide knows which spots offer the clearest view on any given night and adjusts the route accordingly, but no tour can guarantee the lights will appear.

Do I need to bring my own warm clothes, or is everything provided?

Thermal clothing is included, so you don't need to pack a heavy winter coat. The bus is heated, and hot beverages keep you warm during the tour. Bring comfortable shoes for stepping in and out of the bus, but the tour handles the Arctic-specific gear.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes, pickup is available directly from Alta Cruise Port. The 5-hour tour runs from 7 p.m. to midnight, so you can arrange it for an evening when your ship is docked. Confirm your ship's departure time with the operator when you book to ensure you're back in time.

What's included in the snacks and hot beverages?

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks are provided throughout the tour to keep you warm and comfortable during the night. The specifics may vary, but hot drinks are available whenever you're in the bus.

Is the bus ride bumpy, or are the roads smooth?

The tour uses a modern, comfortable bus with toilet facilities on board. Roads around Alta are maintained, though some routes into remote viewing areas may be rougher. The bus is designed for Arctic travel and passenger comfort.