Tromso: Northern Lights Big Bus Tour with Free Photos & Snacks

Summary

Chasing auroras in Tromso’s wild night with photos snacks & warmth

You’ll chase the northern lights across snowy landscapes near Tromso with expert guides who know all the best spots—even if it means crossing borders late at night. Warm drinks and snacks keep spirits up while you wait for those first green flickers overhead. Free aurora portraits capture your best frozen grin before you tumble back onto the heated bus, still buzzing from what you’ve seen.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was passing around steaming cocoa as we bundled up outside the big blue bus, breath fogging in the air. Our guide, Erik, had this way of making you feel like you were part of some secret mission—he kept checking weather maps on his phone and muttering about “cloud gaps over Finland.” We’d barely left Tromso before he started telling stories about old Sami legends and how the northern lights used to scare his grandmother. I didn’t expect to laugh so much on an aurora tour.

The road out of town got quieter, snow piling up at the edges of headlights. It was warmer than I thought inside (thank god for that heated bus—my toes would’ve given up otherwise), and there was WiFi so people could send nervous messages home. At one point, a little girl pressed her nose to the window and whispered “green!” but it was just a reflection from someone’s jacket. The real thing took its time. We crossed into Finland—I think?—and Erik kept reassuring us that patience is half the adventure on any proper northern lights chase.

When it finally happened, everyone just sort of tumbled out into this field. The sky cracked open with these pale green ribbons, slow at first then brighter—someone behind me actually gasped. Our other guide, Li, set up her camera and called us over for photos. She made us stand still for what felt like ages (I probably blinked), but she promised to email them later for free. My hair smelled like woodsmoke from someone’s thermos; I still think about that cold biting my cheeks while I grinned at nothing in particular.

I lost track of time after that—the bus ride back was quiet except for Erik humming some tune I didn’t recognize. We rolled into Tromso well past two in the morning, tired but weirdly awake. If you’re thinking about a northern lights big bus tour from Tromso, just… don’t plan anything early the next day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights Big Bus Chase

• Meet professional guides outside bus
• Search for northern lights in Tromso
• Enjoy heated big bus with WiFi
• Receive free aurora photos from guides
• Chase auroras up to 9 hours

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights Big Bus Tour last?

The tour usually lasts 7–9 hours and can return as late as 02:30 AM.

Are photos included in the Tromso northern lights tour?

Yes, guides take free portraits under the auroras and send them to you later.

Is there a restroom on board during the tour?

Yes, there is a toilet on board the heated big bus for comfort during long drives.

Does this northern lights tour include snacks or drinks?

Snacks and warm drinks are included during your aurora chase night.

Is the Northern Lights Big Bus Tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join this Tromso aurora tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infant seats are available.

Will we leave Tromso city limits during this northern lights chase?

The tour often drives deep into wilderness areas and may cross into Finland or Sweden if needed for clear skies.

What’s included

Your night includes pickup in Tromso by heated big bus with onboard WiFi and toilet access, guidance from experienced aurora experts who’ll take free photos of you under the northern lights, plus snacks and warm drinks along the way before returning late at night.