Northern Lights
Tours in Tromsø
Chase the aurora borealis with expert local guides in Norway's Arctic capital. Small groups, an aurora guarantee, and husky sledding, reindeer and fjord tours the rest of the day.
Aurora Borealis Tours from Tromsø
Each tour is crafted to give you an authentic, unforgettable encounter with the Arctic wilderness and culture of Northern Norway.
Arctic Expedition Package
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Immerse yourself in the ultimate Tromsø region experience with five curated tours across three unforgettable days. Journey across the dramatic landscapes of Senja and the coastal wonders of Sommarøy, connect with Arctic culture through reindeer feeding and evening aurora hunts, and spend your final day on the water with king crab catching, cooking, and eating, atmospheric evening aurora cruise featuring traditional bacalao.
- Senja Island exploration tour
- Sommarøy scenic fjord tour
- Reindeer farm visit with feeding experience
- Evening Northern Lights chase
- King crab catching, cooking & feast cruise
- Aurora evening cruise with traditional bacalao dinner
Senja Exploration
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Join us for a journey to one of Norway's most breathtaking islands. Senja is a hidden gem where dramatic mountain peaks plunge directly into the turquoise crystal-clear fjords. On this tour, we explore the wild coastal landscapes, visiting iconic viewpoints like Tungeneset and Ersfjordstranda. Our professional guide will lead you through the rugged Arctic nature, sharing stories of the local history and wildlife. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a nature lover, the raw beauty of Senja's fjords and "dragon-scale" mountains will leave you breathless.
- Professional coastal guide – Expert knowledge of Senja's hidden spots
- Scenic fjord tour – Transport to the island's most iconic viewpoints
- Professional photography assistance – Capture the dramatic landscapes
- Warm lunch – A hot meal served in the great outdoors
- Hot drinks & snacks – To keep you fueled during the exploration
Reindeer Camp & Aurora Tour
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Experience the heart of the Arctic in one unforgettable evening. We take you to our cozy Reindeer Camp, where you will get up close and personal with these majestic animals and participate in a magical nighttime feeding session. As the reindeer settle in, our expert guides monitor the skies for solar activity. We gather around the crackling bonfire to enjoy a traditional warm meal, sharing stories while waiting for the Aurora Borealis to dance above the camp. This tour perfectly combines authentic Arctic culture with the thrill of the Northern Lights.
- Reindeer feeding experience – Get close to the majestic Arctic reindeer
- Expert aurora & culture guide – Professional guidance throughout the night
- Traditional hot meal – Authentic food served by the bonfire
- Hot drinks & snacks – To keep you warm and energized
- Thermal suits provided – Stay comfortable in the Arctic temperatures
- Professional photography assistance – Help capturing the perfect aurora shot
- Aurora guarantee – Rebook if no lights
Northern Lights
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Chase the magical Aurora Borealis across the Arctic sky with our expert guides who know exactly where to find the best viewing spots. We use real-time weather and aurora forecast data to maximize your chances of witnessing this once-in-a-lifetime natural phenomenon.
- Expert aurora forecast tracking
- Transport to optimal viewing locations
- Professional photography assistance
- Bonfire, warm soup with bread, hot drinks & snacks
- Aurora guarantee – rebook if no lights
- Thermal suits provided
Northern Lights Dinner Cruise
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Step aboard a comfortable classic explorer cruiser and sail into the dark Arctic fjords to hunt the Northern Lights. Enjoy a traditional Bacalao stew paired with fresh local bakery bread and a taste of freshly caught king crab in the cozy retro saloon. Learn polar navigation secrets directly from the captain, and step outside in warm overalls to watch the sky dance above Tromsø.
