Tromso Northern Lights Tour but, which is the best?

Tromso Norway is one of the worlds top destinations to see the Aurora Borealis. There are a plethora of trips to choose from and a variety of ways to experience the Aurora. So how do you know which Tromso northern lights tour is the best?.

As well as bus tours, there are trips with husky dogs, reindeer sledding northern lights experiences or you could take a northern lights boat tour.

However, with so many companies offering Tromso northern lights tours how do you know which Tromso aurora tour will be best?

Worry no more Passport and Piano is hear to help with the low down on the best northern lights tours Tromso has to offer.

This article may contain compensated links. Please read my disclaimer policy for more info.

Where is Tromso?

Tromso sits 217 miles north of the arctic circle at 69˚N. Hence, there’s an excellent chance on a winter Tromso visit of seeing the northern lights Norway. 

Which Tromso Northern Lights Tour to take?

Included in this post are two full reviews of the northern lights tour that I took with Wandering Owl and Chasing lights Tromso.

These two companies are renowned as the best around town for their Norway Northern Lights Tours.

Like all things, excellence comes at a price, and of all Tromso tours, they are expensive. Hence I’ve included some excellent alternatives that are cheaper.

However, I’ll be straight, if you’re coming to Norway to see the aurora Borealis why would you not want to go on the best tour.

Why are Chasing Lights and Wandering Owl the best?

Northern Lights are not always easy to find, and both Chasing Lights and Wandering Owl will do everything they can to find you a clear sky.

If that means driving you to Finland, they’ll do exactly that.

Both companies provide thermal suits and boots on their minibus tours, so you’ll be sure to stay warm.

They’ll also give you a tripod and help you with your camera settings.

Do you need to book northern lights tours from Tromso to see the lights?

NO, but you stand a much higher chance of seeing them if you do especially if you’ve never been on Tromso northern lights trips before.

However, if you want to try and spot the northern lights yourself here are a few places that you could drive to around Tromso.

Where to see northern lights in Tromso

The best place to see northern lights in Tromso is at the top of Fjellheisen on the mountain ledge of Storsteinen.

Fjellheisen is the cable car that you can ride up the mountain, and the station is only a short walk from the centre of town. It’s open until 11 pm except between 23rd December and 1st January when it closes much earlier.

If the night sky is clear and you can easily see the stars, there’s a good chance that you’ll see the northern lights from the mountain top.

While you can make your own way to the cable car and purchase a ticket there is also a Northern Lights Tour up Fjellheisen.

On this tour, you get an evening meal in the restaurant at the top of Fjellheisen. It includes transfers from Tromso and while you enjoy dinner there’s a nights watchman that’ll inform you if the lights are on show.

Ersfjord

We stayed in an Airbnb in Ersfjord, and I can say the view over the fjord is stunning.

Framed by the mountains, you’ll quickly find some stunning vistas, and on a clear night, if you look to the north, you should be able to see the lights.

It’s approximately a 25-minute drive from the centre of Tromso; you’ll need winter tyres ideally with studs on if you drive along the fjord when there’s snow on the ground.

The main roads are usually clear of snow but, the side streets can be rather icy.

Tromvik

About an hours drive from Tromso past Ersfjord is the small town of Tromvik. If there has been lots of snow in recent days the road to Tromvik can be closed so check if that’s a possibility. 

If you drive as far as the road goes, there’s little light pollution, and the carpark at the start of the Sethautvatnet trailhead is a great place to watch the northern lights. It’s about an hours drive from Tromso.

Skittenelv

Along the mainland coast road about a 45-minute drive from Tromso, there are some beautiful spots along the beach near Skittenelv. This was the route we took on the best northern lights tour of our trip.

If the sky is clear and you find a spot away from light pollution, the beautiful natural surroundings of the coast make for fantastic photographs.

Why use Tromso Northern Light Companies?

The best Tromso northern lights tour companies have access to sky cameras that they regularly check throughout the evening.

They also study the cloud and weather patterns frequently throughout the day and night. With there expertise, they are then able to predict the northern lights Tromso forecast.

While you can look yourself at the Tromso university camera, unless you have experience of combining these with metrological readings, you’re going to struggle.

There are apps such as My Aurora Forecast, which give the northern lights forecast Tromso and other regions, but I found it to be useless. On all of our northern lights Norway tours it offered only a 1% chance and we saw the lights on every occasion. 

