Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase with Free Photos in Tromsø
Tromsø, Norway is a magnificent and enthralling destination for natural wonders. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking fjords and mountains, or the incredible Northern Lights, you can find it here. Even better, you can experience the stunning beauty of this stunning region entirely for free. You don’t need to book a guided tour or pay for a photography package. Instead, you can explore the area at your leisure, and capture the beauty of it all with your own photos.
Best Times to Look for the Northern Lights in Tromsø
The Northern Lights are an entirely unpredictable phenomenon, so it’s nearly impossible to say when they will be visible. However, you can increase your chances of catching a glimpse of the spectacular aurora borealis by planning your visit during the winter months when the nights are long and dark. Arctic Watch recommends that you plan your trip between late August and late March. Note: Even when you make plans to visit during wintertime, it’s still important to check Aurora Forecasts before you go. This will give you an idea of when the Northern Lights are likely to appear based on their current activity.
Where to Search for the Northern Lights in Tromsø
When you’re looking to capture the Northern Lights with your camera, there are a few places in Tromsø that are both aesthetically pleasing and provide some of the most picturesque landscapes. These locations boast some of the best views in the area that will let you take tremendous photos of the skies dancing with the Northern Lights. Here are some of the best places you can explore to get brilliant shots of the Northern Lights in Tromsø:
- Skarven Viewpoint – Skarven is located at the top of Storsteinen, which is the largest mountain in Tromsø and well worth a visit. The stunning view from the top of Storsteinen offers a stunning view of the city and wild nature surrounding it.
- Tungeneset – If you’re willing to venture a bit further away from Tromsø city centre, Tungeneset is a great spot to look for Northern Lights. It takes around 30 minutes by car to get here, but you’ll have terrific unfettered views of the night sky.
- The Cable Car Mountain Platform – This is another spot located close to the city centre. The mountain platform is located just next to Storsteinen and can deliver extraordinary views – particularly if there are mountain firs illuminated with the Northern Lights.
- From the Harbour – This is one of those locations best experienced during a guided tour. It’s possible to take a boat from downtown to see them from a distance, or head out on a tour that takes passengers closer to its magical beauty.
Best Free Photo Opportunities in Tromsø
In addition to seeing and capturing the breathtaking Northern Lights with your camera, there are many other locations offering great photo opportunities in and around Tromsø. Here are some of our favourites:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| The Arctic Cathedral | “The Arctic Cathedral” is located right along the water in Tromsø and is one of the city’s landmarks. |
| Kvaloya Island | Kvaløya Island is only 15 minutes away from town by car, but it’s a world away in terms of its green landscape and peace and quiet. |
| Perspectives from Mt. Storsteinen | Mt. Storsteinen offers stunning perspectives on all of Tromsø from its peak, and is popular with photographers hoping to catch breathtaking panoramic shots. |
| Mack Brewery | Mack brewery stands just next to the harbour and gives visitors some delightful opportunities for photo opportunities with colorful boats and panoramic views. |
Tips for Photographing The Northern Lights
Though there are no guarantees that you will have clear skies with the northern lights during your time in the area, there are some tricks that can help you capture their beauty more effectively:
- Choose a Tripod – When taking photographs of light phenomena, like shooting stars or night skies, tripods are essential for avoiding blurriness due to movement. Whenever possible, set your camera onto a tripod before starting to shoot.
- Keep an Empty Memory Card and Extra Batteries – When taking photos of any sort, you’ll want to ensure that your camera is ready for action at all times. Prepare for your photo sesh by bringing an empty memory card and extra batteries.
- Adjust the ISO Settings – ISO settings change how sensitive your camera is to light levels. Adjust this setting until your photos come out with some color variation if possible.
Conclusion
Exploring an area as enigmatic and captivating as Tromsø during wintertime can be an ode of adventure. The province has much to offer, especially when it comes to photographing its stunning illuminated skies. FREE photos abound if you plan accordingly! To maximize your chances of getting good photos of the Northern Lights, make sure to plan ahead by checking Aurora Forecasts before packing up your gear and heading off on your adventure. If you’re hoping to experience the magic and beauty of Tromsø and its incredible natural phenomenons from aboard a boat, then you should consider booking Northern Lights Chase tour from GetYourGuide. By booking this guided tour, you’ll be given expert guidance about designated photography spots, as well as safe night navigation across the fjord – all with plenty of chances to capture that perfect northern light photograph! For more information, click here. Happy travels!
Table of Contents