- Fjord cruise aboard a classic explorer cruiser
- Traditional Bacalao dinner with freshly baked bread & taste of king crab
- Captains storytelling & visit to the wheelhouse
- Warm thermal overalls provided for open-deck viewing
- Tea, coffee and fresh fruit available at all times
- Option to stay on board at the dock bar until 23:00
King Crab Cruise
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Step aboard a classic Arctic explorer cruiser for an authentic maritime adventure hunting the mighty king crab. Sail out through the scenic fjords of Tromsø, haul crab pots from the deep ocean floor, and hold your catch before it is cooked fresh on board. Conclude the journey with a rich lunch featuring freshly caught king crab claws, traditional Bacalao stew, and artisan bread in the warm retro saloons.
- Hands-on king crab catching experience on the outdoor deck
- Freshly cooked king crab meal (150–200 g / 2–4 claws per guest)
- Traditional Bacalao stew served with fresh bread from a local bakery
- Scenic Arctic fjord cruise aboard a classic explorer cruiser
- Visit to the wheelhouse with Captain's navigation storytelling
- Warm thermal overalls provided for open-deck activities
- Coffee, tea, and fresh fruit available at all times
Fjord Tour
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Drive through the breathtaking Tromsø fjords aboard a traditional vessel. Witness towering snow-capped mountains reflected in crystal-clear Arctic waters, we could spot eagles soaring overhead, and experience the raw, untouched beauty of Norway's most dramatic landscapes.
- Scenic drive through Tromsø Fjords
- Wildlife spotting – Reindeer, Moose, Seals & Eagles (if we are lucky)
- Local soup, dessert & Hot drinks at Sommarøy Artic Hotel
- Expert local guide
- Small group experience
- All safety equipment provided
Husky Tour
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Feel the exhilarating rush of mushing your own team of Siberian Huskies through pristine Arctic wilderness. These energetic, friendly dogs will pull you through snow-covered forests and open tundra in one of the most thrilling experiences the Arctic has to offer.
- Drive your own husky sled team
- Meet & greet with the husky pack
- Guided through scenic Arctic trails
- Professional musher instruction
- Warm overalls & boots provided
- Hot meal with hot drinks
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø
The aurora season in Tromsø runs from late September to late March. What matters is darkness: the lights are there year-round, but you cannot see them against a bright sky. From late September the nights are long enough, and by the time polar night arrives in late November the city stays dark almost around the clock — a display can begin as early as the afternoon.
Tromsø sits at 69° North, directly beneath the auroral oval. That is the band circling the magnetic pole where aurora activity is most frequent, and it is the reason a city this accessible has some of the best odds anywhere in the world. You do not need a major solar storm here — ordinary activity is often enough.
The real variable is cloud cover, not the aurora itself. That is why our tours travel rather than wait: the guides read cloud and aurora forecasts on the day and drive to wherever the sky is clearest, sometimes several hours from town.
Late September – November
Nights get long fast and the ground is often snow-free, which means mirror-like reflections in the fjords. Milder temperatures make the waiting easier.
December – January
Polar night. The sun stays below the horizon, so the aurora can appear from early afternoon onwards. The coldest and darkest stretch of the season.
February – late March
Statistically the most stable weather of the season, with longer twilight and snow-covered landscapes. A popular choice for photographers.
What's Included on a Northern Lights Tour
Everything you need for a night out in the Arctic — you bring warm layers and a camera, we handle the rest.
Expert aurora forecast tracking
Guides read live aurora and cloud data and pick the route on the day.
Transport to the clearest sky
We drive to wherever conditions are best — sometimes hours from Tromsø.
Thermal suits provided
Full thermal suits so you can stay outside comfortably while you wait.
Bonfire, soup and hot drinks
Warm soup with bread, hot drinks and snacks around an open fire.
Photography assistance
Help with camera settings, plus photos of you under the aurora.
Aurora guarantee
No lights on your tour? Rebook another one free of charge.
Tours run 5–7 hours and depart in the evening. You will receive the exact meeting point and departure time in your booking confirmation.
Born from the Arctic Spirit
Artic Aura Tromsø was founded by passionate locals who grew up under the Northern Lights and among the fjords of Northern Norway. For over 12 years, we have been sharing the magic of the Arctic with travelers from around the world.
