Northern Lights hunt Tromsø: Small group minibus tour

Six to nine hours chasing the aurora across Troms county fjords and mountains

A Northern Lights hunt by minibus in Tromsø runs 6 to 9 hours depending on where the aurora appears and how far the search takes you. Groups stay under 15, and a guide-and-driver team handles the route while you watch for activity. The minibus moves to multiple locations or sets up camp depending on weather and light conditions. Hot expedition meals, warm suits, boots and all necessary gear come with the tour, as do photos taken during the night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights Hunt in Troms County

• Expedition briefing
• Hunt northern lights by minibus
• Drive to multiple locations
• Set up camp or stop at spots
• Enjoy aurora around campfire
• Receive photos after tour

The Experience

The hunt starts with a briefing at the office before dark, where you get fitted with warm suits and boots. The minibus then heads into Troms county (a region of fjords and mountains where the aurora most often appears), and the guide and driver team decide on the fly whether to drive to several locations or set up a base camp, depending on the night's weather and Northern Lights activity. You're not sitting in one spot hoping. The team moves you to follow the best conditions.

Between location changes, you'll have a hot freeze-dried expedition meal, snacks and warm drinks around the campfire or in the minibus. A vegan alternative is available if you request it at booking. The guide offers tips on photographing the lights, and all photos taken during the tour are sent to you free of charge within days. Walking happens in uneven terrain sometimes, but most people manage it. The minibus does the heavy travel work.

The tour runs October through March, when darkness and aurora activity align. Minimum age is 7, and you'll need a valid passport. The hunt may cross into Finland depending on where the lights lead. Public transport reaches the office, and the minibus itself is the only vehicle you'll ride in for the night.

What’s included

• Small group of no more than 15 guests.
• guide and driver team.
• expedition briefing and warm suits and boots fitted before departure.
• hot freeze-dried meal, snacks and warm drinks during the night.
• photos taken by the guide, sent to you after the tour.
• guidance on photographing the Northern Lights yourself.
• all necessary equipment to stay safe and warm.

Days and timesDaily · 17:30 and 18:30

AgesAges 13+ · 7 to 12 years · Under 7 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “We will meet you at our Arctic Adventure Tours - MEETING POINT on Austadkaia. We are wearing jackets with "Arctic Adventure Tours" on and will lead you to our d…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Arctic Adventure Tours AS

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a guide and driver handling the search while you focus on watching. You'll walk on uneven terrain in darkness, so come prepared for that, and you'll share the minibus with up to 15 others.

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Top questions

Can children come?

7 to 12 years. Under 7: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How far do you actually drive to find the Northern Lights from Tromsø?

The minibus searches mainly across Troms county, which includes fjords and mountains in the region. How far the team drives depends on weather, cloud cover and where aurora activity shows up that night: sometimes you stay close to town, sometimes the search takes you farther. The guide and driver decide in real time.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't show up?

The tour runs for 6 to 9 hours regardless of whether the aurora appears. The team hunts actively across multiple locations and adjusts for weather and conditions, but visibility depends on cloud cover and solar activity that night. You'll still get the meal, the warm gear, the campfire time and the experience of being out in the Arctic night.

Do I need to bring my own warm clothes, or is everything provided?

Warm suits and boots are provided at the office before you leave. You can bring your own personal hat and mittens or gloves if you prefer, but it's not required. The gear supplied keeps you safe and warm for the night hunt.

What's included in the meal during the tour?

A hot expedition meal (freeze-dried), snacks and warm drinks are served during the night, usually around the campfire or in the minibus between location changes. Vegan alternatives are available if you request them when you book.

Do I get photos from the Northern Lights hunt?

Yes. The guide takes photos during the tour and sends them to you free of charge within a few days after the night ends. The guide also gives tips on how to photograph the aurora yourself if you want to try.