Chasing Lights · Tromsø
A photographer guide and a driver take up to 15 guests out of Tromsø in a minibus and keep driving until they find a gap in the clouds, sometimes as far as Finland. Pick it if you want everything handled: a winter suit and boots, a warm meal by the fire and a full gallery of photos are in the price.
Chasing Lights runs two chases from the Prostneset bus terminal: this minibus for up to 15 guests and a big bus for up to 50. On the minibus, a photographer guide and a dedicated driver read the cloud and aurora forecasts and pick the route on the night, along the coast or inland. Chasing Lights' own site says the route sometimes crosses into Finland, and guests report exactly that.
The price covers a lot. You get a winter suit and boots (send your sizes through the link that arrives after booking), a warm meal with hot drinks and snacks, Manfrotto tripods and the full photo gallery from the night. Drop-off is at your hotel in the city centre, but there is no hotel pickup: everyone meets at the bus terminal. The operator's own site lists the first night from NOK 2,200, with discounts if you book more than one chase.
Now the caveats. This is a real chase: the listing says you are back in Tromsø between midnight and 03:00, and the night can mean hours in the minibus. Toilet stops happen when possible, and sometimes it's nature. The listing also says there are no refunds or free trips if you don't see the lights, and that photos often show the aurora stronger than your eyes will.
Exit through the main hall of the bus terminal at Samuel Arnesens gate 5. The operator's site gives 18:20 in early September and April.
The guide checks forecasts and picks coast or inland. Some nights that means a long drive, sometimes into Finland.
Suits on, tripods out. The guide photographs the group under the sky while you get a warm meal and hot drinks.
If the clouds roll in, the group may move to another spot. Guests report two or three stops on some nights.
Drop-off at your hotel in the city centre. The photo gallery follows after the tour.
★★★★★The best tour that one can take while in Tromso with very passionate and knowledgeable guides Tessa and Michiel. The hot black currant drink with cookies, pulled pork dinner by the campfire and with auroras dancing in the Arctic sky - it was simply magical.
★★★★★Our minibus was comfortable and wasn't overcrowded. Our guide was very knowledgable about the night sky and the northern lights. [...] We made 3 different stops, had a lovely and warm bonfire and our meal, drinks and dessert was tasty.
★★★★★It was amazing!! They will check the skies and go where they need to to catch the lights! We ended up in Finland!! We got fed and watered as we sat chatting around a fire.
★★★★★He is very passionate about his work and takes amazing photos. Very patient and makes sure everyone gets the photos and experience they want. [...] Hot juice, cookies and hot meal (freeze dried camping meal) [...]
Read next:
The listing is clear: there are no refunds or free trips if the lights don't show. Chasing Lights' own site offers discounts when you book more than one chase, which is the way to improve your odds.
No. You meet at Tromsø Havn Prostneset bus terminal, Samuel Arnesens gate 5, and exit through the main hall. At the end you are dropped at your hotel in the city centre; add your hotel through the link sent after booking.
Between midnight and 03:00, according to the listing. The tour runs 5 to 9 hours depending on how far the guide has to drive.
Yes, from age 4, but there is no child discount: everyone from 4 pays the adult price. For a cheaper family night, the big bus chase sells child tickets up to age 12.
Ready to book
Up to 15 guests, a photographer guide, a winter suit, a warm meal and the photos, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Northern Lights Big Bus ChaseChasing Lights in a bus for up to 50: the same chase and free photos at about half the minibus price. Bring your own layers.★ 4.9 · 5 to 9 hours · from $128
Greenlander Small-Group Aurora ChaseEight guests at most in a 4WD minivan, dinner and hotel drop-off. The top-rated chase here, but non-refundable.★ 5.0 · 6 to 9 hours · from $318
Arctic Circle Tours Chase with Campfire MealDinner by a campfire, suits, boots and tripods, a sky camera on board and 50% off a future trip if you see no lights.★ 4.9 · 5 to 8 hours · from $234