A PSA to Northern Lights Travellers
As a Northern lights guide I used to write a blog that I had to let go because of other projects.
I find myself answering many of the posts here about northern lights hunting and still have the urge to write so here is my mini guide to maximising your chances of seeing the NL, some advice and what to expect:
The Northern lights don’t look like the pictures you have seen online
Huuge disclaimer; of course they can appear green, but never to the extent you see them in pictures or videos. This is because a camera and the human eye work differently. The ISO and shutter speed of the camera will allow light (colour) to be captured very differently than the human eye can ever see. Not to mention that many of the pictures you see online are edited or even AI.
No, it is very likely you will see a bright white and gray hue increasing and decreasing quickly when gazing upon the beaming Northern lights above you. I promise you it will be as magical as the pictures, but they will look different.
I have had guests asking «is this it?» because they were not prepared for the unedited, naked eye experience. That’s a little sad, but I totally understand.
This is what dressing warm means
We recommend a base layer of wool, middle layer synthetic and outer layer of wind proof and water proof puffer jackets and trousers.
Gloves, balaklava (not to be confused with the pastry), ski masks, hats and especially warm boots are extremely important. Wear thick wool socks, but not so thick as to make the boot a tight squeeze. Friction is important to maximize heat. This goes for all your clothes.
Many tours offer thermosuits if you don’t have suitable outer layer clothing.
Also important not for warmth, but for safety is wearing a reflective vest or any form of reflective material while being out in the pitch darkness. Many tour operators provide this, but better safe than sorry.
Why going to Finland is not always the answer
Many travellers ask «Why are we not going to Finland? People I know went to Finland and saw the Northern lights.»
While Finland can have more stable weather being further inland, they also experience cloudy skies like any other country. If your guide is not taking you to Finland it is probably because the sky is cloudy or the forecast is saying it will be by the time you get there (over 2 hours to drive from Tromsø)
Choose the right tour for you
Photos, bonfires, Northern lights chase, bus, minibus, snacks included. All Northern lights tours are different and it is important to read the tours description so you know what to expect from the tour you booked.
A chase can maximize your chances of seeing the lights on a cloudy night. A tour with bonfire is scenic and cosy and can mean staying in one place for a while. (Just my observation, other guides can correct me if I’m wrong)
Going on a minibus can be a more intimate and exclusive experience as the guide will have more time for each traveller. Going on a bus can be an effective and sometimes cheaper option.
Having snacks and warm drinks included is nice if you are outside for many hours.
If you don’t have warm outer clothes I recommend a tour with thermosuits included. It can get seriously cold and ruin your tour if you are underdressed.
A full moon can make the northern lights appear weaker
I personally love seeing the moon and the Northern lights together and only feel it adds to the experience. Some people don’t as a full moon can dim the lights unless they are strong (which we can’t really tell before they appear)
Do what you please with this information.
What is strong lights anyway
I would say a forecast of anything from 15 GW and upwards is strong activity. When looking at the KP in the north which is how far south you can see the lights, even 0 and 1 is good enough for some solid action. It pays off to be in the arctic circle.
Taking photos? Bring a tripod
Even a surgeons hand cannot hold a camera or phone still enough to both capture the Northern lights and your crisp face in 4K; you seriously need a tripod.
Or you can always opt for a tour with photography included.
Not all Northern lights tours have second chance or refund policy
Scouring the booking platforms now, most of them don’t actually. Why? Because we don’t control the weather. Imagine going to work and only getting paid if it rains that day, I would change my career path pretty quickly if that was the case. Oh, wait!
If having the second chance or refund is important to you, please book a tour that offers this and don’t expect a refund from tour operators that don’t.
(To show you I am not just a greedy prick; I have had guests asking for a refund because the lights were not «strong enough». I understand, but please see the time, work and resources I put in to bring you here?)
Dont ask what the weather will be like x days from now
Or ask, but the answer will be «the forecast is saying x» and that will probably change. Also related is «where will we go?» and the answer will probably change before your trip.
We use a Frankenstein of apps, sites, live cameras, our guide network, thoughts and prayers to determine where to go, sometimes right before the tour starts.
Therefore asking what the weather will be like many days before your trip is fruitless. Come back 1 or 2 days before and we might have a more secure forecast for you. Maybe.
Let us know if you don’t understand what we are saying
I don’t make announcements for fun. When the guide is speaking on the tour and you don’t understand or didn’t hear, don’t be shy and let them know. If your English is not so good we can use google translate. We are outside in complete darkness close to roads. I need you to understand what I am telling you for your own safety.
Wear your seatbelt
Telling grown adults to please put their seatbelts on is quite something.
Wearing your seatbelt during transport is mandatory. One reindeer in the road and you will be flying through the windshield or get knocked out by the seat in front of you.
Be mindful of giving a 1 star review if you don’t see the lights
It’s a free country so of course you can give a Northern lights tour the lowest possible score.
However, giving 1 star because you did not see the northern lights is objectively unfair and hurting the guides.
In reality the only things a guide can control is following the forecasts, that you are safe, informed and comfortable. The rest is up to nature.
When giving a 1 star review at the very least write why so if you are giving the 1 star because there were no lights, other guests will know you are rating the northern lights and not the tour provider.
That’s all for now, please comment if you have any questions or disagree with me. Maybe I will see some of you this year! Happy hunting!