Tromso Aurora Hunt with Bonfire, Meal, Winter Suit & Photos
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tromso, Norway
- 5 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Increase your chances of seeing the elusive Northern Lights with this small-group excursion from Tromsø. Head out of the city to find the best vantage point, then gather around a campfire and warm up with warm meal while you wait for the light show to begin. Your guide not only offers tips for capturing the Northern Lights, but will also take photos of you to download after your tour.
- Get cozy around a bonfire and enjoy warm meal while you wait
- Thermal suits are provided for your warmth and comfort
- Hassle-free: Multiple hotel drop-off locations in Tromso
- Increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights with an expert guide
What's Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Souvenir photos (websize resolution sent by email after the tour and highest resolution available for purchase)
- Pick up in front of the Scandic Ishavhotel, Fredrik Langes gate 2, 9008 Troms
- Multiple hotel drop-off locations on Tromsø
- Thermal suits. Provide your suit size (Unisex XS-XXL)
- The activity will be in English
- DinnerWarm meal
- Hotel pickup
- Boots
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Fredrik Langes gate 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Meet outside the Scandic Ishavhotel 10 minutes before the departure time.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
After pickup in central Tromsø, travel with your guide into the surrounding countryside, potentially crossing into Finland if conditions demand. Please bring your passport to cover for this possibility.
Your guide will use their knowledge of the weather and the Northern Lights to decide on a viewpoint and, on arrival, will set up camp and light a bonfire. Settle by the fire to observe the skies and enjoy warm meal to stay warm.
Sometimes you’ll need to wait to see the lights, while on other occasions, you may be treated to an extended show. As you watch, wait, and take in the lights, learn about the science behind them from your guide.
Keep your camera ready for pictures, and get tips on how to capture great photos. You’ll also receive souvenir photos by email after your tour.
When the time comes, your tour concludes with a hotel drop-off in Tromso.
Your guide will use their knowledge of the weather and the Northern Lights to decide on a viewpoint and, on arrival, will set up camp and light a bonfire. Settle by the fire to observe the skies and enjoy warm meal to stay warm.
Sometimes you’ll need to wait to see the lights, while on other occasions, you may be treated to an extended show. As you watch, wait, and take in the lights, learn about the science behind them from your guide.
Keep your camera ready for pictures, and get tips on how to capture great photos. You’ll also receive souvenir photos by email after your tour.
When the time comes, your tour concludes with a hotel drop-off in Tromso.
1
Tromsø
8 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- We encourage you to provide us with your email address to be able to send you the web size pictures after the tour
- When exceptional situations arise (e.g. environmental cancellations) it is important to reach you. This is easiest if you provide your contact number on the road (phone number + correct country code) & keep this with you on the day of the tour.
- We only drop off at set drop off locations: Scandic Ishavhotel, - Smarthotel | AMI Hotel | Docks 69 | Vervet | Comfort Express | Thon Polar | Enter City Tromso | Enter Viking | Enter St Elisabeth | Enter Skansen | Clarion The Edge | Amalie | Skaret by Vander | Radisson Blu | Quality Grand | Breivika Cruise Docks (Kai 21, 23, 24) - Tromsø Airport (once the tunnel reopens) - Arctic Cathedral (once the bridge reopens) - Tromsø Camping bus stop (once the bridge reopens) - Wandering Owl office
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking as well as medical condition if needed
- Please bring your passport with you in case you need to cross to Finland during the tour
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Make sure you wear a warm base layer, winter clothes including warm shoes, a hat, mittens, a scarf and woolen socks with your winter boots.
- A small amount of walking is involved, you must be able to walk 200m
- Please be prepared for limited toilet facilities, there might be a gas station stop during the drive, however the camp itself is in the wild Arctic nature where the only toilet possibilities are in the forest (there are no pre-built facilities). Be prepared that nature is your only toilet option.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if less than 4 passengers per tour. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- You must travel with travel insurance.
- SIGN OUR eWAIVER. We need one participant to sign it on behalf of the group making sure that the names of all participants are in the document.
