Tromso: Northern Lights bus tour with guide & photos

Summary

Chasing the northern lights by bus from Tromso with locals and warm drinks

You’ll join a small group in Tromso and head out by bus with a local guide to chase clear skies for the northern lights. Along the way you’ll hear stories, sip hot drinks, get help with your camera (and a tripod if needed), plus receive digital portrait photos under the aurora — all moments you’ll remember long after you’ve thawed out.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, greeted us at the pickup spot in Tromso with this big wool hat and a grin that made me feel like maybe I’d actually see the aurora tonight. She asked if anyone needed an extra jacket — I did, of course, because I underestimated how cold “Norwegian cold” really is. The bus was already humming quietly when we climbed in, everyone a bit nervous but pretending not to be. I sat next to a couple from Spain who kept peeking out the window as we left the city lights behind.

The drive was longer than I expected — almost two hours winding through dark roads, headlights bouncing off snowbanks. Li told stories about her childhood here and explained how she checks weather maps for clear sky patches (she even showed us on her phone). At one point she stopped mid-sentence to point out a fox darting across the road. The air inside smelled faintly of coffee and wool mittens drying on heaters. When we finally pulled over somewhere that felt like nowhere, it was just us and this huge silence outside — except for someone’s boots crunching on ice.

I fumbled with my tripod (they lend you one if you need it), and Li helped set up my camera without making me feel dumb about it. She offered hot tea and these little biscuits that tasted like cardamom — or maybe I imagined that because my hands were so cold. We waited together, stamping our feet, until suddenly someone whispered “there!” and everyone turned at once. The northern lights weren’t as bright as those Instagram shots but they moved slowly, greenish ribbons curling overhead. Li took our portrait photos while we tried not to blink too much in the long exposure — I probably looked half-awake but honestly didn’t care.

We didn’t talk much on the way back; everyone seemed wrapped up in their own thoughts or just tired from standing in snow for hours. I kept thinking about how quiet it was out there under that sky, how even if you don’t get fireworks every time, there’s something about waiting together in the cold that sticks with you after you’re home again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights Chase

• Guided Northern Lights chase by bus

Top questions

How far do you travel from Tromso to see the northern lights?

The tour may drive up to 2.5 hours away from Tromso city center to find clear skies away from light pollution.

Is there a guide on the northern lights bus tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide accompanies each group throughout the evening.

Are hot drinks included during the tour?

Yes, hot coffee or tea is served along with biscuits while waiting for the northern lights.

Will I get photos of myself under the aurora?

Yes, digital portrait photos are included in this northern lights tour.

What happens if we don’t see any northern lights?

If no aurora appears during your tour, you get a 50% discount on your next tour (no refund).

Is this day trip suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in prams or strollers and service animals are allowed.

Are tripods provided for photographing the aurora?

Yes, tripods are available for guests who need them during photography stops.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup in Tromso city center by bus, guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout your northern lights chase (with up to 20 guests per guide), use of tripods for photography help if needed, digital portrait photos under the aurora, complimentary coffee or tea with biscuits while waiting outdoors, plus a 50% discount on another tour if you don’t spot any aurora this time around.