Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Free Photos

Tromso’s Northern Lights Big Bus Chase with Free Photos offers an exciting, flexible way to see one of the world’s most breathtaking natural phenomena. For about $172, you get a full-day adventure that lasts anywhere from 7 to 10 hours, guided by knowledgeable professionals eager to help you catch the aurora borealis. With a top-rated 5.0/5 rating from over 140 reviews, this tour is highly recommended—94% of travelers would do it again or suggest it to friends. It departs from Tromso at 5:30 pm, and the experience is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the elusive Northern Lights, even if the weather is less than perfect.

What really sets this tour apart is the mobility of the bus, which increases the odds of aurora sightings by allowing guides to chase clear skies rather than waiting in one spot. The comfort and convenience of a heated vehicle, free WiFi, and restroom onboard mean you’re kept cozy and connected during the long Arctic night. Among the many highlights, you’ll not only get personal photos of the lights but also complimentary professional shots—an appreciated touch for most travelers. The guides are praised for their friendly attitude and deep local knowledge, with memorable mentions of guides like Iris, Georgi, and Tomas, who go the extra mile to make this a special experience.

However, it’s worth noting that because the Northern Lights can be unpredictable, even a well-organized tour can’t guarantee a sighting—especially if skies stay clouded or snowy. Some reviews mention long nights and being driven across borders to find clearer skies, which might not appeal to every traveler. Still, most believe that the effort, good guiding, and the chance to experience the Arctic wilderness make this tour a worthwhile investment.

Key Points

• Flexible, mobile approach enhances chances of seeing the Northern Lights by avoiding fixed spots.
• Expert guides like Georgi, Iris, and Tomas are consistently praised for their enthusiasm, local insight, and dedication.
• Included extras such as free photos, warm drinks, snacks, and WiFi add value and comfort.
• Long hours mean this is best for travelers prepared for a late night and cold weather.
• Weather-dependent—if skies stay cloudy or snowing, sightings could be limited, but guides will try their best.
• High-rated experience with lots of authentic praise for the friendly, helpful crew and stunning light shows.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

When considering a Northern Lights tour out of Tromso, the Northern Lights Big Bus Chase by Arctic Explorers stands out for its mix of practicality, adventure, and the chance of a true Arctic spectacle. The journey begins at the meeting point, Fiskekompaniet in Tromso, at 5:30 pm, where a friendly, knowledgeable guide will greet you. The tour lasts generally between 7 and 10 hours, depending on the conditions, which is a plus if you’re willing to spend a few hours in the cold to catch this rare display.

One of the most appealing features is the ability to move around. Unlike static viewing points, this tour’s mobile bus can be directed towards regions with a better weather forecast. Several reviews, including one praising a guide named Iris, mention how guides will actively seek out clear skies, even driving hundreds of kilometers to improve your chances. One reviewer noted that the guides showed “enthusiasm and dedication,” highlighting how much they care about providing a good experience. The Guides like Georgi and Tomas are renowned for their enthusiastic attitude and willingness to go the extra mile, including driving to Finland when more promising skies appear there.

Throughout the night, you’ll be kept warm and connected thanks to the onboard heated bus, WiFi, restroom, and complimentary hot drinks and snacks. These small touches make a long Arctic night much more bearable—something appreciated by families and travelers who dislike cold waiting. Plus, the tour includes free photos sent to you afterward, meaning you’ll leave with high-quality images of the Northern Lights—a huge bonus for photo buffs. Some reviews point out that despite emailing for images, they haven’t always received them, so keep that in mind.

The itinerary is straightforward: after departure, your guides will search for the best viewing location, adjusting based on weather reports and real-time conditions. One reviewer said they appreciated how guides would stop the bus to watch and photograph the lights, sometimes encouraging everyone to gather around a fire with marshmallows. If the weather cooperates, you could witness an unforgettable display—ribbons of green, dancing across the sky, as several travelers describe in their reviews.

