Chasing the Aurora beats waiting indoors. I love the Aurora photography coaching you get during the night, and I also love the active forecast-driven chase that keeps the group moving instead of just standing around in Tromso. The only real drawback to plan for is simple, the northern lights are never guaranteed, and in April or August the viewing window can be much shorter.

After you meet the crew at Northern Shots Tours in Tromso, you climb into a heated coach with reflective vests, roll past dark fjords and mountains, and stop when the sky looks like it might cooperate. You’ll warm up with hot drinks and cookies, and if you want a keepsake, there’s even an optional professional portrait session at some point during the evening.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Forecast-driven location hopping: your route can change as conditions change, even if it means sitting in the bus longer first
• Hands-on Aurora photography tutorial: help for both cameras and phones so you can shoot instead of just stare
• Comfort stops with hot chocolate and cookies: included warm drinks to keep your hands working in the cold
• Scientific Aurora Borealis talk before you hunt: so the lights start making sense, not just looking pretty
• Optional professional Aurora portraits: a paid add-on if you want a ready-to-print memory

Northern Lights in Tromso, what this tour actually feels like

This tour is built around one big idea: don’t just show up for the Aurora, show up with a plan. You’ll get a quick photography tutorial, then you’re out there in the Arctic dark with a guide who’s actively checking the odds and responding when the sky shifts.

And yes, the “night hunt” part is real. You may wait in one place while clouds move, then you may drive again. That’s not a problem with the tour, it’s just how Aurora chasing works at these latitudes.

Meeting point in Tromso, and the pace of the first transfer

You start inside the Northern Shots shop, also called Booking Point, located between The Edge Hotel and the Magic Ice bar, right in front of Prostneset Harbour. It’s an easy visual meet-up once you’re in that waterfront zone, and you’ll be directed from the shop into the group setup.

Then comes the first transfer, roughly two hours of coach time. The vehicle is normally heated, but cold nights can still make it gradually cooler, so treat this as “heated, not sauna.” You’ll do more than ride too, the early stretch includes Arctic scenery as the coach moves past fjords and mountains.

Practical note: you’ll probably be focused on staying warm and ready for stops, so bring layers you can put on fast and adjust quickly.

The chase stops, sightseeing breaks, and why the itinerary can feel fluid

At some point you’ll make a viewpoint stop for sightseeing. This is the part of the night that helps you settle in, grab a breath of fresh air, and get used to standing outside in the dark while you wait for the sky to turn on.

After that, the tour continues with another transfer of about two hours before you head back toward the starting point. The exact spots can vary by season, weather, and road conditions, and you might stay in one location for longer than you expect.

A theme you’ll notice throughout the night is patience. The guides are working with weather forecasts and a strong network of technical resources in the region, but cloud cover and clarity still decide everything in the moment. On the nights that cooperate, it feels like the sky is putting on a show for you. On the nights that don’t, the best tours still get you out there long enough to catch a break.

How guides make Aurora decisions, and why that matters for your photos

The guide-led hunt is where this tour earns its keep. Your group listens to an explanation of the science behind the Aurora Borealis and the stories people tell about it, then you get real-world context for what you’re seeing.

That science talk is not just trivia. When you understand what drives the lights and why they can appear in waves or intensify, you’re more likely to shoot through the “quiet” moments instead of packing up too early.

You’ll also see guides managing the hunt with a mix of data and observation. In the past, guides have helped the group interpret changing cloud cover, and they’ve driven toward clearer sky, sometimes even in the direction of the Norway-Finland border when conditions near Tromso weren’t cooperating.

If you get a guide like Thomas, Barbara, Peter, or Mark, you’ll likely feel that same pattern: calm explanations, frequent checks of conditions, and constant encouragement not to lose patience. Even in stormy weather, the tone tends to stay practical, you wait, you adjust, and you keep scanning.

Aurora instruction you can use on phones and cameras

This is a photography-focused tour, and the tutorial is one of the most praised parts. You don’t need to be a camera expert to benefit, because the guide teaches what to set and how to approach shooting in low light.

In real-world terms, this means you’ll spend the night doing two things at once:

• learning as you go
• getting hands-on help when someone’s settings are off

A lot of the magic of Aurora photography is timing and exposure, not luck. That’s why the guide coaching matters. People on this tour have talked about getting help adjusting phone and camera settings, and in many cases getting individual guidance so you can take your own shots instead of relying only on luck.

If you’re traveling with a tripod, it can help for long exposures, and at minimum it keeps your setup steady while the Aurora dances. If you don’t have one, bring a good grip on your patience and keep following the guide’s advice, because the tutorial is designed for beginners too.

Hot drinks, cookies, and managing the cold hour by hour

One of the small-but-smart inclusions is hot drinks and cookies. You’ll feel it after you’ve been outside long enough for your hands to get sluggish. The tour is normally about 7 hours total, but in the field the timing can stretch depending on weather and road conditions.

You may have long sits while the guides look for clearer patches of sky. That’s normal for an Aurora chase, and hot drinks make a big difference when you’re waiting in the dark.

Also keep expectations realistic based on season. In April and August, the window for seeing the northern lights can be around 1 hour or less, even if skies are clear. In other months, the dark is longer and the lights can show in stronger bursts, so the night can feel more generous.

And yes, you may still experience harsh weather, including snowstorms. Several nights on this route have turned stormy first, then cleared just enough to reveal the lights. The tour runs regardless of weather, so your comfort plan matters.

