Tromsø: Northern Lights Night Tour with Bonfire & Photos

Summary

Chasing auroras from Tromsø with firelight, laughter, and real warmth

You’ll ride out from Tromsø with a small group and local guide, chasing clear skies for a real shot at seeing the Northern Lights. There’s warmth by a campfire (and in your borrowed suit), sausages wrapped in lompe or veggie options, cookies and hot drinks while you wait for that first hint of green to ripple across the sky. It’s not just about seeing — it’s about feeling part of something rare.

What’s the experience like?

The night started outside the Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø — you could feel everyone’s nerves and excitement mixing in the cold air. Our guide, Eirik, checked the sky like it was his own living room ceiling. He told us he’d been watching the weather all day (I guess that’s half the job up here), so we piled into the van and set off, headlights bouncing along snowy roads out of town. I didn’t expect how quiet it would get — just tires crunching and someone’s mittens squeaking on a thermos.

When we finally stopped, Eirik handed out these huge thermal suits and boots. I felt like a kid dressing up for snow for the first time — clumsy but weirdly excited. The air smelled faintly of woodsmoke already; someone had started a campfire ahead of us. Standing there in the dark, waiting for the Northern Lights to show up, I kept thinking about how far from home I was — and then someone passed me a mug of hot chocolate (the real thick kind) and it felt less strange somehow.

The aurora came slow at first — just this pale green smudge that Eirik pointed out (I’d have missed it honestly). Then it grew brighter and everyone went quiet except for one guy who whispered “wow” like he’d forgotten anyone else was there. The photographer helped us line up for photos — I probably looked ridiculous in my suit but didn’t care. Sausages cooked over the fire tasted smoky-sweet, wrapped in lompe bread (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Norwegian). Even now, weeks later, I can still hear that silence under the lights — kind of impossible to describe unless you’ve stood there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights tour and photography

• Travel to clearest sky spots
• Wear thermal suits and boots
• Have professional photos taken
• Enjoy bonfire with warm meal
• Drink hot beverages

Top questions

Where does the Northern Lights tour start?

The tour starts with pickup outside Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø.

Are thermal suits and boots provided on this tour?

Yes, thermal suits and boots are included to keep you warm during the experience.

Is food included during the Northern Lights tour?

Yes, you’ll get sausages with lompe (vegetarian options available), cookies, tea, and hot chocolate by the campfire.

Will I get professional photos of myself with the Northern Lights?

Yes, a photographer will take pictures of you with the Northern Lights; web-sized images are emailed after your tour.

How long is the drive from Tromsø to see the lights?

The guide chooses locations based on weather; drive times vary depending on where clear skies are predicted each night.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, this tour isn’t recommended for travelers with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?

The guide uses weather analysis to maximize your chances but sightings can’t be guaranteed due to natural conditions.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup outside Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø, transport to spots chosen for clear skies by your local guide and driver, use of thermal suits and boots so you stay warm even if it’s freezing out there, professional photos sent after by email, time around a campfire with sausages wrapped in lompe or vegetarian options plus cookies and hot drinks like tea or chocolate before returning to town later that night.