REVIEW · TROMSO
All inclusive – Northern Lights Hunt
Book on Viator →Operated by Arctic Adventure Tours AS · Bookable on Viator
Northern lights are a patience test. This Tromsø hunt is interesting because you’re kept warm with Arctic suits and boots, then guided by experts focused on finding clearer skies. I also like that the evening includes included photos and practical tips for shooting the aurora.
One consideration: the sky is never guaranteed, so expect waiting outside for cloud breaks and a bit of walking on uneven winter ground.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Tromsø at 5:30 pm: what this “hunt” really feels like
- Arctic suits, boots, and the warm-up that makes waiting possible
- The meal and the fire: freeze-dried comfort, plus real warmth
- Pro photo help and included photos you can actually use
- Where you might drive: fjords, mountains, and possible Finland borders
- How the itinerary unfolds: set up, wait, and reposition
- Walking, uneven ground, and the late-night reality
- Price and value: is $226.04 worth it?
- Who should book this northern lights hunt (and who should rethink it)
- Should you book this Northern Lights Hunt in Tromsø?
- FAQ
- How long does the Northern Lights Hunt last?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What’s included with the tour?
- Do I need to bring my own passport?
- What should I wear or bring for cold weather?
- Is there food for vegetarians or vegans?
- Is the tour only for adults?
- How many people are on the tour?
- What if the sky is cloudy or the tour gets canceled?
Key highlights at a glance
- Small group size (max 15): more quiet, less crowding at the viewing stop.
- Arctic suits and boots included: you don’t have to gamble on cold-weather gear.
- Warm meal, snacks, and hot drinks: designed to keep you outside for hours.
- Northern lights photo guidance: learn how to use a tripod and camera settings basics.
- Photos included for free: you get additional help even if you’re not a pro photographer.
- Flexible hunting area: usually around Troms county, sometimes pushing toward the Finland side of the border.
Tromsø at 5:30 pm: what this “hunt” really feels like
This tour starts late afternoon, with a departure time of 5:30 pm from Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø. Expect the whole experience to run about 6 to 9 hours, and it ends back at the same meeting point. The timing matters here: northern lights need the dark, but you also need enough night hours to react if clouds move in.
What you’re buying is not a quick bus ride and a photo stop. It’s a methodical attempt to track conditions, regroup if they’re bad, and keep you comfortable while you wait. Many evenings in Tromsø follow a cycle of clouds, then sudden openings, and the best tours are the ones that keep you ready for that moment.
This one also keeps the group at a maximum of 15 travelers, which is a big deal when the goal is calm viewing. Smaller groups mean it’s easier to hear your guide, set up gear without chaos, and actually use the time to learn.
Other northern lights tours we've reviewed in Tromso
Arctic suits, boots, and the warm-up that makes waiting possible
A big plus for this tour is that you’re not left to DIY your winter survival. You get a briefing, then you’re equipped with warm Arctic suits and boots before you go out. That changes the night from miserable to manageable, especially when you’re standing still for a while.
You’ll also want your own hat and mittens/gloves, because the tour only provides the main cold-weather layers. From there, your job is simpler: dress sensibly under the suit (warm layers), then let the gear do the heavy lifting.
The tour doesn’t just promise warmth. It delivers it at multiple points: hot drinks along the way and a hot expedition meal once you’re set up. In practice, that means you can stay outside without constantly running for “the warm part” of the evening.
The meal and the fire: freeze-dried comfort, plus real warmth
Dinner is served as a hot expedition meal (freeze-dried), along with snacks and warm drinks. Freeze-dried food isn’t going to become your new favorite restaurant meal, and a few notes in the feedback reflect that expectation. Still, the value here is that it’s hot, filling, and timed for the moments when you’re chilled and concentrating on aurora hunting.
You might see specific meal types mentioned, like reindeer stew, and there are vegetarian and vegan options available if you request them when booking. The point is practical: you won’t be dependent on finding food back in town after a long night of searching.
Many nights also include time around a fire while you’re outside watching the sky. Reviews consistently connect that campfire moment with the feeling that the evening is more than just chasing a phenomenon. It becomes a proper Arctic night experience, with conversation and a warm pause between sky-watching stretches.
Pro photo help and included photos you can actually use
If you care about getting decent aurora photos, this is where the tour earns trust. You’ll receive guidance for photographing the northern lights and advice on how to use a tripod. Even if you already own a camera, aurora night shooting is its own game—long exposures, motion, and focus tricks make a difference.
The tour also includes photos for free. That takes pressure off. If the sky is strong and you’re set up, you’ll likely get shots that look great. If you’re still learning, having the guide support helps ensure the night doesn’t end with only dark, blurry frames.
There’s a noticeable theme in the feedback: guides often bring both science and patience to the process. Names that show up include Ferenc, Klara, and Alex, and multiple guests describe them as actively explaining what they’re doing and why. That matters because you learn quickly what to try when the aurora appears—rather than just pointing your camera at the sky and hoping.
