Aurora Borealis Tour in Tromsø – A Complete Guide

Tromsø, located in northernmost Norway, is one of the most unique cities in the world thanks to its wonderful natural settings. The city is considered a great place to experience the Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights or the magical sparkling display Nature creates in the night skies. Tromsø is a popular destination for travelers looking to have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime arctic experience and see the Northern Lights up close. The Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring phenomena in nature, and they have been captivating people around the world for centuries. But just seeing them isn’t easy! To have the best chance of witnessing the Aurora, you need patience and a lot of luck – but some tips an be followed to increase your chances of seeing these incredible lights. So, if you’re visiting Tromsø and looking for an Aurora tour, then you’re in luck! There are plenty of amazing aurora borealis tour options available in this truly beautiful northern city. In this guide, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of your options for Aurora tours in Tromsø and ways to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.

What is the Aurora Borealis?

Aurora Borealis, commonly known as Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon caused by a solar wind rushing through Earth’s magnetic field. The collisions of charged particles from the wind create streams of glowing light particles – visible as colorful ribbons dancing in the night sky. This incredible light display is visible mostly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The breathtaking views vary from astonishingly bright glow to spectacular curtains of light. Depending on their intensity, the aurora can offer a wide range of beautiful colors, from red and pink to yellow, green, blue and purple.

When is the Best Time to View the Aurora Borealis?

The best time to see Aurora Borealis in Tromsø is during the winter months: October through March. You’ll need clear skies, so keep an eye on local weather forecasts. With clear skies, the lights will be visible even during the weekend. At this time of year, daylight hours are very limited so temperatures can get fairly cold. So if you go on an aurora tour in the winter months, make sure you dress appropriately – layered warm clothing and sturdy winter boots will help keep you warm during your tour.

Where is the Best Place to See the Northern Lights?

Tromsø has one of the best locations in Northern Norway for viewing auroras. If you’re visiting this beautiful wintery city, you can enjoy wonderful views of the lights from many places around town – for example from your hotel window or from Ersfjorden beach. However, to get the best views and photos of Aurora Borealis it’s best to find a spot away from any light pollution. One of our favorite spots for viewing aurora borealis in Tromsø is at Trygghamna beach – located on Arctic island Kvaløya just outside Tromsø itself. It’s a very popular spot with locals as well as tourists coming in search of the stunning Northern Lights.

Aurora Tours From Tromsø

There are several operators offering guided Northern Lights tours from Tromsø. These tours offer an unforgettable experience and have great chances of witnessing the phenomenon – thanks to small groups and knowledgeable guides that are well-equipped to take you to peaceful locations away from light pollution and enjoy awe-inspiring views of the lights up close. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite Aurora tours from Tromsø that we think are great for seeing the Northern Lights:

• Tromsø Friluftssenter: This experienced operator offers dog sledding and other amazing adventures in Tromsø, as well as private or group trips to witness the Aurora Borealis with knowledgeable guides.
• Basecamp Explorer: They offer private tours into the countryside with warm and cozy coffee breaks taken along remote locations, giving you a great chance of seeing aurora borealis up close.
• Potsmark Turlag: This experienced and highly rated tour operator offers guided tours with amazing nighttime views of Northern Lights. They also offer day trips combined with night excursions for that extra special experience.
• Arctic Alp Guides: These knowledgeable guides offers lovely winter tours, including a 3-hour private tour with an experienced guide who offers breathtaking views of Aurora Borealis.

If you’ve decided to book an aurora tour from Tromsø, we’d highly recommend checking out GetYourGuide’s selection of special Aurora Borealis tours in Tromsø with reliable operators. The tours are all really well reviewed, safe and great value for money. By booking through GetYourGuide you can easily find an Aurora tour that suits your needs and make sure you get the best possible experience without worrying about any hidden surprises!

How to Get Ready for Your Aurora Tour

Going on an Aurora tour is a very special experience – one that should be enjoyed to its fullest! To make sure your tour is a success, you will need some proper preparation beforehand. Here are some tips that’ll help you make the most out of your tour:

• Dress appropriately: Temperatures can get very cold during winter months so it’s essential to dress layer made warm clothing, hats, mittens, scarf and a waterproof coat – you’ll appreciate it once you’re at that beautiful spot away from any light pollution staring up contemplating Nature’s amazing wonders.
• Bring your camera: It’s essential to have a camera (with enough battery and memory card space) if you really want to get great shots of your experience.
• Visit during full moon: It can be easier to spot auroras during full [or almost full] moon nights. The auroras are more likely to be visible under moonlight than darkness.
• Stay awake late: Don’t forget that it gets dark in Norway well after 8 PM during winter months – so make sure you’re well rested prior taking part in your tour.

Account also for potential delays due to weather conditions: even if there are forecasts that signal high activity of Aurora Borealis displays full nights ahead, it won’t be possible to see them in many occasions due to bad weather like cloudy night skies or rain or snow. But not all is lost! Most tour companies will reschedule your tour if they deem they won’t be able to provide you prime conditions in that moment – so be patient and enjoy your time in Tromsø if it’s not possible to see Aurora Borealis displays right away!

Conclusion

Seeing nocturnal displays of beautiful color pigments up close is undoubtedly one of life’s most memorable experiences – and what better place than Tromsø to do it? If you are planning a trip here during winter months, don’t forget to check out all available Aurora Borealis tour options and make sure you get prime views of these breathtaking displays! For more information about guided tours from certified operators, make sure to check out GetYourGuide’s selection.