Norway

Experience the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Best Excursions

Experience the Northern Lights in Tromsø

It doesn’t matter if it’s the first time you organize a trip to see the northern lights in Tromsø, or if, on the contrary, you’re already an assiduous “hunter” of the northern lights: excursions with local guides always have a disarming charm.

In a few hours of tour they are able to give you unique and authentic emotions, accompanying you to the best places to see the aurora according to their experience, teaching you the tricks for photographing it, going out hunting with snowmobiles or, again, aboard a sled pulled by huskies.

Well, if you want to find out which are the best excursions to see the aurora in Tromsø, or you are interested in knowing the places with the most possibilities to go on your own research, you have landed on the right page.

The best Northern Lights excursions in Tromsø

The months in which it is possible to witness this phenomenon in the Arctic capital generally range from October to the end of March.

At the end of November, the mantle is covered with a soft white blanket: this allows you to combine the Northern Lights hunting trips with evening experiences with snowmobiles or dog sled excursions.

However, bear in mind that during the months of December and early January the sun never rises in Northern Norway, which means that daylight hours will be kept to a minimum.

To enjoy the best possible experience, my suggestion is to organize your trip to see the northern lights in Tromsø in the months of February or March.

At this time of year the sun will illuminate and bring out the beauty of the landscape during the day and in the evening you can still see the Northern Lights dancing across the starry sky.

But what are the most beautiful excursions to book to see the dance of dawn in Tromsø? Read on to find out and book the best one(s) for you!

place to see Northern Lights Tromsø

Remember: most of these excursions are booked well in advance and availability could end if you don’t move in the right time.

Furthermore, the cancellation of many of these tours is completely free up to 24 hours before the start of the excursion: in short, you really have no reason not to book!

1: Aurora Borealis excursion with photos in Tromsø

This is one of the cheapest and most complete excursions to go hunting for the green queen.

What’s really cool is that this will be a real chase: at 6.00pm you’ll board the coach which will depart towards the best place to see her based on the weather conditions.

During the journey you will be able to hear stories and anecdotes of this phenomenon which has been the basis of numerous legends born among the Scandinavian peoples.

When the bus stops it will be time to enjoy the show on the ground: get off the bus and enjoy the wonder of the Queen of Heaven dancing above your head. Your guide will take souvenir photos for you of this incredible experience and provide hot drinks.

You will not be provided with thermal clothing during this tour: I recommend bringing technical clothing with you and wearing your ski suit. Eventually, remember that you can get on the bus to warm up.

Find out all the details and reserve your place on the dedicated page.

Northern Lights Tromsø

2: Aurora hunting photo cruise

Climbing aboard a boat that sails the icy waters of northern Norway is a unique experience to have in Tromsø.

Moving away from the city, the ship will reach places where the sky is really dark, perfect for astronomical observations.

Furthermore, the best route will be chosen based on the cloud cover. With this tour you can also choose to relax in the outdoor hot tub under the northern lights or in the indoor sauna (subject to availability).

In order to tolerate the cold and admire the aurora from the external area of ​​the boat you will be provided with a winter thermal suit (to be worn over your warm clothing).

Reserve your seat on board by clicking comfortably here.

Northern Lights in Tromsø

3: Northern Lights tour by bus and dinner included

To have a truly complete Northern Lights hunting experience in Tromsø, my suggestion is to combine a complete Arctic experience with your outing.

With this tour you will be able to taste a typical traditional dish, eat marshmallows and chat around the fire with the guide and the whole group.

You will be provided with a thermal suit to wear over your warm clothes, you will be able to take advantage of the tripod and you will also be given photos of the experience, so that you don’t have to worry about anything else than enjoying this incredible adventure.

Check availability for your dates on the tour page here.

Aurora borealis tour Lapland

4: Northern Lights photo tour in Tromsø

For photography lovers who want to discover the tricks and techniques to best photograph this phenomenon, I could only suggest that they reserve their spot on a Northern Lights photography excursion in Tromsø.

Your guide, expert in both Northern Lights and photography, will take you and your group to the best places to witness the phenomenon and take sensational photographs.

After enjoying the good fortune of witnessing and taking the best photos of the aurora, it will be time to taste a typical dish of the Norwegian tradition. Also included is a tripod and thermal clothing.

Lapland - where to see Aurora in Tromsø

You might also be interested in reading: Best things to do and see in Tromsø.

5: Snowmobile excursion under the northern lights

Hop aboard a snowmobile and ride through the wilderness surrounding the city of Tromsø, following your guide who will take you and your group to the best place to witness the dancing lights phenomenon.

But don’t worry if the sky is too overcast or the aurora too weak to see with the naked eye: a nighttime snowmobile excursion through the Norwegian woods is an experience on its own.

The snowmobile will be shared with your travel companion and you can take turns driving. Arctic clothing and snowmobile riding tips will be distributed at the start of the tour and a local stew will be served at the end .

Reserve your seat here aboard a snowmobile to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

Snowmobile trip Tromsø - place to see aurora

6: Excursion in sled pulled by huskies

If it is true that a daily excursion with huskies in Tromsø will make you enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the sun’s rays that make it even more fascinating, the night one will give you just as many emotions and indelible memories.

Climb aboard the sled and let the dogs’ noses take you to the best spots to see the Northern Lights as a professional musher leads the sled.

At the end of the tour it will be time to gather in front of the fire to enjoy a hot meal.

Check availability and latest prices by clicking right here.

-Swedish Lapland Northern Aurora

Do it yourself aurora hunting in Tromsø

If you’d rather combine Northern Lights tours with self-guided Northern Lights tours, you should make sure you find out where the best places to see them are.

My suggestion is to move away from the city to avoid light pollution affecting the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

One of the best places to do this (where they also often organize tours) is Kvaløya, the island of whales.

This area is only a 10-minute drive from the city center, but that’s enough to drop you into a mountainous landscape that’s dark enough to see the Northern Lights.

If the geomagnetic activity is intense and the sky is clear, you could try hunting on the Fjellheisen cable car which offers stunning views over Tromsøya (the island of Tromsø).

Buy tickets directly on departure or visit the official website for more information.

northern lights excursion Tromsø

FAQ: Questions with answers

1: When to go to see the northern lights in Tromsø?

The months of October to March are dark enough to see the northern lights in Tromsø.

However, if I had to tell you which period is the best, my advice is to organize the trip in the months of February and March: in this period the hours of light will also be optimal for enjoying the beauty of the landscape during the day.

2: Where to sleep to see the Queen of Heaven?

Looking for accommodation on Kvaløya, the so-called whale island not far from the city center, will be a great solution to increase your chances of seeing the queen of the skies dancing above you.

Learn more in the article dedicated to where to stay in Tromsø.

3: How to see it and where to go?

Seeing the Northern Lights in Tromsø is quite easy.

To maximize your chances, be sure to join at least one dedicated excursion so that local guides take you to areas where the skies are clear.

If you prefer do-it-yourself “hunting”, head to Kvaløya to maximize your chances.

With this article I hope I have managed to give you all the information you need to be able to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

How to do it and which excursion to rely on will depend only on you and your travel preferences!

If you have any doubts or specific questions, do not hesitate to leave your comment below the article and I will reply as soon as possible.

Are you going to Norway? Read also:

Camille L.

Passionate about foreign languages, cooking and writing. I wish to share with you the places, the meetings and the gastronomic discoveries which gave relief to my travels.

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