Quick answer
For an unforgettable and comprehensive aurora experience combining a silent electric catamaran and a bus chase, Brim Explorer offers a fantastic balance of comfort and adventure.
- Best overall
- Brim Explorer Aurora & Fjord Cruise
- Best budget
- The Greenlander Small Group Northern Lights Chase
- Best experience
- Arctic Explorers Northern Lights Chase by Minibus
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of Tromsø's best aurora borealis tours was meticulously compiled by researching local operators, cross-referencing traveler reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google, and considering factors such as tour type (snowmobile, boat, bus), group size, inclusions (meals, photography assistance, thermal suits), and overall value. We prioritized operators with strong reputations for customer satisfaction and successful aurora sightings.
Brim Explorer Aurora & Fjord Cruise
Experience the Northern Lights from the comfort of a modern, silent electric catamaran. Brim Explorer offers a unique, eco-friendly way to chase the aurora, often pairing a fjord cruise with a dedicated aurora hunt. Their spacious deck and panoramic windows provide excellent viewing opportunities, and the onboard cafe offers warm drinks and snacks.
🍽️ What to order
Pre-book a hot meal or soup from their onboard menu to enjoy while cruising.
💡 Insider tip
Dress in warm layers even though the boat is heated, as you'll want to spend time on the open deck for the best views and photography.
"Brim Explorer was fantastic! The quiet boat made it feel so much more peaceful, and the guides were great about finding dark spots. Even if the aurora isn't out, the fjord scenery at night is breathtaking. Highly recommend!"— r/travel user
Arctic Explorers Northern Lights Chase by Minibus
Known for their dedication to finding the aurora, Arctic Explorers offers small group tours by comfortable minibus. Their experienced guides are also skilled photographers, providing assistance and even taking professional photos for guests. They're willing to drive long distances to chase clear skies, maximizing your chances of a sighting.
🍽️ What to order
Make sure your camera battery is fully charged, and bring extra if you have one – the guides are excellent at helping with settings.
💡 Insider tip
Listen closely to the photography tips from the guides; they can significantly improve your aurora photos.
"Arctic Explorers delivered! Our guide, Christian, was a legend – drove for hours to find a clear spot and got some incredible shots of us with the aurora. Best money spent in Tromsø for sure."— r/Norway user
Pukka Travel Northern Lights Cruise
Pukka Travel offers a comfortable and scenic Northern Lights cruise aboard their modern catamarans. The tour includes a delicious hot meal, often a traditional Norwegian fish soup, and access to an expert guide who shares insights about the aurora and the Arctic environment. Their boats provide a stable platform for viewing and photography.
🍽️ What to order
Enjoy the complimentary hot meal; it’s a warming and authentic touch on a cold Arctic night.
💡 Insider tip
Pukka's boats are often well-lit internally, so consider stepping outside or finding a darker spot on deck for the clearest views and photos.
"Did the Pukka Travel cruise and it was so relaxing. We saw a faint aurora, but the fjord views were stunning and the fish soup was perfect for a chilly night. Good value for money."— r/travel user
Lyngsfjord Adventure Snowmobile Safari & Northern Lights
Combine the thrill of a snowmobile safari with the hunt for the Northern Lights in the stunning Lyngsfjord region. After a scenic bus transfer from Tromsø, you'll gear up in thermal suits and drive your own snowmobile (two per sled) through the Arctic wilderness. The tour often includes a traditional dinner in a lavvu (Sami tent) before or after the aurora chase.
🍽️ What to order
Be sure to try the local specialties served for dinner, often including reindeer stew or fish.
💡 Insider tip
Driving a snowmobile requires a valid driving license. Remember to bring it with you, or you’ll be a passenger.
