The Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromso offers a practical way to see the aurora borealis in Norway’s Arctic region. For $140.14 per person, this 8-hour guided tour departs from downtown Tromso and takes you 2.5 hours out of the city to locations with minimal light pollution. This tour is designed for those seeking a comfortable, well-organized experience with the chance to witness nature’s glowing light show, weather permitting.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on ease and convenience. You only need to meet at Samuel Arnesens gate 5 at 6:00 pm, and the tour handles transportation, guiding, and even digital photos of the aurora. While the tour does not include dinner, the provision of hot biscuits, coffee or tea, and tripods for photography makes it a solid choice for aurora enthusiasts who appreciate practical amenities and reliable guidance.

Key Points

8-hour tour departing from Tromso at 6:00 pm for $140.14 per person
Travel 2.5 hours out of Tromso to find clear, dark skies with no light pollution
Aurora photos and tripods included, with hot drinks to stay warm during waiting
Guided by English-speaking guides, experienced in finding the best aurora viewing spots
Weather is unpredictable, but the tour team makes efforts to adapt location and maximize chances to see the lights
Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Meeting Point and Schedule in Tromso

The tour begins at Samuel Arnesens gate 5, located conveniently in downtown Tromso. Meet at this central spot, where a guide will greet you and help organize the group before heading out. The tour is scheduled to start at 6:00 pm, with transportation provided for a 2.5-hour drive away from the city lights.

This setup ensures that travelers do not need to worry about logistics or navigation, as the tour manages all transportation details. The group size is limited to 48 travelers, which helps keep the experience comfortable and manageable.

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Comfortable Transport for Northern Lights Hunting

The journey takes place aboard a bus equipped to accommodate a sizable group, with one English-speaking guide per 20 guests. This means plenty of personalized attention and explanations about the aurora borealis, Tromso, and local weather conditions.

The ride out of Tromso is designed to avoid light pollution and locate the clearest skies possible. The bus ride is a key part of the experience, providing a cozy environment to wait for the sky to dance with colors while staying warm with hot biscuits and drinks. Some reviews praise the guides for their effort and hopeful attitude, even in poor weather conditions.

The Quest for the Aurora Borealis: Locations and Expectations

The guides are experts at finding the best spot for viewing the northern lights. They base their decisions on weather updates, cloud cover, and aurora forecasts, attempting to maximize the chances of a sighting. Locations vary, and some travelers note that at times, the tour visits multiple spots—up to three—changing locations to find clearer skies.

A common highlight is the digital photos of the aurora, which are included. The guides assist in capturing the lights with tripods provided, so you can leave with images of the natural phenomenon. However, expect the guides to be realistic about visibility; some reviews mention that the aurora may be faint or not visible to the naked eye, especially if weather conditions are poor.

Weather Challenges and Aurora Visibility

The weather in Tromso during winter can be unpredictable, and this tour is no exception. Some reviews highlight nights with heavy snowstorms or cloudy skies that obscure the aurora. Guides are experienced and do their best to shift locations to improve viewing chances, but sightings are never guaranteed.

One review mentions the guides lowering expectations early on by explaining that most photos are edited and that the aurora, if seen, might be subtle. Despite this, multiple travelers do report seeing the lights, with some describing the display as beautiful and worth the effort.

Food, Drinks, and Warmth During the Wait

The tour offers hot biscuits and coffee or tea as part of the package, helping you stay warm during the long wait outside. This small but appreciated touch adds comfort and makes the experience more enjoyable, especially given the cold Arctic temperatures.

Since dinner is not included, travelers should plan to eat beforehand or bring snacks if desired. The warmth of hot drinks and the cozy environment inside the bus help offset the chill and make the hours of waiting more pleasant.

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Guide Quality and Tour Experience Based on Reviews

While some reviews praise the knowledgeable, hopeful guides like Diego and Sidarth for their efforts and enthusiasm, others mention issues such as poor communication or bus delays. The guides are seen as experienced in tracking the aurora, but variability in customer service and weather conditions can influence the overall experience.

One review states that guides worked hard to ensure visibility, changing locations multiple times. Others note that the bus speaker system may not always work perfectly, which can hinder getting detailed explanations during the trip.

The Risk of No Aurora Sightings and Tour Refunds

This tour operates under the reality that the aurora borealis is unpredictable. There are reviews of nights with no visible lights, despite the guides’ best efforts. The policy offers a 50% discount on the next tour if no aurora is seen, but no refunds are provided for the current trip if the lights do not appear.

Travelers should consider this aspect and prepare for the possibility of disappointment, especially if weather conditions prevent a clear view.

Booking and Flexibility

Bookings are often made about 20 days in advance, reflecting high demand for Northern Lights tours in Tromso. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing some flexibility to adapt plans if weather forecasts change.

This flexibility can be helpful if you want to avoid spending a long night on the bus without guarantee of a sighting or if other plans need adjusting.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour is a good fit for those seeking a comfortable, guided experience with transportation included. It suits travelers who value professional guidance, digital photos, and warm drinks amidst a long Arctic night. It’s ideal for visitors with flexible expectations who understand the unpredictability of the northern lights.

However, those looking for a small group or more personalized experience might find the up to 48 travelers a bit large, as some reviews suggest smaller tours can access more exclusive spots.

Final Thoughts on the Tromso Northern Lights Bus Chase

The Northern Lights Chase by Bus offers a straightforward way to see the aurora in Tromso, combining expert guidance, comfortable transport, and practical amenities. Its 8-hour duration allows ample time for multiple location changes and waiting for the best display.

While the tour cannot guarantee sightings due to weather and natural variability, it has a good reputation for effort and professionalism. The inclusion of digital photos and hot drinks adds value, making it suitable for travelers who want a hassle-free experience with decent chances of witnessing the lights.

This tour best suits those who appreciate organized logistics and guided support, understanding that nature’s spectacle can sometimes be elusive. Overall, it’s a reliable option for an Arctic adventure in Tromso.

Ready to Book?

Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromso

4.0

(53)

“So we really thought there was no chance of seeing the Northern lights. The weather was auful, heavy snow storms all night. Our guide Diego however…”

— LBMOULTRIE, Featured

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include dinner?
No, dinner is not included. The tour provides hot biscuits and coffee or tea to help you stay warm while waiting.

What is the departure time?
The tour departs at 6:00 pm from Samuel Arnesens gate 5 in Tromso.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers aurora sightseeing by bus, one guide per 20 guests, digital aurora photos, tripods, and hot drinks.

How long is the bus journey?
The journey out of Tromso takes approximately 2.5 hours, taking you away from city lights to clearer skies.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews frequently mention guides working hard to find good viewing spots and explaining the aurora and local conditions.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s suitable for those prepared for cold weather and uncertain aurora sightings.

What happens if I don’t see the northern lights?
If no aurora is visible, you get a 50% discount on the next tour, but no refund for the current trip.

How crowded can this tour be?
The tour can include up to 48 travelers, making it less intimate than smaller group options.

Is this tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach in Tromso.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour is dependent on good weather conditions; if canceled due to clouds or snow, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This detailed overview of the Northern Lights Chase by Bus in Tromso highlights its practical approach and honest expectations for aurora viewing, helping you decide if this Arctic adventure fits your plans.