Convinced it was practically impossible not to see the northern lights in Tromsø, we stayed only two nights. We wanted to be in Oslo for New Year’s Eve.
Though Tromsø was a relatively small city, there was still enough light pollution to hinder a view of the northern lights.
We booked onto one of the northern lights tours and waited eagerly in the lobby of our hotel for pick-up. It was a perfect night; by the time it was evening the sky was crystal clear.
It was a small tour with only about eight other people. The guide drove us far out of the city.
It seemed like it was about an hour before our guide stopped the van. Apparently, the lights were spotted earlier in the area.
The group took turns waiting in the bitter cold as the other half warmed up in the van.
“Let’s head a little further,” said our guide. We piled in the van hopeful the next spot would be more rewarding.
Quickly jumping on the radio, our guide questioned other tours in the area. No one was having much luck. We stopped three or four more times until we were close to the Swedish border. Still nothing.
The guide did the best he could, but it was time to call it a night. On our way back to Tromsø, he stopped the van once more in a desperate attempt to salvage the night. Half the group was already asleep, sadly we found no reason to wake them.
On our final night in Tromsø we went kick sledding. It was snowing so heavily, there was no chance to see the northern lights, but it was fun nonetheless.
Awesome article Nicole!!! I am fascinated by your detail. Love the site!
Thank you so much Martha, I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the article.