From Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase with Photos & Snacks

A Close-Up Look at the Tromsø Northern Lights Chase with Photos & Snacks

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Norway, this 7-hour guided tour from Tromsø deserves your attention. For around $185, you get a chance to chase the Aurora Borealis across the Arctic landscape, snap stunning photos, and warm up around a crackling bonfire. The tour is run by FLEXITOUR AS, and it’s attracting high praise for its professionalism, friendly guides, and efforts to maximize your chances—even in unpredictable winter weather.

Two things I particularly like about this experience are the thoughtful combination of expert guidance and genuine hospitality—from sharing hot drinks and snacks to offering professional photography—and the drive to find the best viewing spots, sometimes even crossing into Finland. It’s clear that this tour isn’t just about ticking off a bucket list item; it’s about making sure you experience the Northern Lights in a way that feels personal and memorable.

A potential consideration is that, being a natural phenomenon, the Aurora’s appearance can’t be guaranteed. While success rates are high (over 93%), weather conditions and solar activity still play a role. And, since the trip involves up to 250 km of driving, you’ll want to be comfortable with long, chilly nights and variable road conditions.

Key points / Takeaways

• Expert guides like Daniel go the extra mile to find the best viewing locations, even crossing into Finland if needed.
• Comfortable transportation and thermal suits help make the long night enjoyable despite Arctic cold.
• Photo opportunities are a highlight, with professional cameras, timelapse videos, and portraits included.
• The tour includes hot drinks, muffins, and snacks, creating a cozy atmosphere around the campfire.
• Flexible cancellation and payment policies offer peace of mind if weather conditions aren’t favorable.
• A small group size ensures an intimate experience and personalized attention from guides.

Starting Point and Ease of Booking

The tour kicks off at the Magic Ice Bar in Tromsø, a conveniently located spot just a short walk from the city’s main hotels like the Radisson Blu and Clarion. Meeting your guide there, you’ll spot a red ‘Flexitour’ sign and hop into a warmly heated minibus. The booking process is flexible—reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance—perfect for unpredictable winter weather.

Transportation: Comfort and Safety on Arctic Roads

You’ll travel in a newer, cozy minibus designed for Arctic conditions. The seats are comfortable, even for taller travelers, and the vehicle is equipped with heat and USB charging ports. The drive can be up to 250 km, taking you out of Tromsø into the surrounding fjords and mountains, with stops along the way when the guide spots potential Northern Lights spots or weather changes. Many reviews praise the driver and guide, like Daniel, for their professionalism and care, which makes the long journey feel less tiring.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins with a brief overview at the Magic Ice Bar, where your guide explains the night’s potential and safety tips. From there, it’s a scenic drive into the wilderness. Expect to spend about 75 minutes on the road before arriving at your prime viewing spot, often surrounded by fjords and mountains—ideal for catching the Aurora in all its glory.

Once settled, you’ll don the provided thermal suits—an essential for staying warm during long waits—and gather around the campfire. Here, you’ll enjoy hot fruit tea, hot chocolate, muffins, and fresh fruit, all designed to keep your spirits high and body warm. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with the guide making sure everyone is comfortable.

The highlight? When the Northern Lights appear, your guide will be busy capturing the moment with professional cameras, providing high-resolution portraits with the Aurora in the background. The photos are delivered to you the next day—an excellent souvenir of the experience.

If the Aurora is shy or weather conditions change, your guide will keep searching, sometimes even crossing into Finland to escape cloud cover. As one reviewer put it, Daniel, the guide, “drove us all the way to Finland to escape the bad weather,” demonstrating dedication to giving you the best chance to see the Lights. Even if your luck isn’t perfect, the journey and the effort put in are valuable in themselves.

The Scenic Locations: Fjords, Mountains, and Beyond

The selected viewing sites are carefully chosen for their clarity and minimal light pollution. Many travelers mention the stunning natural backdrop—fjords, mountains, and open sky—that makes the Aurora look even more spectacular. The night sky in this part of Norway can be incredibly vivid, especially when the weather cooperates.

The tour also offers insight into the cultural significance of the Aurora in Northern Norway, sharing stories and folklore, which adds depth beyond just snapping photos.

