Northern Lights chase Tromsø small-group minibus tour

Your guide adapts the route in real time based on live weather data and where the lights are actually dancing.

A small-group Northern Lights tour from Tromsø that chases clear skies across the Arctic landscape, near the Finnish and Swedish borders, with a local guide who monitors weather forecasts and aurora activity to find the best viewing spots. The route changes each evening based on conditions. Your guide captures edited portrait photos you receive by email the next day. Hot drinks, local snacks, and homemade cake are included. The tour runs 4 to 8 hours depending on where the search takes you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights Minibus Chase

• Meet at pick-up point in Tromsø
• Introduction by guide and driver
• Drive out of Tromsø to chase lights
• Guide monitors weather and shares insights
• Stop to check skies for stars
• Stop at location to admire Northern Lights
• Guide assists with photography
• Enjoy hot drinks and local snacks
• Drive back to Tromsø
• Drop-off at pick-up point or hotels

The experience

The chase starts with a 30-minute introduction at the pick-up point in Tromsø city center, where your guide explains the evening's plan and what to expect. Then the minibus heads out of the city to escape light pollution, and the real work begins: your guide watches live weather forecasts and cloud cover while driving toward locations with the clearest skies. You'll make stops along the way to scan the Arctic night for breaks in the clouds: the first sign that the Northern Lights might appear. The route is not fixed. Depending on what the forecasts show and where aurora activity is strongest, you might head inland, along the coast, or even cross into Finland or Sweden.

When you find a suitable spot, you stop to wait and watch. Your guide will help you photograph the lights if they appear, and will also take professional portraits of guests who want them. Those edited images get emailed to you the next day. While you're out there, the driver and guide keep the experience moving: conversation, hot drinks, local snacks, and homemade cake help pass the time as you wait for the aurora to dance. The walk from the minibus to the viewing area is short, though the ground may be snowy, icy, or uneven.

The return journey to Tromsø takes about 90 minutes. You'll be dropped at the original pick-up point on Kirkegata 2 or at a hotel in the city center. The whole evening can stretch from 4 to 8 hours depending on how far the search takes you and how long the lights perform. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never guaranteed. If conditions make the tour unsafe, the company will offer an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

• Transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter minibus.
• a live English-speaking guide from Northern Norway.
• high-resolution edited photos of you and the Northern Lights, emailed the next day.
• thermal suits if needed.
• hot drinks and local snacks including homemade cake.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arctic Glow

Is this one for you?The 4 to 8 hour commitment means you're chasing the lights for most of the evening, which is what makes the flexible route possible. Your guide can keep searching until conditions improve or the aurora fades, rather than sticking to a fixed schedule. If you need to be back at a specific time, confirm the expected duration with the operator before booking.

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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 while we're out?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings are not guaranteed. If they don't appear during your tour, no refund is provided. However, if weather or safety conditions force a cancellation, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How cold does it get, and what should I wear?

Thermal suits are provided if needed, but you must bring your own warm clothing beyond that: hats, gloves, and boots are essential. The Arctic night is cold, and you'll be outside for extended periods waiting and watching.

Will we stop for restrooms during the tour?

The tour usually includes 1 to 2 restroom stops depending on the route. In remote areas without facilities, you may need to use nature discreetly. It's best to use the restroom before departure.

What does the guide do besides look for the lights?

Your guide monitors weather forecasts and cloud cover throughout the evening, shares insights about what it's like to live in the Arctic, answers questions, and helps you photograph the Northern Lights if they appear. The guide also captures professional portrait photos that are edited and emailed to you the next day.

Can we bring our own camera equipment, like a tripod?

You can bring your own camera, but tripods are not included and you'll need to bring your own if you want one. Your guide will help you with photography technique and will also take professional photos to share with you.

What if I get motion sickness easily?

The tour involves driving and multiple stops over several hours. It's not recommended for travelers prone to motion sickness, as the route may involve winding roads and frequent stops as you search for clear skies.