Northern Lights Chase + Photos, Snacks, thermal suits
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Tromso, Norway
- 6 to 7 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Chase the aurora borealis, aka, the northern lights, through Norway's Arctic skies on this small-group adventure from Tromso. Head outside of the city, past stunning mountains and fjords to find the lights―sometimes traveling all the way to the Swedish and Finnish borders alongside guides ranging from professional tour guides to local aurora hunters. While sightings are never guaranteed exquisite natural scenery is always part of the excursion―as are complimentary snacks and beverages. Get hunting!
- Set out from Tromso into the Norwegian countryside to find the aurora borealis
- Embark on an exciting adventure among stunning nature scenery
- Enjoy the expertise of a knowledgable guide
- Includes beverages, snacks, and souvenir pics
What's Included
- Experienced guide
- SnacksSnacks & marshmellows
- Tea & hot chocolate
- 2 nature landscape photos chosen by the guide (extra photos available for purchase)
- Thermal suit
- Hotel/accomondation drop off
- Bonfire (weather and tour-dependent, not guaranteed
- Boots, gloves & hat
- Main meal
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Fr Nansens plass 1A, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
The meeting point is the yellow building on the pier, entrance facing the sea. From Fr. Nansen Plass, walk past the gas station on your left to a gate with a parking sign. Enter the open pier area with boats, where the yellow building with parking and tour signs is located.
End point
- Tromsø, Norway
Drop-off locations at the end of the tour include Tromsdalen, Reinen, Tromsø Island, and Kvaløysletta. If you are staying outside these areas, your guide will assist you in arranging a taxi from one of the designated drop-off points.
Itinerary
1
Tromso
6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Hansnes
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Kilpisjarvi
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
4
Bardufoss
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Sommaroy
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Spikes for winter boots are recommended during winter time.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 33 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Davide_M
Despite the not-so-perfect weather conditions, they managed to find two great spots where we were able to see a fantastic aurora. We were really impressed by their determination and experience.
The guide was knowledgeable and very friendly, which made the tour even more enjoyable.
The refreshments offered by the fire were excellent and created a cozy, memorable atmosphere.
Reviews
4.4
based on 651 reviews
Irina_G, Mar 2026
Totally great experience, the crew was super experienced and we saw the lights without going far away - recommend
Jess_R, Mar 2026
We had a great time with Polar Adventures. The minibus was a great size as the tour felt intimate and not crowded. Our guides Hans Eric and Socrates were very friendly, knowledgable and organised and kept the tour running smoothly. Hot chocolate, cookies and toasting marshmallows by a fire were lovely touches to an already great night hunting the Aurora.
Kathryn_B, Mar 2026
Enthusiastic guide who took us a far distance from Tromso, but we trusted her and were not disappointed. We were fortunate to experience a fantastic light display by staying put for sometime. On the way back we made a couple more worthwhile stops which did make a late night, but well worth it. Thank you Joanna.
Diane_D, Mar 2026
Our guide, Hans Eric, was excellent. We lucked out and saw so many aurora. Hans was very informative and explained what was happening. Wonderful experience.
Priscila_M, Mar 2026
Great experience! Sara found us an amazing spot to see the lights, she told us to trust the nature, and it actually delivered!! It was an amazing evening, mostly because of the team, big shout out to Sara and Leila!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We're so happy you enjoyed your time! Thank you for booking with us!
Gary_R, Mar 2026
Sara was very knowledgeable about aurora activities and got us to the perfect location, with the help of very capable driver Layla
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We're so happy you enjoyed your time! Thank you for booking with us!
Sarah_M, Mar 2026
Matous was a great tour guide. It was great to chase the lights. It was very cold though so wrap up warmer than you think you need!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We're so happy you enjoyed your time! Thank you for booking with us! Tromsø can be quite chilly :)
Davide_M, Feb 2026
Despite the not-so-perfect weather conditions, they managed to find two great spots where we were able to see a fantastic aurora. We were really impressed by their determination and experience.
The guide was knowledgeable and very friendly, which made the tour even more enjoyable.
The refreshments offered by the fire were excellent and created a cozy, memorable atmosphere.