To give you a clearer insight as to what a northern lights tour Tromso is like here’s two reviews taken from excerpts of my travel diary.

I’ve waited along time to see the Aurora Borealis, so I was disappointed to read that the Tromso northern lights forecast on our first hunt was not good. Our first trip was with Chasing lights.

The sky was cloudy, and the activity was coming up as low. However, the knowledge and expertise of the company proved me wrong.

I have the photos to show that I’ve witnessed the magic of the Aurora Borealis with the Chasing Northern Lights Tromso tour by minibus.

Would I recommend using chasing lights as a company? – definitely!

I should point out here that we took our tour of Tromso northern lights in December which is not the best time. 

Best time to see northern lights in Tromso

The best time to see them is between February-March and September-October. However, Northern Light tours in Norway are bookable between mid-September and mid-April.

Chasing northern lights Tromso tour with Chasing Lights Minibus Review

Having spoken to several other people who went on an aurora hunt last night, it pays to spend a bit more money. Those that I talked to said that they saw only a faint aurora, whereas we had a magnificent display and a night sky filled with stars. It was such a magical Christmas Eve.

We met our guide Oli at the chasing lights shop on Storgata just before 6 pm. We had opted for a small minibus tour as we wanted a more intimate experience.

In total, after collecting people from a couple of hotels around Tromso, there were 12 of us, including Oli, and our driver Aleks.

As we left Tromso, Oli explained that we would travel towards Kilpisjarvi, which was just across the border in Finland.

Where will the Northern Lights tromsø appear?

Before the tours commence Oli and the team at Chasing Lights study the weather patterns and images on the sky cameras that they have dotted around the area.

Unfortunately, the weather in Tromso isn’t clear enough to see the lights this evening hence the team decided that it would be best to head to Finland.

He explained that the guides communicate throughout the night and if one group finds that that the skies are not as clear as they’d first thought, then they make a new plan.

Oli gave us a few facts about the aurora along the way, and how it is formed. You were free to ask as many questions as you like.

And we’re off on our Northern Lights Chase Tromso

We enjoyed a bottle of water and a Norwegian kit Kat as we travelled along the first leg of the journey. At Nordkjosbotn we stopped at the petrol station for a toilet break, and you could purchase extra drinks and snacks if you wish.

What I liked is that there was plenty of time and no sense of rushing, which often happens on group tours.

Oli filled us in on some interesting facts about Nordkjosbotn. The town has only 400 residents, but the crossroads in the middle sees the most visitors in northern Norway.

The highway we were now travelling on is the road to Russia. If you travel in the other direction to the south it takes you to Oslo. Hence Nordkjosbotn is a popular transit stop.

It’s approximately an hour from Nordkjosbotn to Kilpisjarvi in Finland. Hence, there was plenty of time to chat with other passengers and get to know everyone in our northern light tour Tromso group.

Of course its dark outside so there’s not much scenery to see, but Oli told us to keep an eye out for moose. Sadly we didn’t see one.

The border of Finland

It was a long journey, but the skies were looking much clearer as we approached the border of Finland, and there were plenty of stars. Oli was hopeful that we would see the aurora this evening. 

As we crossed into Finland, the clocks went an hour forward, so Christmas was going to come even sooner and be extra long. The border was empty, so we drove straight through. Oli said that he’d only been stopped once.

However,  the passport control guy wasn’t interested in seeing peoples passports; he only wanted to know if they’d seen the northern lights that evening. 

Note, it is advisable to carry your passport if your planning on crossing borders on a northern lights tour Norway.

Oli planned to take us to Lake Kilpisjarvi, which is a vast frozen lake about 10 km over the border in Finland. The lake also borders with Sweden which you could walk across to if you wanted to venture a km across the snow in the pitch black.

It took a while to find a suitable lay-by that the minibus could park in as the snow was deep. Each attempt Oli would jump off the bus and see whether it was too deep for us to walk across to the lake.

Lake Kilpisjarvi

On the third or fourth lay-by, we found our spot. It was now time to get suited and booted to brace the temperature which was now minus 15. When we left for our Tromso northern lights Norway tour, it had been 4 degrees.

Oli and Aleks help with the thermal suits which you put on over your existing clothes, including your coat. I looked like a Michelin snowman dressed in blue.

