Northern Lights Tours from Tromsø

Book excursions from Tromsø to spot the Northern Lights in Norway

All information about Northern Lights tours and excursions from Tromsø. Tips for the hunt for the magical phenomenon of the aurora borealis in Norway.

Why Book a Northern Lights Excursion?

Tromsø, located in the heart of the Arctic region, is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Thanks to its favorable position within the aurora zone and relatively mild winter temperatures, this Norwegian city is a popular destination for travelers seeking this natural wonder. On a Northern Lights tour, you are usually picked up from the center of Tromsø and driven to a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution; depending on weather conditions, this can sometimes be many kilometers away from Tromsø, and if necessary, the tour may even venture all the way to Finland. The guides are experts at finding the best spots to spot the aurora borealis (though there is never a guarantee!). They will explain the origins of the Northern Lights and help you set up your camera for the best photos. Since this natural phenomenon is unpredictable, the search can last several hours. With a bit of luck, you will see the sky light up in green, purple, or pink hues, dancing above the Arctic landscape.

How is the Northern Lights formed?

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere. This spectacular natural phenomenon begins with solar flares and coronal mass ejections, where the sun releases huge amounts of energy and charged particles, such as electrons and protons, into space.

When these particles reach the Earth's magnetosphere, they are guided by the magnetic field towards the poles. There, they collide with gases in the upper layers of the atmosphere—mainly oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions cause the gas molecules to absorb energy and then emit it as light.

The color of the Northern Lights depends on the type of gas and the altitude of the collisions. Green, the most common color, is produced by oxygen at about 100 km altitude. Red appears at higher altitudes, while blue and purple are caused by nitrogen.

The Northern Lights are best visible in areas close to the magnetic poles, such as Norway, Canada, and Alaska, especially during dark and clear nights between September and April.

Northern Lights Excursions & Tours

Booking an organized tour significantly increases your chances of actually seeing the Northern Lights. Experienced guides know the best locations and take weather conditions into account, so you don’t have to search alone in the cold. Moreover, tours often include warm drinks, photography assistance, and interesting information about the phenomenon (compare all Northern Lights tour providers).