Tromsø nights can flip from boring to magical fast. What makes this aurora chase feel worth it is the hands-on photography help (for your own phone or camera) and the team’s focus on getting you to the best chances of clear sky, not just parking and hoping.

I also like the practical rhythm of the outing: you meet up in the city, then you get out into darker Arctic areas, with warm beverages and snacks while you wait for the lights. The main drawback is that you can end up in a big group setting on some nights, so comfort and quiet are not guaranteed when the hunt gets popular.

Key things to know before you go

• Photo coaching included: Get help shooting auroras using your phone or your camera.
• Aurora-first driving: The plan can change fast to chase clearer sky patches.
• Warm drinks on the route: Coffee/tea (and sometimes hot chocolate) helps you stay patient.
• Variable timing: You might wait outside for hours, or the tour might end sooner if luck hits.
• Cold is part of the deal: Thermal overalls are not included, and temperatures can drop very low.
• It is not a guarantee: Northern lights are natural, so the outcome depends on the sky.

Why Tromsø’s aurora chase feels different than a bus trip

If you have only done daytime sightseeing in Norway, the aurora night can feel like a whole new sport. It is dark, the weather can swing quickly, and you are not just looking for a glow in the sky, you are chasing conditions. That is exactly why a guided hunt is useful. The guides are working a moving target: clouds, wind, and light pollution.

This kind of tour is built around two goals: staying warm enough to endure the waiting, and positioning you for the aurora when it actually shows up. In practice, the photo help matters more than most people expect. When auroras start faint, your best odds are not just seeing them, it is capturing them without killing your battery or losing your settings.

Meeting at Roald Amundsens plass, then heading out

Your night starts in Tromsø at Roald Amundsens plass 1B. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure, and you have to be checked in to board. That part may sound strict, but it is what keeps a large group from turning into a chaotic shuffle in the cold.

From there, the tour runs on a round trip plan from Tromsø. Expect the itinerary to be flexible. The experience can include one long stop if the sky clears where you are, or multiple drives if the sky stays stubborn. Either way, your first big takeaway should be simple: the tour is not about “Tromsø at night,” it is about getting you away from city lights.

How the aurora hunt works when clouds fight back

Here is the reality check: northern lights can show even when the sky looks ugly. That is why this operator often runs tours regardless of cloudy, rainy, or snowy conditions. The strategy is to keep looking for better sky breaks instead of giving up early.

When conditions are challenging, the tour may drive the whole time looking for a clear patch. That can stretch the experience beyond the average feeling of a quick outing. You might be sitting in the vehicle for several hours while the team scans the sky and watches weather shifts. It is not glamorous, but it is the core of how aurora chasing works.

One thing I really appreciate is that the tour prioritizes “best view” over “keep everyone moving for comfort.” You might be asked to wait outside for long periods, then return to the bus if you need a break. Your success depends on your patience as much as the route.

The photo coaching that actually changes your results

The biggest value here is the photography assistance using your personal phone/camera. Aurora nights can be rough on beginners because the lights are dim and the camera settings are the difference between a boring dark frame and a real sky story.

In reviews, people repeatedly mention guides and photographers who helped them with practical tips, like how to aim, how to handle motion blur, and how to adjust phone or camera settings for low light. Names that come up include Gerard and Andreas, plus photographer support credited to guides like Merco and Tom. On nights when the lights are strong, that coaching can take you from “I saw it” to “I can bring it home.”

A couple of real-world notes you should expect:

• You are likely to take lots of shots while waiting, since auroras can build and fade on their own schedule.
• The tour may be busy at the best spot. That is where photo advice becomes extra important, because you need positioning, not just enthusiasm.

Also, do not assume you automatically get your images after the tour. The tour does not include prints or digital copies of the team’s photos. That means your best souvenir is what you manage to capture yourself with the included help.

Stop in Tromsø, then off to darker Arctic areas

Tromsø is only the staging point. The real action starts once you leave the city lights behind. The tour is designed to take you off-the-beaten-track into the Arctic countryside, often toward coastal areas where the sky can be clearer and the horizon view is better.

Some nights include spots outside Tromsø that reviews specifically connect to good results, including SKibotn. You should treat that as an example, not a promise. The key is the operator’s behavior: they move or reposition based on the sky and aim for the best aurora viewing conditions available that night.

One drawback you should plan for: the tour can be like a “parking lot crowd” on good nights. Several people describe moments with lots of other buses at the same general area, plus strangers using flashlights in ways that interfere with dark adaptation and photo quality. That does not mean the tour fails. It just means you should go in expecting company at the best viewing zones during peak season.

Waiting outside is normal, and the bus rules matter

You will likely spend long stretches outside. Temperatures can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F), and even if the night is not that extreme, wind makes the cold feel sharper. Since thermal overalls are not included, plan to bring real cold-weather gear, not just a warm jacket.

