Best Arctic

Tourists having fun during a northern lights chase with Best Arctic

Northern Lights chasing from Tromsø, Norway

Located 350 km above the Arctic Circle and 70 degrees north, Tromsø is the northernmost student city in the world and is known among travellers for its winter activities and as a northern lights hot spot!

Why is Tromsø one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights?

Due to its stable mild weather and unique location, at the heart of the constant aurora oval, it is the number one recommended city in the world to observe the northern lights!  Tromsø has an airport located on the city’s main island (Tromsøya), with direct flights from many countries such as the UK, Germany, Finland, Poland, and Italy!

This article will explain to you all about our Aurora Safari Camps, our signature northern lights tour.

What is an Aurora Safari Camps tour?

To better see the northern lights, you must get away from the city of Tromsø and its artificial lights. The darker it is around you, the better! In the evening, the tour starts with pick up at Radisson Blu Hotel, in Tromsø city center, at 18:15. We then depart to one of our camps. We have several private camps just for our use, and every evening before the tours, both our guide and the driver check the weather ahead and pick the Aurora Camp with the highest probability of seeing the northern lights that night!

Your guide will welcome you onboard the bus, answer your questions and run a presentation about the northern lights and the trip itself using the onboard screens on the bus on the way out to the Aurora Camp.

Once at camp, you will be welcomed by our local hosts, who will be happy to share local stories and answer your questions. The camps are all locally owned and operated by locals in cooperation with Best Arctic.  This way, we bring you close to experiencing the real Arctic life and the people living here. There will be toilets available and warm indoor facilities for you to stay comfortable and usually a bonfire outside. You will be served snacks (a traditional Norwegian snack called Lefse – a sweet cake) and hot drinks (coffee, tea and hot chocolate) – these are all included in your tour!

A small warm meal is also included: a warm and filling soup or a stew (vegetarian options available).

 As you will spend considerable time outside (optional), warm clothes and good shoes are essential.  We offer warm winter suits for you to use free of charge, but we still recommend that you dress warmly for a true Arctic winter adventure.  A warm hat, gloves/mittens and good socks/shoes are essential to staying warm and comfortable.

If you want, you can also read about how to photograph the northern lights!

What kind of other tours are there to see the Northern Lights?

The offer is very extensive, for all ages and interests. You can go on a snowmobile tour in the evening away from the city lights, with the possibility of seeing the northern lights. You can also choose overnight in a panoramic hut, or a boat tour in the evening, with chances of seeing the northern lights, departing from the city center of Tromsø, with dinner included.

Maybe a mix between a reindeer sledding with northern lights (if you are lucky) sounds better?  Or even book a private aurora hunt just for you and your friends/ family; the choice is yours!

You can have a look at all the northern lights tours we offer in Tromsø!

What to do in Tromsø when tours are sold out or weather is bad?

What to do in Tromsø when tours are sold out or weather is bad?

Bad weather just canceled your dream whale watching? Maybe that dog sledding tour you wanted is fully booked? These setbacks shouldn’t ruin your mood – Tromsø has many exciting tours and/ or indoor activities and alternatives you can enjoy whatever the weather or tour situation.

Direct flights to Tromsø, Norway during winter 2024

Direct flights to Tromsø, Norway during winter 2024

Flying to Tromsø this winter has become easier than ever. Direct flights from Europe from different cities, have made this Arctic destination available to everyone planning northern lights adventures and winter experiences. You can reach this Norwegian gem without dealing with layovers or connecting flights through Oslo or other places.

When to see whales in Tromsø during Winter

When to see whales in Tromsø during Winter

Whale watching tours departing from Tromsø during winter is a breathtaking experience that draws visitors from around the world. From November to January, you have the chance to witness majestic orcas and humpback whales in their natural habitat as they follow herring migrations into the fjords. This unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close influences making Tromsø a top destination for winter wildlife enthusiasts.