Northern Lights Cruise in Tromso, Norway

8 min read

Want to experience a real Norwegian fjord cruise to see Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway? Have nature’s own fireworks in perfect display, in a comfortable and chill way, onboard one of our fjord cruises! Tromso is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights!

Why Chase the Northern Lights at Sea?

To get a proper view of the lights, you need to escape the light pollution and get away from the city. Chasing the lights at sea gives you the perfect opportunity to find a great viewing spot as our Tromso cruises sail straight through the Auroral Oval Zone. The darkness over the ocean can provide a clearer and more vivid view of the Northern Lights, enhancing their colours and movements.

What is the Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights on a Cruise?

In Norway the Northern Lights season lasts approximately from mid-September to mid-March. The cruises in Tromso usually start up in November and end in April. It’s not easy to say exactly when the best month to see the lights are, but hopefully the overview below will give you some pointers.

September – October: This period doesn't have long periods of darkness, but there is still a lot of solar activity during these months.

November – February: During these months, you won’t see the sun much in Northern Norway. The darkness is a major factor for aurora observations, but there is a higher chance of snow and cloud cover during these months – which could affect your chances of catching the lights.

March – April: These months have more daylight than in the winter months, but will, like the autumn period, still have a lot of solar activity, so there is still a good chance of aurora sightings in Northern Norway.

Planning a Northern Lights Cruise 2023 or 2024? Tromsø is Your Best Option!

The reason Tromso is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights is due to its location in the heart of the Aurora Zone in the Norwegian Arctic. On a clear night in this city, you won’t have to travel far to see the Aurora Borealis. If you are looking for some of the best cruises to see the lights, Tromso has some great options for you.

Overnight and Northern Lights and Whale Safari


This Overnight Northern Lights & Whale Watching Safari brings you closer to two Arctic highlights – The Northern Lights and the majestic whales.

On an exclusive 24-hour you will journey to the heart of the Arctic to find the best Northern Lights viewing spots. As you go straight through the Auroral Oval Zone you will find the prime spots to spot the lights should they appear.

Spending the night at sea means you are able to reach the whale location before anyone else. Maximise your time with these gracious creatures, enjoy amazing up-close encounters and create memories that will last you a lifetime.

Our all-inclusive offer ensures that you have everything you need from the moment you step on board: Meals, a comfortable ocean facing cabin, and two Arctic highlights. Read more and book your overnight Northern Lights & Whale Watching Safari.

Northern Lights Cruise with 2nd Chance Guarantee

Join an enchanting Northern Lights adventure in Tromsø, with a free second chance.

This luxurious and eco-friendly catamaran whisks you away to the best spots for Aurora viewing. The comfortable spacious cabin is equipped with panoramic windows, allowing a perfect view of the mesmerising Aurora dance.

On the outside decks you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the night sky, while listening to the knowledgeable English-speaking guide tell you all you need to know about the Northern Lights.

This journey comes with a “Second Chance Guarantee” for those nights the lights don't appear. If you don’t see the Aurora, you will get a voucher for a free second chance on our next available Northern Lights cruise. Read more and book your Northern Lights Cruise.

The Aurora Forecast Tells us Where to go

The direction you cruise off in will all depend on the Aurora forecast and the weather predictions of the current day. The Aurora forecast can help predict when the Northern Lights will appear next and if you are interested, you can check out the Northern Lights predictions yourself on a website or download an app to your phone. This way you see the chances of the lights occuring at the time of your visit.

The apps will show you both short term and long term predictions, but it's more difficult to predict the lights occurrences over the long term. The best way to forecast the lights advance is with the long-term KP index. The SpaceWeatherlive is very intuitive to use.

What to Bring on a Norwegian Northern Lights Cruise

In Norway the weather and temperature can change fast. When going on a winter or fall excursion above the Arctic circle, we always recommend dressing according to the season and in layers so you can adjust your clothing to the weather conditions. If you need an extra layer when out on one of our tours, we can offer you a winter overall suit.

Apart from that, you only need to bring a sense of adventure and a camera.

View from a northern lights cruise in tromsø norway
Northern Lights observation by cruise in Tromso
Why travel with Norwegian Travel?

Norwegian Travel is a premium brand aiming to offer high-quality experience-based tourism in selected unique destinations in Norway. From the fjords to the mountains. From the sandy beaches to the rough cliffs. From urban buzz to the massive stillness of the old mountains. We wish to inspire people to explore the treasures to be found in Norway. At our destinations you can explore amazing nature, good food and exciting activities all year round.

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