Duration, crowds, and what to expect when it is high season

This tour duration is variable, and you might spend more time in the bus than you want while chasing the best odds. You might park in one spot for a while, then drive again, which is why the whole experience often feels like a living plan instead of a strict timetable.

In high season, crowds can be noticeable. The tour can involve a bigger group, and you may be parked near vehicles from other companies. That doesn’t automatically ruin the experience, because the best spots can still feel wide open, and the guide’s job is to find workable viewing space.

If you hate tight logistics and prefer to avoid crowds at all costs, you can still enjoy this tour, but pick your expectations. This is for the people who want the chase and the photography help more than a quiet private stargazing bubble.

Optional professional portraits, and whether you should add them

You’ll have the option to get a professional Aurora portrait taken by the photographer for purchase. If you want a ready-made memory without editing or guessing settings, it’s a reasonable add-on, especially if you’re traveling with family or you want photos where the framing and timing are handled for you.

What this tour does not include is a guaranteed free set of professional images. Any professional portraits are optional and available for purchase. So if you’re trying to keep costs tight, you can focus on shooting with your own phone or camera using the guide tutorial.

If you do buy a pro photo, I’d treat it like you’re buying peace of mind, not a substitute for learning. The tutorial still helps you get your own shots even if you skip the paid portraits.

What to pack so you stay comfortable and ready to shoot

This is where most people either win the night or suffer through it. Bring warm clothing and plan for layers you can manage while you’re outdoors. The vehicle can cool down gradually on extreme nights, and stop points can be slippery.

Here’s what you should have with you based on the tour guidance:

• gloves
• a flashlight
• a charged smartphone
• thermal clothing if you have it
• warm clothing and food
• water (hot drinks are included, but water is not listed as included)
• travel insurance
• passport or ID

One key rule: no food in the vehicle. If you bring snacks, keep them for stops, not inside the coach.

If you’re the type who forgets one small item, don’t trust memory. This is Norway in winter conditions, so check your bag before you leave the hotel.

Price and value, is $95 per person fair

At $95 per person for about 7 hours, this tour sits in the “pay for expertise and transportation” category. You’re not just paying for a bus ride. You’re paying for a guide, the photography tutorial, and included hot drinks and cookies.

The value is best if:

• you want to learn how to shoot the Aurora instead of leaving empty-handed
• you’re okay with waiting and moving around depending on cloud cover
• you don’t already have the right settings knowledge

The value is weaker if:

• you’re only interested in a guaranteed Aurora sighting
• you refuse to plan for cold, waiting, and possible stargazing on a cloudy night

Also factor in that thermal clothes and professional photos are not included. You’re expected to come prepared, and if you choose the optional portrait, that adds to your budget.

What happens if you don’t see the northern lights

This is important to understand before you book. The Aurora is a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. The tour says they often have success even when the sky looks rough, including nights with clouds, rain, or snow.

But if you don’t spot the lights on your first tour, you can qualify for a 50% discount on a new tour, as long as it’s booked at their desk based on seat availability. This offer is not valid in the last day of the season.

There is no refund if the northern lights do not appear. In other words, you’re buying a guided chase with instruction, not a literal guaranteed show.

Quick reality check, who this tour suits best

This is a great fit for you if:

• you want Aurora photography help for phones and cameras
• you enjoy the active, changing nature of Aurora chasing
• you’re comfortable dressing warmly and waiting outside

It may not be the best fit if:

• you need guaranteed lights to justify the cost and effort
• you’re very sensitive to cold or slippery walking areas
• you hate the idea of spending hours in a coach while the guide searches for clearer sky

Should you book the Tromso Northern Lights Photography Tour?

If you want the best chance at getting the lights on camera, yes, this is worth serious consideration. The strongest part is the pairing of chase logistics with real shooting instruction, plus the included hot drinks and cookies that help you endure the waiting.

Book it if you’re ready to plan for uncertainty, especially in shoulder months when the lights can appear less intensely and for a shorter time. Skip it only if you need guarantees, can’t handle Arctic night temperatures, or don’t want to deal with variable timing.

If you do book, do two things: dress for the cold like it’s going to test you, and treat the guide’s photo advice as your game plan. That combo is what turns a long night into a memory.

FAQ

How long is the Tromso Northern Lights photography tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours. The exact time can vary by season, weather, and road conditions, and you may spend several hours in the vehicle while the guides look for the lights.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet inside the Northern Shots shop, also known as Booking Point. It is located between The Edge Hotel and the Magic Ice bar, right in front of Prostneset Harbour.

What is included in the price?

Transportation, a live English guide, a photography tutorial, and hot drinks and cookies are included.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring warm clothing, gloves, food, water, a flashlight, a charged smartphone, and thermal clothing if you have it. You’ll also need a passport or ID card and travel insurance.

Do they provide thermal clothes or boots?

No. Thermal clothes are listed as not included.

Are the northern lights guaranteed?

No. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.

Are professional Aurora photos included?

No. Pictures taken by a professional photographer are available for purchase, and the professional Aurora portrait option is optional.

What happens if I do not see the northern lights?

There is no refund if the lights do not appear. You may be eligible for a 50% discount on a new tour if you do not spot the lights on your first tour, booked at their desk based on seat availability.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour runs regardless of weather conditions. If it is canceled due to unsafe road conditions, you can change the date or get a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.