- Children - parents are required in advance to send a copy of the child's passport or EU id to confirm the age of the child before the start of the tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
AMAZING! We could not have asked for a better trip. Gerard and Michael were fantastic. Gerard was so full of information about the light and Michael with his expert driving skills avoided sheep and potholes with ease. They said they we were lucky with how active the lights were but I also credit their ability to find a great viewing location. I HIGHLY recommend this trip. It is worth it.
Reviews
4.8
based on 2,463 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Although there weren't any forecast for strong lights on the evening we went, our guide found them. I didn't catch his name, he was a Dutch gentleman and incredibly knowledgeable. We stopped in a few different places and at one point at up a small camp fire. It was chilly so do wrap up - arctic suits were offered - you feel like you don't need them at first but after a while you really do. Be prepared for a possible scramble down to a lake side on uneven flooring. We really had a great time, the one thing I would say is the 'meal' included was a mug of soup and a waffle. Had we known this i would have a bite to eat before the trip. It was very much appreciated though.
An amazing experience made extraordinary by our tour guide Bart. We had a small party which made the trip very personal. His knowledge and passion for the Aurora hunt is second to none. We didn't get to see the Northern Lights in their full glory but he managed to capture some 'green' on camera for us. Bart was tracking the movement all evening and we travelled as far as the Finnish border but to no avail. There's no guarantee on any Aurora hunt that you're going to see the lights but Bart tried everything he knew to try to find the lights for us. Thank you Bart.
yes its a good time if you have patience and don't worry about being wet or cold and you are a night person to stay out after midnight
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback!
We’re glad you enjoyed the experience. You’re absolutely right that an Aurora hunt requires patience, a willingness to embrace the Arctic weather, and a little stamina for staying out late. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and the wait can be part of the adventure.
We hope to welcome you back to Tromsø for another memorable experience!
What an amazing experience! Ilian drove us safely despite some challenging weather at times, working together with Magda to find a perfect forest location for us to await the arrival of the aurora. Magda was efficient, effective and friendly, sharing information about our locality, scientific background about the aurora, and making sure we knew exactly what was happening along the way . Despite a miserable wet day together they chose a cloud free location and the lights appeared...it was magical! We saw several bursts of light growing and changing over an extended period. Magda took wonderful photos to share, and helped everyone to get the most out of cameras and phones to capture our own images. The camp fire with delicious soup, hot drinks and cookies were a very special part of the whole event. It couldn't have been a better experience, not a better team creating it for us. Huge thanks to Magda and Ilian, you made my bucket list eventually everything I imagined.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful and heartfelt review!
We’re absolutely happy to hear that you got to experience the Northern Lights in such a magical way and tick this special moment off your bucket list!
It’s fantastic to hear that our team worked so well together to find a clear-sky location despite the challenging weather. We’re glad you enjoyed Magda’s knowledge, friendly approach, and photography tips, as well as the beautiful photos she captured for you.
We’re also happy that the campfire, delicious soup, hot drinks, and cookies made the evening even more special. Seeing the Aurora dance across the sky over an extended period is truly unforgettable, and we’re so pleased that the experience was everything you had hoped for.
Thank you for choosing Wandering Owl and for sharing your experience. We hope the photos and memories of this incredible night stay with you for a lifetime!
My husband and I are visiting from the states. The main reason we came to the area is to see the northern lights. We were really worried when it was snowing that day that we wouldn’t be able to see them.
Our guide, Magda and our driver Lilian made sure we saw them. Had to drive out about 1 1/2 hours so that we had clear skies to view the northern lights. They made sure that along the way we stopped for toilets and to grab some snacks at a convenience store. It was like a cozy road trip with 20 of your friends.
Once they found a good site, they set up an fire and we were able to put on winter suits. Trust me, the winter suits were needed . We were nice and comfortable. We were then served a delicious soup for dinner. Magda then explained what to look for in the sky to take pictures of the northern lights. She also took professional pictures of all of us, which I cannot wait to see.