The tour also has some bus etiquette rules that affect comfort. Eating inside the vehicle is not allowed. Toilet use is limited: you are not allowed to use the toilet while the vehicle is moving, and some vehicles may have no toilet onboard. There can be long drives without stops, though a toilet break is usually worked in when roads allow.

In reviews, people mention situations ranging from smooth, roomy rides to longer delays and stranded moments during bad weather and icy roads. The practical lesson: dress for standing outside, but also prepare for the inside being cold as temperatures change over the night.

Group size and the quiet you might not get

One of the most consistent “it depends” factors is group size. The tour can use vehicles with around 50 travelers per bus, and high season can mean heavy city crowds. Even when the guides work hard, you can end up in a large group scene at the best spot.

When the group is big, the aurora viewing area can feel chaotic. People mention flashlights left on, lots of noise, and difficulty finding a specific photographer in the dark. On the brighter side, some reviews also describe nights where the lights appear early and the team stays put, giving everyone time to settle, compose shots, and enjoy the show without constant repositioning.

If you are the type who wants a calm, near-private sky experience, this is the part to think about. If you are okay with noise and crowds if the aurora is good, you will likely be fine. If the idea of shoulder-to-shoulder waiting in the cold makes you grumpy, consider a smaller-group alternative.

Price and value: what $171 buys you in the real world

At about $171.07 per person for a 4 to 8 hour experience, you are paying for three things that matter at night: transportation, guided aurora chasing, and the photo coaching. The tour includes round trip transport from Tromsø and assistance with photography on your own phone or camera.

What is not included is equally important for budgeting:

• Thermal overalls
• Bottled water
• Prints or digital copies of the team’s photos
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

So the value is best if you bring your own cold-weather gear and you treat your camera or phone as your main souvenir tool. If you were hoping for a hands-off experience where the team provides your final images, you should temper expectations.

Also remember the discount structure for people who do not see the aurora on the first attempt: there is a 50% discount offered on a next aurora tour if you do not see the lights. That is only useful if you can return on another date and seats are available, but it can soften the risk of a cloudy night.

Safety and weather changes you should respect

Arctic weather is not a metaphor here. Conditions can be dangerous, and the operator reserves the right to cancel if weather is known to be dangerously bad. If they cancel for that reason, a full refund is issued.

Even on nights that run, roads can be icy and drive times unpredictable. Reviews include accounts of blizzards, long waits, and vehicles getting stuck on ice. You should assume there could be delays, and you should keep your expectations flexible.

The safest mindset is simple: dress warm, stay patient, and follow your guide’s instructions. If something feels off, it usually is, and the team’s job is getting everyone back home safely.

Who this northern lights chase is best for

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want help photographing auroras, not just sightseeing.
• You are willing to wait outside for long stretches and follow a flexible plan.
• You care more about maximizing your odds than guaranteeing a calm, small-group vibe.

It is less ideal if:

• You expect a quiet, minimalist night with plenty of personal space.
• You hate waiting and want lots of indoor comfort.
• You assume you will receive professional photos afterward.

Should you book NorthernShots Tours for your aurora night?

If you are in Tromsø for just a short window and you want the best chance to see auroras plus practical photo coaching, I think booking makes sense. The included transport and the focus on chasing clearer sky patches give you a real advantage over DIY guessing.

Just go in with the right expectations. This is a variable, cold-weather experience with possible crowds and long waits. If you dress properly and you treat your phone or camera like a tool you will use during the hunt, the value can feel strong. If you want a calm private experience or guaranteed lights, you may feel disappointed.

If you can, pick a night when you are not rushing to catch another transport right after. Give yourself buffer time, because the whole point of an aurora chase is that the sky sets the schedule.

FAQ

Is the northern lights guaranteed on this tour?

No. Northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.

How long does the tour last, and will you stay in one place?

The tour duration is variable and averages about 4 to 8 hours. On some nights, the tour may stay in one location all night, and on others it may travel to various spots to chase the best views of the lights.

Does the tour include photo results, like prints or digital copies?

Photo assistance is included using your personal phone or camera, but prints or digital copies of the photographs taken by the team are not included.

What cold-weather clothing should I bring?

Thermal overalls are not included. Temperatures can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F), so you should dress appropriately in warm layers and bring good cold-weather gear, especially for waiting outside.

Are there toilets during the tour?

The vehicles used may not have a toilet onboard. Toilet use is not allowed while the vehicle is moving, and the vehicle may drive for long periods without stopping for a toilet break.

What happens if the operator cancels due to dangerous weather?

If the operator cancels because weather conditions are known to be dangerous, you will receive a full refund.