Aurora — Travel Guide

Do layer like an onion: thermal innerwear, fleece, down jacket, insulated boots, woollen socks, gloves and a beanie for nights of -5°C to -15°C.

Do stay at least 3–4 nights; the aurora needs clear skies and solar activity to line up, and one-night trips often end in cloud.

Do set your camera or phone to manual: ISO 1600–3200, aperture wide open, shutter 2–8 seconds, and carry a small tripod.

Do download an aurora forecast app (KP index alerts) and check cloud maps; chasing clear sky matters more than chasing the KP number.

Do book aurora chases with small-group operators who drive towards clear skies, sometimes as far as the Finnish border.

Do buy travel insurance with €30,000 medical cover before applying; it is mandatory for the Schengen visa anyway.

Don't plan the trip around full-moon week if you want the darkest skies, though strong auroras still show through moonlight.

Don't use flash or phone torches around other watchers; night vision takes 15–20 minutes to build and one flash ruins it.

Don't keep your phone exposed in the cold; batteries drain fast below zero, so keep devices in an inner pocket.

Don't expect the colours your camera captures; to the naked eye weaker displays look pale grey-green, while strong ones show true colour.

Don't rely only on free hotel-window viewing in Tromsø town; city lights wash out the sky, so head out of town for the real show.

Don't drive icy roads yourself without winter-driving experience; guided chases or the Tromsø cable car are safer choices.