Tromsø: Aurora Borealis Night Tour with Photographer & Gear

Summary

Northern lights hunt from tromsø with local guide stories hot soup and winter suits

You’ll bundle up in warm gear outside Tromsø and head out under dark skies with a local photographer-guide, listening to Norwegian legends as you search for the aurora borealis. There’s hot soup by the fire, biscuits and coffee to keep your hands warm, plus help taking photos (or just soaking it all in). It’s more than just chasing lights — it’s sharing silence and stories beneath a shifting sky.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed when we stepped out in Tromsø was how the cold just kind of nipped at your nose — not painful, but sharp enough to remind you this wasn’t any ordinary night. Vidar, our guide (and apparently a wizard with a camera), handed out these winter suits and boots that made us look like awkward astronauts. He grinned and said, “You’ll thank me later.” He was right. The snow crunched under our feet as we piled into the van, everyone sort of buzzing with that weird mix of hope and skepticism you get before chasing the aurora borealis.

We drove for what felt like forever — maybe an hour? — winding past dark trees and little pockets of light that were probably someone’s home. Vidar kept scanning the sky and telling us about trolls hiding in the mountains (I still can’t pronounce half the names he mentioned). At one point he stopped mid-story because he spotted something faint — a pale green smear way up high. “There,” he whispered, like we might scare it off if we talked too loud. I fumbled with my tripod while someone else tried to take a selfie with frozen fingers. Honestly, I almost missed it because I was busy trying to remember how to set my camera.

Vidar helped everyone get their shots — even took portraits for those who wanted them (he promised to email them later). He poured hot vegetable soup into these steaming mugs that fogged up my glasses instantly. There was coffee too, plus some kind of cinnamon biscuit that tasted better than it had any right to at midnight in the snow. Someone asked if we’d cross into Finland tonight; Vidar just shrugged and said sometimes you have to chase the lights wherever they go. I liked that.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel out there — just wind moving through birch trees, everyone whispering or laughing softly so we wouldn’t break whatever spell was hanging above us. Even now I can still see that soft green curtain drifting across the sky when I close my eyes. If you’re thinking about a day trip for the northern lights from Tromsø, don’t overthink it — just go if you can.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aurora Borealis photo tour

• Meet guide and photographers
• Receive winter suits and boots
• Learn about local myths and legends
• Search for Aurora Borealis outdoors
• Get photography tips from guide
• Guide takes your portrait photo
• Receive portrait photo via email

Top questions

Is warm clothing provided on this northern lights tour?

Yes, winter suits and dry boots are included for all guests.

Will there be a professional photographer on the tour?

Yes, your guide is also a professional photographer who helps with photos.

Are food or drinks included during the aurora tour?

You’ll get hot vegetable soup, biscuits, coffee or tea during the night.

Can I join without a camera?

Yes, you don’t need a camera — your guide will also take photos for you.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

A passport is needed since you might cross into Finland during the search.

How do I get my portrait photo after the tour?

Your portrait is taken during the night and sent via email afterwards.

Is pickup included from Tromsø hotels?

The tour includes pickup; public transportation options are nearby too.

Are dietary needs accommodated on this trip?

If you inform them when booking, dietary needs can be accommodated.

What’s included

Your night includes pickup near Tromsø (with public transport options), all necessary winter clothing like insulated suits and boots sized for you, steaming mugs of hot vegetable soup plus biscuits and coffee or tea around the fire while waiting for the northern lights. A professional photographer-guide helps capture both aurora shots and personal portraits emailed after your return—so even if your fingers freeze up on your own camera, you'll still have proof you were there under that wild sky.