Where you might drive: fjords, mountains, and possible Finland borders
The search area is mainly in Troms county, which means you get the mix of fjords and mountains that make northern Norway so photogenic even without aurora. But the hunt can also extend beyond Norway’s comfort zone in practical ways.
The tour specifically notes that it may lead you over the border into Finland, so bring your passport. This is one of those details that can genuinely save your evening. If you forget it, you might end up stuck on the wrong side of a decision the driver needs to make fast.
In terms of how far you might go, the feedback suggests the team sometimes drives toward areas that are farther north than you’d expect from Tromsø alone—especially when the original area is clouded. The goal stays consistent: find darker skies and fewer obstructions so the aurora has room to show.
How the itinerary unfolds: set up, wait, and reposition
The core rhythm of the night is simple, and that’s a good thing when you’re cold. You go from Tromsø to a hunting area, gear up and set expectations, then you park yourself outside with warmth available nearby. When conditions change, the team makes a call and moves—because “best chance” is the strategy, not a fixed viewing spot.
A few reviews highlight that sometimes you wait quite a while for the lights to appear. That’s not a flaw—it’s how aurora nights work when cloud cover and darkness compete. What you want is a guide who treats the waiting period as part of the plan, not a failure.
The tour also emphasizes keeping you in a good setup for photos, including helping you get your tripod positioned. That’s more than convenience: stable setup means fewer mistakes, less fumbling, and quicker reaction when the sky brightens.
Walking, uneven ground, and the late-night reality
This is a night out in winter, so you should expect cold-weather movement. Some walking is required, sometimes on uneven terrain. There’s also walking from the bus to where you set up for the night, so count on a short stretch of winter footwork before you’re fully settled.
Late evening/night tours are also just… late evening. If you’re traveling with kids, the minimum age is 7 years old, and it’s designed for people who can handle being outside in the dark for hours. Many adults find it worth it, but if you’re bringing very young children, you’ll want to be realistic about stamina.
The small-group size helps here, too. Fewer people means less crowding at gear zones, and your guide can often manage the flow better when everyone is trying to get comfortable quickly.
Price and value: is $226.04 worth it?
At $226.04 per person, this isn’t a throwaway add-on—it’s a serious evening with real equipment and professional support. The value comes from how many key costs are bundled:
- Arctic suit and boots provided (otherwise you’d rent or buy winter gear)
- Hot meal, snacks, and hot drinks (food costs add up on a long night)
- Experienced guide and local driver
- Northern lights photo guidance (useful even if you already own a tripod and camera)
- Photos included for free
When you compare that to booking multiple separate items—gear rental, a guide, dinner, and a photo workshop—this can start to look like a tidy package. The only big thing you’re not buying is a guaranteed aurora show. But you’re buying the team’s willingness to chase clearer skies and do the repositioning when needed.
One extra note: a few guests specifically praised the comfort level because the gear made the cold manageable. That can be the difference between “I’m glad I went” and “I wish I booked something else.”
Who should book this northern lights hunt (and who should rethink it)
Book this if you want a guided, small-group aurora night with serious cold-weather support. It’s especially a good match for:
- Couples and friends who prefer a calmer atmosphere over crowded viewing.
- People who want photo help without taking a full-on photography course.
- Travelers who don’t want to mess with winter gear logistics on their own.
Rethink it if you dislike waiting outside in the dark. If you need constant indoor comfort, an aurora hunt by nature will test you. Also be mindful of the walking and uneven winter ground requirements.
If you’re a first-time Tromsø visitor, this is also a strong way to get your bearings fast. You learn what to expect, how gear should be set, and how the guides decide where to go next.
Should you book this Northern Lights Hunt in Tromsø?
I’d book it if you value comfort and guidance as much as the lights themselves. The combination of Arctic gear, a hot meal, and hands-on photo tips turns the evening into more than just a gamble. The free included photos are a smart safety net, too, for those moments when you’re still learning settings or the aurora appears briefly.
If your priority is guaranteed viewing, no northern lights tour can promise that. But this one is built around chasing better conditions, and the overall feedback shows a consistent focus on finding clear skies, not just following a script.
FAQ
How long does the Northern Lights Hunt last?
It runs about 6 to 9 hours, depending on conditions and how the hunt goes.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 5:30 pm.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at Scandic Ishavshotel, Fredrik Langes gate 2, 9008 Tromsø, Norway.
What’s included with the tour?
You get an aurora briefing, Arctic suits and boots, a hot expedition meal with snacks and warm drinks, help with aurora photography (including tripod guidance), and included photos free of charge.
Do I need to bring my own passport?
Yes. A current valid passport is required, and the hunt may lead into Finland.
What should I wear or bring for cold weather?
You’ll be provided with an Arctic suit and boots, but you should bring your own warm hat and mittens/gloves.
Is there food for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the provider at the time of booking.
Is the tour only for adults?
No. The minimum age is 7 years old, and the tour is late evening/night, so kids should be able to handle cold and time outside.
How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers.
What if the sky is cloudy or the tour gets canceled?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
