Tromsø in Norway is one of the world’s most popular and reliable destinations for aurora-hunting. Here we share our favorite 1-night Northern Lights Tromsø tours to check out, which will give you the best chance of seeing the stunning Norwegian aurora borealis.
When it comes to visiting Tromsø to view the northern lights, there are countless tours and expeditions that will keep you busy both day and night. For those looking for a specific Northern Lights experience, you will have your choice of expeditions, cruises, reindeer sleigh rides, and so much more.
Every year thousands of enthusiasts make their way to Norway and choose Tromsø as their base camp for the perfect auroral experience. Here, we explore what makes northern lights Tromsø tours so special over other destinations, plus recommendations for some short 1-night tours you can check out.
NOTE: This guide is for short one-night tours departing from Tromsø only. For longer tour options, check out our Norway Northern Lights Tours article.
Why Northern Lights Tromsø Tours are So Freakin’ Awesome
Tromsø is located well within the Arctic Circle, and as a result, it has become one of the premier destinations for those looking to view the elusive lights. Adventurers from all over the world make their way to Norway every single year, due to its location, and its history. Since Tromsø is such a popular destination, it offers natural enthusiasts a wide selection of different ways to experience the natural phenomena, and one common way to explore it is through organized northern lights Tromsø tours and cruises.
What Makes Northern Lights Tours from Tromsø Special?
Although it is possible to visit other destinations in Norway to see the northern lights, without or without a tour group, there are some characteristics that make Tromsø an excellent springboard from which to begin your aurora hunt.
Cultural Immersion
During the daytime, when you are not staring up at the skies looking for the elusive lights, you can head out into the surrounding countryside on a tour, that will immerse you in the local Sami culture. Learn all about the local folklore that surrounds the existence of the aurora borealis, and engage with the heritage of the region, fostering a deep appreciation for both the land, the people, and the colorful heavens above.
Pumping Nightlife
If exploring the countryside and history of the region isn’t exciting enough for your taste, then you’re also in luck. Tromsø is world-renowned for its nightlife including bars, clubs and music venues catering to both rock to electronica lovers, making it a great place to let your hair down before or after your tour, and during those long dark hours while you wait for the aurora to appear.
Photographic Opportunities
Of course, another popular reason for choosing Tromsø is the countless photographic opportunities in the surrounding countryside. Not only do most northern lights Tromsø tours provide photography lessons, but they also offer professional tripods and souvenir photos of your adventurers. Simply ask your guide for a photography-focused excursion, to learn how to capture the perfect shot every single time.
Weather Contingencies
Although Tromsø is well known for having clear skies throughout the winter, mother nature can still be quite unpredictable. As a result, when you make your plans for your trip, inquire about the flexibility of itineraries, in the event that inclement weather pops up at the most unforeseen time. Many tours will offer an alternative activity or even reschedule the activity if there is poor visibility due to adverse weather or cloud cover. Tour operators who prioritize in ensuring guest satisfaction will offer provisions for these weather contingencies.
Environmental Conservation
One of the biggest things that you might notice about visiting Tromsø and the surrounding countryside, is the effort of the locals to keep the landscape natural and beautiful. Norway is well known for environmental conservation, and when you choose to take a tour to hunt for the elusive lights, make sure that you select a Tromso northern lights tour operator who is committed to the same environmental conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives that inspire eco-friendly tourism. This will include transportation options that reduce waste, and the use of local guides to help bolster the smaller local communities surrounding Tromsø.
Community Engagement
Supporting the local communities is an important part of sustainable tourism. When you choose to engage in community activities including locally-operated northern lights Tromsø tours, not only are you helping to preserve the cultural heritage of Tromsø, but you are reinvesting into the local community through the creation of jobs, initiatives for cultural experience, and supporting the indigenous rights of the local Sami. Gain insights into the traditions and way of life as you forge meaningful connections with the Arctic wonderland and the people who call it home.
