“a journey in search of the Northern Lights” | Photography

When it comes to chasing the Northern Lights in Tromso, this small-group tour by Northern Soul Adventures stands out as a top choice, especially for photography enthusiasts. Priced at $227.63 per person and lasting around 6 to 9 hours, it offers an intimate experience designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis. The tour departs from Tromso’s historic city center and features expert guidance, thermal gear, hot beverages, and hotel drop-off, making it both comfortable and highly practical.

This tour is ideal for those who want to go off the typical tourist trail, venturing along lesser-traveled roads into remote scenery. With a maximum group size of 15, it maintains a cozy atmosphere where personalized attention is possible. Despite some variations in weather, the professionalism of guides who are passionate about the Northern Lights ensures a memorable night. It’s a particularly good fit for adults and children over 8 years old, especially those eager to capture stunning photos of the aurora.

Key Points

• Small-group tour with up to 15 participants enhances a personalized experience
• Expert guides provide in-depth Aurora photography tips and scientific explanations
• Includes thermal suits, heated insoles, and campfire to keep everyone warm in Arctic conditions
• Custom-built van explores remote locations, often reaching Finland for clearer skies
• Hot beverages, cookies, and local expedition food add comfort and enjoyment
• Hotel drop-off in Tromso simplifies logistics after a long night outdoors

Tromso Departure Point and Group Size

This Northern Lights tour departs from Kirkegata 2, Tromsø’s historic city center. The pickup process is straightforward, and the tour keeps to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded atmosphere compared to larger buses. The small group size is frequently praised in reviews for creating a friendly, relaxed vibe where everyone feels included.

The hotel drop-off in Tromsø Island concludes the experience, allowing guests to head directly to bed without needing to arrange additional transportation. This convenience is especially appreciated after a long night outdoors tracking the aurora. The tour’s moderate group size also helps the guides give more personalized attention, particularly when it comes to photography tips.

Exploring Remote Scenery and Lesser-Traveled Roads

The tour uses a fully equipped custom-built van to reach remote, calm locations far from Tromso’s light pollution. Depending on weather conditions, drives into Finland are common, where clearer skies often offer better chances of seeing the Aurora. This flexibility and willingness to venture farther are highlighted as key strengths in reviews, with guides adjusting their route based on weather forecasts and sky conditions.

Traveling along less-traveled roads helps avoid crowds, giving participants a more peaceful viewing experience. The focus on reaching quiet, scenic spots makes this tour appealing for those seeking a serene Arctic environment away from the busy city.

The Itinerary: From Tromso Fjords to Finland

The main stop, called Tromso Fjords, is reached via the custom van. Here, guests are immersed in remote Arctic scenery, perfect for Aurora viewing. The guides often extend the drive into Finland, especially when weather conditions are overcast in Norway, to increase chances of seeing the lights in clearer skies.

At each stop, guests can expect to enjoy hot beverages, cookies, and local expedition food, served around campfires or in cozy settings. Weather can be cold, so the thermal suits and heated insoles provided are essential for comfort during the outdoor wait. The tour emphasizes photography instruction, with guides explaining how to capture the Aurora using tripods and camera settings, making it a hit among photography lovers.

Included Amenities for Comfort and Photos

Every participant receives thermal suits, heated insoles, and headlamps—crucial gear for Arctic nights. The campfire offers a warm spot to relax and share stories, while hot drinks and snacks boost morale and warmth. The tour also supplies tripods (though not suitable for mobile phones), along with professional photos in web resolution, so guests can leave with high-quality memories.

Guides offer detailed instructions on Aurora photography, helping even novice photographers capture stunning images. This focus on photography is a standout feature, with some reviews praising guides like Bogdan and Lucas for their skillful assistance, including help with camera settings and even time-lapse photography.

The Experience: Guides, Knowledge, and Passion

The professionalism and friendliness of the guides are frequently praised. Names like Maria, Joaquin, Bogdan, Lucas, and Anna come up repeatedly in reviews, with many mentioning their knowledge, passion, and personal care. The guides often go beyond basic instructions, explaining the science behind the Aurora and sharing personal stories, which adds a warm, personal touch to the experience.

Reviews highlight how guides drive to find clear skies, often venturing into Finland for better viewing conditions. Their dedication and expertise are credited with making the night both educational and exciting, even when weather conditions are challenging.

Food and Beverages: Local Expedition Food and Soups

The tour provides local-made expedition food and cookies & hot beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, adding comfort during the Arctic night. A recurring highlight in reviews is the tomato soup, described as delicious and a welcome treat amidst the cold, with some reviewers even requesting the recipe.

These offerings help create a cozy atmosphere around campfires or in heated vans, making the outdoor experience more enjoyable and less daunting in the winter chill.

Weather Conditions and Aurora Visibility

Weather plays a significant role in Aurora sightings. The guides are skilled at navigating cloudy or snowy conditions, often driving long distances in search of clear skies. In reviews, guests mention being driven almost to the border of Finland, where the sky was clearer. Despite weather challenges such as rain and clouds, the guides’ determination often results in spectacular Aurora displays.

While Aurora sightings can never be guaranteed, the expert route choices, weather monitoring, and willingness to go the extra mile significantly improve the odds, which is highly valued in reviews.

Customer Service and Personal Care

Guides like Bogdan, Joaquin, Anna, Lucas, and Maria are frequently praised for their friendly demeanor and dedication. Many reviews mention how guides help with photography, provide warm gear, and make sure everyone is comfortable and well-informed.

The hotel drop-off service is another appreciated aspect, as it allows guests to rest immediately after the tour. The small-group setting fosters a sense of camaraderie and makes it easier for guides to accommodate specific needs, such as children over 8 years old or those requiring booster seats.

When to Book and Tour Popularity

The tour is generally booked 39 days in advance, indicating strong interest, especially during peak Aurora season. Its high ratings (5.0 stars based on 810 reviews) reflect consistent satisfaction, with many reviewers calling it their best Northern Lights experience. The tour runs most nights during Aurora season, and full refunds are available if canceled due to poor weather, providing peace of mind.

Comparing with Other Arctic Tours

This tour distinguishes itself through its focus on photography, remote locations, and personalized service. While other tours may also offer Aurora chasing, the small-group size, expert guides, and ability to venture into Finland set it apart. Reviews suggest it outperforms larger bus tours by reducing crowding and increasing the chances of seeing the lights in clear, quiet spots.

Who Should Join This Tour

This experience is perfect for adults and children over 8 who want more than just a quick glimpse of the Aurora. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the guides’ tips and professional photos. It’s also suited to those who value personalized service, comfort gear, and a flexible route.

What to Expect on the Night

Participants depart from Tromso’s city center in a fully equipped van, heading into remote Arctic scenery. The guides drive to locations with the best weather and sky conditions, often into Finland. The focus is on Aurora viewing, photography, and comfort, with hot drinks, snacks, and campfire making the outdoor hours enjoyable.

In Summary: Pros and Cons

This tour offers excellent value for those eager to capture the Northern Lights in a small-group setting. Expert guides and remote locations increase the likelihood of sightings, and the gear and amenities keep guests warm and comfortable. The hotel drop-off adds convenience after a long night outdoors.

The main consideration is weather dependence: Aurora sightings are never guaranteed, but the guides’ experience and willingness to drive farther usually pay off. The small group size and personalized attention make this a standout choice for serious Aurora viewers and photographers visiting Tromso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children 8 years and older are welcome, provided they meet the minimum height of 120cm for booster seats and are comfortable outdoors in cold weather.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes thermal suits, heated insoles, campfire, hot beverages, cookies, local expedition food, and professional photos in web resolution. Hotel drop-off in Tromso is also part of the package.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 6 to 9 hours, starting in the early evening and ending with the hotel drop-off.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The tour is fully refundable if canceled due to poor weather. Guides do their best to find clear skies, often driving into Finland for better chances.

What gear do I need to bring?
Participants are provided with thermal suits and heated insoles. Warm clothing, gloves, and hats are recommended, though extra gear is not explicitly listed.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, guides provide photography instructions and tripods to help capture the Aurora. They also take professional photos of guests during the night.

Is transportation comfortable?
The custom-built van is well-equipped, though some reviews mention the bus could be uncomfortable. The focus on warm gear and amenities helps offset this.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked 39 days ahead, so early booking is advised during peak Aurora season.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on remote locations, expert guides, and photographic support make it a top-rated choice among Northern Lights tours in Tromso.

This Northern Lights photography tour by Northern Soul Adventures offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance, making it an excellent option for those eager to witness and capture the Aurora Borealis in Norway’s Arctic skies.