We believe that the best way to experience the Arctic is through authentic, small-group adventures led by expert local guides. Every tour is designed to connect you deeply with the landscape, wildlife, and culture of this extraordinary region.
The Story of Tromsø
A city of extraordinary history, culture, and natural wonder — perched at 69° North.
Ancient Origins
The Tromsø region has been inhabited since the end of the last Ice Age, around 9,000 BC. The indigenous Sámi people have called this land home for millennia, developing a rich culture deeply intertwined with reindeer herding, fishing, and the rhythms of the Arctic seasons. Their traditions and knowledge of the land remain alive and celebrated today.
The Arctic Capital
Tromsø was officially established as a town in 1252 by King Håkon Håkonsson. By the 19th century, it had earned the nickname 'The Paris of the North' due to its vibrant cultural life and cosmopolitan character. It became the launching point for legendary Arctic expeditions, including those of Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, who set sail from these very waters.
Modern Arctic City
Today, Tromsø is Norway's eighth-largest city and the largest urban area in Northern Norway, home to around 77,000 people. It hosts the world's northernmost university and is renowned globally as one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. The city perfectly blends modern Norwegian life with deep Arctic traditions.
The Northern Lights Capital of the World
Situated within the Aurora Oval, Tromsø offers some of the most reliable Northern Lights viewing on the planet. From October to March, the skies come alive with dancing curtains of green, purple, and pink light — a spectacle that has captivated humanity for centuries.
Northern Lights Tour Reviews
“Absolutely breathtaking. Our guide knew exactly where to go and we were treated to the most spectacular aurora display I've ever seen. The hot drinks by the bonfire made it even more magical.”
“A deeply moving cultural experience. Feeding the reindeer by hand and hearing the Sámi stories around the fire was something I will carry with me forever. Truly authentic.”
“The huskies were incredible — so full of energy and joy! Driving my own sled through the snowy forest was the highlight of my entire trip to Norway. Unforgettable!”
Northern Lights Tour FAQ
The questions our guests ask most before booking.
When can you see the northern lights in Tromsø?
The aurora season in Tromsø runs from late September to late March. During those months the sky is dark enough for the lights to be visible, and Tromsø sits directly beneath the auroral oval — the band where aurora activity is most frequent. From late November to mid January the city has polar night, so it stays dark almost around the clock and a display can appear as early as the afternoon.
Are the northern lights guaranteed?
Nature never guarantees anything, so we do it instead: if you join a northern lights tour and we do not see the aurora, you can rebook another tour free of charge. Our guides track real-time aurora and cloud forecasts and drive to wherever the sky is clearest — sometimes that means several hours away from Tromsø.
What should I wear and bring?
Dress in warm layers with a wool base layer, a hat, gloves and sturdy winter footwear. Thermal suits are provided on the northern lights tour, and warm overalls and boots on the husky tour. Bring a fully charged camera or phone — the cold drains batteries quickly, so a spare battery is worth packing.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Cloud cover matters more than temperature. Because we travel by vehicle rather than staying in one spot, we can move to find clear sky, and our guides decide the route on the day based on the forecast. If conditions make the tour impossible or the aurora does not appear, the aurora guarantee applies and you can rebook.
How long do the tours last?
The northern lights tour runs 5–7 hours, since chasing clear sky takes time. The fjord tour is around 5 hours, the husky tour 5–7 hours, and the reindeer and Sámi culture tour about 3 hours.
Which languages are the tours guided in?
The northern lights and fjord tours are guided in English, Norwegian, Danish, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. The husky and reindeer tours are guided in English and Norwegian.
Can I photograph the aurora on the tour?
Yes, and the guides help you do it. Photographing the northern lights needs a long exposure and a steady camera, which is not obvious the first time. Our guides assist with camera settings and will also take pictures of you under the aurora.
How big are the groups?
Small enough that you get the guide's attention. The northern lights tour takes up to 16 guests, the fjord and reindeer tours up to 15, and the husky tour up to 10.
Book Your Northern Lights Tour in Tromsø
Ready to experience the magic of Tromsø? Contact us to book your tour or ask any questions.
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