Northern Lights Chase

If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky, Tromsø is one of the best places on Earth to try. This Northern Lights Chase with Arctic Guide Service promises to maximize your chances of witnessing this spectacular natural show, with knowledgeable guides, strategic stops, and helpful photography advice. While no tour can guarantee a sighting—since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon—this trip is designed to give you the best possible shot.

We love that this tour is dedicated exclusively to Aurora spotting, meaning they’re all about chasing the lights with a focus on the best locations based on weather and Aurora activity. The guides are praised for their warmth, expertise, and quick thinking, often relocating to far-flung spots for clearer skies. Plus, the included hot drinks and snacks help keep you warm during those long, chilly hours waiting for the lights to appear.

One thing to consider is that, due to the unpredictable nature of weather and the Aurora, seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed. The tour operates in the realm of natural variability—sometimes the clouds obscure the sky, or solar activity dims unexpectedly. But if you’re someone who appreciates a well-organized, comfortable chase and doesn’t mind the uncertainty, this tour suits travelers eager for an adventure with knowledgeable guides.

This experience is ideal for photography enthusiasts, solo travelers, families, and couples who want to combine comfort with the thrill of Aurora hunting. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour tick, what you can expect along the way, and how it stacks up in terms of value.

Key Points

• Focused Aurora chasing increases your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.
• Expert guides provide valuable tips for capturing photos and understanding the phenomenon.
• Strategic stops to remote locations with clearer skies improve viewing odds.
• Comfortable transportation and included snacks keep you warm and relaxed.
• Weather dependency means sightings are not guaranteed, but effort is high.
• Group size varies but can be smaller on quieter nights, affecting the experience.

An Overview of the Tour

The Northern Lights Chase runs for approximately 6 to 7 hours, making it a substantial evening outing. The tour is run by Arctic Guide Service, a well-regarded company with a reputation for friendly and knowledgeable guides like Elisabet, Alberto, and others who have earned rave reviews for their patience and expertise.

Pricing is around $131.62 per person, which might seem steep at first glance, but considering the inclusion of snacks, hot drinks, professional photos, and transportation, many find it offers good value—especially given the high success rate reported by previous travelers. The tour departs from Tromsø, with options for small or large buses depending on group size, sometimes even venturing into Finland for better sky conditions.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point and Meeting

The experience begins at the Arctic Guide Service offices at Storgata 77, where you’ll check in, get your reflective vests (a safety plus), and receive any necessary gear like thermal suits or tripods for rent. The meeting process is straightforward and convenient for travelers near public transportation.

The Drive and Location Selection

Once onboard, the guides do their magic—driving away from Tromsø’s light pollution into the colder, darker wilderness. Their main goal? To find locations with the highest probability of clear skies and Aurora activity. Several reviews highlight how the guides coordinate well and are proactive in changing locations if the weather isn’t cooperating. Some groups have even been taken into Finland to escape cloudy conditions, which often pays off.

Stops and Viewing

The stops tend to be at various scenic spots, often with enough space for everyone to stand comfortably, take photos, and marvel at the sky. Reviewers mention that the guides are particularly attentive to setting up cameras and teaching guests how to optimize their shots, which is a huge plus for those wanting to capture memories. Guides like Elisabet and Alberto are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, especially with camera settings.

The Aurora Experience

Of course, the highlight is the Aurora itself. Though many reviewers have been lucky—“we saw the lights on full display,” one says—others acknowledge that Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity. A reviewer noted that the guides “worked tirelessly to find clear skies,” and another recounted how they “got very lucky” with multiple sightings.

Food and Warmth

Throughout the night, you’ll be offered hot chocolate, coffee, or tea, along with snacks that help keep your spirits high and warmth preserved. The reviews frequently mention how these small touches contribute to the overall enjoyment, especially in the dead cold of Arctic night.

