The aurora borealis in Tromsø: the magical sky over Norway and where to observe it

The aurora borealis in Tromsø: the magical sky over Norway and where to observe it

June 11, 2025

Tromsø, a picturesque city located behind the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, is often called the 'gateway to the Arctic.' This place is famous not only for its breathtaking scenery of fjords and mountains, but especially for the extraordinary spectacle that takes place in the night sky - the aurora borealis. This fascinating natural phenomenon attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year, dreaming of seeing the dancing lights with their own eyes. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the best places and tours that will allow you to experience the magic of the aurora borealis in and around Tromsø. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer or simply a seeker of unforgettable experiences, Tromsø has something unique to offer for everyone.

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Best aurora watching tours in Tromsø

Tromsø offers a wide range of tours that will allow you to discover the beauty of the aurora borealis. One of the best-rated companies organizing such tours is Chasing Lights. With an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5, this tour agency is trusted by locals and tourists alike. Their office is located in the center of Tromsø, at Storgata 64A, making it easily accessible to visitors. Chasing Lights is known for its professional approach and experienced guides, who not only help find the best places to observe the aurora, but also provide assistance in setting up cameras to capture this remarkable phenomenon.

Another recommendable option is Spiritinthesky.Northern Lights & Fjord tours. This company, based at Skolegata 43, boasts a maximum rating of 5 out of 5, a testament to the superior quality of its services. Spiritinthesky excels not only in aurora tours, but also combines them with the opportunity to admire the majestic fjords. This is an ideal option for those who want to combine observation of the night sky with exploration of Norway's captivating landscapes.

Northern Shots Tours AS, with a rating of 4.3, is another company worth noting. Their office, located at Roald Amundsens plass 1A, offers tours led by professional photographers. This is an excellent option for people who want to not only see the aurora borealis, but also learn how to photograph them professionally. The guides of Northern Shots Tours AS share their knowledge of camera settings and techniques for photographing in difficult night conditions.

When comparing the three companies, several aspects are worth noting. Chasing Lights and Spiritinthesky offer the highest ratings, which may indicate consistently high quality service. Northern Shots Tours AS, despite a slightly lower rating, may be an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts. Prices for the tours are comparable, but it is worth checking the current offers, as they can change depending on the season. All companies offer warm drinks and snacks during tours, which is important in the cold Arctic climate.

When choosing a tour, it's worth paying attention to group size. Smaller groups, offered by Spiritinthesky, can provide a more personalized experience. Conversely, larger groups, like Chasing Lights, may offer lower prices. Northern Shots Tours AS may be the best choice for people who want to combine aurora watching with photography workshops.

Regardless of your choice, either company guarantees an unforgettable experience and professional service in search of one of nature's most beautiful phenomena - the aurora borealis over Tromsø.

Alternative ways to observe the aurora borealis

In addition to traditional land tours, Tromsø also offers other equally fascinating ways to observe the aurora borealis. One such alternative is Northern Norway Travel, a travel agency based in the center of Tromsø, at Samuel Arnesens gate 5. With a rating of 4.6, this company specializes in organizing unique experiences that combine aurora sightings with other attractions in the region.

Northern Norway Travel distinguishes itself by offering tours that not only focus on aurora hunting, but also explore local culture and nature. Their offerings include tours that combine aurora watching with visits to traditional Saami villages or reindeer-drawn sleigh rides. This is an excellent option for those who want a deeper dive into the culture and traditions of northern Norway.

Another interesting option is Polar Adventures Tromso - Northern Lights. This company, with a rating of 4.5, offers a unique aurora observation experience from aboard a boat. Their office is located at Killengreens gate 7-11, near the port in Tromsø. Sea tours offer the opportunity to admire the aurora from a completely different perspective, away from the city lights and surrounded by picturesque fjords.

Polar Adventures Tromso stands out because it combines aurora watching with the opportunity to see whales and other sea creatures. This is an ideal option for nature lovers who want to combine several extraordinary experiences in one trip. In addition, a boat trip can be less tiring than a long hour bus ride, which is especially important for families with children or the elderly.

When comparing these two companies to those previously discussed, there are several aspects worth noting. Northern Norway Travel offers a more comprehensive cultural experience, which may be attractive to those interested not only in nature, but also in the history and traditions of the region. Polar Adventures Tromso, on the other hand, offers a unique opportunity to observe the aurora borealis from the perspective of the sea, which may be particularly appealing to those looking for new, unconventional experiences.

In terms of pricing, the sea tours offered by Polar Adventures Tromso may be slightly more expensive than standard land tours, but offer a unique experience for that. Northern Norway Travel offers a wide price range, depending on the tour option chosen.

It's also worth considering that sea tours can be more weather-dependent, which can affect their availability at certain times. On the other hand, they offer the opportunity to get away from cloud cover that can interfere with aurora sightings on land.

Regardless of the option chosen, both Northern Norway Travel and Polar Adventures Tromso provide professional service, warm drinks and snacks during tours, and assistance with aurora photography. Both companies enjoy high ratings among customers, a testament to the quality of their services and the unforgettable experience they provide their guests.

Practical tips for aurora watchers

Whatever form of aurora sighting you choose, it's worth keeping in mind a few practical tips to help you fully enjoy this remarkable experience.

First, proper preparation is key. Tromsø, located behind the Arctic Circle, has a harsh climate, especially during the winter season, which is the best season for aurora observation. It is advisable to stock up on warm, layered clothing, waterproof boots, a hat, gloves and a scarf. Most tour companies, such as Chasing Lights or Spiritinthesky.Northern Lights & Fjord tours, provide additional thermal suits, but your own warm clothing is essential.

Second, be patient and flexible. The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot be predicted with 100% certainty. That's why it's a good idea to book a few nights for sightings to increase your chances. Companies such as Northern Shots Tours AS and Northern Norway Travel often offer the opportunity to participate again for free or at a discount if you fail to see the aurora on your first attempt.

A third important consideration is photography. If you want to capture the aurora borealis, prepare the right equipment. Smartphone cameras, although getting better, may not be enough to capture the phenomenon. It's worth getting a camera with a manual setting mode and a tripod. Companies such as Northern Shots Tours AS specialize in the photographic aspects of aurora sightings and can be an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts.

The fourth aspect is choosing the right location. Although the aurora borealis can sometimes be seen even from the center of Tromsø, the best conditions for observation are outside the city, away from artificial lighting. Companies such as Polar Adventures Tromso - Northern Lights offer a unique aurora viewing experience from aboard a boat, which can provide exceptional viewing conditions.

The fifth consideration is timing. The best time to observe the aurora borealis in Tromsø is from late September to late March. During this time, the nights are the longest, which increases the chances of seeing the phenomenon. However, keep in mind that in the middle of winter (late November to late January) Tromsø has a polar night, which means the sun does not rise at all. This can be a fascinating experience, but also challenging for those unaccustomed to such conditions.

Finally, it is worth mentioning alternative ways to experience the aurora phenomenon. If the weather doesn't cooperate or you want to learn more about the phenomenon, visit the Northern Light Planetarium in Tromsø. This place offers fascinating presentations about the aurora borealis and other astronomical phenomena, which can be a great addition to your trip.

Remember that aurora sighting is not just the phenomenon itself, but the whole experience - from preparation, to traveling through the Arctic landscape, to waiting under the starry sky. Each of the recommended companies - whether Chasing Lights, Spiritinthesky.Northern Lights & Fjord tours, Northern Shots Tours AS, Northern Norway Travel or Polar Adventures Tromso - offers a unique approach to the experience. Choose the one that best suits your expectations and get ready for an unforgettable adventure under the magical Norwegian sky.

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