The biggest caveat is unpredictability. As one reviewer noted, the lights appeared within an hour and a half of travel, delivering an experience “like a dream come true.” Conversely, if poor weather persists, sightings can be scarce, and some nights may be spent driving around without much visual payoff. Still, most travelers agree that the guides’ dedication and flexibility make the risk worthwhile.

Pricing at $172 is reasonable considering the length of the trip, multiple stops, and added perks like free photos and WiFi. When you factor in the value, especially the expert guiding and flexibility in pursuit of the Aurora**, it compares favorably with other tours that are often less personalized or less mobile. This tour is particularly suitable for adventure-loving travelers, photographers, and anyone who values local expertise and comfort during an Arctic night.

The Tour Breakdown

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at 5:30 pm from Fiskekompaniet in Tromso. Expect to spend about 7 to 10 hours in total, depending on the conditions and how far the guides need to travel to find clear skies. The long hours mean you’ll need to be prepared for a late night, but most reviews suggest it’s all part of the adventure.

Transportation and Comfort

The heated bus ensures you stay warm, with amenities such as WiFi and a restroom onboard. The small group size—up to 48 travelers—helps keep the experience intimate enough to foster camaraderie, but large enough to be economical. Many reviews mention the friendly guides and their willingness to answer questions and keep spirits high, even during the long wait.

The Search for Aurora

The core of the tour is aurora hunting. The guides use weather forecasts and their local knowledge to target locations with the best likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. Some reviews mention that guides are responsive to weather conditions and will adapt plans accordingly. You might see the lights early or need to wait, but the guides’ enthusiasm and patience shine through.

Unique Touches

Some reviews describe the experience as “magical,” especially when a guide like Iris encourages patience and shares stories about Norse mythology and local culture. The fire pits, marshmallows, and stories add a cozy, authentic touch to the experience.

What You Should Bring

Though most of the essentials are provided, most travelers appreciate warm clothes—layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear—as the Arctic night can be deeply cold. The tour doesn’t include tripods, so photography might be limited if you don’t bring your own, but the guides’ professional photos and free personal shots make up for it.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour works well for adventurous travelers who are comfortable staying out late and willing to brave cold temperatures. It’s ideal for those who appreciate local expertise and flexibility, as guides actively chase clear skies. Families with older children, groups of friends, and solo travelers who love the idea of a proactive, guided chase will find this experience rewarding. Photographers and those eager to capture the Northern Lights will also benefit from the free photos and the guides’ advice.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Big Bus Chase by Arctic Explorers offers a well-organized, friendly, and flexible approach to experiencing the aurora borealis. The dedicated guides and mobile routing give it a significant edge over static viewing options, while the included comforts—hot drinks, WiFi, and photos—make the long night much more enjoyable. Although it’s weather-dependent, most travelers come away with unforgettable memories and a true sense of what the Arctic wilderness has to offer.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply a curious traveler eager for one of nature’s most spectacular shows, this tour is a smart choice. Just remember: patience, warm clothing, and a willingness to stay up late are keys to making the most of this Arctic adventure.

FAQ

What is the starting point for the tour? The tour starts at Fiskekompaniet, Killengreens gate, Tromso, Norway, at 5:30 pm.

How long does the tour last? It generally lasts between 7 and 10 hours, depending on weather conditions and how far guides need to travel to find clear skies.

Are meals included? No, dinner isn’t included, but warm drinks and snacks are provided during the night onboard the bus.

Do I need to bring warm clothes? Yes, it’s recommended to bring your own warm, layered clothing, as the Arctic night can be quite cold. The bus is heated, but you’ll likely want extra layers outside the vehicle.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights on this tour? While the guides will do their best to find clear skies and sightings, there’s no guarantee. Weather and cloud cover are unpredictable, but most reviews speak highly of the guides’ efforts.

What photos are included? You’ll receive your own photos of the lights, plus professional images sent free of charge afterward—great for sharing or keepsakes.

In all, this tour offers a smart mix of adventure, comfort, and professionalism—perfect for your Arctic trip to Tromso. Patience, good gear, and a bit of luck, and you might just witness one of the most stunning natural displays you’ll ever see.