Northern Lights Adventure

We joined Northbound for an aurora chasing tour in Tromso and couldn't have asked for a better team. Their knowledge of the northern lights is impressive. They read the forecasts, cloud cover and conditions like pros and explained everything in a way that was easy and fun to follow. Their efforts paid off: we watched the lights danced across the sky in vivid hues of green and pink. It was magical and a moment our group will never forget. Our guides; Ryan and Oli, were warm, funny and full of energy. We shared jokes, danced to music under the night sky, and by the end it felt like we were out with old friends. They are also fantastic photographers, and the got our whole group striking fun poses for the camera. The photos are some of our favourite souvenirs from the trip. We laughed, learned alot and had a blast from start to finish. Highly recommend Northbound to anyone visiting Tromso hoping to see the aurora. Thank you Ryan and Oli for an amazing and unforgettable night!

I booked with this company because of positive comments on blog posts and the description sounded like it would match us (others sounded too extreme for us). We liked the idea of there only being 8 people and being able to go more remote places than a crowded bus. It seemed expensive, but we decided that it was worth it for a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, as the night progressed we were saying to each other that it was worth every cent. Our hosts were so warm and welcoming and had everybody chatting like old friends. They were incredibly knowledgable and taught us a lot over the course of the night and we came away feeling like we had spent a relaxed night laughing with family. They taught us how to use our phones to take photos and took professional shots as well. It was an amazing experiece all around and by the time we got back back to the hotel we were both in agreement that we would have payed more for what we got, as absolutely everything exceeded our expectations. If they had more availability over the following nights we would have paid to go back out with them again. Do yourself a favour and book it!

Such a memorable and exciting night driving across arctic Norway in search of clear skies, with Oli and his new colleague Jake. I was travelling alone and there were only two other guests, so it was a small friendly group which made the trip very relaxed. We finally set up camp not far from the Finnish border by a river bank. Oli and Jake lit a fire to keep us warm, the clouds retreated and the aurora appeared, faintly at first but getting stronger over a couple of hours. The trip was very well organised - Oli is very knowledgeable on the science of the aurora and on local geography and explained everything he was doing very clearly. He’s also a great photographer - and all the photos including some excellent time lapses were sent to us the following day. We spent nearly 3 hours sitting by the fire, telling stories, taking photographs, eating snacks and drinking hot chocolate, and the evening flew past. I would definitely recommend Northbound. A small group trip may be more expensive than a big tour but you are getting a very personal experience, delightful and knowledgeable guides, and ultimately, given the flexibility of a small vehicle, a much higher chance of a good showing of the lights.

Oli and Ryan are so professional and passionate as Northern Lights tour operators. They managed to find clear sky and beautiful Northern Lights when the weather was rainy and miserable all the way from Tromso to Finland! Our private Northern Lights tour was fun and engaging. We didn’t even notice the distance we travelled! It was definitely a memorable experience having a professional photoshoot session in the darkness and in the middle of nowhere! Our private tour was well organised and we were very well looked after. A true VIP experience definitely not to be missed!

Don’t even worry about looking up other tours, just grab this one. They will go deep out of their way to find you the best chance of seeing the lights and as photographers, they’ll help you get your own photos dialed in and take pictures for you. Very small groups; great, friendly guides. 10/10 experience.

There was bad weather in Tromso and Olí and Ryan drove more than 2 hours to take us to a spectacular place with a clear sky and full of stars. We just had to wait a while and the magic began. Northern lights appears. I'm grateful to have been on this tour. Olí and Ryan, you are spectacular guys, I will always remember this night, thank you Sandra from 🇺🇾

During our first trip to Tromso my friend and I booked Northern Lights tours with 3 different companies. Northbound was by far the best. This time, we only booked with Northbound. They work really hard checking for the best location to see the lights if possible. And their professional photos make a great souvenir if you do see the lights. But it’s really Oli and Ryan that make the trip special.

Absolutely loved every minute of this tour. Oli and Ryan were fantastic hosts and made sure we were all comfortable and looked after all night. Our evening was enjoyed with some of their repeat clients so that says something. We will definitely be repeat clients if we return, cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you Northbound!

Excellent organization and guide. Oli went out of his way to find the ideal spot for watching the Aurora. Of course, he has no influence if the Aurora will show and how strong it would be. We were extremely lucky, not only to have a great display, but also being in a spot that allowed viewing in all directions, including reflection on the water. The bonfire with BBQ sausages and hot Cocoa is also noteworthy. As a plus, we received fantastic photos and videos of "our" Aurora experience free of charge. In reality, you do not even have to bring your own camera. The pictures my wife took with her iPhone were nonetheless a great supplement and experience. Don't hesitate to book with them, you will have a great time!

Prior to writing this I had only written one TripAdvisor review, but after our adventure with Northbound yesterday I felt I had no choice but to change that. Where do I even begin? For starters, Oli and Ryan are the best guides you could possibly imagine. It took less than 5 minutes for everyone in the van to settle in and feel comfortable. Not only did they show genuine interest and care for their guests, but they shared their own personal stories as well as the science behind the lights and how they approach chasing them. The group was small and the adventure felt tailored to everyone there. Despite the lights not cooperating as much as they could have, the night itself was unforgettable. We shared stories around a campfire, still got incredible photos with the lights, and the long drive and time spent in the cold flew by so quick. If you are looking for a massive tour where all anyone cares about is a photo with the lights and being able to post something to your Instagram, this might not be the tour for you. But if you want to hang out with a small group, be driven around Norway (or potentially even Finland) with the coolest guides, share stories around a fire and more than likely still get the best photos possible, you have to go with Northbound. I cannot recommend them any higher, as evidenced by the once in a half-decade review.

Oh boy how should I describe our time with Oli and Ryan?? It was just incredible. From pick up to drop off at our place of stay the entire experience was truly exceptional. We had booked the 8 person small group tour but on that day there were no one else booked, but our family. So it was essentially a private tour!!x It didn’t seem like a commercial tour but time away with friends. Both of them Kept us engaged and entertained with stories and experiences. We were lucky to have one clear day with good weather and Oli and Raysn ensured we had the best possible North lights experience. They drive us around 80 kms away from Tromso to the banks of Balsfjord. We were the only people there. They immediately set up a fire and their two camera setup. They explained to us the science behind the aurora phenomenon and we waited listening to the stories and then by 9:30 Pm the aurora show started and it went on well past midnight. As Oli was talking us through Rayan was working the cameras, taking photographs with us enthusiastically, various angles, and poses to ensure the best outcome. He also created a beautiful time-lapse video which was amazing to see. We were served hot chocolate and Dinner with bred and sausages. They even stocked veggie sausages!! That was so thoughtful. All the photos and videos were mailed to us. We were lucky to see a wonderful spatial phenomenon which was enhanced greatly by the company Oli and Ryan kept us. We were picked up in their comfortable Van and they do provide winter clothing even though we didn’t need them. The whole tour from pick up at 6:30 PM lasted about 7 hours. Look no further for your Aurora tour. Just go with Northbound. Oli and Ryan absolutely know what they are doing and will ensure you come back with great memories. Thank you so much Oli and Ryan.

An incredible trip, when we arrived the spot, it was cloudy first, but one hours later, we the sky turns clear and we saw aurora

Where to start…Oli and Ryan were amazing tour guides. They were so accommodating and patient with our 7 month old throughout our private tour. The van ride was just as enjoyable as the lights themselves. Even having done this for many years, they talk about the lights with the same enthusiasm and excitement as if it were the first trip. I could go on, but it’s best to just book with them and experience it yourself, you won’t regret it. Thanks again Oli and Ryan!

We booked a private tour since we were traveling with our 7 month old and grandparents. Oli and Ryan were so accommodating and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience—especially for the baby. We drove out to a secluded spot and Ryan set up his camera to take spectacular photos to remember this trip for years to come. I can’t recommend this tour enough. Both Oli and Ryan have years of experience doing this type of work and will ensure you have a memorable time.

First of all, I want to apologize to Oli and Ryan for only writing this review now. We kept putting it off and, as these things happen, ended up forgetting about it. Our experience with Northbound was as good as it could possibly have been. Even if we had imagined our perfect night, I don't think it could have been as amazing as it actually was. My now-fiancée and I did the tour in March this year. In fact, it was during the tour that I proposed to her — and she said yes! We had originally gone to Tromsø to do a Northern Lights tour the night before, but unfortunately, we couldn't see the aurora because of the bad weather. The next day, I was desperate to find another tour, because I had planned to propose to my girlfriend while we were watching the Northern Lights. It was in that desperate search for a last-minute tour that Oli and Ryan came into our lives. By an incredible stroke of luck, they still had two spots available. From the moment the tour started, it was nothing but happiness. Oli was the one who took us to the spot where we would see the Northern Lights. He was such a great guy and made a point of talking to everyone there, getting to know each person, asking what they did for a living and what they were doing during their trip. Oli really made all of us feel like we were among friends, rather than a group of people who had just met. Absolutely impeccable. On top of that, he explained everything about the Northern Lights, the weather conditions, and our chances of seeing them that night. While we were waiting for the lights to appear, there was plenty of conversation and laughter — this time with Ryan as well. The two of them are the perfect team. There is honestly nothing negative I could say about either of them. And then came the moment I had been thinking about for such a long time. I had spent so much time imagining what the night when I would propose to my girlfriend would be like. And even in my wildest dreams, it was never as beautiful as it actually turned out to be. Oli and Ryan were incredibly special and made one of the most important days of our lives even more unforgettable. I honestly don't have enough words to thank them or explain just how special they are to us. If you want to go on a tour with people who will feel like friends by the end of it, people who make you feel completely at home, there is no better team than these two. They are absolutely fantastic. Oh, and Oli — congratulations on Arsenal winning the Premier League! But the Champions League will have to wait for another time... Maybe Ryan can tell you what it feels like to win one someday! 😂 Thank you, Oli and Ryan, for an unforgettable night. We will never forget it. ❤️ A big hug from João and Maria!

The Northern Lights with Northbound did not disappoint. Olli and Ryan greatly enhanced the experience—the people truly make the trip. The evening was highlighted by simple pleasures: hot dogs over an open fire, shared stories, and a genuinely wonderful atmosphere. Cheers to snow angels, windows vs doors, and unions after hikes! Thank you

トロムソは今回の旅行の最後の目的地で、3泊しました。しかし滞在中はずっと天気が悪く、曇りやみぞれが続いていたため、オーロラを見るのは難しいのではと半ば諦めかけていました。 そんな中、NorthboundのOliさんがとても親切で積極的にサポートしてくれました。午後に連絡をくださり、天候やオーロラが見られる可能性を考えてキャンセルするかどうかを確認してくれたのです。それでも、遠くまで来たこと、そしてオーロラを見ることが長年の夢だったこともあり、私たちは参加することに決めました。 結果として、その決断は大正解でした。OliさんとRyanさんは非常にプロフェッショナルで知識も豊富。オーロラについてだけでなく、晴れ間を見つけるための最適な場所や、オーロラ活動の状況についても熟知していました。 このツアーを予約する際、いくつかの会社を比較し、多くのレビューを読んでNorthboundを選びましたが、本当にこの選択に大満足しています。オーロラを実際に見ることができた体験は本当に感動的で、今回の旅行のハイライトになりました。 素晴らしい体験を提供してくれたOliさんとRyanさんに心から感謝しています。トロムソへの旅行を考えている方には、ぜひNorthboundのツアーをおすすめします。 Our stop in Tromsø was the final leg of our trip, and we stayed for three nights. Unfortunately, the weather had been heavily cloudy and slushy the entire time, and I had almost given up hope of seeing the Northern Lights. Oli from Northbound was incredibly proactive and helpful—he reached out to me in the afternoon to check whether we wanted to cancel due to the poor weather conditions and low chances of seeing the aurora. However, since traveling to see the Northern Lights had always been a dream of mine, we decided to take the chance. I’m so glad we did. Oli and Ryan were outstanding—professional, knowledgeable, and clearly very experienced. Not only did they have deep knowledge about the Northern Lights, but they also knew exactly where to go to find clear skies and maximize our chances of seeing aurora activity. Before booking, I researched several companies and read many reviews before choosing Northbound—and I couldn’t be happier with that decision. Seeing the Northern Lights was absolutely spectacular and truly the highlight of our entire trip. I am incredibly grateful to Oli and Ryan for making this such a memorable experience. If you’re considering a trip to Tromsø, I wholeheartedly recommend booking a tour with Northbound.

Oli and Ryan are amazing. The weather has been bad and they have been nonstop communicating to make sure we stay aware of the situation. They were very accommodating, and even kindly refunded us when we had to unexpectedly cancel due to my husband’s illness. 5 star service even without being able to go on the tour!

The whole experience was absolutely amazing! Seeing the Northern Lights was pure magic, totally worth it. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate and you don’t see anything, the guides Oli and Ryan, make it all worthwhile with their passion, stories, and knowledge. It’s a unique adventure full of great energy and unforgettable moments. I’d recommend it 100%! “It was all about the hats!”