I was wearing base layers, ski pants, a fleece jumper, a heated gilet, and a padded ski jacket. Plus a thermal suit.

The walk down to the lake was short, but it wasn’t easy in the snow and walking with so many layers on in deep slow is challenging and tiring. However, we were excited by the magic and isolated spot that Oli was taking us to and optimistic that the lights would show.

If you would like some advice on what to wear while on your Norway aurora tour check out this post on winter Norway clothing.

As soon as we arrived at the lake, we set up the camera gear, and almost immediately Oli said look there’s a faint aurora over there.

What’s the Aurora look like?

Now let me explain, with the naked eye you’ll see nothing. I was like, where, what, I can’t see it, but sure enough on the picture, you could see a faint green arc, aka the northern lights.

Oli quickly insisted that he take everyone’s pictures just in case the lights disappeared then he would help those of us with cameras set up our gear.

As he started taking individual photos, the lights got better, and you started being able to see where the aurora was without the need for a camera lens. It’s hard to explain, but it looks like a whitish/greenish haze across the sky.

The Aurora light can be in different spots, in the shape of an arc or just a mass.

I couldn’t wait to start getting some pictures, so having had mine taken by Oli, I set up the tripod. The first few pictures came out all black, which was disappointing, but with a few subtle adjustments, I was starting to get my first photos of the lights.

Capturing the Aurora Borealis

If you required help with the camera settings, Oli was quick at assisting, with the levels. However, several people struggled as their cameras weren’t good enough, or they didn’t know where to find the settings.

I was so pleased that I’d done my research before going on this adventure. I’m a keen amateur photographer, but my only experience of night photography was on the Great Barrier Reef, where I did get some fantastic pictures of the milky way.

For this trip, I had invested in a new [easyazon_link identifier=”B071QWM469″ locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]Leica wide angled lens[/easyazon_link] and some extra batteries. I’d also done some practice photography at home in Manuel mode to ensure that I was familiar with the settings.

You can read more about what camera gear and settings you need here for northern lights photography.

Throughout the night Oli took lots of photos, so if your camera fails you, don’t worry. Chasing lights will make sure you take some memories away with you.

Hot Chocolate and Cookies

As we were enjoying taking pictures and viewing the lights, which were now visible without the camera, Oli served hot chocolate and cookies. I thought I’d be starving by this point, but with all the excitement of the night, I’d forgotten that this tour included a snack and hot meal.

As the northern lights had been on show all night, Oli hadn’t had a chance to light a fire and cook dinner, and we didn’t eat until way after midnight.

There was a further delay when he returned as the lights just kept better and better. As they started to dance a little, he insisted that we all had our picture retaken.

At around 1 am, we headed back towards the edge of the lake to enjoy a hot meal before returning to Tromso.

End of the night

It was a long evening, and walking back through the deep snow was a challenge. I fell over twice as my legs just didn’t seem to want to function.

Each time Oli had to help me get up as my feet were at a funny angle, and I couldn’t stand by myself. I have to admit that my hands and feet were incredibly cold by this point. I had [easyazon_link identifier=”B000JJP0UM” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]hotties in my gloves[/easyazon_link] and boots which were still warm, but being outside for so many hours in such low temperatures – it was now minus 18 takes its toll.

Of course, taking pictures all night meant that I didn’t have my ski gloves on, so I was only wearing a thin pair of merino ones, and as you stand still for so long, it’s not surprising you get cold.

We are heading out again in a couple of nights on a second trip so note to self – I must remember to move around more.

Dinner around the Campfire

I was the last one back to the fire as it had taken me so long to get there. Everyone was sat on reindeer skins around the fire, tucking into a bowl of vegetable stew.

I didn’t think that I’d be able to get back up if I sat on the floor and I’d passed the point of being hungry. Aleks, the driver, offered to take me back to the bus.

What a star he was, he helped me out of my thermal suit, put the heating on and insisted I drank a warm cup of hot chocolate. He sat with me for a while and ensured that I was fine, before returning to help Oli with dinner.

I want to thank Chasing lights for the personal care they took, being drained and exhausted, by the way, didn’t spoil my night. I’m usually in bed by 10.30, so I’d already been up long past my bedtime, but it was so worth it.

As for missing out on dinner, that didn’t bother me, after all this was a northern lights chase and Oli did accomplish his mission. 

My partner did enjoy his vegetable stew, and he took a few more photographs around the fire with the northern lights.

