How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø, often called “the Gateway to the Arctic,” is a dream destination if you want to see the northern lights in Norway. With its prime location under the auroral oval and a wide array of Arctic activities, this Norwegian city offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the aurora borealis.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in Tromsø. After all, its one of the main reasons people travel to Tromsø. Let’s make it an unforgettable adventure.

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Table of Contents

What are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena. They occur when charged particles from the sun, carried by solar winds, collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These interactions create energy releases in the form of light, resulting in vivid displays of light across the night sky.

The aurora borealis is typically seen in high-latitude regions close to the magnetic poles, such as Tromsø, Norway, which lies directly beneath the auroral oval—making it one of the best places in the world to experience the northern lights.

The Colors of the Northern Lights

The aurora’s colors depend on the type of gas involved and the altitude of the collision.

Green, the most common color, is produced by oxygen molecules about 60 miles (100 km) above the Earth.

Red is a rarer hue, created by oxygen at higher altitudes above 93 miles (150 km).

Pink and Purple are formed when nitrogen molecules interact with solar particles.

3 Fun Facts About the Aurora Borealis

The southern hemisphere has its own version, called aurora australis, visible in places like Antarctica and southern parts of Australia and New Zealand.

Aurora borealis has inspired myths and legends in cultures worldwide. For example, the Sámi people traditionally believed the lights were the souls of the departed.

The strongest northern lights often occur during intense solar storms, which can also affect satellite and GPS systems on Earth.

Why Tromsø for the Northern Lights?

Located in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø, Norway, is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The city’s unique location directly under the northern lights oval means optimal chances to catch the auroras dancing in the sky.

Going beyond the lights, Tromsø is also rich in Arctic history, culture, and outdoor adventures, known as “the Paris of the North”. Choose from concerts under the northern lights to dog sledding and exploring Sami culture. There’s something here for everyone in Tromsø—even if the lights take their time to appear.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø

The northern lights season in Tromsø runs from late August to mid-April. In fact, there’s about an 85-90% chance of seeing the aurora if you stay in Tromsø in the winter for at least three nights.

This statistic is based on the area’s consistent auroral activity and the expertise of local guides who know where to find clear skies. While visibility ultimately depends on weather conditions and solar activity, Tromsø’s combination of long polar nights and low light pollution makes it one of the most reliable destinations for aurora viewing.

For peak aurora activity, plan your visit during the spring (March/April) or autumn (September/October) equinoxes, when the solar activity tends to be strongest. Or visit during the darkest winter months (November through February), which also offer excellent chances due to long nighttime hours.

Statistically, the best time to see the northern lights is between 11 pm and 2 am, but activity can occur anytime it’s dark and clear.

Check the Aurora Forecast in Tromsø

The aurora can be unpredictable, so having flexible plans allows you to chase clearer skies or adjust your itinerary based on the northern lights forecast in Tromsø.

To fully understand the forecast, you need to know the KP Index. This index measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9. In Tromsø, you can often see the northern lights even with a KP of 2 or 3, but higher values increase the likelihood of bright displays that can be seen with the naked eye.

Checking the aurora forecast can help you plan your northern lights adventure in Tromsø. Here’s how you can stay informed:

Use Aurora Forecast Websites and Apps: Tools like the Meteoblue, the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app, or yr.com weather provide real-time updates on aurora activity and cloud cover.

Monitor Local Weather: Clear skies are crucial for aurora viewing. Check Tromsø’s weather forecast for cloud cover updates. Consider heading to areas outside the city with fewer clouds.

Check Local Resources: Some tour companies provide live updates on aurora activity, giving you expert advice on the best spots to visit each night.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø

While the northern lights can sometimes be seen right from downtown Tromsø, escaping the city lights increases your chances of experiencing the auroras in their full glory. Here are the best spots to view the northern lights in Tromso.

Mount Storsteinen: Take the Fjellheisen cable car or climb the ~1,200 steps of the Sherpa staircase for panoramic views of the city and aurora borealis from 1,378 feet (421 meters) above sea level.

Tromsø’s Rooftop Bar: Enjoy the lights while sipping on a cocktail at Tromsø’s only Skybar at Clarion Hotel The Edge. Open Thursday – Sunday in the winter.

Prestvannet Lake: This nature reserve offers a nice dark spot to see the lights just a 20-minute walk outside of Tromsø city center.

Islands and Remote Areas: If you have a car, head to the nearby islands or the countryside to escape light pollution entirely. I recommend starting with Sommarøy, about an hour away.

Northern Lights Tours in Tromsø

To maximize your chances of seeing the auroras in Tromsø, join a guided northern lights tour. You’ll need to book ahead, as they do sell out!

You can choose from chasing the northern lights or other Arctic experiences that provide the chance to also enjoy the northern lights while you’re doing them. Let’s take a deeper look at both of these items.

Northern Lights Chases

These tours are designed for those whose primary goal is to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora. Guides use real-time weather data, aurora forecasts, and local expertise to track clear skies and active auroras.

Chases or hunts often involve long drives into remote areas and are highly focused on finding the best viewing spot, sometimes spanning several hours or covering considerable distances. These come in many different shapes.

By Road: Join a car, van, or bus tour led by expert guides who track weather patterns and aurora activity to find the best viewing spots. Check out this popular northern lights bus tour.

Photography Tours: Learn how to capture the lights with help from professional photographers. Some tours provide gear and in-depth guidance for beginners. Want to take amazing northern lights photos? Take this photography tour.

Boat Tours: Escape city lights and enjoy unobstructed views of the auroras from the sea. Many boat tours include warm beverages and indoor seating for comfort. This tour gets my vote.

Northern Lights Experiences

These northern lights Tromsø tours combine aurora viewing with other Arctic activities, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, or staying in a Sami lavvu. While the auroras are a highlight, the experiences emphasize enjoying the Arctic environment and culture, offering a well-rounded adventure regardless of aurora visibility.

Dog Sledding or Reindeer Sledding: Glide through snowy landscapes under the auroras for an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Check out this nighttime husky visit or this reindeer sledding expedition.

Snowmobile Adventures: Race through Arctic terrain to remote spots where light pollution won’t interfere with the auroras. Check out this nighttime snowmobile tour.

Lavvu Stays: Immerse yourself in Sami culture by staying in traditional tents, where you can learn about their heritage while watching the auroras.

See all Tromsø Northern Light Tours

How to Photograph the Northern Lights in Tromsø

Seeing the Tromsø aurora borealis is rewarding, but taking the perfect photograph makes for a great souvenir. Follow these tips for stunning photos.

Gear for Northern Lights Photos

While modern smartphones have advanced camera systems capable of photographing the northern lights, they do not match the quality of professional equipment. For the best photos of the northern lights, you’ll need the following gear:

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings.

A wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/1.8 to f/3.5).

A sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady.

Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photos

Having the right gear is just one part of getting amazing pictures of the northern lights. Make sure you learn how to change your camera settings and test your settings at home to get familiar with your gear. For the best photos, you will also want to use a remote shutter or self-timer to minimize camera shake.

Start with these settings and adjust as needed:

Manual Mode (M): Set focus to infinity.

ISO: Start with ISO 3200 and adjust based on light conditions.

Aperture: Use the lowest possible f-number (e.g., f/1.8).

Shutter Speed: Experiment with 2 to 30 seconds depending on aurora intensity.

Explore More of Norway

Tromsø, Norway, offers one of the world’s most reliable opportunities to see the aurora borealis. With its perfect location under the Northern Lights oval, stunning Arctic scenery, and amazing activities, Tromsø should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

To make your northern lights trip to Tromsø the best, check out these additional posts about Norway.

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How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway