Tromsø Northern Lights Tour: Small Group, Bonfire & Skycam

Summary

Small group northern lights chase with bonfire dinner and skycam

You’ll bundle up in thermal suits and ride out from Tromsø with a small group, following real-time aurora trackers for your best shot at seeing the Northern Lights. There’s a bonfire dinner with grilled sausages and hot chocolate, plus pro photos taken under the sky. Expect moments of quiet awe—and maybe smoky clothes—before heading back late at night.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the cold seemed to hum against my skin when we stepped out near Tromsø — not sharp exactly, just this quiet pressure everywhere. Our guide, Erik, handed me these massive thermo boots (I laughed because I looked like an astronaut) and said something about “Finnish border if we need it tonight.” I didn’t really get what he meant until later, but it felt like we were on some kind of secret mission. The van was cozy inside, people murmuring in different languages while the sky outside went from blue to pitch-black so fast it almost startled me.

At one point Erik pulled over and pointed to a glowing screen — their aurora tracking system. He explained how they use these cameras all across the region to find clear skies for the best chance at seeing the Northern Lights. It felt oddly reassuring; like someone actually cared if we saw them or not (which isn’t always true on tours). We ended up crossing into Finland — no fanfare, just a sign in the headlights and Erik saying “now you can add another country to your list.”

I remember standing by the bonfire while he grilled sausages, my gloves off so I could hold a cup of hot chocolate. The smell of wood smoke stuck to my jacket for days after. Someone tried to take a photo with their phone and Erik helped them adjust the settings — he even took portraits of us under that green ribbon in the sky. Honestly, I’m still not sure how he got those shots; mine came out blurry but his looked unreal. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet at once, watching the lights flicker above us — you could hear snow crunching under someone’s boots behind me and nothing else.

I thought chasing the Northern Lights would feel more rushed or touristy but it was weirdly calm — maybe because there were only about ten of us out there. Even when we drove back late at night (someone fell asleep leaning on my shoulder), it felt like we’d done something kind of private together. I still think about that silence under all that color sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Lights chase and photography

• Meet at Ami Hotel at 17:45
• Receive thermo suits and boots
• Drive to clear sky location
• Cross border to Finland if needed
• Take photos under Northern Lights
• Help with personal camera photos
• Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and meal
• Grill sausages on bonfire

Top questions

How long does the Tromsø Northern Lights tour last?

The tour runs between 5-8 hours depending on where clear skies are found.

Is food included on this Northern Lights tour?

Yes, you get a hot meal including grilled sausages by a bonfire plus hot chocolate or coffee.

Are photos provided during the tour?

Professional photos and portraits under the Northern Lights are included free of charge.

Do they provide warm clothing for the tour?

Yes, thermo suits and boots are provided at pickup before departure from Tromsø.

How many people are in each group?

The groups are small—maximum 15 guests per tour for a more personal experience.

Is there a restroom available during the trip?

There is a heated restroom available during the tour for comfort in cold weather.

Will we cross into Finland on this tour?

Sometimes yes—the route may cross into Finland if clearer skies are found there that night.

Can I use Wi-Fi during the Northern Lights chase?

Free Wi-Fi is available onboard during your journey from Tromsø.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup at Ami Hotel in Tromsø where you’ll be fitted with thermal suits and boots before setting off with your guide. Along the way you’ll have bottled water, snacks, coffee or tea, and dinner cooked over a bonfire—plus access to Wi-Fi and a heated restroom throughout. Professional photos under the auroras come included before returning late at night.