This is a personable, professional, enjoyable experience with great results! Ollie and Ryan did everything they can to make the experience, memorable and bucket worthy. The van is intimate with stories being shared, and the group was small and we were provided so many comforts – thermal suits, a nice fire with hot beverages and even Norwegian hotdog, and the bonus was portraits and time lapse of our adventure. Really every penny so much so that we did it twice, each night being different and just as great!

We joined Ollie & Ryan on the tour to see the Northern Lights on Friday night 20th March 2026. To say the whole experience was one of the most memorable tours we have ever been on would be an understatement. We left Tromso at 1830 with another four people who were from Japan. Ollie and Ryan make such an awesome team and compliment each other by covering the driving, knowledge, photography and cooking the BBQ hot-dogs etc. They also supply if required thermal over suits for everyone once they know sizes in advance. On this evening the weather in Tromso was poor and so Ollie had to drive us 2.5 hours north into Finland. Where we ended up was literally a stones throw away from the Swedish border. We had such a clear sky in this area and the zero light pollution allowed for what turned out to be a magical evening. We had about 3 hours out in the snow and Ryan took many pictures of all on the tour individually and collectively. The Northern Lights display came in waves and illuminated the night sky in a real crescendo which was something we wont forget. In between the mesmerising displays Ollie did BBQ sausages for us all to have in white bread rolls. These were excellent and much appreciated. It is hard to fully say how much you will enjoy an organised tour over one you try and action on your own. I say that as we saw several hire cars which individuals had used from Tromso to try and see the Northern Lights and these were now stuck on the edge of the main road as they had misjudged where the road edge finished and the drop that existed. These cars were still stuck when we left to head back to Tromso as recovery vehicles take time to reach these individuals. We would highly recommend this impressive, dedicated, knowledgeable and professional tour which is run for your comfort and enjoyment. A very big thank you to both Ollie & Ryan.

When it’s a cloudy, overcast day with less than ideal environmental conditions, the experience and knowledge of your guides is paramount. Oli and Ryan’s passion and skills really came through, and we enjoyed an epic night where Mother Nature ended up going all out and really showed off! There wasn’t another soul in sight, the stories and information were entertaining and enlightening, their photography skills are Uh-mazing (!!) and the food and company around the camp fire was fab. We chose Northbound because: 1) of the very small group size, 2) they were licensed and insured, 3) they were serious photographers and 4) seemed passionate and knowledgeable about light hunting. Well, they did not disappoint! Highly suggest you book early :) Ps. Oli, you make a better door than a window ;)r

I had an amazing experience with Northbound on their Northern Lights tour. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Oli was friendly and well-prepared, taking care of every detail from equipment and warm clothing to food. He made sure we were comfortable throughout the journey, brought us to carefully selected locations that offered the best possible views of the aurora, and gave us a safe ride back to the hotel after the tour. He shared fascinating insights about the Northern Lights and clearly knew where and when to go, which made all the difference. Thanks to his expertise, we were fortunate enough to witness incredibly beautiful aurora. Ryan did an excellent job with photography, capturing stunning photos of the Northern Lights along with impressive time-lapse videos. These photos and videos are something I will treasure forever and made the whole experience even more special. Overall, this tour with Northbound exceeded my expectations. It was not only well-organized but also filled with unforgettable moments. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience the magic of the Northern Lights.

We used Northbound on a previous trip to Tromso and had an amazing experience even though the lights were ok to average that night. As Northbound were such a good tour company we have rebooked twice since. Again a big thank you to Oli and Ryan for such a great night out watching an amazing Aurora light show near Finland. They are so in tuned with aurora behaviour they predicted perfectly what would happen over the night. We wouldn’t go aurora hunting with anyone else. Well done fellas.

This tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Tromso. An excellent tour, Northbound chose such a beautiful site to wait for and watch the Lights (we were the only group there), entertained us with information on the aurora, stories and a great barbecue. Being a small group is a huge benefit and worth any extra it might cost. Oli and Ryan are very knowledgeable and personable and do everything to maximise your chances of seeing the best of the Lights. The photos and videos they produced during the tour will remain a great reminder of a lovely evening.

Northbound was my second Northern Lights tour, and honestly, it made my first one feel like a total waste of money. Oli and Ryan set the bar so high, I feel a bit bad for anyone choosing any other companies (my past self included). They don’t just let you see the lights, they make sure you experience it like a local :) Oli and Ryan aren’t just guides with a script, they’re awesome humans with hilarious and fascinating stories that make the whole night come alive! Getting to know them better (and their favorite EFL teams!) was just incredible. You will never get bored with those two guys! They also just work so well together: while Oli answers questions, Ryan would snap the perfect shots, etc... Seriously, this tour will make you feel that you threw money away if you have previously done a lights adventure, with someone else. Northbound or Nothing.

