The Northern Lights tourism in Tromsø is growing every year. A lot of the guests coming here decide to join in on tours led by professional companies and guides where decisions are made for you - often leading to successful evenings with photos to bring back home. Others are going on their own with a rental car or simply just venturing into the backyard of Tromsø. What most people don´t know is that you can see the lights from several nice locations close to the city if the weather conditions are good.
It might seem counterproductive to give away the best spots. After all, we want to sell tours. Being a commercial operator, knowing both the prices and the available seats to go on a paid tour, my best recommendation would be to stay in the city when the weather is nice and to go on a paid tour when it is more challenging or you need help with camera settings, want to be social, etc. With years of experience guiding in the area around Tromsø, we have put together a map where you´ll get some tips on where to go. We are adding and tweaking every week - be sure to stay updated with the latest update.
The map also contains viewing spots outside the city center of Tromsø. For most of them, you would have to rent a car to get there on your own. Do not rely on public transport late evenings outside the city.
To make it even easier, we have listed our five favorite spots close to the city center below the map. All spots mentioned here are marked with a purple star.
Prestvannet Lake. An artificial lake on top of Tromsø Island. Park by the satellite station/next to the kindergarten and walk a lap. The area has benches, birdlife, and lighting that disturbs your night vision less than the ones in the city. Be careful walking on the ice in the winter, and watch for signs telling you when it is walkable.
Telegrafbukta. Beloved park and recreational area by the locals. In the summer these areas are crowded, but in the winter you might find yourself more or less alone. Bring firewood and make yourself comfortable by one of the many preprepared fire pits along the beach.
Gutta på Skauen/Boys in the Woods. A 3 km walk from the parking in Tromsdalen on the mainland side. Park your car by the churchyard, or next to the soccer stadium and follow the signs. A nice walk into an area without a lot of artificial lighting. If you bring cash you can pay a few euros to use the firewood located right next to the gapahuk (a small building with roof and a place to sit).
Fjellheisen Cable Car. One of the most visited spots in Tromsø. Can be crowded, but gives you a fantastic view of the city while having the opportunity to get a beer and stay indoors during the wait for Northern Lights. The cable car runs all year as long as it is not to windy, and until midnight.
Arctic University of Norway. The area above the university has several dark spots, and trails leading to various spots on the top of the Tromsø island. Park by the University (free after 5 pm) and walk a bit in the area. Bring a headlight and a charged mobile phone for maps of the area.
Follow our Tromsø & Senja guide group on FB for more tips on Tromsø and the Northern Lights.
All the best of luck in Tromsø.
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