The Aurora chase starts before the lights do. This Tromsø tour is all about the search, with a guide who explains the aurora and helps you aim your camera (or phone) better. I like the hands-on photo tutorial and the way the crew keeps you busy and informed while you wait.

The second thing I really like is the scientific aurora talk that makes the sky show feel less like luck and more like something you can understand. One drawback to plan for: the lights are natural, so they can’t be guaranteed and the tour can end with clouds winning some nights.

• Pro guides with real aurora photo know-how (you’ll hear advice from guides like Peter, Barbara, Tom, and Mirco)
• A weather-led chase using technical resources across the region, not just a fixed viewpoint
• Quick photography coaching designed for both cameras and phones
• Hot drinks and cookies to take the edge off the cold during the hunt
• Long drives when needed, sometimes toward clearer skies beyond Tromsø

Entering the Aurora Chase in Tromsø

You don’t just “go watch” the Northern Lights here. You ride out with a plan to find them, then use the evening’s weather data to decide where to stop. That matters in Tromsø, where clouds can go from annoying to totally opaque fast.

This is a bus (or miniBus) style tour with a real guide onboard. The tone is practical: how auroras form, what actually helps you photograph them, and how to stay patient when the sky won’t cooperate right away. I also like that the night isn’t treated like dead time; it’s active, with explanations and photo tips moving you along.

Meeting NorthernShots and Getting Tour-Ready Fast

Your evening starts at NorthernShots Tours AS, in the shop area they use as the “Booking Point.” It’s between The Edge Hotel and the Magic Ice bar, right in front of Prostneset Harbour. You’ll meet inside the shop, then get reflective vests and climb aboard.

That setup is more than formality. It’s a quick way to keep things organized while everyone is juggling cold hands, charged devices, and tripod bags. And since you’re meeting right where most visitors are already walking around Tromsø, you won’t lose time in transit before the hunt begins.

The Heated Coach (and Why You May Sit a While)

You’ll drive past fjords and mountains toward the best spot to see the aurora. The route isn’t just sightseeing—this is chase logistics. The operator uses a strong network of technical resources in the region, so where you go depends on real-time conditions.

Even with a heated vehicle, the bus can cool down on especially cold nights. Reviews and tour guidance both point to this same practical reality: dress for Arctic cold, not for “warm inside the bus.” You’ll be happier if you assume you’ll feel the temperature drop at stops and while you wait for the sky to open.

Also, plan for variable timing. The tour duration changes with season, weather, and road conditions, and you may sit in the vehicle for several hours as the team searches.

How the Photo Tutorial Actually Helps (Phones Included)

This tour is built around a photography angle, and the coaching is short-but-useful. You’ll get a photography tutorial early in the experience, and the guide will share tips that work for both cameras and smartphones. That’s great if you’re traveling with just one device and still want photos that look like what you see with your eyes—or close to it.

One key detail: the crew will help you adjust and try settings during the action, so you’re not stuck with the wrong exposure while the sky puts on its show. Multiple guides (including Peter and Tom) are praised for helping people with camera and phone settings on the spot, including advice for getting sharper results.

If you do bring a tripod, you’ll be in good shape. Even when not required, a stable setup makes aurora photography easier—especially for darker, cloud-wavering moments.

Aurora Science, Explained So It Clicks

The guide doesn’t treat the Northern Lights like a mystery you watch and guess at. You’ll learn what’s happening physically—why the aurora appears, what to look for, and what the “stories around it” mean in human terms.

That science talk has a practical benefit: it helps you understand what “good aurora conditions” look like. When you know what the sky is doing (and why), you’re more likely to notice the first faint glow, not just the dramatic moments later on.

Guides named in feedback—like Mirco, Barbara, and Mr. Marek Raybar—are repeatedly described as patient, detail-focused, and supportive when people are confused about their shots or worried they missed the peak.

Transfer Time and the Viewpoint Stop: What Those Moments Are For

The evening runs with driving blocks and a viewpoint/sightseeing stop. In practice, that viewpoint stop isn’t just sightseeing padding. It’s time to reset your posture, check your camera/phone, and take in the Arctic darkness before you move again.

You’ll likely use this stretch to:

• recharge your setup (hands, batteries, screen brightness)
• get your bearings for where to look when the guide calls attention
• grab a few non-aurora photos of the night sky context, if conditions allow

Even if you’d rather be outside constantly, these pauses can be useful. They give you time to be ready when the aurora shows up suddenly.

The Real “Chase” Moment: When Tromsø Clouds Lose

A big part of the value here is the willingness to keep moving. On nights when Tromsø itself is cloudy, the crew may drive longer distances—sometimes far enough toward the Finland side—to find clearer sky.

That’s not guaranteed every night, and it depends on weather and road conditions. But the approach is clear: the guides check conditions and keep updating the group as they go. Reviews highlight moments where the sky stayed cloudy in Tromsø, then opened after a long drive, leading to visible aurora soon after arriving at a better spot.

If you’re the type who gets stressed by uncertainty, this can still work for you. The best version of this tour is when the guide actively explains what’s happening and why you’re traveling—so you feel like you’re on a mission, not just waiting.

Hot Chocolate Breaks: Small Comfort, Big Difference

You’ll finish (or break up) the hunt with hot drinks and cookies. This is the kind of simple detail that matters in the Arctic, because your hands and face are usually what quit first—not your enthusiasm.