We ended up getting a beautiful light show. It did not feel rushed at all. We were allowed to take our time and take as many pictures as we liked. On the way back, Magda explained the science behind the northern lights. She also played us some local music from the Sammies.
Beautiful night and a magical tour. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am sure all of the guides are great, but we felt extremely lucky to have Magda as our guide. She truly cares and makes it interesting and fun. Thank you!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Helo,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful and detailed review!
We’re absolutely happy to hear that your trip to see the Northern Lights turned into such a magical experience, especially knowing how much this was the main reason for your visit to the Arctic.
Finding clear skies sometimes means travelling further, and we’re glad their dedication paid off with such a beautiful Aurora display. It’s lovely to hear that you enjoyed the cozy road-trip atmosphere, the bonfire, warm winter suits, delicious soup, and the time to enjoy the lights without feeling rushed.
We’re especially pleased that Magda made the evening so memorable with her photography tips, professional photos, explanations of the science behind the Aurora, and introduction to local Sámi music.
Thank you for recommending Wandering Owl and we hope the memories and photographs from this special night stay with you for years to come, and we’d love to welcome you back to Tromsø someday!
A successful outing. Our guide (gentleman from Australia-sorry, I don’t recall your name!) was awesome. He clearly explained what we are to expect and the science of the lights. His passion was infectious and excited everyone! Highly recommend!!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had a successful Aurora hunt and enjoyed learning about the science behind the Northern Lights. It’s fantastic to know that your guide’s passion and enthusiasm made the evening even more special and got everyone excited about this incredible natural phenomenon!
Thank you for recommending Wandering Owl! We hope to welcome you back to Tromsø for another unforgettable Arctic adventure!
A memorable experience. Our guide Jordan was cheerful and supportive every step of the way. Great views!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for your lovely review!
We’re so happy to hear that you had a memorable experience and enjoyed the beautiful views. Jordan will be delighted to know that his cheerful attitude and support made your adventure even more special.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Arctic experience!
The guide was very nice and was good at finding the Northern Lights for us. However, it's important to know you are typically walking in almost complete darkness on uneven ground so it may be a little challenging.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for your review!
We’re glad to hear that your guide was friendly and helped you experience the magic of the Northern Lights.
We appreciate you pointing out the walking conditions as well. Finding the aurora sometimes means venturing away from the roads, where the terrain can be uneven and visibility very limited. We understand this may be challenging for some guests, and your feedback helps others know what to expect.
Thank you for joining us on this Arctic adventure!
Michael and Coen definitely went above and beyond to find the Northern Lights. It was spectacular and worth all the driving. The meal is only soup so plan accordingly. The minibus is tight.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for your review!
We’re delighted to hear that Michael and Coen went above and beyond to find the Northern Lights and that the spectacular display made the long drive worthwhile.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope those incredible memories of the aurora stay with you for years to come!
There was a disconnect between Viator and local vendor Viator confirmed a pickup place the day before the tour but the vendor informed us of a different place 2 hours before pickup luckily Magda our marvelous tour guide picked us up at the Viator place. Definitely need waterproof shoes and I recommend you bring a flashlight to see where you are stepping in the dark. No toilet facilities available.
The portable seats are very small with no backs. Make sure you have supper before you leave.
All in all, I believe this tour is not for most people above 50 years old.
Our tour guide Magda and her driver Ilia made our tour special because of their attentiveness and enthusiasm and friendliness.
In spite of a few inconveniences, we were lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so happy Magda and Ilyan made your evening special and that you got to experience the magical Northern Lights!
We’re sorry about the pickup confusion, caused by a miscommunication between Viator and our local team. Our whole team worked together to make sure everything went smoothly.
Regarding toilets, we always remind guests that public facilities may not be accessible. Nature is always an option, and we encourage you to let your guide know your needs so we can do our best to help. We also provide a light meal and warm beverages during the tour.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope the Aurora left you with wonderful memories!
Great experience and while they can never guarantee the northern lights they worked tirelessly to find us a spot to see them. Truly a wonderful experience. Thank you!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience with us. As you mentioned, the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, but our guides always do their very best to find the best possible viewing conditions and make the most of each evening. We’re so glad you appreciated their dedication and got to enjoy this special Arctic experience!
