Tromsø: Northern Lights Minibus Chase with Expert Photographer

Summary

Chasing auroras from Tromsø on winding roads and cold nights

You’ll chase the Northern Lights from Tromsø in a small group with an expert photographer-guide who adapts routes for clear skies—even crossing into Finland if needed. Expect long drives, warm meals by a campfire, help with your camera settings, and honest stories about life up north. You might leave tired but carrying something you can’t quite describe.

What’s the experience like?

We were already an hour outside Tromsø when our guide, Erik, pulled over and just said, “Let’s check the sky.” It was colder than I’d expected—my breath felt sharp in my nose—and everyone shuffled out of the minibus in these thick winter suits (which honestly made me feel like a marshmallow). The air had that dry, metallic smell you only get up north. Erik pointed out a faint green smear above the trees and grinned. “That’s her,” he said. I squinted so hard I thought maybe I was imagining it. But then it grew, and everyone went quiet for a second. You could hear boots crunching on snow and someone’s thermos lid clicking open.

We drove for what felt like ages—sometimes you lose track of time out there—crossing into Finland at one point because Erik said the forecast looked better across the border. He kept checking maps and weather apps between stories about his childhood up here (he told us about ice fishing with his grandfather, which made me wish I’d grown up somewhere like this). At one stop, he helped set up my camera on a tripod and fiddled with the settings. “Don’t trust your phone,” he laughed, “the camera sees more than you do.” He was right—the photos looked wild compared to what my eyes saw.

There was a campfire at one spot—just enough warmth to thaw fingers before we piled back into the van. The hot chocolate tasted extra sweet after hours in the cold; maybe it was just relief or maybe it really was better up here. We shared snacks around the fire while Erik explained why some nights are all patience and luck. Someone asked if we’d see bright colors like in the postcards, and he shrugged: “Sometimes yes, sometimes just a whisper.” That honesty stuck with me—no promises, just hope and sky-watching.

I didn’t sleep much on the way back to Tromsø (we got in close to 3am), but I kept replaying that moment when everyone fell silent under those shifting lights. It wasn’t what I’d pictured exactly—it felt quieter, more fragile somehow—but I still think about that view every time I see green on a dark sky now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights chase from Tromsø

• Start Northern Lights chase in Tromsø
• Travel adaptively to find clear skies
• Stop for campfires and photos if possible
• Receive expert guidance and photography tips
• End Northern Lights chase in Tromsø

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights minibus chase from Tromsø last?

The tour usually returns between midnight and 4:00 am depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this Northern Lights tour?

The tour includes hotel drop-off in Tromsø city center but not pickup.

What should I wear for the Northern Lights chase?

Dress warmly; winter suits and boots are provided if you give your sizes after booking.

Will we definitely see the Northern Lights?

No guarantees—the aurora is unpredictable and depends on weather and luck.

Are meals or snacks included during the trip?

A warm meal, hot drinks, and snacks are included during stops.

Can children join this tour? Are infant seats available?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available.

Do we get help with photography during the tour?

Yes—a professional photographer-guide assists with camera settings and photos.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is small for a more flexible experience; minimum 8 participants required.

What’s included

Your night includes transport by minibus with a dedicated driver from Tromsø, winter suit and boots if you provide your sizes after booking, snacks plus a warm meal with hot drinks around a campfire when possible, professional photographer-guide support (including use of Manfrotto tripods), pictures of you under the Northern Lights taken by your guide, toilet stops as available along remote routes, and hotel drop-off back in Tromsø city center at night’s end.