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Northern lights tromso

Northern Lights Tromso: The Ultimate Guide to Auroras in Arctic Norway

Do you daydream of seeing the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis? Have you heard of Tromso, Norway as a destination for these magical displays of nature? If so, you have come to the right place!

Tromso is the perfect destination to see the Auroras. Situated in arctic Norway, this city is one of the best places in Europe to view nature's light show. Here, we'll tell you everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Tromso - from when and where to spot them, to must-see places and tips for photography. Come join us as we embark on our journey of learning everything there is to know about viewing these beautiful lights!

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

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northern lights in tromso norway

Why Is Tromso the Best Place to See the Northern Lights in Norway

Tromso is the perfect destination for seeing the aurora borealis in Norway. Situated in a unique environment within the Arctic Circle, Tromso’s natural landscape and a wide array of activities make it an ideal place for Aurora hunting.

Thanks to its location, Tromso offers up to 20-22 hours of darkness during autumn and winter which can help you increase your chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It is also one of the few places on earth close enough to both the North Pole and the Atlantic Ocean, meaning it has some of the best weather conditions to glimpse these magical lights.
northern lights in tromso norway
Away from light pollution, Tromso offers stunning views of the night sky making it easier to see the Northern Lights without any obstacles in their way. With plenty of vantage points and viewpoints around Tromso, you won’t have any trouble finding a spot where you can admire this natural phenomenon. You'll also be able to take advantage of guided tours or rent a car to explore yourself.

So if you're looking for a great experience surrounded by nature and plenty of activities, Tromso is definitely one of your top destinations when it comes to going Aurora hunting!
Tromso northern light

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Tromso (September to March)

From September to March, Tromso is one of the best places in Europe to observe the Northern Lights, making it a great spot for winter holidays. As the nights lengthen and become darker, your chances of seeing the Auroras increase. It's best to avoid full moon nights as it decreases the visibility of the Northern Lights.

To increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, try getting away from light pollution; darker skies make them easier to spot. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful locations outside the city that still provide easy access while giving you clear skies. The fjords in Norway have stunning vistas and make great spots for photographing the Northern Lights.

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience in nature's playground, then Tromso is definitely a great place to go to witness this amazing phenomenon!
norway northern lights tromso

Top 3 Places to See Aurora Borealis

Being the city of Arctic Norway, Tromso is an ideal place to see Aurora Borealis. The mesmerizing Northern Lights in Arctic Norway draw visitors from all over the world to Tromso every year. When planning a trip to witness this phenomenon, make sure your treks take you to the top 3 places in Tromso where you are most likely to spot these dancing lights:

  1. Observatory Hill – located at an elevation of 400 meters, Observatory Hill is one of the best places to capture the Northern Lights from the city. It’s quite easily reachable and has a stunning view of the entire cityscape.
  2. Sommaroy Island – located just about 50 kilometres away from Tromso, Sommaroy Island is a remote outpost where you can watch the Northern Lights in peace and quiet.
  3. Lyngen Alps – situated at a distance of 80 kilometres from Tromso, this area boasts some of the most stunning views of the Northern Lights in Norway.

As long as you stay away from artificial light pollution, your chances of spotting Aurora Borealis are massive - you don’t even need special equipment or clothing! With these top three spots for Aurora Borealis viewing in Tromso, you will surely be enthralled by nature’s magnificence!
Northern lights tromso

Top 5 Places to See the Northern Lights Near Tromso

Tromso is a great place to spot the Northern Lights and luckily, there are also some beautiful spots in the area that make it easier to spot the Aurora. Here are the top 5 places to see the Northern Lights near Tromso:

  • Lyngen Alps – Located approximately 75 miles from Tromso, this mountain range offers breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for auroral spotting.
  • Kattfjord – This small village is located close to both Tromso and Lyngen, making it an ideal spot from which to begin your Northern Lights exploration. The panorama of islands will provide you with a stunning backdrop as you watch for the dancing lights of the aurora borealis.
Northern lights tromso
  • Slaktbukta Beach – A lovely stretch of beach just outside of Tromso, this majestic spot is perfect for those looking for an even more unique experience.
  • Skjervoy – This idyllic village located in northern Norway offers an amazing view of both mountains and fjords, ideal conditions for observing the Northern Lights over its picturesque landscape.
  • Reine – This fishing village at the heart of Lofoten Islands provides one of the best auroral views anywhere in Norway due to its low light pollution and sheltered bay area which makes it easier to see even faint lights in the sky.