Can't describe how amazing this was. Huge thanks to Ollie & Ryan for making this evening perfect. We drove only 1 hour away from Tromso to a magical place. Ollie & Ryan explained to us all about northen lights, all in a manner that could be well understandable. One or two hours later, we were able to see real time all those scientific phenomenon with our own eyes. It was just magical. With the hot dogs, fire place, nice chats, and the sky being perfect for us, it was a once in a lifetime experience that my partner and I will remember forever.

Even as a solo traveller, I still had loads of fun bonding with a small group of other eager travellers. I believe the maximum amount in a group is 8, which in my opinion is perfect because you feel more closely knit with everyone and you have a chance to take more pictures, as opposed to if you would choose a much bigger tour. Oli and Ryan especially took the time to get to know each and every one of us, and to also explain everything and I mean EVERYTHING about the Northern Lights. We saw some strong dancing northern lights that night, but honestly I enjoyed more the stories told around the campfire and the yummy sausages and hot chocolate. It really is worth every kronor spent. If you can only do one northern lights tour in Tromsø, I can only recommend to choose Northbound!

Amazing experience with Oli and Ryan! Would recommend chasing the lights with these guys if you want to feel like you have two friends who happen to be expert tour guides living in Tromso. I was so impressed with Ryan taking photos for hours without gloves to make sure we got the perfect memories. Oli kept us entertained for hours with funny stories and teaching us about advance space weather including interpretive dance to explain sun radiation! Ask for a demo on your tour ;) Thank you guys again for making us feel at home on the other side of the world while making our dreams come true.

What an amazing experience! Oli's knowledge, warm and friendly personality and passion for the Northern Lights made it well worth it. Thank you.

We joined a Northern Lights tour with Northbound while in Tromsø and it turned out to be one of the standout experiences of our trip. From the outset, the professionalism was evident. Ollie and Ryan carefully tracked conditions, adjusted location plans in real time, and ensured we travelled to the best possible viewing spot. We felt that we were in capable hands throughout, with safety and comfort clearly prioritised. The aurora itself did not disappoint. When it appeared, it was spectacular. What elevated the experience further was the quality of the photography support. Ryan captured outstanding images and helped us understand how to photograph the lights properly. The photos alone are something we will keep for a long time. Beyond the lights, the atmosphere made the evening memorable. There was genuine conversation rather than scripted commentary. Personal stories from the guides added depth and authenticity. At one point, an entirely unexpected Peter Andre connection entered the discussion, as did many random facts. The campfire was another highlight. Standing under the Arctic sky, warming up with grilled sausages and hot drinks, created a simple but memorable moment. This was not just a sightseeing trip. It was a well-run, personal and thoughtfully delivered experience. If you are considering a Northern Lights tour in Tromsø, Northbound is an excellent choice.

Could not have asked for a more unbelievable night. Yes, we got lucky and the lights were bright and incredible. But Oli and Ryan helped create that luck. They scouted the perfect location, and Ryan got out there early and secured the spot just for us. And in a van full of strangers, it could have been easy for everyone to sit quietly and awkwardly for an hour, waiting to arrive. Instead, Oli had us in the best spirits, chatting and laughing. I won’t say the drive was as good as the lights, but I without a doubt would have had a great time even if we didn’t get such a spectacular show. These guys are awesome.

Short review: stop comparing and just book with Northbound, 1000/100 experience. Long review: Booked with Northbound based on my friend’s recommendation and the experience was superbbbbbb. Oli and Ryan are the greatest guide it’s like they have a PhD in Northernlights. They’re really passionate and nerdy about Northernlights as well as photography so you know you’re in good hands. It’s not your regular ‘bring you to see NL’ kinda thing but really the interaction with them as well as the bonding with other people made the experience so heartwarming and cozy. Van is so comfortable that I fell asleep on the way back too 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Oli and Ryan are the best. They didn't hesitate to do everything they could to make sure we had an experience we will never forget. They were very professional. They explained to us how Northern Lights are formed and they were as excited as we were when they appeared. They captured this wonderful night on camera and sent us great photos and videos. We highly recommend Northbound.

