Tromsø: Northern Lights Small Group Tour & Fire-Grilled Dinner

Summary

Chasing auroras near Tromsø with firelight stories and warm hands

You’ll leave Tromsø in a cozy van with just a handful of fellow travelers and an expert local guide who knows where to find clear skies for Northern Lights viewing. Warm up by a crackling fire with hot drinks and grilled sausage while your guide shares stories about Norway and takes portrait photos beneath the aurora—if she shows herself. It’s less about chasing perfection, more about those small moments under Arctic stars.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the van’s windows fogged up as we left Tromsø behind — city lights fading, just our little group bundled in borrowed thermal suits. Our guide, Erik, kept glancing at the sky through the windshield, humming to himself. He’d already checked forecasts three times before we even set off. “We’ll find them tonight,” he grinned, but not in that forced way. More like someone who’s seen enough Arctic nights to know patience pays off.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get out there. Snow muffled everything except for our boots crunching when we stopped by a frozen lake. Erik started a fire (he let me try but I fumbled with the matches — he laughed and said Norwegians are born knowing this stuff). There was this smell of woodsmoke and grilled pølse i brød — Norwegian hot dogs — that mixed with the cold air. Someone passed around cookies and cocoa. It felt like being at a friend’s cabin more than a tour.

When the Northern Lights finally showed up — soft at first, then brighter — nobody talked for a minute. I just stared up until my neck hurt. Erik took photos for us (I still look at mine sometimes; my hat’s crooked but you can see my eyes wide open). He explained how solar winds work, but honestly I only half listened because I was busy trying to memorize that green light moving above us. Later he sent us a timelapse video from the night — even if you blinked and missed it in person, you’d have proof it happened.

On the drive back to Tromsø, cheeks still tingling from the cold and smoke, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all night. That doesn’t happen much anymore, you know? Maybe that’s what sticks with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights viewing and photography

• Depart Tromsø city lights
• Travel in warm Mercedes Vito 4x4
• Arrive at selected nature location
• Relax by fire with hot drinks and snacks
• Listen to guide's Aurora stories
• Watch for Northern Lights appearance
• Have portrait photos taken under Aurora
• Enjoy timelapse video of the evening

Top questions

How many people are on this Northern Lights tour?

The group size is limited to 8 guests per tour.

Is hotel pickup included in Tromsø?

The tour includes pickup in Tromsø before heading out into nature.

Are food and drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, hot beverages, cookies, and traditional Norwegian grilled sausages (with vegetarian option) are included.

Will there be professional photos taken under the Northern Lights?

Yes, your guide will take portrait photos of you beneath the aurora and provide a timelapse video from the evening.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?

The tour uses a warm Mercedes Vito 4x4 van for transportation through Arctic landscapes.

Is this Northern Lights adventure suitable for everyone?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are thermal suits provided on this trip?

Thermal suits are included to keep you warm during outdoor viewing.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup in Tromsø by Mercedes 4x4 van, thermal suits to keep you comfortable outdoors, snacks like cookies and hot beverages around a campfire where your guide grills Norwegian sausages (vegetarian option available), professional photography including portraits beneath the aurora plus a timelapse video of your night under Arctic skies—all taxes and fees covered before returning to town late at night.