Cold night. Big sky hopes.

This Northern Lights Chase in Tromsø is interesting because it’s built around a real aurora search—guides steer you toward better viewing conditions instead of just parking you and hoping. I like that you get photography assistance using your own phone or camera, and you warm up with hot drinks and snacks while you wait. One possible drawback: when the weather is rough or crowds are heavy, the experience can feel long and busy—lots of sitting in the cold, sometimes near other tour groups.

You start with a focused check-in at Roald Amundsens plass 1B, then you spend the night adapting to what the sky does. The good news is they’ll often keep running even when nights look cloudy or snowy, because aurora can still show up. The practical trade-off is that northern lights are never guaranteed, and this tour can include hours of driving and waiting to chase a clear patch.

Key things to know before you go

• Photography help with your device: guidance for your phone/camera, not rental gear.
• Variable timing: you might stay put if the light is good, or drive longer when it isn’t.
• Warm-up breaks: coffee/tea and sometimes hot chocolate and cookies while you wait.
• Group size can grow: you may be one of ~50 people per bus, especially in peak season.
• Cold is part of the deal: conditions can drop near -30°C / -22°F, so layering matters.
• Photos aren’t automatically yours to keep: team photo prints/digital copies aren’t included, and the operator may monetize photos taken.

Tromsø Meet-Up at Roald Amundsens plass: How the Night Starts

Your night begins back in Tromsø, at Roald Amundsens plass 1B (meeting point). You check in 30 minutes before departure—and you’ll only board the vehicle after you’ve checked in. That small detail matters because the tour runs on tight timing once everyone is accounted for.

I like that the tour starts with organization. In real aurora-chasing terms, that means you’re not losing the first chunk of darkness sorting out where to stand. Some nights also keep things straightforward when your in-person guide may double as the driver (especially if fewer than 16 guests book).

There’s also a strong “rules first” vibe once you’re on the bus. You can’t eat inside the vehicle, and the toilet rules are strict (no toilet use while the vehicle is moving). This is one of those Arctic tours where you plan your comfort before you get to the cold part.

The Aurora Chase Strategy: Driving, Waiting, and the Finland Possibility

This is called a chase for a reason. Northern lights are weather-dependent, and the tour doesn’t pretend you can predict them. When conditions are challenging, you may drive a long time looking for clear sky, which can also stretch the total tour duration beyond a simple fixed schedule.

In practice, you should expect one of two patterns:

• You may stay in a single location for a long viewing window if the sky opens up.
• Or you may move between spots while the guides keep hunting for the best view of the lights.

The tour also notes that they may cross into Finland to reach a suitable viewing parking lot. If that happens, bring your passport or ID card—this is not the kind of detail you want to learn mid-night.

A key reality check: northern lights can’t be guaranteed. Even with strong guides, geomagnetic activity varies. Some nights can be “scant geomagnetic activity, but lots of astronomy,” which still can be a cool experience, but it may not deliver the dramatic aurora everyone imagines.

What “Professional Photography Assistance” Means in Real Life

The standout for me here is that photo help is aimed at your actual setup—your personal phone/camera. You don’t need to show up with special gear to get value. Instead, the photographer guide helps you use what you have under difficult low-light conditions.

From what I’ve seen on similar aurora outings, this kind of support can make a big difference fast: aurora move, light is dim, and camera settings matter more than people expect. Several guides and photo helpers are mentioned as being hands-on, including names like Gerard and Andreas, plus photo help credited to guides such as Merco and Tom. The common thread is instruction and patience—people were able to take better aurora photos after guidance, not just point and shoot.

One more important point: prints or digital copies from the team are not included. Also, the operator states they own full copyrights of any photo taken by their team and may upload photos to a third-party platform to monetize them. If you prefer zero involvement with public photo uploads, tell the guide before the tour and avoid posing for team photographers.

Stop One: Tromsø and Why It’s More Than Just a Starting Line

There’s only one formal listed stop: you gather in Tromsø, check in, and then head out. That sounds simple, but it sets the tone for the entire night.

First, Tromsø is where the tour controls logistics: check-in timing, group organization, and the pre-chase briefing. You’ll also get your “ready for the cold” reset—coffee/tea can be available at one of the stops along the way, and snack breaks can help you survive long waits.

Second, the Tromsø portion is your chance to get ready for the night’s rhythm: short bursts of outside time, longer waits, and the possibility you won’t know the final viewing spot until you’re already far from town. It’s a good idea to treat the evening like a small expedition, not a quick city activity.

Comfort in the Arctic: Hot Drinks, No Thermal Overalls, and Layering Reality

Let’s talk body comfort, because it can make or break an aurora chase.

The tour includes coffee/tea by the vehicle (available at one of the stops), and multiple accounts mention warm drinks like hot chocolate and cookies around about 9pm. That’s a real morale boost when you’ve been outside for a long stretch.

But thermal overalls are not included. So you’ll want to bring your own insulation system:

• warm base layers (think thermal top and bottoms)
• a windproof outer layer
• good winter boots and warm socks
• a hat and gloves that actually handle cold wind
• something for sitting still outside (a compact pad can help, if you already travel with one)

The tour also warns that temperatures can drop as low as -30°C / -22°F. Even if your night isn’t that extreme, the point is clear: you’re outside to see the sky, and the cold doesn’t care about your itinerary.