"Lyngsfjord Adventure was insane! Snowmobiling under the stars was an experience in itself, and then the aurora started dancing. Cold, but worth every single penny. My arms were sore from driving but my heart was full!"— r/Tromso user
The Greenlander Small Group Northern Lights Chase
The Greenlander offers a more intimate and budget-friendly aurora hunting experience. Operating with small groups, they use comfortable minibuses to escape city lights and find clear skies. Guides often provide basic photography assistance and share hot drinks and biscuits, making for a cozy and personal adventure.
🍽️ What to order
Bring your own camera and tripod if you have them, as the guides are happy to offer advice.
💡 Insider tip
This tour focuses on the chase, so be prepared for potentially long drives, but know that the guides are dedicated to finding the lights.
"Did The Greenlander tour last week and we had an amazing night. Our guide was super passionate, and even though we drove far, we got some incredible views. Great for the price point too."— r/travel user
Tromsø Safari Aurora Hunt by Bus
Tromsø Safari is one of the largest and most experienced tour operators in the region, offering robust Northern Lights bus tours. They use large, comfortable coaches to cover significant distances in search of clear skies, often crossing borders into Finland if necessary. Thermal suits and hot drinks are provided, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather.
🍽️ What to order
Take advantage of the provided thermal suits – even if you think you're warm enough, the Arctic night can be unforgiving.
💡 Insider tip
As it's a larger group, finding a prime photo spot can be competitive; try to position yourself strategically when you arrive at the viewing location.
"Tromsø Safari was a good, solid option. We went all the way to Finland! Saw some decent aurora, and the bus was warm. Standard tour, but they get the job done."— r/Tromso user
GuideGunnar Northern Lights Chase
GuideGunnar is renowned for its highly skilled guides, many of whom are professional photographers. They offer premium small-group tours focused on maximizing your chances of seeing and photographing the aurora. Expect in-depth photography instruction, quality gear provided (tripods, headlamps), and a commitment to chasing clear skies, no matter the distance.
🍽️ What to order
If you're serious about photography, this is the tour to take. Bring your own camera and a willingness to learn.
💡 Insider tip
Book well in advance, as GuideGunnar's tours are very popular and often sell out due to their excellent reputation.
"If you want amazing aurora photos, go with GuideGunnar. My guide was incredibly knowledgeable, helped me set up my camera perfectly, and we got some truly epic shots. Worth every krona!"— r/travelphotography user
Northern Lights Tromsø Minibus Chase
This operator focuses on providing comfortable, small-group Northern Lights chases in a minibus. They aim for a more personal experience, with guides sharing local stories and knowledge while actively seeking out the best viewing spots. Thermal suits, tripods, and hot drinks with snacks are standard inclusions.
🍽️ What to order
Enjoy the hot chocolate and cookies provided; they're a small but welcome comfort in the cold Arctic night.
💡 Insider tip
Communicate any specific photography goals you have with your guide; they're usually happy to help where they can.
"Northern Lights Tromsø was really good for a more intimate feel. Our guide was super friendly and we had a good group dynamic. Saw some decent lights and felt well looked after."— r/travel user
Wandering Owl Northern Lights Minibus Tour
Wandering Owl offers sustainable and ethical Northern Lights tours with a focus on education and storytelling. Their small minibus tours are led by passionate guides who share insights into Arctic nature, Sami culture, and aurora science. They prioritize finding dark skies and providing a respectful experience, often including hot drinks and traditional snacks.
🍽️ What to order
Engage with your guide and ask questions; their knowledge of the aurora and local culture is a highlight.
💡 Insider tip
They often provide warm ponchos or blankets in addition to thermal suits, which are great for extra coziness while waiting for the lights.
"Loved the Wandering Owl tour. Our guide was such a great storyteller, made the waiting for the aurora so much more enjoyable. It felt really authentic and less 'touristy' than some others."— r/Tromso user
Hurtigruten Northern Lights Snowmobile Trip
Hurtigruten, famous for its coastal voyages, also offers thrilling land excursions like a Northern Lights snowmobile trip from their wilderness centre at Camp Tamok. This tour provides a high-adrenaline way to chase the aurora through stunning snowy landscapes. It includes transfers, thermal gear, and typically a hot meal in a rustic camp setting.