My wife and I attended a Northbound Northern Lights tour in February, and it was an experience we will treasure forever. Oli and Ryan were knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely great fun as guides. Their friendship and natural banter with each other really makes them stand out from other guides in Tromsø. They greeted us at the Music Stand in the city centre and welcomed us into their warm, spacious van with complimentary water, which was a lovely touch. Upon setting off, they explained the plan for the evening, where we were heading, and the science behind their choice of location. It was clear they really understood the conditions and wanted to give us the best possible chance of seeing the lights. The journey to our campsite flew by, with Oli and Ryan sharing stories and chatting with us and the other guests. We were a small group of five, but by the end of the evening we were all laughing together like we’d known each other for years – a testament to how comfortable and relaxed they made everyone feel. Once we arrived, they quickly set up camp and got us into warm, comfortable thermal suits, along with head torches. Oli got the fire going while Ryan started capturing photos of us beneath the Aurora, which had already begun to appear. Seeing the Northern Lights for the first time was surreal – something we’ll never forget. Oli cooked hot dogs over the fire and we enjoyed a cup of tea to keep warm as the lights grew stronger throughout the evening. Ryan continued taking photos, which were sent to us the very next day. We will cherish those images for a lifetime. I cannot recommend Northbound highly enough for your Northern Lights tour. Oli and Ryan truly made the experience what it was, and if we are lucky enough to return to Tromsø, they would be the only company we would book with. Thank you for a truly memorable evening.

The tour was simply amazing, Ollie and Ryan were simply fabulous tour guides. We went out on a day that was supposed to be cloudy so we couldn’t see the lights, but they drove us to a location that was simply wonderful and idyllic. The hot dogs were really and I mean really good. The pictures that they took made what I thought was quite odd look out of this world. They were super flexible about everything and would change the trip to your desire. Again it was simply amazing. Would recommend a lot over other companies. Best twelfth birthday ever.

Without a doubt, the best aurora hunter. Oli is extremely attentive, professional, and genuinely cares about providing the best possible experience. We had an absolutely incredible night. My sister and I brought our 82-year-old grandmother to fulfill her lifelong dream of seeing the Northern Lights, and Oli made it truly unforgettable. He was patient, kind, and always making sure she was comfortable and safe. His knowledge, dedication, and passion for what he does are remarkable. He went above and beyond to find the best conditions and never rushed us, making the entire experience feel special and personal. You can tell he truly loves what he does and cares deeply about his guests. Everything was perfectly organized, and we felt supported and cared for from start to finish. I highly recommend Northbound to anyone looking for a magical and unforgettable Northern Lights experience. Thank you, Oli, for helping make one of the most meaningful memories of our lives.

We found Northbound through an AI recommendation for a small group tour, and it was absolutely spot on. We were originally booked for Sunday, but because it was cloudy, Oli and Ryan proactively offered to move us to Tuesday. It was the best decision, we had perfectly clear skies and only had to travel about an hour to reach a beautiful beach. And there were just us and two others on the tour. The Aurora started almost immediately, and we felt so privileged to see such a fantastic show. Throughout the evening, the guys were great; they chatted with us, grilled hot dogs on the fire, and took professional photos. They are clearly passionate about what they do and go the extra mile to make the tour special. Highly recommend booking with them if you're in Tromsø!

I went on three Northern Lights tours, Northbound being the last and hands down, BEST of the three. Small group - there were 7 of us along for the ride with Oli and Ryan. Oli has a gift for conversation and storytelling that can make even the shiest person come out of their shell without feeling forced to. The ride to the spot they picked wasn't too long. The spot itself was perfect. We met Ryan once we arrived and by then we felt like we knew him already. Temperatures were really low that night but they took every measure to make us comfortable. Thermal suits were available, offered and worn by many. They monitored how we were feeling pretty consistently, giving the distinct impression that there was real care for our wellbeing. The Northern Lights were visible from the road and throughout our stay. We had a bonfire, grilled hot dogs, had our choice of hot chocolate, coffee or tea. The conversation added needed warmth throughout. By the time it was 11pm, the cold started taking a toll and we had the option to sit in the car to warm up. Oil kept saying if we were all ready to leave, we could, but kept suggesting gently that we wait 10, 20, 30 minutes because he felt something special was coming and he'd hate for us to miss it. We decided to wait and if we hadn't listened to him we would've missed the show of a lifetime. It was absolutely miraculous! It was the Northern Lights of anyone's dreams, certainly mine. I remember being in the middle of talking to him and he told me to look up and I don't remember anything but the lights after that. I must've gasped. They were dancing right above me and it felt miraculous. I am so grateful for the gentle coaxing. They know what they're doing, they have an obvious love for it and they do it so well. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Northbound. Oh, and out of my three tours, theirs was the only one to send us timelapses of the night as well as photos. Next time I'm back in Tromso, it'll be Northbound all the way. All my friends know about it already.

