Tromsø Kunstforening : Tromsø : Seek The Aurora

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Tromsø, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Arctic," is one of the best places in Norway—and indeed the world—to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). This vibrant city, rich in culture and surrounded by stunning landscapes, offers an incredible experience for travelers seeking the magical dance of the Aurora.

Tromsø lies above the Arctic Circle, providing excellent visibility for the Northern Lights, especially during the winter months. The city is not only a prime Aurora viewing spot but also a cultural hub with museums, festivals, and local cuisine. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø is from September to April, with peak visibility from December to February when the nights are longest.

A visit to Tromsø for the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience, blending breathtaking natural phenomena with rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, Tromsø offers something for everyone looking to explore the Arctic magic.

Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: Tobias Bjørkli
Credit: Ekam Juneja

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

0%

There is a 0% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Tromsø area (forecast for 19 September 2025 at 9:33am UTC)

Kp 0.67

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

Bz 1 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced auroral activity.

Density 0.58 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimeter (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 425.2 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Rain

8°C Feels like 5°C

High: 9°C
Low: 6°C

Precipitation: 54%
Cloud cover: 35%
Wind: 2 km/h
Rain: 1mm

Moon

Waning crescent

Sun rises at: 6:12am
Sun sets at: 7:03pm
Moon rises at: 1:16am
Moon sets at: 7:26pm

Book an amazing adventure in Tromsø

Free cancellation

Tromsø: Aurora Hunt with Citizen Science with Wandering Owl

4.8 (1957)

5 - 8 hours From £160.87

Come with us for your Aurora hunt for an amazing and ethical experience underneath the Aurora Borealis. Leave the light pollution in Tromsø behind and travel into the Arctic wilderness. During this tour, our small team of Aurora guides check the forecasts & use local knowledge to decide on the best place to chase the Northern Lights. When we find the best spot, we will dress in warm thermal suits and boots, make a cosy campfire, and enjoy a homemade meal. You'll be shown how to use your camera, photograph the Aurora, and our guides will take photos of you, available for free in web-sized resolution after the tour. During our time together in the wilderness, we will collect data for a citizen science project and help protect the Arctic nature through responsible tourism. Enjoy our hot chocolate before being returned to Tromsø island to your hotel. Though there is never a guarantee of seeing this phenomenon, our experienced team will do their best every night of the season.
Free cancellation

Husky Sledding Self-Drive Adventure in Tromso

4.9 (673)

4 hours From £256.63

You will be driving your own sled and team of dogs in pairs, an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail (group size is 20 guests maximum) - Drive your own team of huskies, in pairs you will share control of a dog sled and team of 5-6 Alaskan Huskies - Training is provided on how to control your sled and an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail - 70-80 minutes of dog sledding in the Arctic wilderness - Afterwards, enjoy cake and a warm drink in the Lavvu - All necessary equipment to keep you safe and warm is provided. Minimum age 7 years Join us for the experience of a lifetime, mushing your own team of dogs across the Arctic wilderness. Meet our kennel of 130 beautiful Alaskan Huskies. These are the running dogs of the Arctic, born and bred with a passion to pull. You will have plenty of opportunities to swap between driver and passenger throughout the trip, as well as a chance to cuddle the dogs once back at the kennel.
Free cancellation

Northern Lights Hunt with The Green Adventure - photos included

4.9 (726)

6 - 9 hours From £144.78

Join an all-inclusive northern lights chase with experienced The Green Adventure Team. You can count on many years of our experience, local knowledge and the finest photography, because if there's an Aurora waiting for us somewhere, we'll find her! We will take you to the areas with the best viewing potential for the night, away from city light pollution, even to Finland if necessary. Enjoy a campfire with marshmallows and cup of hot chocolate in the wilderness, while our expedition leader will tell you some interesting stories from the north and legends about lady Aurora. Also you will have a chance to try "made in Tromso" soup, tailored for arctic expeditions, which will keep you warm from the inside. You will get also thermal suit to survive in cold temperatures. After the tour, you'll receive photos taken by our expedition leader, capturing the highlights of your adventure and your portraits with Aurora, but of course, we can also help you with your camera/smartphone settings.
Free cancellation Special offer

Tromsø: Northern Lights Chase Minibus Tour

4.4 (600)

6 - 7 hours From £91.63

Sept 1st - Sept 20th, 2025: Departure at 19:00 (check-in at 18:30) Sept 21st, 2025 - Mar 15th, 2026: Departure at 18:30 (check-in at 18:00) Apr 16th - Apr 12th: Departure at 19:00 (check-in at 18:30) Meet your guide in Tromsø and board the minibus for your Arctic adventure. After a briefing on the weather and route, we’ll head out in search of the Northern Lights. The guide will share insights about the Aurora, local wildlife, and history. We monitor the forecast to find the best location, even if it means heading to Finland. At the viewing spot, enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and, if possible, a bonfire (weather-dependent). Thermal suits are available to keep you warm. Your guide will take professional photos of you with the Northern Lights. Photos are uploaded the next day. After the tour, we’ll drop you off at Tromsdalen, Reinen, Tromsø Island, or Kvaløysletta. If your accommodation is elsewhere, we'll help arrange a taxi.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Northern Lights Minibus Chase – Small Group Tour with Free Photos

4.8 (1041)

7 - 9 hours From £176.19

One of Tromso’s Top-Rated Northern Lights Tour – Stunning Portraits & Arctic Comfort Join Tromso’s most award-winning Northern Lights experience – with 9× TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Tripadvisor Hall of Fame status, and over 2,500 Excellent reviews. We don’t just chase the aurora – we capture professional portraits of you beneath it, creating magical keepsakes you’ll treasure for life. With a 93.44% success rate (season 2024/2025), real-time weather tracking and flexible routing give you one of the highest chances in the Arctic. Stay warm in our premium winter suits and boots – all included. Led by Aurora experts since 2012 and trusted by 97%+ satisfied guests, this small-group tour offers deep knowledge, personal service, and unforgettable memories. Operated by Arctic Explorers or premium partners offering identical quality. Book early – this bestseller fills up fast!
Free cancellation

Silent Whale Watching

4.6 (776)

8 - 9 hours From £152.44

Get a unique perspective on the majestic Humpbacks, Fin, Sperm whales and/or Orca's as they feed in the herring-rich fjords of the Arctic. With purpose made hybrid-electric boats for whale watching, we minimise disturbance to nature and whales. Leaving Tromsø in the morning, we head to where the whales are in time to enjoy the short hours of daylight. On the way you can take in the breathtaking views of frozen landscapes in comfortable, panoramic lounges and 2 decks. We use a hybrid engine to reach the whale’s feeding grounds, and as we near the whales, we switch to a silent electric engine that allows us to get closer without disturbing them. Please note that the duration of the trip depends on the whales’ location. It takes up to 3.5 hours to get to the whales and can therefore range from 8-9 hours. Please note that whale sightings are not guaranteed.