Northern Lights Tromsø Tours (2024-2025)
1-Night Northern Lights Tromso Tours by Bus
Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science
Official Website: https://www.wanderingowl.com/tour/tromso/aurora-hunt-with-citizen-science/PB413Y/
Head out into the countryside, and leave Tromsø far behind as you make your way into the Arctic wilderness on the hunt for the elusive lights with an experienced guide. Using local knowledge and auroral forecasts, you will head out to the perfect destination where you are most likely to capture a glimpse of the elusive lights. As you get dressed up in warm thermal outfits, a cozy campfire will be lit and you can sit back and enjoy a homemade meal as you wait for the lights to make their grand appearance.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Wandering Owl
- Duration: 8 Hours
- From: $225 USD
- Tour Style: Bus Tour
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Souvenir Photos
- Pick-up and Drop-off at the Hotel
- Thermal Suits, Boots, Hats and Mittens
- English Tour Guide
- Gluten-Free, Vegan Soup
Northern Lights Minibus Tour
Official Website: https://northernhorizon.no/tour-item/northern-lights-tour-by-minibus/
Not everyone prefers going out on a hunt in a large bus, which is why minibus is an excellent option for quieter northern lights Tromsø tours. You’ll be picked up in front of the Magic Ice Bar by this tiny 17-seater minibus, where expert tour guides will take you to the best spots outside of Tromsø to view the elusive lights. Once the perfect spot has been located, you’ll be able to sit down around a warm campfire, socializing with the other Aurora hunters, as you enjoy a hearty meal, warm drinks, and delicious cookies.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Northern Horizon
- Duration: 9 Hours
- From: $221 USD
- Tour Style: Guided Bus Tour
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Knowledgeable Tour Guide
- Campfire
- Thermal Suits and Thermal Boots
- Camera Tripods and Photography Instruction
- Traditional Norwegian Meal and Hot Drinks
- Souvenir Photos
Northern Lights Chase
Official Website: https://www.arcticguideservice.com/tours/northern-lights-chase
When you choose to go on a northern lights chase, you will board a warm and cozy bus and head out into the Norwegian countryside looking for the perfect location to view the northern lights. With the help of an experienced guide and a certified driver, the team of explorers will calculate the best route for the night, and virtually ensure that you will be able to capture a glimpse of the ghostly lights as they dance through the night skies.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Arctic Guide Service
- Duration: 6.5 Hours
- From: $103 USD
- Tour Style: Bus Tour
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Photography Tutorial
- Scenic Views
- Experienced Tour Guide
- Transportation
- Warm Drinks and Cookies
- Souvenir Photos
Northern Lights Big Bus Chase
Official Website: https://chasinglights.com/tour/northern-lights-big-bus-chase/
With a big bus chase, you are joining an aurora party. With the help of expert tour guides, the big bus chase will head out into the Norwegian countryside, to take you to the best locations for viewing the elusive lights. Throughout the trip, you will receive photography tutorials that will help you capture the ghostly lights on film, the moment they make their appearance.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Chasing Lights
- Duration: 10 Hours
- From: $157 USD
- Tour Style: Bus Tour
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Pickup and Drop-off at Hotel
- Professional Photographers and Souvenir Photos
- Hot Chocolate
- Restrooms on Bus
1-Night Small Group & Luxury Northern Lights Tours from Tromso
Full-Day Northern Lights Trip
Official Website: https://arcticexplorers.no/northern-lights
If you’re looking for a way to increase your chances of viewing the northern lights, then you need to go on a specialized themed expedition that will take you out into the Norwegian countryside and hunt for the ghostly lights. With the help of experience and knowledgeable guides, you will make your way to some of the best destinations for viewing the elusive lights, without having to worry about a thing. This amazing full-day Northern Lights trip includes everything you need from winter suits to boots, to headlamps, and more.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Arctic Explorers
- Duration: 10 Hours
- From: $170 USD
- Tour Style: Small Guided Tour
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Thermal Suit and Winter Shoes
- Warm Drinks
- Expedition Meal
Night Reindeer Sledding with Camp Dinner and Chance of Northern Lights
Official Website: https://www.tromsoarcticreindeer.com/our-tours
For something special and unique, nothing beats walking among 300 reindeer and enjoying a 20-minute-long sleigh ride. After you are finished being pulled by through the Norwegian countryside, you will be led into a candlelit traditional hunt, where you will be fed a 3-course meal and have the opportunity to sing traditional Sami songs. As soon as the ghostly lights make their grand appearance, you will be ushered out of the hunt to view the majestic site as it glows over the herd of reindeer.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Name
- Duration: 4.5 Hours
- From: $182 USD
- Tour Style: Sledding Adventure
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Transportation Included
- Three-Course Dinner
- Hot Drinks and Cookies
- Thermal Overalls and Snow Boots
A Journey in Search of the Northern Lights