Multiple guides are described as serving hot cocoa at the right moment, which helps you stay steady enough to take photos. If you wear layers but still run cold, this stop is a real morale boost. It’s also a nice time to compare notes with your guide about what to expect next in the sky.

Optional Professional Portraits: Worth It or Not?

There’s an optional professional Aurora portrait available for purchase, and there are also professional photos taken by the photographer that you can buy. These aren’t included, so treat them as an add-on if you want fewer technical decisions and more “finished” results.

From a value standpoint, decide based on your gear:

• If you have a solid camera/phone setup and enjoy tweaking settings, you might skip the extra photos.
• If you want a guaranteed-looking memory without worrying about settings in the cold, the optional portraits can be tempting.

Either way, don’t plan your budget assuming every photo is free. The tour provides a photography tutorial and guide support, but professional photo purchases are separate.

April and August: When Daylight Changes the Game

Northern Lights season depends on the time of year, and daylight matters. In April and August, you should expect increased daylight, which can reduce how strong the aurora appears even on clear skies. The window to see the aurora can shrink to about an hour or less, and the tour may run shorter.

So if you’re booking in the shoulder months, adjust expectations:

• you might see aurora, but it may be less intense
• the timing window can be shorter, meaning less “hang out and wait” time

If you’re traveling specifically for maximum aurora chances, deep winter generally gives you longer, darker viewing time. That said, the hunt approach here still has a shot any time the sky offers the right conditions.

Dress for Comfort: Layers Beat Luck

The bus is heated, but you’ll still be outdoors during stops and while you wait for the sky. Warm layers are the key. Gloves matter. A flashlight helps you move safely in dark, slippery conditions.

The tour guidance also asks you to bring thermal clothing. Thermal layers aren’t included, so if you don’t already own good Arctic basics, you’ll want to plan that shopping or packing step early.

You’ll also want to bring:

• a charged smartphone (useful for aurora apps/settings and photo attempts)
• a flashlight
• water and food (food is not allowed inside the vehicle, but you can bring it for outside use)

Price and Value: What You Get for $181

At about $181 per person, you’re not just paying for “a ride to a viewpoint.” You’re paying for:

• transportation by coach/miniBus
• a live English-speaking guide
• a Northern Lights photography tutorial
• hot drinks and cookies during the tour

Not included are thermal clothes, water, and any professional photos for purchase. That means your personal costs depend on what you already have.

For value, ask yourself this: do you want help reducing the guesswork? If you’ll struggle with settings, don’t know what to look for, or simply want a team that keeps chasing better sky conditions, the price starts to make sense. If you’re fully set up already and want maximum control over your schedule, you might compare alternatives—but the guided chase and photo coaching are the big selling points here.

Group Size and the “Other Vehicles” Reality

In high season, you can expect big crowds. That can mean you’re parked near other companies’ vehicles. The upside is that you’re not alone in the cold, and the team experience can still feel smooth with a good guide and organized stops.

The practical takeaway: aurora photography sometimes benefits from space, and sometimes you’ll share the viewing area. The crew’s goal is to find the best spot they can, but in peak periods you may still feel the crowd factor at the stop.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a strong match if you want:

• a guided Northern Lights experience with real photo coaching
• an active chase approach rather than a single fixed spot
• a night that includes science explanations, not just staring up

It’s also a good fit if your group includes mixed skill levels—some people love tech, some just want to understand what they’re seeing. Guides who help with phone and camera settings make the experience easier for everyone.

Think twice if you:

• need total control over timing and exact stop locations
• expect a guaranteed show every night (because the aurora can’t be promised)
• can’t handle cold and variable outdoor waiting time, even with the bus warmth and hot drinks

Should You Book This Tromsø Aurora Photo Tour?

I’d book it if you’re traveling to Tromsø with the goal of seeing the Northern Lights and you want help photographing them without turning the night into a technical workshop. The combination of transportation, guided science, and an aurora photo tutorial is exactly what makes this kind of tour worth doing instead of trying to wing it.

I’d also book it if you’re okay with the real Arctic rule: conditions decide everything. Your job is to dress warm, bring the gear you need, and be ready for a chase night that might involve a long drive, some waiting, and then a burst of color.

If your ideal evening is a guaranteed lights show with no uncertainty, then this isn’t that. But if you want the best odds plus guidance, this tour is a solid, practical choice.

FAQ

How long is the Tromsø Northern Lights photography tour?

The tour duration is 7 hours, and it can vary depending on the season, weather, and road conditions. Check availability for starting times.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet inside the Northern Shots shop, also known as the Booking Point. It’s located between The Edge Hotel and the Magic Ice bar, right in front of Prostneset Harbour.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. You should also know the viewing window can be shorter in April and August due to increased daylight.

What’s included in the price?

Included are transportation, a guide, a photography tutorial, and hot drinks and cookies.

Do I need to bring thermal clothing?

Thermal clothes are not included. You should bring warm clothing and thermal clothing if you have it, plus gloves and other cold-weather essentials.

Can I eat food during the tour?

You can bring food, but food is not allowed in the vehicle.

Is water included?

No, water is not included, so bring it if you need it.

Are professional photos included?

No. Pictures taken by a professional photographer are available for purchase. There is also an optional Aurora portrait, but it’s not listed as included.

What if I don’t see the lights on my first tour?

You won’t get a refund for not seeing the Northern Lights. However, you may be eligible for a 50% discount on a new tour if you didn’t spot the lights on your first tour, subject to seat availability, booked at their desk, and not valid in the last day of the season.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to unsafe road conditions, you can change the date or get a full refund.