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back to Tromsø for another unforgettable adventure!
The hunt for the Northern lights was fun. Bring your patience, you are subject to Mother Nature. Our guide Magda was awesome, she was very knowledgeable . We didn’t see the lights on our first stop but she found us another spot that we got to see a spectacular Northern Light show. Our driver was great too. He safely navigated through some very dark roads. Overall it was a great experience, I would book again with wandering owl.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your review!
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Aurora hunt and that Magda’s knowledge and determination helped you find a spot to witness such a spectacular Northern Lights display!
You’re absolutely right, chasing the Aurora requires patience, as we’re always at the mercy of Mother Nature. We’re glad our team could make the most of the conditions and that you felt safe and well taken care of throughout the journey. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Magda and the driver!
Thank you for choosing Wandering Owl and for recommending us. We’d love to welcome you back to Tromsø for another Arctic adventure!
If Mother Nature had sided with us we would have given the full 5/5 stars! Despite the clouds and not being lucky enough to see the best Aurora show, Bart, our guide, did his best with the chase and provided a great experience for us. Bart was honest the whole way though, no false promises, and laid out expectations from the beginning and explained what his plans were throughout the night. The group was small, only 8 people which made everything more personable and easy to manage, and allowed Bart the ability to travel to more places. The soup by the fire was yum, Barts explanation of the Aurora was great and everything was well organised. We were at the mercy of Mother Nature but hopefully better luck next time!
Definitely recommend the Wandering Owl tour to others.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and recommendation!
We’re glad to hear that, despite the cloudy conditions, you had a great experience with Bart and enjoyed the small group atmosphere, the soup by the campfire, and his explanations of the Aurora.
Thank you for choosing Wandering Owl, and we hope to welcome you back!
Our guide Coen and driver Michael were amazing we only were able to view faint lights but it was a great time. Twice we saw the faint colors. The kinetic energy the night we went was low but the skies were beautiful and full of stars. Our guides really worked hard to find colors. We had a great evening and met some very nice people on the tour. One of the people traveling with us left his phone and the driver Michael found it and delivered it to our hotel. He went above and beyond. Highly recommend. Coen was very knowledgeable in describing and answering everything about the area and the lights
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review!
We’re delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable evening with Coen and Michael, even though the Aurora activity was low.
It’s wonderful that you were able to catch those faint colours twice and enjoy the beautiful star-filled skies. Our guides always do their best to make the most of the conditions, so we’re glad their dedication and knowledge helped make the evening special.
Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again another day!
Good tour; chase success! A bit larger group than expected with a group of twelve but not that terrible.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback!
We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and that the Aurora chase was a success.
We understand that the group size was a little larger than you expected, and we appreciate your understanding. We’re happy that it didn’t take away from your overall experience.
Thank you for joining Wandering Owl, and we hope to welcome you back to Tromsø for another Arctic adventure!
Having to pay extra for photos is poor. The quality also average. When mentioned there is a electrical wire was advised it would be photo shopped out it was not. Can of tomato soup for the meal average and the miserly use of wood for the fire was cheap. Knowledge of the guide excellent.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Hello, and thank you for your feedback. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our guide’s knowledge and storytelling skills.
Regarding the photos, as advertised, the web-resolution photos are included and sent free of charge after the tour. The original-resolution photos, which are only used for large prints, are available at an additional cost. This is also a way for us to support our guides, as all photo sales go directly to them.
Our guides often have to adapt during the tour depending on the weather and other environmental conditions. They also need to make quick decisions about where to set up the campfire, depending on when and where the northern lights are expected to appear. Their priority is to find clear skies, and sometimes this means choosing a location with better chances of seeing the northern lights rather than the most scenic spot for taking photos. Most often they achieve both.
We provide a light warm meal during the tour, around the campfire, to both warm up while waiting for the northern lights, and also to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
Thank you again for taking the time to write your feedback!
Anna and Michael were excellent guides. They were very helpful. We saw the Northern Lights for an extended period of time.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your review!
