Aurores boréales à Tromsø : the best spots to watch them

Are you going to discover Norway? Don’t miss the observation of the Northern Lights in Tromsø and offer an unforgettable souvenir!

If you’re going to Tromsø in winter, you can’t miss the opportunity to try to see the Northern Lights. Located 350 km north of the polar circle, the region is an ideal place to observe these magical natural phenomena. Each year, they attract many enthusiasts and apprentices who are hunting for the famous green trails. Alone or accompanied, carefully study weather and solar activity and go for adventure in the polar night. To increase your chances of seeing them, here is our complete guide to observe the Northern Lights in Tromsø!

What are the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?

Tromsø is one of the best places in Europe to observe the northern lights. To put all the chances on your side to experience this unique experience, discover our selection of the must-see spots.

Spot #1: in Tromsø

If you don't own a car, and you don't want to make a theme trip? Know that there are several bus-accessible places to try to admire the Northern Lights in Tromsø. They may be less visible because of light pollution, but you should still be able to take advantage of it.

A large part of the centre of the island of Tromsø is not built, which allows you to easily reach from the city centre to a spot of choice: Lake Prestvannet . Nestled in the heart of a huge park covered by many cross-country trails and ski trails, it is a very popular place for the inhabitants. Outside the city, it offers an ideal view to admire the northern lights, away from the light pollution of the centre. ski resort Kroken also allows you to enjoy a peaceful and unappointed place.

Finally, the Fjellheisen cable car takes you to the top of the mountain Storsteinen (421m). In addition to offering a breathtaking view of the city, the summits and fjords, you can see boreal lights if the solar activity is sufficiently high. The last departure is 23h during the winter, midnight summer.

Good to know: all these places are accessible by bus:

• The bus 28 or bus 40 for Lake Prestvannet;
• The bus 24 to the terminus for the ski resort Kroken;
• And the bus 26 for the Fjellheisen cable car.

Spot #2: Kvaløya Island and Sommarøy Island

Another incredible observation point, the islands of Kvaløya and Sommarøy. The first, located less than an hour the road to Tromsø, has many places far from civilization, especially along road 862.

The island of Sommarøy offers sublime virgin landscapes, free from any visual pollution. Located in 1h15 de Tromsø, it is a very famous spot to see the majestic green trails reflected in the sea and in an enchanting setting.

Spot #3 : Ersfjordbotn, the must-see fjord

It is certainly the most famous village to observe the northern lights near Tromsø. Indeed, Ersfjordbotn is located only 20 km from the city , about 30 minutes drive. It is very easy to access thanks to its nearby parking, and offers an exceptional setting, day and night. Oriented full west, you can sit on the beach and cross your fingers to see boreal lights.

Tip: continue the road from Ersfjordbotn to Tromvik. You will find many sublime views throughout, without any visual pollution, and often with the impression of being alone in the world.

What is the best time to watch the Northern Lights in Tromsø?

The Northern Lights are observed in winter, and especially in September to March . The time of observation also counts, they usually appear from 6 p.m. to midnight . Aurora hunters even speak of maximum chances around 22h !

This is a natural phenomenon due to the electromagnetic activity of the sun, so the weather plays a big part in your search for the Northern Lights in Tromsø. One of the important points is to have one clear sky . Indeed, a cloudy sky does not prevent the northern lights, however, it prevents you from admiring them!

Solar activity is measured in Kp, on a scale from 0 to 10. The higher the number, the greater your chances of seeing the natural phenomenon. However, under latitudes such as Tromsø, a KP 2 or 3 index may be sufficient in the protected areas of any visual pollution.

What tools can be used to predict the Northern Lights in Tromsø?

In order to put all the chances on your side, several tools are at your disposal to help you predict the Northern Lights in Tromsø and the surrounding area.

• First, visit a local weather site is a must. Indeed, the sky must be perfectly clear to see the polar lights. The site Yr.no is very well done, including cloud cover.
• Then you have to make sure that solar activity is sufficient. Aurora-service and norway-light sites provide the kp index. Very complete, these sites also offer the forecast times of the Northern Lights according to where you are located.
• Finally, the site aurora-service also offers warning system To the Northern Lights. Up to an hour before, he sends you a text message to warn you that a solar activity above Kp 4 in the area where you are located. This service is paid, €4.99 per monthregardless of the number sent. Without a minimum commitment, you can terminate it at any time.

How do I photograph the Northern Lights?

The photograph of the Northern Lights in Tromso is a full discipline. To get some nice shots, you'll need the right equipment against the cold, and the right photo equipment.

First of all, you will have to warm cover . Indeed, you will wait in the polar cold for several hours to hope to see the green dragged fairies appear. The idea is to adopt the onion technique, by accumulating the layers of clothing. Carry thermal underwear, protect your ends with hat, gloves and scarves, and carry a thermos.

In terms of photo material, you will need to equip yourself with a tripod , and a camera reflex with good sensors. Indeed, the brightness is extremely low, and simple compact devices or smartphones will give you only dull, even black photos. In addition, the reflex allows you to manage the laying time: it is necessary to be able to spend 10 to 30 seconds to correctly take a boreal aurora.

To take beautiful pictures, prefer a manual mode with a speed of 10 to 15 seconds. Finally, for the development, two schools are close to each other: that on a fixed element of your framing, or that on the infinite, leaving a large part in heaven of course.

How to book a trip to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø?

You want to put all the chances on your side? So board for one Special tour Boreal lights. Many providers offer outings, either in a group or in a custom way, such as Adrenaline-Hunter or Arctic Travels.

Accompanied by a guide, you go hunting according to the weather of the day and solar activity during 4h to 7h . The big advantage is that he knows the region and the phenomenon perfectly, which allows him to take you to different places during the exit, and to give you advice to photograph them at best. In addition, some offers include the loan of a tripod and observation equipment.

Now that you know how to watch the Northern Lights in Tromsø, pack your bags!