Northern Lights Photography Tour Tromso

Photograph the Northern lights with experts in Tromso

Join a Tromso Northern Lights photography tour and capture the aurora borealis like a pro under expert guidance. Local photographers lead you to the darkest fjords and valleys for optimal northern lights visibility, helping you master camera settings and composition. Stay warm with hot chocolate and thermal suits as you wait for the aurora to dance above Arctic Norway.

Enjoy a guided tour with transport and hands-on camera assistance, perfect for first-time aurora photographers or seasoned shutterbugs, ensuring stunning images of Tromso’s night sky.

Overview

Tour duration: 6 hours
Start time: 6:30 pm
Transport: Minibus/coach
Included: Expert photography guide, thermal suits, hot chocolate, transfers, tripod, and camera assistance
Best season: September to April (peak time: October to March)
Meeting/drop-off point: Central Tromso hotel
Key highlights: Aurora photography, fjord landscapes, thermal suit comfort, hot drinks

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Convenient pickup and return transfers

Your Tromso photography tour begins with pickup from your meeting point. Settle into a heated minibus as your guide explains the evening plan, camera tips, and aurora science for your Tromso Northern Lights photography tour experience. Then, after a full evening of chasing and photographing the aurora, relax on the minibus ride back to your hotel. Your guide often shares post-processing tips for your Tromso photography tour images.

Things to know before booking your Tromso Northern lights photography tour

Tours last around 6 hours, starting between 6:30pm and 7pm, depending on aurora activity and weather.

Thermal suits, gloves, and hot chocolate are provided to keep you warm while photographing the northern lights. Cameras and tripods are recommended, and guides give hands-on support for both beginners and advanced photographers.

The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but guides follow live forecasts to maximize chances.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and winter conditions.

Dress in layers with moisture-wicking base layers and insulated outerwear to stay comfortable in Arctic temperatures.

Your Northern Lights photography tour planned perfectly

Evening (6:30pm to 7:30pm)
With pick up from your meeting point, meet your photography guide. Get an overview of the science behind aurora lights and camera setup tips while heading to the first remote stop.

Mid-evening (7:30pm to 10:30pm)
Step out at prime locations to photograph the northern lights. Guides provide hands-on assistance, adjusting camera settings and helping frame the aurora over fjords and snow-dusted landscapes. Hot chocolate and short breaks help you stay warm.

Late evening (10:30pm to midnight)
Return to your Tromso hotel with breathtaking photos and new photography skills learned during the Tromso photography tour. Guides often share tips for post-processing aurora images.

Helpful tips for your Tromso aurora photography tour

Stabilize your tripod: Arctic winds can shake lightweight tripods. Add weight using your camera bag or a hanging strap to keep shots sharp.

Avoid lens frost: Keep your lens cap on when not shooting and wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Condensation builds fast in subzero air.

Shoot in RAW format: RAW files capture more color and detail, making post-editing aurora hues easier.

Mind your composition: Include foreground elements like snow-covered trees, fjord reflections, or your guide’s silhouette to add depth to your northern lights photos.

Warm your batteries: Cold kills battery life quickly. Keep spares in your inner pockets and rotate them every 30 minutes.

Turn off flashlights and phone screens: Even a brief beam of white light ruins long exposures. Use red-light headlamps or dim phone screens if needed.

Experiment with short bursts: Try a few 2 to 5-second exposures when auroras move fast to capture dynamic, swirling patterns.

Frequently asked questions about Northern Lights photography tours in Tromso

How long is a Tromso aurora photography tour?

Most Tromso Northern Lights photography tours last 6 hours, including travel to and from viewing spots. This can differ based on the type of tour, whether you're taking a bus, van, jeep, or a private tour.

How likely am I to view and capture Northern Lights on this tour?

Tromso offers one of the best chances to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its prime position beneath the Auroral Oval. Joining an experienced local guide further boosts your odds, as they know exactly where to find clear skies and optimal viewing spots. On average, about 80% of aurora chases in Tromsø lead to sightings, though conditions still depend largely on the weather.

What’s included in a Tromso Northern lights photography tour?

Thermal suits, hot chocolate, transfers, photography assistance, and expert guide support are included in the tours.

When is the best time for a photography tour?

Tromso offers the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights from October to March, when the nights are longest and aurora activity is at its peak.

Do I need to bring my own camera or tripod?

It's recommended to bring your own equipment, though guides often provide spare tripods and camera support for the Tromso photography tour.