We’re happy to hear that Anna and Michael made your Aurora Hunt such a great experience. It’s wonderful to know that they were helpful throughout the evening and that you were able to enjoy the Northern Lights for such an extended period of time!
Thank you for joining us, and we hope the memories of the Aurora stay with you for a long time!
Our guide was right on time, even weather seemed to be a huge problem (cloudy) he managed to find the right spot, clear space & amazing view.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re delighted to hear that your guide was punctual and, despite the cloudy weather, was able to find a clear spot with an amazing view.
Weather conditions can certainly make the experience challenging, so we’re especially happy that your guide’s local knowledge and flexibility helped you enjoy the scenery.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back to Tromsø for another adventure!
Wonderful experience with our tour guide, Jordan, who was positive, upbeat & engaging plus he took wonderful photos of our experience & we saw the Northern Lights on our 1st try in Tromso. Vitek, our driver, did a great job driving safely & maneuvering thru the mountains.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re pleased to hear that you had such a great experience with Jordan and Vitek. It’s fantastic that Jordan’s positive energy and engaging approach helped make the evening memorable, and we’re glad you enjoyed the photos he captured for you.
Seeing the Northern Lights on your very first attempt in Tromsø is certainly something special!
We’re also happy to hear that you felt safe and comfortable with Vitek behind the wheel, especially while navigating the mountain roads.
Thank you for choosing us for your Aurora adventure, and we hope the memories stay with you for years to come!
This was our first aurora hunt and we saw so many lights!!! Despite this, we were so cold during this trip that we were quite miserable. The staff were scattered and the meal was very light and not enough to sustain us after being out for so long. We loved having pictures taken for us and be able to get away from light pollution, but it took all our willpower to stand out in the cold without a way to warm up. Highly recommend going with snacks, water, warmers, and all the things to make yourself comfortable so you can enjoy since this is a longer tour with tons of outside time after dark.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello Ruth,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We are so happy to hear that your first aurora hunt was successful and that you got to see so many northern lights throughout the night thanks to our experienced and knowledgeable guides, who are also professional photographers.
As this is a true outdoor winter experience with extended periods spent outside, we always remind guests before the tour to dress properly for Arctic conditions and to bring anything extra that helps them stay comfortable, such as additional layers, woollen socks and hand warmers. Everyone handles the cold differently, and having the right clothing makes a big difference during a tour like this. This is also why we offer our thermal suits.
Our focus is on giving guests the best possible chances of seeing the aurora, which often means spending a lot of time outdoors when conditions are good. We're glad the tour delivered on that and that you were able to experience such an amazing northern lights display!
Thank you again for your feedback!
This was such a fantastic tour! Anna and Michael were both incredible guide/driver. We got picked up an hour later due to the times of the sun setting as it’s the end of the season which was great as it gave us a higher chance of seeing the lights. We weren’t hoping to have the best light show due to the end of the season but we saw them so strong. We had a fantastic spot where we had a bonfire and ate soup. Anna and Michael actually moved our spot when a huge coach turned up so we would have a much better experience and not be disrupted which was so great of them. After we had seen the lights for a while we had some hot drinks and biscuits and then the lights came back out again. Anna explained the science behind the northern lights which was great to understand and it meant we knew why we were seeing certain colours. If anyone wants a northern lights tour you must book this one!! Thankyou Anna and Michael
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with Anna and Michael. It’s great to know that the later departure time worked well for you and gave you the opportunity to enjoy such a beautiful display of the Northern Lights.
We’re especially happy that you enjoyed the campfire, soup, hot drinks, and biscuits, and that Anna’s explanation of the science behind the Aurora added something special to the experience. We’re also glad that the team was able to find you a quieter spot when the large coach arrived so you could enjoy the lights without being disturbed.
Thank you again and we hope to welcome you back to Tromsø again someday!
