The Science Centre of Northern Norway (Nordnorsk Vitensenter) : Tromsø : Seek The Aurora

Tromsø

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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

Book an amazing adventure in Tromsø

Free cancellation

Journey Through the City and Visit the Polar Museum with Guide

5.0 (3)

2 hours From £46.96

Join our guided tour and explore the best of Tromsø City! Meet at the Roald Amundsen Memorial next to Kirkegata. Wander through this northern Norwegian city, brimming with fascinating stories. We will venture into the charming side streets to discover some of Tromsø's hidden gems. Marvel at the unique art scattered around the city and experience its rich history and culture up close. Pass by notable landmarks and architectural highlights that make Tromsø truly special. Continue to the port area and Skansen, and visit the famous Polar Museum. Delve into the daring adventures of Roald Amundsen, the legendary Norwegian explorer. We will walk around skansen and conclude the tour two hours later, enriched with stories and sights of Tromsø. Book now for an unforgettable experience!
Free cancellation

Aurora Hunt Tour from Tromso - Professional Photos Included

4.8 (1907)

5 - 8 hours From £167.00

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 activity, 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, which are provided for free in web-sized resolution after the tour. Relax by the fire with hot chocolate before being returned back to Tromsø island to your hotel. Though there is never a guarantee of seeing this phenomenon, our experienced team of Aurora Hunters will do their best, every night of the season.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Northern Lights Minibus Chase

4.8 (988)

7 - 10 hours From £137.31

Tromsø’s Premier Aurora Experience Dive into the Arctic’s magic with Tromsø's leading Northern Lights tour. Why are we different? Aurora Portrait Mastery: More than just a sighting – we craft perfect Aurora portraits. A cherished keepsake with loved ones set against the mesmerizing Northern Lights. ⭐ Proven Excellence: Boasting nearly 2,000 'Excellent' TripAdvisor reviews and a place in its Hall of Fame. Trusted by over 45,000 guests since 2012. 90% Success Rate: Witness the Northern Lights dance with confidence, thanks to our unmatched hit rate. Ultimate Arctic Comfort: Focus on the auroras in our top-tier winter gear, designed for warmth and comfort. Experience the Arctic with Tromsø’s Aurora masters. Memories await; make them monumental with us. Secure your once-in-a-lifetime slot today. Tour conducted by us, or our premium partners that have identical tours.
Free cancellation Special offer

Half Day Arctic Fjord Cruise from Tromso

4.6 (222)

4 hours From £74.10

Cruise with us on our hybrid-electric boat and visit a local fjord with some surprising sights and stories. Amplify your experience with unspoiled nature and wildlife. From fish below to birds above. Step ashore in an old fishing facility and learn about the traditions and lifeline of many Norwegian coastal towns. Our friendly guides will share stories and knowledge about local culture, history and nature while on the lookout for wildlife. With our underwater drone we will explore the hidden world underneath the surface of the ocean. Our on board cafe has a selection of local food and drinks available for purchase.
Free cancellation

Reindeer visit, and Sami Culture Including Lunch from Tromso

4.7 (429)

4 hours From £118.02

The reindeer and the Sami have been living and working on this land for centuries and they have only recently invited guests to be part of their daily life. You will visit their camp and have a chance to feed the herd of around 300 wild reindeer who will swarm all around and some will even eat from your hands. You will then be invited for hot drinks around the fire inside a warm candlelit gamme (Traditional Sami Hut) where lunch, bidos, cooked over the open fire will be served (a traditional Sami stew which is often served at Sami weddings and other special occasions). After lunch you will be invited into a lavvu (Sami tent) and gather around the fire to listen to stories about Sami culture and how it is to be a reindeer herder. The Sami guide will also perform a joik (traditional Sami song) for the guests.
Free cancellation Likely to sell out

Husky Sledding Self-Drive Adventure in Tromso

4.9 (634)

4 hours From £218.96

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 5-7 Alaskan Huskies - Training is provided on how to control your sled and an experienced guide will lead your tour on the trail - 90 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 over 120 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.

19%

Currently there is a 19% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Tromsø area.

Kp 3.67

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 -5 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 1.20 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, they produce the stunning light displays known as auroras.

Speed 570.5 km/s

The speed of the solar wind also plays a significant role. 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.