So as I said earlier, the great thing about this company is that they don’t rush you, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the experience.

Returning to Tromso

It was into the wee hours of the morning before we got back on the minibus. Unfortunately, there was a further delay to our departure as a group member had lost their mobile phone. 

Sadly it wasn’t found, but Oli and Aleks checked all the thermal suits – which meant unpacking them again and they took a walk back to the lake with torches to see if they could see it in the snow.

They reassured the guy that if it were on the bus, they’d hand at the Chasing Lights shop in the morning. Let’s hope it was, but if not, I hope he has travel insurance so that he can make a claim and get a new one.

Tip – Always have travel insurance. I have an annual policy with World Nomads who I’ve always found to be excellent, both in their customer service and dealing with claims.

I slept most of the way back to Tromso, and by the time we arrived back at our accommodation it was 4.45 am. We had been out for over 10 hours on our chase, but it had been every bit as excellent as I could have hoped for, and my dream of seeing the northern lights had come true.

Is it best to drive to Finland?

You stand a higher chance of seeing the lights in Finland, but the downside is that the temperature is much colder than in Tromso.

You could easily drive yourself to Kilpisjarvi lake and spend a night or two there. The road from Tromso was mostly free from the snow, but it would be advisable to hire a 4wd with tyre studs.

It’s hard to compare Norway northern lights tours as the weather makes such a big difference to your adventure. Read on to find out why in my review of our second Tromso Norway northern lights trip.

Northern Lights Tromso, Norway tour with Wandering Owl Review

Our second Northern Lights trip was with a different company, Wandering Owl, and it was a completely different experience.

It was better in many ways but that was to do with the northern lights rather than with the company. However, I’d highly recommend Wandering Owl.

Both tour guides Oli (from Chasing Lights) and Tommy (from Wandering Owl) were knowledgeable and gave us plenty of information during our trips.

Departure with Wandering Owl

We departed from the Scandic Ishavshotel at 6 pm. As several companies were using this pickup point, it was a little chaotic outside; unlike chasing the lights, which was straight forward as we met at the shop.

We found Tommy, our guide and boarded the minibus. There was less space than on the Chasing Lights bus, and Wandering Owl doesn’t provide a drink or snack for the journey. However, there was a delicious meal later.

The group size was smaller, with only 8 of us, so we soon got to know each other.

Tommy had been studying the weather forecast throughout the day. He thought we stood a good chance of seeing the lights if headed north rather than to Finland.

If the skies clouded over, Tommy said we could always change direction, but heading north meant a much shorter journey.

He wasn’t wrong, as soon as we left Tromso we crossed the bridge and headed north on the mainland.

The Coastal Road to Tønsvik

Following the coastal road towards Tønsvik, we could see the sky was clear and as soon as we left the urban area and light pollution behind we stopped in a lay-by and the lights appeared.

It hadn’t yet reached 7 pm, and we were already watching the Aurora Borealis.

Being close to Tromso was far better than making the journey to Finland as we had done on the first trip.

However, when you’re northern lights hunting you are at the mercy of the night sky which has nothing to do with the travel company.

We set up our cameras by the side of the road and just as Oli had done Tommy helped those who needed it with the camera settings. After 45 minutes or so, Tommy said we’d get even better views if we went further north, but it would be colder – so it was time to put on the thermal suits again. 

Thermal Suits and Boots

The suits were easier to get into than the ones with chasing lights. Now that could, of course, be because we knew what we were doing. However, the zips in the legs went higher up, which meant that your big boots didn’t get stuck quite so easily.

Wandering Owl also provides thermal boots if you don’t have your own and tripods for the camera. We drove to the top point of the mainland before the road turned inwards, where we parked and headed down to the beach.

Stunning Location

The location was beautiful with a mountain, framing the view to the right and a small wooden house to the left. Being by the sea, there was also moving water which provided stunning reflections from the aurora at times.

If you wanted to capture stunning photographs of the northern lights and not just witness them, then this spot was far better than the Kilpisjarvi lake. For me, the location was one of the highlights of the Wandering Owl tour.

No sooner had we set up our cameras; we were able to get magnificent photographs. The aurora was that strong that you could see its vibrant greens with the naked eye.

Throughout the next hour, the display got better and better. Tommy set up his camera and took pictures of us all and of course continued to help people, particularly those with mobile phones, capture some fantastic memories.