From pick up to drop off; the Wandering Owl team was amazing. The night was so well organised and our guide and driver were excellent. We made a couple of stops along the way to experience the beautiful Fiordland before making our final stop to set up camp. The thermal suits and boots were great and after our meal of soup, as we sat around the campfire, we were treated to an amazing Aurora display!!! As we were in our way home, Michael our driver stopped again when he noticed it had appeared again; it was even brighter and more beautiful then!! An amazing once in a lifetime experience for our family. Takk!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re delighted to hear that your experience with the Wandering Owl team was amazing from pick-up to drop-off.
It’s fantastic that you were able to enjoy the beautiful fjord landscapes along the way and then settle in for a cozy campfire experience with thermal gear, soup, and great company. Moments like those, combined with a stunning Aurora display, are exactly what we hope to create for our guests.
We’re especially glad that Michael spotted the Aurora again on the way back and made an extra stop so you could enjoy an even brighter show! what a special way to end the night!
Thank you again for your kind words and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Arctic adventure in the future!
We had a wonderful experience with Fabien and Vitek. As Vitek smoothly drove us toward Finland, Fabien kept us engaged by explaining the sights along the way. He was incredibly attentive—serving us soup, cookies, and beverages, and constantly keeping an eye out for aurora activity.
Although we didn’t see any auroras during the campfire, Fabien remained persistent. On the drive back, he asked us to stop twice, and on the final stop, we were finally rewarded with a beautiful KP4 aurora, with dancing white and pink hues.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
We’re happy to hear that you had such a great experience with Fabien and Vitek.
It’s great to know that the journey itself was engaging, with Fabien sharing insights along the way while Vitek ensured a smooth and comfortable drive. We’re also glad you enjoyed the cozy touches like the soup, cookies, and warm drinks.
Aurora hunting can require patience and persistence, so it’s especially rewarding to hear that Fabien’s determination paid off in the end. That final stop with a beautiful display must have been truly magical!
Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Arctic adventure in the future!
It was a very long night, and the weather in Tromso was........ very Norwegian, ha. The snow and wind were out in force that evening. Fabien and Ilyan picked us up, right on time. Just wanted to note that other companies at the meeting spot were giving folks the option to cancel. We were not.
We had a full van, and ended up driving 3 or so hours out of Tromso, and into Finland. Fabien and Ilyan were absolutely determined to try and deliver. They gave us updates, which was appreciated as the weather was getting worse with each passing hour. It did let up enough that we got some incredible views of the fjords during the drive.
As we approached the Finland border, even they were starting to question if the evening would be a wash. Suddenly, we started seeing a few stars in the sky - and true to their word - we pulled off to the side of the road. They started a fire and started distributing a hot and hearty vegetarian soup. The aurora put on a decent show that evening. Fabien sent us photos, a few days later, that showed what an experienced pro can do. I gladly paid the extra to get hi-res versions of the photos (400NOK to 1000+ NOK depending on how many different photos you want).
Also, I had to note that the driving conditions were absolutely terrible, in my eyes - but clearly, just another Tuesday for local drivers. Ilyan was absolutely ripping it down the road (and so was every other car), with snow careening at us, and the road totally packed with snow. And not once did I feel unsafe (which is VERY unusual for me). I felt full confidence in his driving skill, even when the roads started getting a wee slushy on the way home. A warning though - a full van can get quite uncomfortable, if you're not used to long drives. Seats were comfortable enough that my spine didn't protest, but I was also fortunate enough to be sitting by the aisle so I was able to stretch my legs out occasionally.
We got back to the hotel around 3:30AM, about 8+ hours from the start. Amusingly, there were quite a few open food carts in the downtown core, so if you're hungry after the ride, you have a few options.
Do I wish we got a better aurora showing? Of course. But did the Wandering Owl team absolutely deliver on their promises, and kept us all safe and warm? Absolutely.
If you don't enjoy cramped long drives, I would recommend keeping an eye on the weather report, and saving your trip for a better weather day. If you're looking for a comfortable posh evening - this is definitely not for you. If you have a spirit of adventure, and love the idea of spending a rustic night around a roaring fire, watching the sky? This could be for you. Take a chance and let the Wandering Owl team do their best to deliver what could be an enduring core memory.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review so thoroughly! "Very Norwegian" weather is putting it mildly by the sounds of it, and we really appreciate you sticking with us when other companies were offering the exit door.