Definitely recommend Northbound for northern lights tours in Tromso. Oli knows where to drive to in order to see the auroras and get the best views of them. He took pictures of everyone in the group with the auroras in the background. Oli is really passionate about auroras and gave us useful information to better understand how they work. He also took such good care of us - with hot chocolate and hotdogs. He’s a careful and considerate driver as we drove around at night on the snowy, icy roads in Tromso. Thank you Oli, for a lifetime of truly unforgettable and beautiful memories!

Definitely recommend Northbound for northern lights tours in Tromso. Oli is really passionate about northern lights and gave us useful information on how the lights work, appear and move. He also took fantastic pictures for everyone in the group with the northern lights in the background. Oli knows where to drive to in order to get the best views of the lights. He took such good care of us too - with hot chocolate and hotdogs. He’s also a very experienced, considerate and careful driver while we drove around the snowy, icy roads in Tromso. Thank you sooo much Oli!! You’ve given us beautiful memories to last a lifetime!

I’m giving Northbound 5 stars because I cant give it 10. I was in Tromsø for a full week, did three northern lights tours and Northbound was my third and last. Third time was definitely the charm. It was by far the best of the three and so much more than I had expected. The lights were visible from a few minutes before we got out of the minivan. The temperature was the lowest of the three nights, but Oli and Ryan did everything they could to make us comfortable, always asking if we were feeling ok. I felt really cared for. We had a bonfire, hot dogs, hot chocolate, GREAT conversation. Ryan took amazing shots of us that I can’t wait to see. The location they picked was perfect. Oli was pure joy and enthusiasm from the moment we shook hands at the meeting point. He kept us informed of the changes in conditions and seemed really hopeful that we might be in for something special. I tried to keep my expectations on the low side as I’m inclined to do. Some of us would sit in the car for a few minutes to warm up and Oli kept telling us “I think we should wait another 10, 20, 30 minutes if you’re willing because I think something special is coming.“ Boy, was he right! Suddenly the lights were dancing right above us. It was the experience of a lifetime! I am so glad we listened to Oli and waited. They absolutely know what they’re doing, love doing it and it shows. Next time I’m in Tromsø… nothing but Northbound. 💚💚💚💚💚

This Northern Lights tour was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was very well planned, which made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. Tromsø has so many tour options to choose from, and we’re so glad we picked this one—it truly stood out. Oli and Ryan were wonderful—knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made sure everyone was comfortable, informed, and in the best possible spots to see the lights. The group atmosphere was great as well; it felt like sharing a special experience with lovely people. Seeing the Northern Lights was truly magical, and this tour made it even more memorable. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-organized tour with amazing guides and an unforgettable experience. Money well spent.

Oli and Ryan took us to a large lake with mountains surrounding us. It was a beautiful setting. You can't control mother nature but Oli had done lots of research on the solar conditions and it was clear this is a passion for him and Ryan, and they're very knowledgeable. This helps enormously to see the lights, as they can choose the best location. They're also lovely guys. They looked after us really well all night (warm, fed, entertained!) and we had a lovely time. There are quite a few cowboy companies setting up in Tromso... these guys are the opposite of that, experienced and knowledgeable so would totally recommend this tour. Oh and they also take pictures which they share for free, which is really lovely of them!

Oli was a great guide and made sure the whole group had the best experience (key word EXPERIENCE): we managed to see beautiful lights despite the weather and take amazing pictures, and also learned a lot about aurora and Norwegian culture, but most of all we had FUN and made memories we'll cherish forever. Long live the CUP-SNAKE 🐢🐢🐢

Oli and Ryan were fantastic! Loved the scenery where they brought us, clearly they are passionate in their work, and want to do their utmost best. May not be the best experience for hardcore introverts, works even better if you're quite an extrovert. But still, the experience was just so lovely.

What a great experience. They took us to two beautiful locations. They provided really warm snowsuits for us to wear, started a fire to warm up near, provided some snacks, and took beautiful pictures. Our guides Oli and Ryan were really well informed and most importantly they are warm and friendly conversationalist. We were lucky enough that we didn't have to drive a really long way for clear skies but these are guys that you would want on a long drive. They're really cool people. I have nothing but great things to say about my experience here. I will recommend this company to everyone.

