On the hunt for the northern light in Tromsø

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We traveled 350 km north of the Arctic Circle to hunt the hard -to -tangible northern light in Tromsø. The following happened

I pulled the duvet over my head and snuggled up to the headboard.

"I don't want to go out," I said, the words hot and grumpy under the ceiling.

Peter pulled the duvet off the bed. "Come on, we have to go."

I sighed tired and got up. It is true: I didn't want to go out. We were on the Arctic Circle for Heaven! It was six in the evening and outside it was freezing! And dark! And ice cold!

We had been out all day and enjoyed a short but warm breather in the hotel before we set off for the third night in a row. We spent our first two nights chasing the northern lights in Tromso (in vain) and hiking with arctic huskies (I am a cat man). I shouldn't complain, but as Peter will tell you, I cannot endure the cold.

I put on my thermos trump pants, then my leggings, then my hiking pants. At the top I had a long-sleeved thermo west, a long-sleeved base layer, a T-shirt, a fleece and a waterproof jacket. With all the grace and mobility of the Marshmallow man, I put on three pairs of socks and my hiking shoes. Then came a buff and a scarf, a cap, earmaker, two pairs of gloves and of course my little hotties, which at that moment I was pretty much the only one that gave me pleasure. With another fleece blanket and a scarf that had been stuffed into my backpack, I was finally ready to go.

We took the short walk from our hotel to Guides Central, where we should meet Gunnar von Guidegunnar, one of the oldest and most experienced companies when it comes to hunting Northern Lights in Tromsø.

Alt = “Northern Lights-in-Tromso-1 ″> Atlas & Boots Warm (and therefore happy) again in Guidegunnar's offices

Gunnar greeted us in the office and led us through the strategy for the evening. Using a huge wall card, he explained that clouds moved into the area. So if we were unlucky, we would have to drive a few hundred kilometers south to a mountain chain that kept the clouds in check and thus offered good views of the lights.

as a planner I was encouraged by his pragmatic approach and quickly cheerfully.

We climbed into Gunnars van (luckily heated) and watched a short video in which the phenomena of the northern light were explained. It is worth looking at it, as it explains exactly what the Northern Lights in Tromsø and beyond.

The most surprised was the fact that the northern light is always present: 24/7, 365 days a year. It is not the inherent inconceivability, but the weather conditions that make it so difficult to see them.

We drove on about 20 minutes when Gunnar said to my surprise that he would stop because he believed that the lights would light up. We jumped out of the van, hopeful but careful. After I was chasing the lights for six hours before, I wondered if our luck could really change so quickly.

Then to my joy we saw a striking light band in the sky. I felt a strange mix of emotions: awe that we could finally see the famous northern light, relief that the costs were worth it, but also a feeling of disappointed expectations. You see, the lights were immobile and colored a modest forest green. These were not the lively glowing greens of time -lapse videos and professional photos. Did the cameras lie? Was the reality just a bit ... subtle?

alt = "Was we weaned by NAT Geo-Fotos? Was reality just a bit ... subtle?" Was the reality just a bit ... subtle?

When the lights faded, we returned to the van and drove on while we made ourselves prepared that this could be the best. No matter, I thought. I saw the northern lights in Tromso. Life work activated.

What I didn't know at that time was that it would be so much better. We stopped another 30 minutes later and Gunnar decided to open the camp for the evening. He made a fire, distributed warm drinks and delicious Norwegian pastries (they had cinnamon in it - if you know what I'm talking about, please send the recipe!).

We didn't have to wait long until the lights appeared again and slowly drove across the sky. Gunnar allowed me and Peter to break off the main group and go down a quiet land path where there was no light pollution at all.

There we have held for one of these moments that give you the feeling that you have done everything right in life.

alt = "on the hunt for the northern light in Tromso new trees"> Atlas & Boots A look at what we have waited for

Of course the mood was ruined when I realized that this would be a good opportunity to go to the toilet. Shortly afterwards we joined the group again to warm up by the fire.

The lights flashed over them and became weaker, then flared up and weakened. At that time I was quite satisfied with the experience and would have liked to go home. However, when I roasted my gloves over the fire, I heard Gunnar's voice cut through the darkness.

"Watch the sky! You will be filled with lights in a minute!" he screamed with supernatural clairvoyance.

As on the keyword, the sky woke up with lights to life. A variety of individual representations - some flickering, some flickering, others dancing and spiral - came together in a single fantastic scene.

ah, so we waited for that.

to say that it was heavenly is not entirely enough. It dampens your step in the snow, puts up the neck hair, take your breath and almost touch you tears.

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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

We have observed the lights for an eternity for which I didn't have time. The display was so impressive that we knew that there was nothing better. When Gunnar offered to end it earlier, we all agreed and said goodbye to the lights.

I will probably never see the northern light again, even if I visit my desired goals Greenland and Baffininsel. But that's ok. Once in life you are lucky.

Northern Lights in Tromso: The essentials

what: on the hunt for the northern lights in Tromso, Norway, 350 km (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle.

Where: We stayed in the Scandic Ishavshotel, an excellent alternative to the huge cycling next door. The Ishavshotel located directly on the water offers a panoramic view of the port of Tromso, the Tromso bridge and the Arctic Cathedral as well as easy access to local sights-the Polar Museum is only a few minutes away.

Our room had room -high windows and was equipped with the important heating and carpeting, which was a cozy refuge in the cold after a day (or one night!).

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The breakfast (included in the room price) is exceptional. For the beginning, the hotel has its own barista that can prepare coffee for you. There is a delicious selection of warm dishes as well as fresh bread, cheese plates and cold cuts - but the highlight is the bowl with macarons that are quiet in the dessert corner. Unlimited macaroons! Have you ever heard of this? To mention unnecessarily that we can highly recommend the hotel.

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When: There is so much information about the best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromso, but many of them are contradictory. We were there in October and therefore trust Norway Lights, which indicates that March, April, September and October are the best times to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø.

It is worth noting that when we Gunnar asked after claims that the lights fade, he said: "As long as the sun is still on your face, the northern lights will appear."

like: hunting the northern light in Tromso is not cheap (approx. 1,250 NOK ($ 150) per person), but with a guide you really have the best chances. We recommend Gunnar Wärst, who has not only carried out northern light tours for years, but also led cross-country skiers and skiers (including the former Prime Minister of New Zealand) for years: guide-gunnar.no, info@guide-gunnar. No, +47 93 443 443.

Gunnar's tours contain warm drinks and snacks, thermal suits, tripods and clearly visible bracelets. His van offers space for 14 passengers so that you can share your experiences with others, but you can book a private tour if you are ready to pay extra.

The most important thing you should think about is that the northern light in Tromsø (or actually everywhere) depends heavily on the weather. It requires patience, resilience (I mentioned that it is cold?) And also the acceptance of the fact that you may not see anything at all.

The best way to get to Tromsø is to fly from Oslo. Book through Skyscanner at the best prices. From the Tromso Airport you can take the Flybusseksprresse to the city. These cost 60 NOK ($ 7.3) and drive off directly in front of the airport. The somewhat cheaper option is the "state bus" (white colored).

You can buy tickets in the newspaper shop at Tromso Airport (36 NOK or 50 NOK on board). You can reach the right bus stop by crossing the parking lot underground or bypassing above ground. Just ask an airport employee if you are not sure.

good luck!

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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots 
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