Fabien and Ilyan will be thrilled to read this. Driving three hours into Finland through those conditions, keeping the group informed, getting the fire going and the soup served, and still delivering an aurora show is exactly what Wandering Owl is about. And we're glad Ilyan's driving inspired confidence rather than white knuckles, even on those snowy roads!
Your honest notes about the long drive and full van are genuinely appreciated too, it's exactly the kind of useful, balanced perspective that helps future guests know what they're signing up for.
Thank you for the spirit of adventure you brought along that night. We hope to see you back someday, hopefully on a slightly calmer evening!
Sophie and Michael were fantastic as our guide and driver. The location they picked was far from any light pollution on a beautiful fjord lake surrounded by mountains. The ride there was a trip in itself. A wonderful piping hot dinner sitting around a campfire surrounded by snow! Then the light show. I recommend wearing their suits and boots- I was warm the whole evening. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your review!
A fjord lake surrounded by mountains, far from any light pollution sounds like one of those settings that takes your breath away before the aurora even appears!
We're so glad Sophie and Michael made the whole evening special, from the journey there to the campfire dinner and the light show itself. And great tip about the thermal suits and boots, staying warm really does make all the difference when you're standing out under the stars!
We'll make sure they both see your kind words. Thank you for choosing Wandering Owl and we hope to see you back in the Arctic someday!
Everything was great. The crew were all very helpful and friendly. I recommend that you wear the boots that they provide, unless you have very well insulated boots. My feet got quite cold. The meal was hot soup and bread, which was tasty and filling. The winter overalls kept me nicely warm.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!
We’re delighted to hear you had a great experience and found the team helpful and friendly. We’re glad the winter overalls helped keep you comfortable. It’s also great to hear you enjoyed the soup and bread.
Thank you for joining us and we hope to welcome you back for another cozy Arctic adventure
Well organised tour. Our guide Anita was excellent. As the weather in Tromso was bad, she drove near to the Finland border and successfully tracked down the Aurora. She took many good photos for us!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Aneta made your Northern Lights tour such a success.
It’s great that her careful planning and willingness to travel further helped you find the Aurora, despite challenging weather. We’re also glad you appreciated the photos she took, they make for perfect memories of the night!
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for another magical Arctic adventure someday!
We had a real blast. Jordan and Cristobal were our guides for the night. We drove an our our of Tromsø, got our gear an set camp for the night. After about 45 minutes the sky cleared and we had nearly 6 hours straight of northern lights. Jordan told ours that we got very lucky and explained a lot to all of us. In the end we did not want to go back. It was a perfect trip. Thank you.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a blast with Jordan and Cristobal.
Six hours of Northern Lights is truly something special, you really did get lucky! It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the whole experience, from setting up camp to learning more about the aurora along the way. We love hearing that you didn’t want the night to end, that’s exactly the kind of magic we hope to create.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable Arctic adventure!
We went to a very secluded area with a beach. It was great. Sophie was very knowledgeable. We had homemade soup and cookies that was delicious. We witnessed quite a show of lights!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you so much for your review!
We’re glad that you enjoyed the secluded beach location, those quiet, remote spots really make the experience extra special. It’s wonderful to know that Sophie’s knowledge added to the evening and that you were able to enjoy a great display of the Northern Lights. We’re also very happy you liked the homemade soup and cookies!
Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope to welcome you back for another magical experience in the future!
Jordan was very organized, polite, respectful. We had a great time and saw amazing northern lights. He was able to spot them as we were driving. We did not finish until 1:30 am. We definitely hunted the Aurora lights
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hello,
Thank you for your wonderful review!
We’re glad to hear you had such a great Aurora hunting experience. Jordan will be happy to know you appreciated his organization and dedication. Sometimes the best lights appear late, so it’s great you stayed out long enough to enjoy such an amazing show.
Thanks for joining us and we hope to see you again!
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$215.55
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