Official Website: https://www.northernsouladventures.com/northernlights
If you are looking for an adventure, then look no further than A Journey in Search of the Northern Lights. This popular tour will head out from Tromsø, and take a short drive to the coastal islands in order to find the northern lights. On the rare occasion, the tour may even head over to Finland to improve the chances of seeing the natural phenomenon. Find out what aurora hunting is all about as you head out into the Norwegian countryside looking for the glow over the horizon.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Northern Soul Adventures
- Duration: 9 Hours
- From: $230 USD
- Tour Style: Guided Tour
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Expedition Meal, Hot Drinks and Cookies
- Camera Tripods
- Headlamps
- Souvenir Photos
- Thermal Suits, Hand Warmers and Heated Insoles
Northern Lights Hunt
Official Website: https://www.thegreenadventure.no/northernlights
When you choose to stay at the popular Ishavshotel, you will have many excellent options when it comes to northern lights Tromsø tours. And while there are countless tour operators in the region, no one offers an experience quite like The Green Adventure. This popular tour provider focuses on leading smaller groups out into the countryside, to provide guests with a greater chance of viewing the aurora borealis. While big buses take huge groups to a limited number of locations that are easy to access, smaller tour providers like The Green Adventure can take you to more remote and secluded locations that offer the greatest chances of viewing the natural phenomenon.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: The Green Adventure
- Duration: 8 Hours
- From: $195 USD
- Tour Style: Small Group
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Thermal Suits
- Headlamps
- Souvenir Photos
- Transportation and Drop off at the Hotel
- Experienced Tour Guide
- Warm Soup, Hot Beverages
- Campfire with Marshmallows
- Camera Tripod
1-Night Tromsø Northern Lights Tour Cruises
Electric Northern Lights Cruise
Official Website: https://brimexplorer.com/tours/electric-northern-lights-cruise
Make your way into the majestic arctic fjords around Tromsø, when you take this amazing northern lights cruise tour from Tromso. Depending on the Aurora forecast, the electric power boat might take you north to Kvaløyvågen, south towards Ramfjorden, or even out to the Kvaløya island. As you wait for the northern lights to make their grand appearance, you can enjoy the warmth of the heated lounge, sipping on a warm beverage and filling up on a delectable snack.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Brim Explorer
- Duration: 4 Hours
- From: $105 USD
- Tour Style: Cruise
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Soup and Bread
- English Speaking Guides
- Fully Stocked Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Indoor Saloon
Overnight Northern Lights & Whale Watching Safari
Official Website: https://www.norwegian.travel/accommodation/overnight-northern-lights-whale-watching-safari
Take a journey out into the Arctic Ocean, view the elusive lights as they dance through the night skies. Spend the night out on the open deck, looking up at the skies, in hopes of capturing a glimpse of the aurora borealis. When you get tired, you can retreat to your warm and comfy cabin where you will awaken the following morning to the sound of whales breaching the surface next to the boat.
Tour Specifications:
- Operator: Norwegian Travel
- Duration: 1 night
- From: $725 USD
- Tour Style: Night Cruise (Overnight)
- Destination: Tromsø
What’s Included:
- Meals and Hot Beverages
- Professional Expedition Team and English Speaking Guides
- Photography Tips
- Cabins with Private Bathroom
- Thermal Flotation Suit and Safety Equipment
- Whale Watching
Final Thoughts on Northern Lights Tours from Tromso
If you’re heading to Norway to see the aurora borealis, then booking into organized northern lights Tromsø tours helps give you the best chance of seeing the lights. This is because, compared with going it alone, northern lights tours from Tromso Norway are run by experienced tour guides that are intimately familiar with the phenomenon, and planned to go to destinations that are known to have excellent aurora borealis sightings.
Many of the tours offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, meaning that you can relax knowing that you don’t need to drive yourself in unknown terrain. A northern lights Tromso tour is also a great way to experience other aspects of the Norwegian culture, through friendly conversation, quiet campfire time, authentic food, and simply seeing areas of the pristine countryside that you might not otherwise be able to reach.
If you’ve decided to join into a tour, be sure to check out our other complementary guides, too for more tips:
- Northern Lights Hotels in Norway
- Northern Lights Cruises in Norway
- Long Northern Lights Norway Tours – this is a great guide if you are looking for a tour longer than one-night.
That is not to say that embarking on northern lights Tromsø tours are the only way to see the aurora in Norway. It is also perfectly fine to go it alone, but it will require more research and planning. To plan your own aurora hunting trip without a tour, make sure to check our our guides on When to See Northern Lights in Norway, and Where to See Northern Lights in Norway. Those two guides will give you a great starting point for your planning.
Happy aurora hunting!
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