I visited Tromso earlier this month, and it was a dream trip for me. I did 3 Northern Lights tours while I was there, and while the other 2 were good, this one was incredible. The light display wasn't the best of the 3 nights, but this tour was the most fun and memorable. Oli is so passionate about the Northern Lights and making the Northbound tours the absolute best they can be. We had so many laughs, heard lots of stories, and were kept entertained while waiting for the lights. Ryan joined us and took amazing photos too. The location chosen was stunning and private, and the hot chocolate, hot dogs, and fire were greatly appreciated. Oli makes the effort to get to know everyone on the tour, and this meant that the group dynamics were awesome. I would 100% book with Northbound again. The best Northern Lights guides and tour in Tromso for sure. Jenna

Northbound is hands down the very best tour operator for Aurora viewing and photos as well as the most fun guides and the nicest guys. My husband and I have spent 15 days in Tromso over two different trips in the last 14 months (we caught the Aurora bug). Aside from Northbound we have gone out with two other extremely well-known tour operators (5 tours total). Even amongst the best-reputed, five-star operators with the highest reviews, there are huge differences. First, Oli and Ryan are fantastic people. Their love of the Northern Lights and genuine enthusiasm are obvious, and it translates to their very clear heartfelt desire to make the Northern Lights experience so special for their clients. They are also both incredibly fun and interesting people who bring a terrific energy to the tour. This is a big deal. If you are driving one, two, or even more hours to get to the lights depending on weather, fun, funny, happy, positive tour guides make a huge difference. The car ride becomes a wonderful part of the experience rather than sitting in silence or in awkward conversation or in the energy of a guide stressed out about the drive (or in the case of a solo operator we went out with, being in the energy of someone stressed out and in a bad mood the entire evening which really is a bummer when you are experiencing something so miraculous as the Aurora). Oli and Ryan are also incredibly safe drivers. The first part of seeing the Northern Lights is being in the right place. Northbound goes far and above in terms of what they pay for professionally for expert/inside information to make sure they give their clients not only the best chance of seeing the lights but also of being the most comfortable. They also were total experts on the lights, and we learned so much from them that we never learned from the other tour operators we have used. Over our two nights with Northbound, we not only saw the most mind-blowing lights, we went to two different spectacular waterfront locations that were also protected from the wind. When you are in zero or subzero temps and out there for hours, being protected from the wind makes ALL the difference. With the other tours we went on, we were always extremely exposed and extremely cold (despite having expedition clothing). The photos we got from Northbound were far and away the best ones of the three tour operators we have gone out with. Oli and Ryan are both working incredibly hard the entire time to take photographs and to take photographs of you in particular. They monitor the skies to make sure your photographs are of the best part of the Aurora and scenery possible, and they happily move around to ensure this happens. We were so impressed with how hard they worked and hustled the entire time. Their time lapses are phenomenal, and trust me when I say you will want them as part of your Aurora records. One of the other operators we used was a group operator (they had multiple guides working for them). On our first night with them, we had a tour guide who was more interested in some new photographic toy he had just purchased than really taking the best photos he could of the clients. The photographs were not that great, and we did not receive a time-lapse. On another night with that operator, we had a different guide who was excellent and worked extremely hard. He took excellent photos (although not as great as Northbound's as they are not only excellent photos but also original and creative). He even did a short time lapse for us, but Northbound gives multiple, very long timelapses. The third tour operator we have used was a solo operator. The lights were fantastic the night we went out with him, and he was incredibly excited to be taking photos of the lights, but unfortunately less so of the clients. He disappeared for long (LONG) stretches of time to go take photographs, which would have been great had he shared them with us, but we didn't receive that many photos from him. He also took a lot of timelapses that night and waxed on about how excited he was about them, but he didn't share any of them with the clients. The Northbound food--the famous hot dogs--was really delicious and satisfying (along with the cookies and hot chocolate/tea). The group operator we went out with also had very good food. The solo operator we went out with added lukewarm water to a bag of dehydrated stew, and it was pretty inedible. Both nights we spent with Northbound were top experiences from the Aurora viewing to the photos and videos we received afterwards to the genuinely warm, happy, fun, touching memories we will always have of these two nights spent with the best people. We are already planning our next Tromso trip, and there is no question Oli and Ryan will be our guides.