Food and Warmth: Comfort in the Arctic

What sets this tour apart is the attention to comfort. Not only do they provide thermal suits, but the campfire adds a warm, welcoming element—something many reviewers mention as a highlight. Hot drinks like fruit tea and hot chocolate are available throughout the night, and muffins or fruit are offered for snacks. Several reviews describe the cozy atmosphere created by the fire and the snacks, making the long wait more pleasant.

Photography: Capture the Magic

A standout feature is the professional photography. The guide offers two high-resolution portraits of each guest, taken with full-frame cameras, and takes care of timelapse videos and other shots. Guests consistently praise the quality and speed of the photos, often receiving them within 24 hours. This makes the tour not just a visual memory but a practical way to get stunning photos without fussing with your own gear.

Many reviews emphasize how skilled guides like Daniel manage to take beautiful pictures — even in demanding conditions — and how they share these images quickly. If photography is your thing, this added feature is a huge bonus.

The Reality of Aurora Hunting: Success, Weather, and Flexibility

The high success rate (over 93%) is impressive, but it’s important to remember that the Aurora is unpredictable. The guide’s willingness to drive long distances or into neighboring countries exemplifies their commitment. Several reviewers appreciated how Daniel was honest about the chances of seeing the Lights, offering full refunds if the weather made it impossible.

The tour runs for 6 to 8 hours, often into the early morning, making it a long night. Eating beforehand is advised, as there may not be time for dinner during the trip. The long duration, combined with the drive into remote areas, is suitable for travelers who enjoy adventure and don’t mind cold nights.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience suits those with a sense of adventure, patience, and an appreciation for small-group, personalized tours. Photographers and those looking to capture stunning images will find the professional photo service invaluable. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, the cozy campfire and intimate atmosphere make it even more special.

However, it’s not ideal for travelers with limited mobility or those who dislike very cold conditions, as Arctic temperatures and long waits are part of the package. Also, if the weather turns particularly bad, flexibility for cancellations and rescheduling is a safeguard.

Price and Overall Value

At $185 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price. You’re getting transportation, thermal suits, hot drinks, snacks, campfire ambiance, and professional photos—all of which elevate the experience beyond a basic Aurora chase. Considering the remote locations you visit and the expertise of guides like Daniel, most travelers find it to be good value.

The high praise from reviews highlights the professionalism, friendliness, and dedication of the guides, making the long night feel well worth the effort. Plus, the option to cancel if weather is unfavorable offers peace of mind.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This?

This Northern Lights chase is best suited for travelers who value comfort, professionalism, and a personal touch. If you want a well-organized, friendly experience with high chances of seeing the Aurora, guided by knowledgeable locals who care, this tour is worth considering. It’s great for photography enthusiasts, couples, and anyone eager to make the most of a long Arctic night.

If you’re more sensitive to cold or prefer shorter, less involved excursions, consider whether a longer drive and late hours suit your style. But for those with a sense of adventure who want to chase the Lights in style, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides round-trip transportation in a comfortable minibus, thermal one-piece suits, hot drinks like fruit tea and hot chocolate, snacks including muffins and fruit, a campfire, and two high-resolution portraits of each guest.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø, located just 50 meters from Prostneset harbour and close to major hotels like the Radisson Blu and Clarion.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts between 6 to 8 hours, starting in the evening, with the goal of maximizing your chances of seeing the Aurora.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, warm clothing (layers, jacket, hat, gloves), thermal wear, warm shoes, and possibly snacks or food if preferred. The thermal suits are provided but dressing warmly is essential.

Is the northern lights guaranteed?
No, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed. However, the guides have a success rate of over 93% based on recent years, and they will do their best to find clear skies, even crossing into Finland if needed.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour is flexible, and if conditions prevent Aurora viewing, the guide will inform you and offer alternatives or cancellations.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6 years old, mainly because of the long duration and cold conditions. Always request a child seat if traveling with children under 135cm.

This Tromsø Northern Lights tour offers a blend of adventure, comfort, and professional assistance—making it an excellent choice for those eager for a memorable Arctic night under the Aurora.