Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromso

Tromso is known as the so-called “Arctic capital” as it sits on a small island just 350 kilometers (217.5 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. This makes it the ideal spot to go Northern Lights hunting. So, if you’ve always been dreaming of seeing those bright neon lights dancing across the Norwegian skies, read on as we give you the lowdown on chasing the Northern Lights in Tromso.

Where Can You View the Northern Lights in Tromso?

Here in Tromso, it’s actually not such a rare occurrence to spot the Northern Lights straight from your campervan window! Just remember that light pollution will always make it less impressive (whether in the city or just due to lights around the campsite).

That’s why there are a few go-to stops in and around Tromso for spectacular Northern Light viewings. These include the following:

• Tromso Lodge & Camping: a campsite well-known for its spectacular Northern Lights sightings. It’s close to the city, yet far enough so light pollution doesn’t become an issue. And here you can literally get two sets of Northern Lights: the one dancing across the sky and the other reflecting on the surface of the river!
• Prestvannet Lake: Prestvannet Lake sits in a nature reserve, at the highest point of the Tromsoya Islands, so you can rest assured that light pollution won’t be a problem here. Its altitude also gives it a unique angle on your Northern Lights viewing experience.
• Fjelheisen Cable Car: This is definitely not your typical Northern Lights experience. The cable car that climbs up to 421 meters above sea level is already famous for its panoramic views over Tromso and the rest of the landscape. Add spectacular neon lights dancing up above into the mix, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Best of all: the cable car is open, irrespective of the season!

How Can You Get the Best Northern Lights Viewing Experience?

Many book a spot on a guided tour since they feel it somehow increases their odds of seeing the Northern Lights and offers the best experience. But that’s simply not the case, and here’s why:

• A guided tour limits you to a very specific window of time (you’re not booking a slot for “whenever,” right?)
• Tours also restrict you in terms of location (wherever the guide says you go, you go).
• A guided tour dictates your experience. It’s usually offered in a very specific format (drive around, and have photos taken if the Northern Lights appear). There’s no room for the person who’d like to actually go picnic by Prestvannet Lake or take a ride on the Fjelheisen Cable Car.
• Tours cost money, so if you’re on a tight budget, it seems like a completely unnecessary expenditure.
• A guided tour is a group experience. So, instead of sitting outside your camper with a hot cup of coffee and only your nearest and dearest with you watching the lights dance around, you have to share it with 10 other people you’ve only met an hour ago, and a tour guide dictating how long you can stay and watch.
• That’s why our go-to option for Northern Lights hunting in Tromso is cruising around in a camper. Not only does it allow you to go camping in comfort, but it’s super convenient and affordable, and makes you the captain of your own Northern Lights adventure!

What to Know About Hunting for the Northern Lights in Tromso in a Camper

Just keep the following in mind when out Northern Lights hunting in your camper:

• In the wise words of so many movie moments: “Stay away from the light!” Remember what we said about light pollution and head in the opposite direction from the city.
• The Northern Lights need darkness to make their appearance, but also clear skies. So, if it’s a cloudy day, don’t expect too much.
• Keep a close eye on the Aurora Forecast for Tromso, so you don’t miss out on any potential sightings.
• Manage your expectations. The Northern Lights is not a movie screening; it’s a natural phenomenon. Even if forecasts say that visibility is likely, it’s never guaranteed. Thank goodness, you’re DIYing your Northern Lights hunt in a camper, so tomorrow is simply yet another day for a possible sighting.
• In the wise words of Roxette: You've got to "get dressed for success.” When it comes to Northern Lights hunting, that means dressing in warm layers. You can be out there waiting and watching for hours, and you don’t want to be a shivering mess by the end of it.
• Please don’t just spend one night in Tromso if the goal is to see the Northern Lights. Just like with a guided tour, you don’t want to limit your odds, and odds increase the longer you stay.

When are the Northern Lights Visible in Tromso?

Due to Tromso’s unique Arctic location, the window for seeing the Northern Lights is much wider than in other places. Here, you can already start seeing the lights from as early as late August and still stand a chance of seeing them till early April! That means you can see the Northern Lights in Tromso a staggering 8 out of 12 months!

The Northern Lights in Tromso: What Our Indigenous People Believe

For most coming to Tromso to see the Northern Lights, it’s an exciting experience. But keep in mind that to our indigenous people, the Sami, the Northern Lights are something to be revered and respected. They refer to them as “Guovssahas, which loosely translates to “the light that you can hear.”

To them, the lights are a type of spiritual bridge or portal to other realms, connecting the living to the great beyond and other spiritual planes. To them, it stands as a reminder that the world is much bigger than themselves and that those from the past continue to look out for those in the present.

Taking Memories Home: Photographing the Northern Lights in Tromso

If you’re planning on taking a few snapshots of the Northern Lights, you’ll need to keep the following in mind if you don’t want to end up with dark and blurry pics:

• You need an actual camera (even the latest mobile phone camera is not gonna cut it).
• Use a tripod (not even the most steady hand is going to be stable enough).
• Use a wide-angle lens.
• Set your camera’s ISO setting to low.

***For more information on traveling through Tromso in a campervan or hunting the Northern Lights, please reach out to us here at Campervan Norway.