Dinner around the Campfire

Around 8 pm, the display seemed to come to an end, and it was time to build our campfire and enjoy dinner.

Wandering Owl provides small camp stools to sit around the fire which was a bonus as you had to sit on reindeer skins on the floor with Chasing Lights.

The soup and bread provided were plentiful. There were two vegetarian choices, either carrot or Lentil, and for meat-eaters, it was reindeer stew.

All the food was homemade and served individually in full thermal cups. As we sat enjoying dinner, the Aurora Borealis began again; it was perfect.

The lights were the strongest that I’d seen them and not only that they were dancing. It was time to take more photos and also enjoy the show.

A Magical Northern Lights Show

There were green swirls and lines all around us; it was hard to know which direction to look. The evening couldn’t have been more perfect. The display was simply magical.

As we tidied up, I thought that would be the end of the evening as it was about 10 pm, but Tommy wanted to check out one last spot.

It was good to get back in the minibus and warm up. We hadn’t had that opportunity with Chasing Lights because of the lengthy drive to Finland.

Still, this evening we only spent relatively short periods outside which meant the cold didn’t get to you in the same way.

Third stop near Oldervik

Our last stop was on the other side of the mainland a short distance past Oldervik. Again it was by the beach, and the surrounding scenery was beautiful.

This time there were a few trees to use as focal points, and although the lights were a little glow compared to earlier, the stars were crystal clear in the sky.

As we got off the bus, Tommy handed us a mug of hot chocolate and passed around the biscuit tin. It was fantastic to chat and take a few more photos with the rest of the group.

Pictures with Wandering Owl

Tommy meanwhile headed down to the beach and managed to take a few more photographs, all of which are shared free of charge later.

However, the big difference between Chasing lights and Wandering Owl is the quality of the pictures that you get for free.

Chasing lights share the photos via dropbox, and you can download them in the original resolution.

Wandering Owl sends you a link at which you can download all the photographs at a much lower resolution.

If you want the original picture in high resolution, you have to purchase them.

The good news is that the money does go to the tour guide, not the company.

That said the Wandering Owl tour is cheaper. Both companies do offer a discount if you take a second trip. Wandering Owl also offer packages.

Cheaper Tromso Northern Lights Tours Norway

Polar adventures run a very similar trip to both chasing lights and Wandering Owl.

They include photographs taken on the tour, and provide thermal suits. Hot drinks, vegetable soup and snacks are provided.

The guide will help you with your camera settings, but you have to rent tripods for a small fee.

I haven’t personally taken a tour with Polar Adventures, and the reviews are not as good as the Norway northern lights Tromso companies I mentioned earlier.

However, they are mostly positive, and the tour is several hundred NOK cheaper.

Northern lights big bus tour with Northern Shots

After experiencing two fantastic small group northern lights Tromso tours, I didn’t think that I would enjoy the Big Bus experience with professional photographers. However, it was much better than expected.

Having a coach means that there is more legroom and space around your seat. There is also a toilet on board which is handy; on the minibus Tromso lights tours if you get caught short, you’re at the mercy of the natural surroundings.

The big bus tour takes up to 50 passengers, so thermal suits, boots and tripods are not provided. Make sure you layer up your Norway clothing correctly to stay warm.

The good news is that you can stay on or return to the bus whenever you like throughout the evening. Many people came outside only when the aurora was bright, so even if you’re not interested in taking photographs, the big bus tour is an excellent choice.

Buying Photographs

For those who do want to take photos, the guides will help you with your camera settings and ensure that you get some good pictures, but you’ll have to buy any that they take as they do not include them in the price.

The photographs aren’t cheap but then what is in Norway.

There are hot drinks available onboard the bus all night, and if you want to make meals such as cup a soup, they’ll provide you with boiling water.

If you want a big bus experience that does include photographs I’d recommend this tour by Chasing Lights.

Alternative Northern Lights Tours

As I mentioned at the start of this post there are a large number of tours in Tromso that incorporate seeing the Aurora Borealis.

Northern Lights Cruise Tromso

Arctic Adventures Cruise from Tromso is a sailing tour that lasts for 4 hours.  Onboard the comfortable boat they provide you with a thermal suit, hot drinks and biscuits. 

As you sail around various locations you’ll be able to see the northern lights if the night sky conditions are favourable. 

Away from the light pollution of the city, you’ll be in the darkness of the arctic circle which gives you the best chance of seeing the northern lights.

Northern Lights Tromso Husky Tour with Dinner

If you’re thinking of going husky dog sledding why not combine your trip with a chance of experiencing the spectacular Aurora Borealis?

With Tromsø Villmarkssenter you can do just that!

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Tromso to the home of the husky dogs and you’re guaranteed to meet several hundred of them. 

The dogs are super cute and you’ll be able to cuddle them as much as you like.  You’ll be taken on an experience of a lifetime when a professional musher guides you across the snow through the darkness in pursuit of the northern lights.

If nature is on your side you’ll see the magic of the green aurora and if not you’ll have fantastic fun in the beautiful mountain area. Afterwards, there’s a tasty Norwegian meal around a fire where your guide will answer any questions you have about the dogs and their work.

Tromso Reindeer Sledding Northern Lights Experience

Experience the beautiful darkness of the arctic night sky on a sleigh pulled by reindeer with Tromsø Arctic Reindeer. 

You also get the chance to feed hundreds of them and if the night conditions are clear you may get lucky and see the Aurora lights.

Their farm is only a 25-minute drive from the city and you’ll learn a lot about the Sami culture as well as meeting the reindeer.

I took their daytime tour on Christmas Day, you can read all about my experience here.

A three-course meal cooked over an open fire is included and vegetarian options are available.

Northern Lights Tour Packages

If you’re likely to take several Norway Aurora Borealis Tours from Tromso, you’ll save lots by purchasing a pass, such as this seven-day northern lights tour package.

If you want to book a complete tour package Tourradar is a company I’d highly recommend as it gives all the tours available by companies throughout the year.

You can then select your choice of tour, using filters such as preferred company, duration or by departure dates throughout the year.

Money no object? Stay at Tromso Ice Domes

Want a trip of a lifetime? Then stay overnight at the Tromsø Ice Domes where you have an excellent chance of witnessing the magic of the Aurora Borealis.

Your transfer will pick you up from the city at 5 pm and on arrival at the hotel made of ice you’ll have a guide at your disposal for your entire stay.

There’s an ice bar, an ice cinema and yes your bedroom will be made from ice. The restaurant has impressive sculptures made from ice carvings. You can learn all about how sculptors construct the hotel and the arctic animals that live nearby.

In the evening your guide will take you on a snowshoeing adventure wherein the darkness of the valley you’ll hopefully see the northern lights. If they are on display, you’ll get help taking pictures and all necessary clothing and equipment are available.

As your trekking through the snow, your guide will also point out any animal tracks you pass along the way. You’ll light a fire together with the guide and grill your dinner over the open flames.

Back at the Ice Domes, reindeer skin covers keep the mattress warm, and you’ll sleep in expedition sleeping bags. The bed frame is unique in that there’s a stunning ice frame.

In the morning, your Norwegian guide will serve you a delicious breakfast, and you can book additional activities such as snowmobiling and dog or reindeer sledding.

It’s a magical experience perfect for celebrating a special occasion.

What to do in Tromso

Tromso is a stunning town with plenty of quaint, picturesque buildings and shops. There are several museums to explore and plenty of day trips from Tromso you can take, including husky dog sledding or reindeer sledding experiences.

You can also take a day tour to go whale watching or visit the Tromso Ice domes.

For more information on planning a winter trip to Tromso check out our detailed post here. 

You can also read more about whether the traditional Sami culture and reindeer in Tromso trip was worth the money here.

How to get to Tromso

The easiest way to reach Tromso is by plane. Oslo Tromso flights depart daily, and there are also regular routes from Bergen and other Scandinavian countries.

Check out Skyscanner for the best flight deals to Tromso.

It’s a great website that gives you the best deals and flight routes from your departure city to Tromso.

Where to stay in Tromso for Northern Lights

If you to see the northern lights from your accommodation, I’d recommend hiring a car and renting an Airbnb as we did.

Any of the homes away from the centre of town, on the edge of a fjord, will have little light pollution. Hence you stand a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis if the weather conditions are right.

If you would rather stay in the centre of town most Norway northern lights hotel departures go from either the Radisson Blu or the Scandic Ishavshotel.

An excellent alternative to these is the Clarion Hotel The Edge, which is on the waterfront and only a few minutes walk from the Raddison and Scandic Ishavshotel.

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