Tromsø: Northern Lights Small Group Tour with Photos & Campfire

Summary

Northern lights hunt from tromsø with photos campfire warmth

You’ll join a small group from Tromsø to chase the Northern Lights deep into Arctic night, guided by a local photographer who helps you capture every moment—even if your fingers are frozen. Warm up by a crackling campfire with hot drinks and snacks while waiting for that first shimmer of green above you. It’s less about perfect photos, more about sharing wonder together.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw how dark it got outside Tromsø. The van windows fogged up from our breath as we drove out of the city—somehow that made it feel even more like we were sneaking off on a secret mission. Our guide, Erik, kept checking the sky and muttering about “solar activity” (I pretended to understand). He handed out these thick thermal suits that made us all look like Arctic marshmallows. I could barely bend my knees but at least I wasn’t shivering.

We parked somewhere that felt like the middle of nowhere—just snow and silence except for the crunch of boots and someone’s nervous laugh. Erik set up his tripod and started helping us with our cameras. I fumbled with my phone settings until he gently took it from me (“Let me try something…”). It was freezing but he brewed coffee over the fire he built in the snow, and honestly, that smoky smell mixed with cold air is something I still think about. We passed around cookies while waiting for the aurora to show up. It felt almost like camping, but with strangers who were suddenly friends because we were all staring at the same sky.

And then—almost casually—the Northern Lights just sort of appeared. Not like fireworks or anything dramatic; more like someone slowly turning up a dimmer switch on green curtains overhead. Erik snapped photos of us looking ridiculous and awestruck (I hope he deletes the one where my hood is half inside-out). He showed us how to catch those colors on camera, though honestly my hands were too numb to care much about settings by then. The lights faded in and out for maybe an hour? Time got weird out there.

On the way back to Tromsø, everyone was quiet—except for someone snoring softly behind me. When Erik emailed us those photos later, I noticed how happy we all looked under those swirling lights. That part surprised me most: how sharing cold toes and coffee in the dark can make you feel less alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights tour from Tromsø

• Pickup from Tromsø city center
• Receive thermal suit and equipment
• Travel in small group with guide
• Hunt for Aurora Borealis at night
• Stop for dinner during tour
• Enjoy hot drinks and snacks by bonfire
• Photographer assists with photos
• Return to Tromsø and hotel drop-off

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights tour from Tromsø last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting in the evening and returning after midnight.

Is hotel pickup included for this Northern Lights tour?

The tour includes pickup from Tromsø city center; hotel drop-off is provided at the end.

Are thermal suits provided during the tour?

Yes, thermal suits are included to keep you warm during your time outdoors.

Can I get professional photos taken during the tour?

Your guide will take professional photos of you under the Northern Lights and send them to you after via email or social media.

Is food or drink included on this Tromsø Northern Lights trip?

Hot drinks like coffee or tea and snacks are included while you wait by the campfire.

Do I need my own camera equipment?

You can bring your own camera; tripods are provided and a Canon camera is available for rent if needed.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 16 guests for a more intimate experience.

Does this Northern Lights tour operate in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dressing appropriately is recommended.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from Tromsø city center, round-trip transport deep into Arctic wilderness with WiFi onboard, use of a thermal suit so you won’t freeze your toes off, help from a professional photographer guide (plus tripods), hot drinks and snacks around a snowy campfire, plus digital copies of your best Northern Lights moments sent straight to your inbox afterward before being dropped back at your hotel late at night.