English
English
Contents
Tromso Northern Lights tours: A quick overview
- Tour timings:
Early season timings (late August - early September): 10pm
Winter season timings (mid-September - late March): 7pm - Tour duration: 3-3.5 hours
- Northern Lights season in Tromso: End of September till early April
- Best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromso: December - February
- Best places to see the Northern Lights in Tromso: Outskirts of Tromso with low light pollution
Book your Tromso Northern Lights tours
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromso
Optimal viewing period: Late September to early April
Late September to early April is the best time to see the Northern Lights because it coincides with the dark Arctic winter, providing the long nights and clear skies necessary for optimal visibility. Additionally, the increased solar activity during this time enhances the chances of spotting the Aurora.
Early in the season, you can enjoy milder temperatures and autumnal landscapes, while the latter months offer snowy vistas that add to the magical experience.
Peak months: Polar nights in December, January, and February
From late November to late January, Tromso experiences polar nights, a period when the sun never rises above the horizon. While this continuous darkness might sound unusual or even eerie, it provides a unique advantage for those hoping to see the Northern Lights. In the absence of daylight, the Auroras can appear at any hour, maximizing your opportunities to see this mesmerizing spectacle during your stay.
Solar maximum (2024-2025): An ideal time for Northern Lights tours
Excitingly, the years 2024-2025 mark a solar maximum, a peak in the sun's 11-year cycle of activity. This period sees a significant increase in solar flares and sunspots, which leads to more frequent and stronger Northern Lights displays.
Planning your Tromso trip during this period could significantly boost your chances of witnessing a truly breathtaking Aurora show.
How to get to Tromso?
Flights
Getting to Tromso is convenient, with major airlines offering regular flights from Europe and beyond. The easiest way to reach Tromso is via Oslo, Norway's capital, with frequent flights connecting the two cities. You can also find direct flights from other European hubs, such as London, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen, especially during the winter months.
Transportation within Tromso
Once you arrive at Tromso Airport, you'll find several options to reach the city center, which is just a 10-minute drive away. You can get there by bus, taxi, or shuttle service. The local bus system is efficient, making it easy to navigate the city. Taxis are more expensive but convenient, especially if you're traveling with a group.
Best places to see the Northern Lights in Tromso
Tromso offers plenty of ideal spots to catch the Northern Lights, whether you prefer to stay in the city or venture into the wild.
Tromso City Center
The city's waterfront is a popular and convenient spot for watching the Northern Lights. If the Aurora is strong, you can spot it from the city, especially around the harbor.
Prestvannet Lake
Just a short 10-minute walk from the city center, Prestvannet Lake is surrounded by minimal light pollution, making it a great location for Aurora watching.
Kvaløya Island
Head to Kvaløya, a large island near Tromso, for a more secluded and serene viewing experience. It's far from city lights and provides wide, open skies to see the lights.
Sommarøy
About an hour's drive from Tromso, this fishing village is famous for its clear skies and stunning ocean scenery, making for unique Aurora sightings.
Know before you go
Timings & duration
Boarding points
Types of tours
Northern Lights forecasts
Tips
Stay
General tour timings:
- Early season (late August - early September): Tours typically start at around 10 pm, as the skies darken later in the evening.
- Winter season (mid-September - late March): Tours usually kick off at 7 pm, capitalizing on the longer nights of the Arctic winter.
Tour duration: Each tour lasts around 3 to 3.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to chase the Auroras and enjoy the Arctic landscapes. Some tours may last longer, depending on weather conditions and the appearance of the lights.
The main boarding points for Northern Lights tours are located on Storgata Street, Tromso's main street. It's easily accessible by foot from most hotels in the city center, or you can hop on a local bus from anywhere in the city to reach it.
There are several ways to experience the Northern Lights in Tromso, depending on your preference and budget:
- Catamaran cruises: Sail through the Arctic fjords on a luxury catamaran while waiting for the lights to appear. These Northern Lights cruises provide a heated indoor cabin and a spacious outdoor deck for viewing.
- Electric boat cruises: For a more eco-friendly option, electric boat cruises take you out to sea for an Aurora chase while minimizing your carbon footprint. While not as luxurious as catamarans, the electric boats also have a heated cabin and outdoor viewing deck.
- Northern Lights chase in a bus: If you prefer to stick to land, hop on a bus for a thrilling Northern Lights chase in Tromso. These tours often go deep into the countryside to escape light pollution.
Before heading out on your Northern Lights adventure, it's essential to check the daily Aurora forecasts. There are several apps and websites that provide real-time predictions based on solar wind activity and local weather conditions. These tools can give you a good idea of when and where the Northern Lights are most likely to appear, allowing you to plan your evening accordingly.
Here are a few apps and websites where you can check the Aurora forecasts:
Northern Lights forecast
- Northern Lights tours in Tromso tend to book up fast, particularly during the busy season from December to February. So, it's best to book your tour at least a month in advance to guarantee your spot.
- The Arctic nights can be freezing, so bundle up in layers, and don't forget thermal socks and gloves.
- Seeing the Northern Lights often takes patience, so it's wise to bring along a book or some music to help pass the time. Just be sure to keep one eye on the sky—you never know when the magic might happen!
- There are several apps and websites that offer real-time Northern Lights forecasts for Tromso, so checking them before your tour can give you a better sense of what to expect.
- For the best experience, avoid city lights as much as possible. If you can't join a tour or drive to a remote spot, try to find a location away from the city's light pollution.
Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to see the Northern Lights in Tromso
How can I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromso?
To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Tromso, plan your visit between November and February when the sun doesn't rise at all in Tromso, allowing for the lights to appear at any hour of the day. You can consider staying in Tromso for several days, as this maximizes the likelihood of catching a display. Don't forget to monitor real-time aurora and weather forecasts for clear skies and head to dark, remote locations outside the city to avoid light pollution.
Is Tromso safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely, Tromso is a very safe destination for solo travelers. The city is friendly, easy to navigate, and has a low crime rate. Northern Lights tours often feature small groups, so even if you're traveling alone, you'll quickly connect with fellow adventurers. The guides are highly experienced and prioritize safety, even when venturing into remote areas. Just make sure to bundle up for the cold and follow the guide's instructions for a smooth experience.
Can I see the Northern Lights from the city?
Yes, it's possible to see the Northern Lights from the city, but the further you are from city lights, the better your chances. Consider a tour that takes you into the countryside or out on the water for a clearer view.
Can children go on Northern Lights tours?
Yes, many Northern Lights tours are family-friendly and welcome children. However, due to the cold and the length of the tours, it's important to make sure children are properly dressed and prepared for the adventure.
Should I rent a car or join a guided tour?
Although renting a car offers more independence, a guided tour is highly recommended for seeing the Northern Lights. Local guides know the best locations to spot the Auroras and have access to up-to-date weather and aurora forecasts. Plus, the tours will handle the logistics, so you don't have to worry about navigating icy roads or unfamiliar terrain.
How should I prepare for unpredictable weather during a Northern Lights tour in Tromso?
Tromso's weather can shift rapidly, so dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable in any condition. Be sure to heed your guide's advice and pack waterproof gear to stay dry if it starts to snow or rain.
Can I see other natural phenomena during my Northern Lights trip?
Yes! In Tromso, you may also witness phenomena such as the midnight sun in summer, polar nights in winter, or experience the stunning Arctic twilight during winter (when the sky glows even without the sun rising fully above the horizon).