FranciscoC_P, Feb 2026
Space in minibus was too tight and no restroom for 6-7 hours, this should be alerted as some women couldn’t just go ‘wild’
Diane_L, Feb 2026
Never connected at pick up site. Would not answer phone to connect to driver. Billed full price for tour. All they had to do was answer my call or text. We were 2 minutes from location to pick up. Spoke with them earlier in day to confirm it was the yellow building beside gas station and they said yes. That is where we were. Do not know what the problem was to tell me I was at the wrong yellow building!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear guest,
You were far north on Tromsø island, which was not even close to the address provided. The address to meet was Fr Nansens Plass 1A, and while it is a yellow building behind the gas station, the image provided was not the correct location at all. If you had checked the address you would have seen it was not the correct meeting point.
All our other guests had met at the correct location: Fr nansens plass 1A, by the yellow house on the pier behind the gas station.
Stephanie_L, Jan 2026
We had originally booked the experience for a day later but the tour operator got in touch the day before to ask if we wanted to do the tour this night instead as was a clearer night and better chance to see the aurora which we gladly accepted. We set off around 8pm a group of 7 with Oscar our tour guide who was very friendly, knowledgeable and chatty. He stopped at a few locations to check visibility before taking us to a remote location around an hour from Tromso city centre, the stop was to a cosy grilling hut which we could sit in for some warm drinks, hot dogs, sandwiches and choc cake all included whilst we waited for the auroras to appear, Oscar continued to check and alerted us when they appeared and had his professional camera set up ready to take some great pics of the group. We were able to make our own hotdogs on the grill and sandwiches it was very cosy and wholesome and welcomed not to be just standing out in the cold or van all night awaiting on the auroras to appear. 100% recommend this tour, shout out to Karin for the delish choc cake and to Oscar our terrific tour guide. You will not be disappointed.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour :)
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
ShannonLeigh, Jan 2026
Amazing experience! Hans Eric provided lots of information and took us to the best places to catch the lights! They were amazing! The driver was also really lovely and drives safely.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour :)
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Catherine_L, Jan 2026
To make the wait more enjoyable, tours provide a range of amenities, including campfires, hot chocolate and snacks, as well as gear on occasion.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour :)
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Tom_M, Jan 2026
We took 2 different trips with 2 different companies, we preferred this one the most, even if the lights weren't quite as bright. (which isn't the tours fault)
If wasn't that cold, but thermal suits are nice when you are standing outside in the snow for so low. They also made hot drinks and had cookies/snacks.
Bus was comfortable, and we knew it didn't have a toilet which wasn't an issue.
We really enjoyed our tour guide and driver, who talked about different topics as we went, also quiet time. She was super excited about sharing the lights and her stories were interesting. She even sang some of the indigenous throat songs which was unique, and later came out into camp singing as Santa Lucia as it was December 13th which was her celebration day.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour :)
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
J_S, Jan 2026
Great experience with great guide and driver (Dimi and Socrates). Very knowledgeable and thoughtful. Nicely caring each tourist, hunting patiently from place to place, and finding us a great spot to see the northern light at night.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour :)
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Susan_C, Dec 2025
Vanessa was a great tour guide. She went out of her way to make sure we had a good time. Her knowledge and expertise was brilliant and she made the whole trip fun and entertaining. We saw the Northern Lights which was amazing, even though there was a lot of cloud at first, the sky did eventually open up enough. Such a magical and unforgettable experience. My only gripe was the 'snacks' offered were minimal and not quite what we were expecting. A few jaffa cakes and cookies. The hot chocolate is weak and very sugary, but a hot drink of any kind is very welcome in the cold. My advice is to take your own snacks as you do spend most of the time in the minibus travelling. We couldn't stop in one area because there were too many other tour buses already there. It's just small pull-in areas off the main road. Saying all that, we did eventually find a spot to stop, even though it wasn't a planned stop and we did manage to see the Northern Lights there. I would recommend this trip because we did see the Lights. I'm think I would have felt very disappointed if we hadn't seen anything.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour :)
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Afsana_K, Nov 2025
Despite the rainy weather our tour guide Hans Eric took us to different locations to chase the northern lights and in our 2nd spot we were able see some good aurora. Huide Hans Eric was really knowledgeable and entertaining. we had a very memorable and fun time with the group.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your kind words!
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
YuanNeng_W, Oct 2025
I booked this for my first night of hunting the lights, and I booked it at a huge bargain - it was approximately 40% cheaper than most of the other companies. The 3 tour guides - Jasmine and team - were nice and friendly, but I just can't help feeling how inexperienced they are at managing tour groups. Almost all of us are here on a bucket list mission to see the lights but I felt like the guides just didn't consider this.
