Tromsø: Northern Lights by Minibus with Photos & bodysuits

The Tromsø: Northern Lights by Minibus with Photos & Bodysuits tour offers a comprehensive Arctic adventure designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Priced at $121 per person and lasting around 7 hours, this tour departs from Tromsø, Norway, with a focus on comfort, expert guidance, and memorable photography. With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 2,700 reviews, it stands out as a popular choice for those eager to chase the Northern Lights in style.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the combination of professional landscape photos, thermal bodysuits, and multiple scenic stops, all led by knowledgeable guides. While the natural phenomenon of the Aurora can’t be guaranteed, the tour’s careful monitoring of weather conditions and flexible routing significantly boost the odds of a successful sighting. This tour is especially suitable for travelers who want a well-organized, immersive Arctic night with a focus on comfort and photography.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $121 per person, the 7-hour tour from Tromsø offers good value considering the included amenities such as thermal suits and professional photos.
• Departure Times: The tour departs at 18:00 or 19:00 depending on the season, with meeting points conveniently located at Fr. Nansen Plass.
• Expert Guidance and Photography: Guides are experienced in chasing the Aurora and will take up to two professional landscape photos of each guest, with options to purchase more.
• Comfort and Warmth: Thermal bodysuits are provided, along with hot drinks like hot chocolate or tea, and roasted marshmallows (weather permitting).
• Flexible Route and Stops: The tour includes stops at locations such as Kilpisjärvi, Hansnes, Sommarøy, and Bardu, offering scenic views and multiple opportunities for Aurora viewing.
• Weather Monitoring: Guides constantly check weather forecasts and are prepared to move locations or even cross borders into Finland to find clear skies.
• Campfire and Snacks: While a campfire experience is not guaranteed due to weather, firewood is carried to create warmth and atmosphere when conditions allow.
• Drop-off Service: After the tour, guests are returned directly to their accommodations or hotels in Tromsø, making the experience hassle-free.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tromsø Departure and Meeting Point Details

The tour begins at the yellow building on the pier facing the sea, at Fr. Nansen Plass 1B. Visitors should walk past the gas station toward the water, keeping the station on the left, then enter the parking area with a sign for public parking. The guides will meet guests at the yellow building, which is marked with large signage and tour advertisements.

The meeting times are 18:00 or 18:30 depending on the season, with prior instructions to arrive promptly for safety briefings and to board the comfortable minibus.

The Route and Scenic Stops in the Arctic

The tour’s itinerary includes a series of stops designed to combine sightseeing with Aurora chasing.

Starting from Tromsø, the guide provides a safety briefing and explains the forecast and planned route. The journey often includes a two-hour drive into areas with minimal light pollution, such as Kilpisjärvi, where guests enjoy a photo stop, sightseeing, and local snacks. This location offers scenic views and a chance to appreciate the vast Arctic landscape.

Further stops include Hansnes, where guests can take photos, join guided tours, and enjoy tea and snacks. The next stop at Sommarøy provides a similar mix of sightseeing and relaxation. The last major stop at Bardu offers an additional chance to find clear skies and witness the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

Depending on weather conditions, the guide may move between these locations or even cross into Finland in search of the best Aurora visibility. Each stop is carefully chosen based on real-time weather monitoring to maximize Aurora sightings.

What Happens During the Northern Lights Chase

Once the perfect location is reached, guests can relax with hot drinks like hot chocolate or tea, often around a bonfire—if weather permits. The guide, an experienced Aurora photographer, captures high-quality photos of each guest, ensuring that memories are well-preserved.

Guests are encouraged to pose for photos and listen to advice about photography techniques to help capture the Aurora with their own cameras or smartphones. The guide’s expertise in Aurora science and local conditions enhances the likelihood of witnessing vibrant displays, though, as with all natural phenomena, sightings remain dependent on weather and sky conditions.

If the weather turns cloudy or the Aurora is elusive, the guide will adjust locations or continue searching across multiple sites, always aiming to find clear skies. The tour emphasizes flexibility and continuous monitoring to optimize viewing.

Thermal Suits, Food, and Other Amenities

This tour includes thermal suits that guests can wear throughout the night, preventing the cold from becoming a distraction. The cozy suits are especially useful given the long outdoor periods involved in Aurora viewing.

Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate, tea, and snacks like roasted marshmallows, which add a comforting touch to the Arctic night. While a campfire is often part of the experience, it is not guaranteed due to weather constraints, although firewood is carried along to create one when possible.

There is no included warm meal as part of this tour. Guests should consider eating before the trip or bringing snacks if desired. The tour also does not include tripods, boots, gloves, or hats, so packing appropriate winter gear is recommended.

More Great Tours Nearby

Professional Photos and Additional Purchases

One of the standout features is the professional landscape photos taken during the tour. Guided by an experienced photographer, the guide captures up to two high-quality images as part of the included package. These photos are selected for their clarity and composition and are sent to guests after the trip.

Guests who want more than the included images can purchase additional photos, providing a personalized souvenir of their Aurora adventure. This service is highly regarded, as many reviews praise the guide’s photography skills and willingness to help guests take pictures with their own devices.

The Experience in Detail: Guides and Atmosphere

The guides leading this tour are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and professionalism. They explain weather conditions, Aurora science, and local lore with clarity, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Many reviews highlight guides’ patience and dedication in finding clear skies, even on cloudy nights. The guides are also skilled at helping guests with camera settings, ensuring everyone leaves with memorable photos.

The atmosphere is generally described as cosy and relaxed, especially around the bonfire when weather permits. Despite some reviews mentioning that the campfire is not always guaranteed, the overall environment remains warm and friendly, thanks to the guide’s enthusiasm.

Weather Conditions and Aurora Chances

The tour’s success heavily depends on local weather and Aurora activity levels. Guides are vigilant, constantly monitoring weather forecasts and Aurora KP indices, and they will move between locations or even cross borders to find clear skies.

While the Aurora remains a natural phenomenon with no guarantees, the tour’s strategic routing and expert monitoring significantly enhance the odds of seeing the lights. Many reviews describe seeing vivid Aurora displays—sometimes even before the official start, or at multiple stops along the route.

If weather conditions are unfavorable, guests are offered the chance to reschedule or receive discounts for future tours, ensuring a fair and flexible approach.

Ending the Night and Return to Tromsø

After several hours of Aurora hunting and scenic stops, the minibus returns to Tromsø, where guests are dropped off at their hotels or accommodations. The drop-off service is included, making the end of the tour seamless.

Most guests finish the night with stunning photos and a sense of accomplishment, knowing they did everything possible to experience the Aurora Borealis in one of the best locations in Norway.

Tromsø: Northern Lights by Minibus – Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-organized, comfortable way to chase the Northern Lights, with expert guidance, professional photos, thermal suits, and multiple scenic stops. It’s a strong choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with Aurora hunting without sacrificing comfort.

While weather and sky conditions can always influence the experience, the guides’ dedication and flexibility dramatically improve the chances of a successful sighting. The cost of $121 includes hot drinks, snacks, and professional photos, making it a good value for this Arctic adventure.

Travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides, quality photography, and a relaxed atmosphere will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s best suited for those prepared for long outdoor waits in cold weather and eager to make the most of their night in Tromsø.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed on this tour?
No, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. The guides continuously monitor weather and Aurora forecasts to maximize your chances.

What should I wear for this tour?
Wear warm clothing, including hats, socks, scarves, and waterproof shoes. Thermal suits are provided but warm layers are recommended.

Can I buy additional photos after the trip?
Yes, the tour includes 2 professional landscape photos as part of the package, with options to purchase more afterward.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers roundtrip transportation, a guide, hot drinks, snacks, thermal suits, professional photos, and hotel drop-off.

What stops are part of this tour?
Stops include Kilpisjärvi, Hansnes, Sommarøy, and Bardu, chosen based on weather conditions to optimize Aurora viewing.

Is this tour suitable for children or limited mobility?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves long outdoor periods, so it may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 7 hours, with departure times at 18:00 or 19:00, depending on the season.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
The tour departs from the yellow building on the pier at Fr. Nansen Plass 1B facing the sea, easily identifiable with signage.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel arrangements.

What makes this tour stand out compared to similar options?
Its combination of expert guides, professional photos, thermal suits, and scenic stops along with flexible location choices sets it apart, giving guests the best possible Arctic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby