Tromso: Northern Lights Minibus Tour & Aurora Portraits

Summary

Chasing aurora in Tromso’s wild night with warmth food and laughter

You’ll bundle up in thermal gear for a small-group minibus chase from Tromso, guided by locals who know where the aurora hides. Warm up with a hot meal under Arctic stars while your guide captures professional portraits beneath swirling northern lights. It’s not just seeing them — it’s feeling that hush when everyone looks up together.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out in Tromso was how the air felt — sharp, almost fizzy against my cheeks. We piled into the minibus just after dark, everyone a little quiet at first, maybe nervous or just bundled up too tight. Our guide, Erik (who’s lived here his whole life), handed me a thermal suit that made me feel like a marshmallow but honestly, I was grateful for every layer. He kept checking some weather app between jokes about the “aurora gods” — apparently they’re moody.

We drove for what felt like hours but might’ve only been one and a half — time gets weird in the dark. The road out of Tromso twisted through snowfields and pine forests, headlights catching flakes as they drifted sideways. Someone’s phone buzzed with an aurora alert and Erik grinned: “That’s our signal.” When we finally stopped, it was so quiet outside I could hear my boots crunching on the ice. The sky looked empty at first… then green ribbons started moving above us, slow and unreal. I tried to take a photo but fumbled with my gloves — Erik laughed and set up his tripod instead. He took portraits of each of us under the lights; I probably looked stunned but didn’t care.

Later we huddled around steaming mugs of something sweet (no idea what was in it — tasted like cinnamon and smoke), passing bowls of hot stew between us. My fingers thawed out while someone from Spain tried to pronounce “northern lights” in Norwegian — which made everyone laugh except maybe the wind. There was this moment when nobody spoke, just watching those colors slide across the sky. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights minibus chase tour

• Check confirmation for departure time
• Wear warm clothes under thermal suit
• Receive warm thermal suit and boots
• Join small group minibus tour
• Travel to aurora viewing locations
• Enjoy hot meal and hot drinks
• Capture professional portraits under aurora
• Use headlamp as needed

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights minibus tour from Tromso last?

The tour lasts between 7 to 10 hours depending on conditions.

Are warm clothes provided on this Tromso Northern Lights tour?

Yes, you get a warm expedition thermal suit and winter boots included.

Is food included during the Northern Lights chase?

A hot expedition meal and warm drinks are served during the tour.

How many people are on each minibus tour?

The group size is usually 2-15 participants for each tour.

Are professional photos taken during the tour?

Yes, your guide will take professional portraits of you under the aurora.

What should I bring for this Tromso Northern Lights trip?

You should bring warm clothes to wear under your thermal suit, plus hat and mittens.

Is this Northern Lights tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant meals are not included.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup in Tromso, transport by minibus with a local guide who knows all about chasing auroras, use of expedition-grade thermal suits and winter boots to keep you warm (adults only for boots), a hot meal with drinks under open Arctic skies, plus professional photos taken beneath the northern lights before heading back late at night.