Tromso: Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Photos & Bonfire

Summary

Chase auroras in Tromso’s fjords with firelit stories and warm boots

You’ll ride out from Tromso with a small group and local guide chasing clear skies for the Northern Lights. Warm boots and thermal suits keep you comfortable while you learn camera tricks around a bonfire—with sausages, cookies, and hot drinks shared under open sky. You’ll get pro photos emailed after too. It’s more than just seeing auroras—it’s sharing quiet wonder with strangers who don’t stay strangers long.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that green glow?” our guide asked, pointing past the edge of the bonfire smoke. I’d just managed to wriggle my toes inside the thick boots they gave us—honestly, I was grateful for every layer because the cold here bites through jeans like paper. We’d driven out from Tromso in a small group (I think there were maybe 12 of us?) and it felt like we left city lights behind fast. The van was quiet at first but then someone cracked a joke about “aurora hunting licenses” and suddenly everyone loosened up. The guide—Erik, or maybe it was Eirik?—kept checking his phone for weather updates, muttering about cloud cover and “chasing gaps.” He seemed to know every back road around these fjords.

When we stopped, it was just…silent. Like, really silent—the kind where you hear your own breath under the layers. They helped us set up tripods (I’m hopeless with cameras but somehow got a shot that looked half-decent), and Erik showed me how to adjust the settings so I wouldn’t end up with just black frames. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and someone handed around hot chocolate that tasted way better than any packet mix at home. At some point, Li from Singapore tried to pronounce ‘nordlys’—everyone laughed, even her—and I realized how weirdly cozy it felt out there in the dark.

I didn’t expect to actually see the Northern Lights; I mean, you always hear stories about people waiting for hours with nothing but cold toes to show for it. But then this pale green ribbon started flickering above the trees—almost shy at first—and everyone went quiet except for one guy who whispered “wow” like he couldn’t help himself. Afterward we huddled by the fire eating sausages (veggie ones for me), cookies crumbling in our gloves, trying not to drip mustard on ourselves in the dark. Someone’s camera beeped every few minutes as Erik took photos for us—he promised he’d email them later so nobody had to stress about getting it perfect.

On the way back toward Tromso, cheeks still stinging from cold and laughter, I kept thinking about that hush when the lights appeared—how nobody reached for their phones right away. It’s strange what sticks with you after a night like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights viewing and bonfire

• Analyze weather conditions
• Find best Northern Lights spot
• Set up bonfire
• Capture Northern Lights photos
• Enjoy bonfire with sausages and drinks

Top questions

How many people are on this Northern Lights tour?

The group size is limited to 15 people maximum.

Are thermal suits and boots included?

Yes, thermal suits and warm boots are provided for all guests.

Does this tour include food or drinks?

Yes, sausages (including vegetarian option), cookies, and warm beverages are included.

Do I need my own camera or tripod?

You can bring your own camera; tripods are available if needed.

Will professional photos be taken during the tour?

Yes, your guide will take professional photos which will be emailed to you afterward.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

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

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if advised at booking.

Might we cross into Finland during this tour?

If conditions require it, you may drive into Finland; bring your passport just in case.

What’s included

Your evening includes transport from Tromso into fjord country with a local guide who’ll check weather conditions for aurora chances; use of thermal suits and boots; help setting up your camera or use of their tripod if needed; professional photos sent later by email; plus sausages (vegetarian available), cookies and warm drinks enjoyed around a bonfire before heading back toward town together.