Tromso Northern Lights Chase Review: Is It Worth It?

Okay, so you’re likely planning a trip up north, right? You’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis. A ‘Tromso Northern Lights Chase with Free Photos’ tour is quite the appealing option that’s available, but it does bring up a real question: Is this sort of thing actually something you’d want to do and more than that, is it really going to be a memorable experience? Let’s break down just what this tour usually offers, how it works, and maybe whether or not it lives up to its aurora-sized promises.

What To Look For in a Northern Lights Chase Tour

Actually, a Northern Lights chase isn’t just some casual drive hoping to spot something. No way. There’s some very particular key elements to keep in mind when looking at various tour operators, which you want to really focus on. You probably want experienced guides that are rather well-versed in aurora forecasting, right? You’ll also need some form of reliable transportation that will get you out to, like, potentially remote viewing locations. And naturally, since it’s generally advertised, you do want the ‘free photos’ to really be free and decent quality to boot, so you can, very possibly, prove to everyone you know that you saw the lights.

You’ll certainly want to think about group size, too, and whether it’s small and feels more intimate, or a rather larger gathering of hopeful stargazers. In addition, just a little research into the company’s success rate is worth doing – I mean, let’s be frank, no one actually wants to spend the whole long night out there searching if the odds are totally stacked against you.

The Tromso Northern Lights Chase Experience: What to Expect

Okay, so imagine this: it’s already pretty late in the day, or possibly very late, and it’s very cold out in Tromso. This Northern Lights chase probably begins with a rather warm welcome, maybe a quick brief from the guides who explain what the plan is for that evening, and maybe even share what they think about the night’s prospects of actually seeing the aurora. That would be really cool. Don’t you think? Most times, it starts with everyone piling into a van or a bus. From here on out, it all kind of depends.

The thing is that the guides usually have already spent a large chunk of the day studying the weather forecasts, looking at solar activity reports, that sort of stuff, and they’ll then use this to find areas with the best chances of clear skies. That may, potentially, mean driving a good distance away from Tromso, right across the border into Sweden or Finland sometimes even. Basically, it’s something that means that you might spend a few hours just driving.

Anyway, when you reach the viewing spot, get ready for a pretty long wait in what is potentially extremely cold temperatures. I mean, the tour people will probably try to offer you hot drinks and maybe a snack to keep you somewhat okay, but it’s vital to dress appropriately – loads of layers are your really best bet here. Actually, it’s more vital than the snack if I was being serious.

While you’re, like, just standing there, it is really likely that the guides will help you set up your camera. Some are really kind of keen to help get some decent shots, or they might take some photos of you with the lights if they show, which would be nice. The whole thing is actually a social experience, in a way – everyone there is very eager and is very, very much hoping to see nature’s great light show.

The Photography Aspect: Are the “Free Photos” Really Free?

Right, about those ‘free photos’ – this point might really be the clincher for some folks, so here’s what you ought to know. Sure, most tours do give you some photos, as agreed upon in the details, but what exactly you will receive definitely changes between operators. It is likely that some might just post the pictures they take to a Facebook page and that’s how you will find them. Or that it may only happen days later, too. It is often up to you to download them.

Plus, the photos may only just be ‘okay’ depending on the tour guide’s skill as a photographer and the kind of equipment they decide to bring. I mean, very nice high-resolution images that could be printed aren’t actually always guaranteed, right? If getting that picture-postcard shot is super important to you, you may, sometimes, be better off bringing your own camera gear and figuring out the way you think will get you the shot you are looking for. Don’t rely completely on it being great quality and happening like a miracle.

Real Experiences: What Others Are Saying

Feedback on the Tromso Northern Lights Chase is just something you need to actually go and read for yourself because there are always, often, mixed views. You could find some folks just totally delighted by the adventure, saying that the guides worked really hard to find the lights and that it was a pretty neat and special experience. Still, then some people complain regarding how long the drives were or even how crowded the tour was, just things you really cannot predict. I would never rule out something like that and just make the most of the journey if you’re set on going!

And honestly, remember, much of the aurora’s visibility is simply due to luck. Actually, it’s not down to the tour operator. All the operators really can do is get you to a location that could improve your odds, they aren’t actually magicians who have control over this stuff at all. It is, after all, mother nature that is in control.

Recommendations: Making the Most of Your Chase

If you do decide to, like, go for it and book a Northern Lights chase, here are a small amount of things that you could keep in mind to improve your experience just a tad. Don’t just go with the first tour you see! Maybe spend just a bit of time looking around and seeing what’s available. Okay? Compare tour offerings and read reviews! That seems vital.

What I’d definitely make certain is to really dress in warm clothes – like very, very warm, and many layers, which sounds excessive. And seriously, don’t scrimp on the quality of your gloves and your boots particularly; this can just be absolutely crucial for your comfort. If you can, then I would, possibly, bring some kind of camera that is capable of capturing the Northern Lights – smartphones can really struggle in that light – or make certain you know that the tour provides good-quality images.

Be patient is what I will say. It could take some time, and honestly, seeing the Aurora Borealis is hardly ever a certainty. Oh, and just so you’re aware: it’s good to maybe have a small snack with you, despite them also having a snack. I like a homemade treat.