🍽️ What to order
The Camp Tamok center often has a cozy fire burning; take a moment to warm up before heading out.
💡 Insider tip
The snowmobile tour is a significant part of the experience, even if the aurora isn't spectacular, so be prepared for an active adventure.
"Did the Hurtigruten snowmobile trip from Tamok and it was a blast. The snowmobiling itself was exhilarating! We got a decent aurora show too, but honestly, the whole experience was amazing."— r/travel user
Vulkana Arctic Sea Journey & Northern Lights
Vulkana offers an unparalleled luxury experience aboard a converted fishing boat, complete with a sauna, hot tub, and an onboard chef. While not a dedicated aurora 'chase,' it provides a unique and indulgent setting to observe the Northern Lights from the sea, combining relaxation with Arctic beauty. A gourmet meal is often included.
🍽️ What to order
Enjoy the onboard sauna and hot tub; it’s an incredible way to experience the Arctic under the stars.
💡 Insider tip
This tour is more about the luxurious experience of being on Vulkana than a guaranteed aurora hunt. Manage expectations for aurora visibility accordingly, but enjoy the unique setting.
"Vulkana was an absolute dream. We saw a faint aurora from the hot tub, which was surreal! Even without the lights, the food and the vibe on the boat were out of this world. Pricey, but unforgettable."— r/Norway user
Polar Adventures Aurora Hunt by Minibus
Polar Adventures specializes in small-group Northern Lights tours by minibus, ensuring a personal and flexible experience. Their guides are skilled at navigating the Arctic terrain to find optimal viewing conditions and provide assistance with camera settings for capturing the aurora. They offer a warm, friendly atmosphere with hot drinks and snacks.
🍽️ What to order
Bring your fully charged phone; the guides can often give tips for capturing decent aurora shots even on a smartphone.
💡 Insider tip
Don't be shy to ask your guide about local folklore or scientific facts about the aurora; they're usually passionate about sharing knowledge.
"Had a great time with Polar Adventures. Our guide was so patient and really tried hard to get us to a good spot. We saw some lovely green streaks and even got a few decent photos with their help."— r/Tromso user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights from Tromsø?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is typically from late September to late March. During this period, the nights are long and dark, increasing your chances of witnessing the aurora. December, January, and February offer the longest hours of darkness and often good snow conditions for other winter activities.
What should I wear on an aurora borealis tour in Tromsø?
Layers are crucial! Dress in multiple warm layers, including a thermal base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer. A warm hat, gloves or mittens, a scarf, and insulated winter boots are essential. Many tours provide thermal suits, but your own layers are still necessary underneath.
What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights on a tour?
While no tour can guarantee a sighting, tour operators in Tromsø are highly skilled at finding clear skies and tracking aurora activity. Many offer a 'chase' that involves driving long distances to areas with better conditions. Your chances are generally good if you book multiple tours or stay for several nights.
Should I choose a snowmobile, boat, or bus tour for chasing the aurora?
Each type offers a different experience. Snowmobile tours provide an adventurous thrill and access to remote areas, while boat tours offer unique perspectives from the fjords and can be very comfortable. Bus tours are often the most flexible for chasing clear skies across wider areas and are generally the most budget-friendly.
Can I take good photos of the Northern Lights with my phone?
Modern smartphones with manual camera modes or dedicated night photography apps can capture decent aurora photos, especially if the lights are strong. However, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens, high ISO capabilities, and a sturdy tripod will yield the best results. Many tours offer photography assistance.
Are aurora tours suitable for children?
Most aurora tours are suitable for older children, but it depends on the tour type and the child's endurance. Bus and boat tours are generally comfortable for all ages. Snowmobile tours have age/height restrictions for drivers and passengers. Be aware that tours can be long and cold, requiring patience during waiting periods. Check specific tour operator guidelines.
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