From happy customers

Sorathedog

Jan, 2024

My group of 4 took a ten day trip through Norway and Sweden, and at the end of the trip we unanimously decided that this cruise was the highlight of our travel. We were extremely lucky to have gotten a break in the weather, and being able to see the northern lights was an unforgettable experience. Even if we hadn't been able to see the lights, the boat trip was fun and relaxing and Captain Larsen took great care of us. He makes a great fish soup! I highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Tromsø.

3-Hour Northern Lights Guided Tour on a Luxury Catamaran

Poolczar1

Oct, 2024

Great location right at the Scandia hotel at the waterfront. The boat is very stable. They serve refreshment : chips, cookies and hot drinks. Exposure suits are available and animal skins to sit on. Small group of six or eight is the capacity.

Joanne

Nov, 2024

Sandra was extremely good at helping me to book this and we loved every minute of the cruise. It was for a special occasion and it's a time we will never forget- a bit of luxury. From the minute of stepping on board and being offered a drink, being shown to our table, the lovely food, company and excellent friendly staff. We wouldn't change a thing and yes we saw the lights!!!! they were very faint but we saw them. Thank you all for a wonderful evening.

Tromso: Northern Lights Cruise

Sophie

Feb, 2024

Absolutely brilliant experience on this trip and well worth the money. We booked direct through Trip Advisor - you can also book direct. On boarding we were given a welcome drink and your party is given their own table. We were then treated to a 3 course meal and tea and coffee, with the option to purchase additional drinks (they even have their own exclusive boat beer). The food was amazing but the team were the real highlight. They couldn't do enough - the captain had 360 degree views and talked us through when he saw the Northern Lights appear, which we were lucky enough to see. Big thanks to Ivan who was an excellent photographer when the lights came out and Claire who was such a fantastic guide. We were so lucky to see the lights but would highly recommend the trip regardless.

Javier

Highly recommended. It was an amazing experience to see the fjord from the sea. The scenery around is absolutely breathtaking, and luckily the weather was nice too. Both Fred and Iona are very knowledgeable about the area, made us feel very welcome and were great during the trip. They deserve a raise!

From Tromso: Arctic Fjord Cruise & Wildlife Tour

Lskogen

Efficient transportation, helpful orientation, and provision of thermal suits. Despite being accustomed to freezing US winters (-20 to -40 Fahrenheit not uncommon in late December) and being dressed in layers, including parkas, we were freezing. So TAKE THE SUITS when offered. The lavvu was very warm, so the layers were helpful after running in and out to see the lights before dinner. Our hosts were very flexible with the hot drinks, the meal was simple and beautifully presented. The sledding and reindeer feeding was a hoot, the lights were slowly starting to grow as we finished the ride and a full moon/stars complemented the beautiful scenery. Leaving Tromsø in the evening, as charming as the city is, was the best plan we made. Our Sami guides were equally charming during a conversational culture lesson. None of it felt rushed or rehearsed. It happened to be New Years Eve and after a wonderful evening the bus ride included sparkling, crystal clear snow and the start of fireworks EVERYWHERE along the harbour. Even if Lady Aurora is shy, the people, animals and country are worth the trip. Thanks to everyone who made it a special New Years Eve. Highlight of the trip for 17 AND 22 year old children, as well as their parents.

Tromso: Northern Lights, Reindeer and Sami Experiences

Sebastian

Sep, 2024

Friendly staff and friendly reindeer.Absolutely incredible. We started our journey with a bus to the reindeer, which took about 45 minutes. When we got there the staff told us exactly what to do and what not to do. We started feeding the reindeer for about 20 minutes. We could come back for more buckets of food so there was no limit to how much we needed (the reindeer were very friendly too!). After the 20 minutes our group was called to go reindeer sledding, we sat on the sled and then left, there was a blanket provided which was very warm. We did the reindeer sledding for about the same time, 20 minutes. After that we went inside to eat our reindeer stew (vegetarian options were available). The reindeer tasted very good and there were some snacks available, also provided some coffee and hot chocolate. After we all finished eating one of the Sami people told us all about his culture and how they move from the summer land to the winter land and much more. Overall a fantastic experience and a great place to go on holiday.

Quentin

Switzerland

Jan, 2025

The activity was very pleasant and the guides were really friendly. We were also lucky with the weather, which allowed us to see some beautiful auroras. The photos taken by the guides were also of good quality and free of charge. It makes for a quality souvenir.

View original review in French

Tromso: Northern Lights Chase Tour