If you visit any of these places near Tromso during wintertime, you’ll surely catch some stunningly beautiful Northern Lights!
Tromso northern light

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights in Tromso

If you're lucky enough to see the Northern Lights in Tromso, you'll want to capture the moment. But getting great shots of the bright green, purple, and pink lights of the Aurora Borealis, is no easy task.

Here are a few tips that could help you get some amazing photographs:

Get Away from Light Pollution
The further away you can get from light sources and pollution, like streetlights and city lights, the better chance of visible Northern Lights. So take a drive up into the hills for an even better view.

Use Wide-Angle Lens
The Northern Lights appear in huge swaths across the sky, so using a wide-angle lens will give you more of the sky in your photograph and capture an even better image of those colorful dancing lights.
Tromso northern light
Keep ISO Low
Your ISO or digital sensitivity - should be kept low when photographing the Northern Lights. Aim for an ISO of 400 with a shutter speed of around 20 to 30 seconds depending on light intensity. It might take some trial and error to really get it right, but experimenting is half the fun!

Don't Forget About Composition
Try not to fill your whole photo with just lights if you can help it; try framing them within something else like breathtaking landscapes or mountains — or people as scale! Make sure that whatever elements you include are sharp enough and make sense together as part of one scene.

Ultimately though, it's all about capturing something beautiful that will remind you of this incredible natural phenomenon for many years to come!
northern lights in tromso norway

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights

You may have heard of chasing the Northern Lights, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of seeing the beautiful Aurora.

Get away from light pollution
If you stay in the center of Tromso, you won’t be able to see the Northern Lights in their full glory because of all the artificial lights all around you decreasing Aurora's visibility. It’s best to get away from light pollution. Pack up and head out of town, and head off in any direction you like! Choose a spot that's quiet and dark, with no artificial lights - so you can enjoy the Aurora Borealis in all its glory!
northern lights in tromso norway
Get yourself a dark sky map
Bring a dark sky map with you on your adventure. You can find plenty online and they will help show you where there is less or no light pollution in a certain area. This way, once you arrive at your destination, you'll know where to look for optimal Aurora viewing!

Keep an eye on the weather forecast
Check out the weather before heading out – clouds affect Aurora's visibility. To make sure that cloud cover doesn’t obscure your view of the Northern Lights, look for clear skies when picking your observing spot during Aurora season.

You don't need the luck to see amazing Northern Light shows - just follow these tips and with a bit of planning, soon enough you'll be quietly watching nature's nighttime wonders in Tromso!
things to do in tromso norway

Top Things to Do in Tromso During Winter

Tromso is a true winter wonderland, and when you arrive for your Aurora-viewing trip, there are plenty of activities to enjoy! Here are just a few of the best things to do in Tromso during winter:

Sami Culture Tour
One must-do when you're visiting the Arctic is a Sami culture tour. You can learn about the nomadic people who have been living in this region for centuries, and get an understanding of their unique culture, food and crafts.

Dog Sledding
Dog sledging is one of Tromso's most popular winter activities and it's easy to see why! Strapping yourself onto a traditional wooden sledge and zooming through the snow-covered forests is an experience like no other. Plus, you get to bond with some furry friends, so it's a win-win all around.
things to do in tromso norway
Ice Fishing
Who doesn't love fishing? Ice fishing offers the same calm relaxation as regular fishing but with something extra special – the chance to experience an amazing winter wonderland. Get up close with some of Norway's amazing wildlife (and maybe even catch dinner!) while out on the ice.

Snowshoe Hiking
Keen hikers will love exploring Tromso's forests on snowshoes - it’s like regular hiking but 100 times more fun! With your rented gear strapped on, you can explore trails that have been covered in fresh powder snow and find some truly breathtaking views.

Whatever you decide to do while in Tromso in Winter, make sure to make time for Aurora viewing! With careful planning and these tips, you'll be able to see the Northern Lights and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

  1. Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.

  2. The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.

  3. Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.

  4. Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.

  5. Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.

  6. If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

things to do in tromso norway

Conclusion

All in all, Tromso is a great destination for Aurora-seekers and explorers alike. With its combination of unique landscapes and cultural offerings around the corner, the city offers something for every interest. From chasing the beautiful Aurora Borealis in the wintertime to visiting some of the amazing destinations in the area and learning about the fascinating culture and history of the place, there's something for everyone to experience and explore in Tromso. So, get ready to be blown away by Norway's Arctic wonderland, and embark on an unforgettable northern lights experience!

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