Photography Tips

A recurring theme is how much the guides help with camera setup. From explaining ISO settings to the importance of tripods (which are available to rent), guides actively assist guests in capturing the Aurora’s fleeting beauty. Several reviews mention that photos were shared after the tour, sometimes uploaded to third-party sites, allowing travelers to relive their experience.

Ending the Night

The tour typically wraps up after the Aurora chase, with many guests feeling they’ve had a “magical” experience despite the unpredictability of the lights. Some travelers mention that the group size can be smaller if fewer guests are booked, creating a more intimate experience.

Transportation: Comfort & Practicality

Transport is in either a big bus or a minibus, depending on the group size. The buses are generally described as clean, warm, and comfortable, with reflective vests for safety. For those concerned about the cold, thermal suits are available for rent, which many reviewers recommend, especially on colder nights.

Travelers appreciated the convenience of pickup and drop-off, and some noted that because of the location, the tour is accessible even for those using public transit.

Pricing & Value

At approximately $131.62 per person, this tour offers a good bundle of value in the context of Tromsø’s Aurora experiences. When you factor in the included hot drinks, snacks, professional photos, and expert guidance, it’s a reasonably priced way to maximize your chances of a sighting.

While some reviews mention the high cost, most agree that the personalized attention, strategic locations, and effort put into finding clear skies justify the expense. The guides’ dedication, often going beyond standard routes, is appreciated, making each dollar spent feel well-invested.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Reviewers’ experiences echo many of the tour’s strengths:

• Guides like Elisabet, Alberto, and Eli are repeatedly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and proactive approach.
• Success stories include seeing multiple displays of the Aurora, sometimes at different stops, which enhances the overall experience.
• Guests often mention helpful tips for photography, making the memories more than just fleeting glimpses.
• The inclusion of warm drinks and snacks is a seemingly small but highly valued touch.
• A few reviews highlight the uncertainty inherent to Aurora viewing, but most feel the guides do their best to find clear skies, even venturing into neighboring countries.

In terms of downsides, some guests express disappointment when the Aurora doesn’t show—a reminder that this is nature, not a guaranteed performance. Also, the tour’s success is partly dependent on weather conditions, which are beyond anyone’s control.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers eager for a genuine Arctic experience. It’s perfect if you value expert guidance, strategic locations, and photo assistance, especially if capturing the Aurora is a priority. Families with children over 3, couples, and solo travelers will all find this a rewarding way to spend an evening in Tromsø.

However, those who require more guaranteed sightings might want to consider their options, understanding that Aurora is unpredictable by nature. Also, travelers with mobility issues should note that the tour is not recommended for those with reduced mobility.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive snacks, hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), photos taken during the tour, reflective vests, transportation (big bus or minibus), and an English-speaking guide.

How long does the tour last?
The Chase lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, giving plenty of time to find and enjoy the Northern Lights.

Can I rent camera equipment?
Yes, tripods and thermal suits are available to rent at the tour offices if you don’t have your own gear.

What if the weather is poor?
The guides do their best to find clear skies, but since Aurora depends on weather and solar activity, sightings cannot be guaranteed. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
The activity is not recommended for children under 3 years old and may be challenging for those with reduced mobility.

How do I know if I’ll see the Northern Lights?
While the guides aim to maximize your chances, Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Many guests have seen the lights, but it’s not guaranteed.

The Northern Lights Chase from Tromsø is an excellent choice for those who want to combine comfort, expert guidance, and a focused effort to see the Aurora Borealis. The tour’s strategic stops, knowledgeable guides, and photo tips add real value, turning a potentially cold, uncertain night into a memorable Arctic adventure.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate well-organized outings, enjoy photography, and are prepared for natural unpredictability. With a mix of safety, local expertise, and effort, this tour often results in stories they’ll tell for years—whether or not the Aurora makes a guest appearance.

If you’re after an authentic, well-supported Northern Lights experience in Tromsø, this chase checks many boxes—and the memories will be worth the investment.