Toilets are another comfort factor. This tour notes the vehicles may not have toilet onboard, and you’re not allowed to use the toilet while the bus is moving. If you’re the type who hates waiting, plan to use toilet stops when they’re offered, even if you’d rather stay in “lights mode.”

Group Size, Crowds, and the Risk of Flashlight Noise

Here’s the trade-off that shows up in both the bright nights and the frustrating ones: crowds.

The tour can run with large groups, and one bus may hold around 50 travelers. During high season, Tromsø receives heavy visitor numbers, and guides may park near other companies when crowds are unavoidable. Some accounts describe the vibe as similar to watching from a busy beach or roadside area—lots of people using phones and flashlights, which can disrupt photos and calm.

This doesn’t automatically ruin the experience. On clear nights, people manage. But if you’re hoping for a quiet, minimal-light setting, you should consider that this isn’t guaranteed. I’d also keep your expectations realistic: you might find yourself in a crowded spot even with careful guidance.

Price and Value: Is $171.07 Worth It?

At $171.07 per person for an approximate 4 to 8 hour experience, you’re paying for three things that matter in the aurora chase game:

1) Round-trip transportation from Tromsø

2) guidance to improve your odds

3) photo help using your own phone/camera

If you were to DIY this, you’d be buying transport on your own and still dealing with the biggest unknown: where to go when the sky shifts. The tour charges you for decision-making and night driving that you don’t want to figure out at midnight in winter conditions.

What you shouldn’t expect for the price:

• thermal overalls
• bottled water
• prints or digital copies of team photos

Also, if you don’t see the aurora, the tour offers a 50% discount for your next aurora tour. That’s a meaningful safety net—though you still depend on availability, and this discount has no guarantee if no seats remain.

Bottom line: it’s good value if you’re ready for cold, willing to wait, and want structured photo help. It’s less good value if you want a small-group, private, quiet sky session every time.

Who Should Book This Aurora Chase (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you:

• want a guide to increase your chances by searching for better viewing conditions
• care about taking better aurora photos with your phone or camera
• are okay with long waits and possible changes to the plan
• enjoy learning from a real-time expert instead of winging settings alone

You might skip it if you:

• need a quiet, low-crowd experience every night
• strongly dislike being in a large group
• expect guaranteed lights and will feel personally let down if the sky is active but not dramatic
• can’t handle strict bus rules (like no eating on the vehicle and toilet restrictions)

If you’re going with older family members or anyone sensitive to cold, bring extra layers and plan comfort breaks. The tour can still work, but you need to be honest with yourself about “standing outside for hours” being part of the deal.

Should You Book NorthernShots From Tromsø?

I’d book this if you want the best chance of aurora and you’ll use the photo help. The mix of transportation, guided searching, and hands-on phone/camera assistance is the core value. Names like Gerard, Andreas, Louis, Merco, and Tom come up in positive experiences tied to persistence, safety, and practical photo instruction.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re chasing a guaranteed show or you’re primarily looking for a quiet, private nature moment. With large groups, busy parking spots can happen, and on some nights the cold plus waiting time can wear you down.

If you do book, go in prepared: warm layers, patience, and a camera mindset. The sky is the star here, and your job is to be ready when it puts on a show.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Northern Lights Chase from Tromsø?

The tour duration is variable and runs approximately 4 to 8 hours. When weather is challenging, the operator may drive longer searching for clear sky, which can increase the total time.

Where do I meet, and when should I check in?

You meet at Roald Amundsens plass 1B, 9008 Tromsø, and you must check in 30 minutes before departure. If you don’t check in on time, you may not be able to board and you may lose refund or rescheduling entitlements.

Is seeing the aurora guaranteed?

No. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, even with guides searching for the best conditions.

What’s included in the price?

Included features are round-trip transportation from Tromsø, coffee and/or tea available by the vehicle at one of the stops, and photography assistance using your personal phone/camera.

Are thermal overalls provided?

No. Thermal overalls are not included, so you should dress for extreme Arctic cold.

Are photos provided afterward?

Prints or digital copies of photographs taken by the team are not included. The operator also states it owns copyrights of team photos and may upload photos of you to a third-party platform.

What should I bring for comfort?

Bring warm layers, good boots, and cold-weather gear. The tour notes temperatures can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F), and the vehicle may gradually cool down on especially cold nights.

Is there a toilet on the vehicle?

The tour notes the vehicles may not have a toilet onboard. Also, it is not allowed to use the toilet while the vehicle is moving, and the tour may drive long stretches without stopping for a toilet break.

Will the tour cancel if weather is dangerous?

Yes, the operator reserves the right to cancel if weather conditions are known to be dangerous, and a full refund is issued in that case. The tour also states it often runs even in cloudy, rainy, or snowy nights.

What if I don’t see the northern lights?

If you do not see the aurora on your first tour, you may be offered a 50% discount on your next aurora tour, depending on availability. This needs to be booked at the desk, and the offer depends on seats.