Tromso: Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Campfire & Photos

Summary

Northern lights hunt from tromso with campfire dinner and photos

You’ll chase the northern lights from Tromso in a small group—sometimes crossing into Finland—guided by locals who know where to find clear skies. Warm arctic suits keep you comfortable as you share stories around a campfire dinner (vegan option if you need it). Expect moments of quiet awe under swirling auroras—and yes, they’ll send you photos so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.

What’s the experience like?

We’d already left Tromsø behind when someone spotted a faint green ribbon out the window — I nearly missed it, honestly, because I was too busy fumbling with my boots. Our guide, Erik (he’s lived here his whole life), just grinned and said we might get lucky tonight. The minibus felt cozy with just a handful of us bundled up in those puffy arctic suits they gave us. Every time the bus door opened, that sharp cold air slapped me awake — it’s weird how you start to crave it after a while.

We stopped somewhere near a frozen lake — could’ve been Finland for all I knew (they did warn us to bring passports). Erik and Li started setting up the campfire like it was second nature; I tried to help but mostly got in the way. There was this odd silence except for the crackle of wood and someone quietly laughing about freeze-dried stew being “gourmet arctic cuisine.” Honestly? It tasted better than I expected. The sky kept shifting — sometimes nothing, then suddenly that green light would swirl above us like someone flicked a switch. Li showed me how to adjust my camera settings, but I still mostly just stared up with my mouth open.

I didn’t expect how much the little things would stick: the smell of smoke on my gloves, Erik humming some old tune while he checked the forecast on his phone, or how everyone went quiet at once when the aurora really kicked off. We moved spots once when clouds rolled in — quick pack-up, back on the bus, headlights bouncing off snowbanks. The whole night felt both long and weirdly short at the same time. Even now, weeks later, I keep thinking about that moment when everything went silent except for the fire and those lights overhead. You know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights hunt and scenic views

• Meet guide and driver team
• Receive expedition briefing
• Travel by modern minibus
• View Tromsø mountains and fjords
• Hunt Northern Lights for 6-9 hours
• Set up camp or move locations
• Enjoy meal, drinks, and snacks
• Watch aurora around campfire

Top questions

How long does the Tromso northern lights tour last?

The tour lasts between 6-9 hours depending on weather and how far you need to drive to find clear skies.

Is dinner included on this northern lights hunt?

Yes, a hot freeze-dried meal is included along with snacks and warm drinks. Vegan options are available if requested in advance.

Do I need special clothing for this tour?

No—you’ll be provided with arctic suits, boots, and headlamps to keep warm during your aurora hunt.

Will we get photos from the tour?

Yes—photos taken during your northern lights experience will be sent to you a few days after the tour.

Can children join this Tromso aurora tour?

The minimum age is 7 years old for this adventure.

Might we cross into Finland during the trip?

Yes—it’s possible depending on conditions. Bring your passport just in case.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No explicit mention of hotel pickup; check details when booking or contact operator directly.

Is walking involved on this northern lights trip?

Yes—some walking is required from the bus to where you set up for viewing; terrain can be uneven or snowy.

What’s included

Your night includes transport by modern minibus from Tromsø with a small group (no more than 15 people), all necessary arctic clothing like suits and boots, headlamps for safety, plus a hot expedition meal (vegan option if needed), snacks and warm drinks around a campfire. Guides will help set up camp or move locations as needed for best aurora viewing—and they’ll send you photos from your night under the northern lights afterwards.