Our first obstacle happened when we drove into an "unplanned road works". I am not doubting the information of being unplanned, but I feel like the way the guides handled this were not very professional. We waited for some time (that is ok) before we turned back. The original plan was to look for elsewhere to go to wait for the lights to show up, but somehow we just stopped at a roadside (the location felt quite random and unplanned) - actually just on a side-road but still ON THE ROAD. There are several occasions of vehicles passing by, which were not only dangerous but also disruptive to our photography/videography. Then, one of the guides scouted the area and found a beach-y area that we could get to if we walked down a slope of tall grass. Despite one of the guides expressing concerns over safety as the slope was rather steep, the main guide - Jasmine - was still fixated on getting there instead of just finding another safer and perhaps better location. This really left a very bad impression for me.
After trying out other companies, I just feel like the 3 guides we had barely made up for the efforts made by other tours with fewer guides.
My last straw for such unsatisfactory review was that - the photos we happily posed for and took - they are NOT free!! We were told there will be 2 free photos... turns out they are some sub-standard scenery photos that were taken on that day... and nothing personalised! Everything else is an extra cost (iirc its 100NOK to download each photo).
TLDR: huge discount yes, but not worth the experience at all... Just pay more for a better bucket list experience!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience with us did not meet your expectations, especially on such a special occasion as your first night of chasing the Northern Lights.
We appreciate your kind words about our guides being friendly and approachable. However, we take your comments about the organization and safety of the tour very seriously. The roadworks and the resulting changes in our route were indeed unexpected, but we understand that our handling of the situation could have been better communicated and more carefully managed. Your feedback will be used in our team debrief to improve how we adapt to unforeseen circumstances in the future.
Safety is always our top priority, and we regret that you felt uncomfortable with the chosen viewing location. We’ll make sure to review our decision-making protocols during field operations to ensure all participants feel secure at all times.
Regarding the photos, we apologize for any misunderstanding. Our complimentary photo policy includes general group and landscape images, while personal photos taken by our professional photographers are optional extras. We will make sure this information is communicated more clearly during the booking and briefing process to avoid confusion.
We value your input as it helps us continue to improve. We hope that, despite this experience, you were still able to enjoy some of the Arctic’s natural beauty, and we’d love the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for a better and more memorable experience.
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Isabel_C, Oct 2025
Small group in a van. The guides did their best to find clear skies, changing the spots, but some of the stops weren't so good (just on the road, cars with lights circulating there..) you are supposed to be in the quiet nature to enjoy the lights.
Uncomfortable van.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your kind words!
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Heidi_S, Oct 2025
The northern lights tour was outstanding. Jasmine was knowledgeable about the local area and took us to a great location. We had hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows which kept us warm throughout the night. What can I sat about the northern lights except they were the most amazing thing I have seen and they just kept on coming. A night I will remember for the rest of my life.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your kind words!
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Wolfgang_S, Oct 2025
We reserved the Tour in March 2025 for 332€
On the afternoon before the tour (September 19, 2025), we asked the organizer whether the tour would take place due to the poor observation conditions of seeing the Northern Lights (totally overcast skies and a Kp index of approximately 0.33).
We didn't receive a response until the morning of the tour:
Everything will be fine and we are doing our best, because we know the area and yesterday we saw beautiful northern lights.
Buses departed, each carrying approximately 15 - 20 participants, and drove only toward Hansnes (not Hansnes, Kilpisjarvi, Bardufoss and Sommaroy = 645km?). Complete cloud cover and not even the stars were visible!
After several short stops, after about 3.5 hours, a small gap in the clouds finally
appeared, and a few stars were visible - stars of the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major, but no sign of the Northern Lights! We were taken to the ship around 2:00 a.m.
After about 7 hours of sailing through the night: some stars of the Big Dipper, a fire in the fire bowl, hot drinks, two cookies, no Northern Lights sightings, and no professional photos for over 330 €.
Conclusion:
If cloudy skies are forecast and the KP-Index is is very low, it's better to save your money and cancel in time! Don't rely on the organizer's objective assessment. Once you've collected your money, you won't give it back so easily!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Wolfgang,
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
Regarding pricing: tour rates can vary depending on availability and demand, similar to airline tickets. Since your booking was made through Viator, any concerns about pricing or promotions must be addressed directly with them, as we do not control their offers.
As for communication: we replied to your messages on September 1 and September 20 with detailed answers, and your message on September 19 received our standard automated reminder email sent to all guests.
On the night of your tour, Both buses were only a few hundred meters apart, and we had clear skies with visible stars for a long duration. Unfortunately, the aurora activity that night was very low, which is beyond anyone’s control.
Regarding the KP index: this value indicates how far south the aurora may be visible, but not how strong it will appear. This is why we don’t cancel tours based on KP alone — even low forecasts can bring strong displays, and high forecasts can still result in weak activity.
We fully understand your disappointment. Please know we did everything possible to find good viewing conditions that evening.
Best regards,
M_S, Sep 2025
Very knowledgeable guides Hans Eric and Leila made for an entertaining and informative journey. Mini-bus left around 6:30/7p and first sighting at 8:30p. What a great experience as the lights danced in the background for over an hour u tol everyone had enough! Powerful greens and purples. The team was deliberate in managing expectations as seeing the northern lights is not a given and highly unpredictable. Highly recommend this team!! An unforgettable experience and a dream come true!!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your kind words!
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Krishnan_A, Sep 2025
It was a wonderful! Very happy with the trip and the experience. Very kind enough to drop.us off at our hotel as it was late
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for your kind words!
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
Warm regards,
The Polar Adventures Team
Rezaul_K, Sep 2025
Guide Sokratis is an excellent guide and determined to show us Northern Lights which we succeeded. It made our flight to Tromso worthy. Van operator Laila was also very good.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you very much for your kind words. We will make sure that Sokratis hears what you think.
Thank you very much and welcome back :)
Kind regards
Marlene
Polar Team
Rosario_G, Aug 2025
Nice experience in Tromso to see the Northern Lights.
Tour well organised so very satisfied of the tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you very much dear guest.
We do our best :)
Kind regards
Marlene
Polar Team
Nabil_T, Mar 2025
Weather conditions looked dire, and we were worried that our Northern Lights experience was not to be. BUT Joanna and Sokrates saved the day! (or should I say night :-)
They were absolutely wonderful hosts, and although we were losing hope with the weather, we had a couple hours of complete magic with an unbelievable aurora show. Unforgettable memories... thank you again for everything!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you !
Patricia_D, Mar 2025
We were lucky because we could see the northern lights. As soon as we had the chance, we could jump out of the car. It's true that it was quite cloudy and we did not see the show in a clear sky, but we still had a great and lasting experience. Lady Aurora danced with pink and purple lace too. We saw it in all our 3 stops. At one the tour guide lit a small campfire, we could choose hot chocolate/coffee and roast marshmallows with the fire.
We felt safe during the trip, our driver drove excellently. He also took everyone home to their hotels, which was a great advantage because we arrived after 1 am.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
THank you !
Mayada_S, Feb 2025
Worst Tour Experience 🚫
The van had technical issues, and the dangerous driving was so bad that another driver stopped us, thinking our driver was drunk! The guide was rude and unhelpful, dismissing our Aurora app while our friends saw the lights elsewhere. We never got out of the van, and the tour was much shorter than promised with no snacks as advertised. We traveled from overseas for this, only to waste our time and money. I wanted to give a positive review, but this was a complete disappointment. Do not recommend! ❌
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear guest, thank you for your time and for taking the time to write to us. We will investigate the matter further.
KInd regards
POlar Team
Georgia_H, Feb 2025
Our guide Dimi was fantastic and really knowledgeable. He told us lots about the lights, how to find them and other interesting facts about the area and Sámi culture
We were incredibly lucky to find the lights on our first stop thanks to Dimi’s knowledge and they were so bright and dancing
We had a fire, hot chocolate and marshmallows and after spending some time with the lights, Dimi went with the groups decision to find another spot. Again we found a second spot where we got really strong views again. We had a really lovely group and the photos taken by our guide are brilliant
Our driver was also great and dropped us off near our accommodation at the end of the night as it was outside of the centre and we were travelling past
Well worth booking
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you :)
April_M, Jan 2025
Hans eric was our tour guide and he was amazing. It was a cloudy night so it was not a high probability of seeing the northern lights. However, Hans made the experience an enjoyable one as we chased the lights, he was very upfront about our chances to see the lights that night and made sure everyone knew the interary and was as comfortable as you could possibly be. Finally, we were able to see a great show at the end thanks to Hans. if going on the tour,I would highly recommend Hans Eric as your guide.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much dear guest :)
Kind regards
Polar TEam
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