Alta is a wonderful place to experience the Northern Lights! However, on some occasions the weather gods in Alta are not on our side. If it’s cloudy, snowing or raining in Alta, we use our knowledge and experience to head towards better weather and improved chances of seeing the Aurora. With more than 10 years’ experience as Aurora chasers, we found the Northern Lights on more than 90% of our departures last season. But remember, there are no guarantees!
Public tour
This is our most popular tour where anyone can sign up and the group may consist of people from all over the world. These are generally very enjoyable trips with a diverse group of up to eight guests and a guide/driver. Booking is easy. Simply book your tour via the online booking system on this page.
If your group is larger (e.g. family, friends or colleagues), we can use a larger bus and several guides. In such cases, please contact us directly and we can make the necessary adjustments.
About the tour
After picking up our guests from their hotels, we head straight to GLØD headquarters for a briefing. We will also serve the Soup of the Evening. If you need some warmer clothes, we can arrange this too. By the way, all our guides speak English and one can even guide in German.
If you have booked the combined tour, dog sledding and the Northern Lights, your dog sledding guide will drive you down to us.
After the briefing, wet set off on our Northern Lights hunt!
To optimize our chances of experiencing the Northern Lights, we head to areas with little or no light pollution. We use new and well-equipped VW Caravelle 4 motion minibuses as we travel in search of an area with starry sky and good views.
If the weather conditions in Alta are poor, we head elsewhere. This may mean a drive of up to 200 km, either along the coast, fjords or in the inland of Finnmark. We make regular stops to check the conditions and, if conditions permit, take photos. We then gladly continue in search of new, exciting and nice locations, either to find new photo subjects or – if the conditions are challenging – clear weather.
We will serve snacks and hot chocolate during the tour.
Duration
The duration of the tour is 4.5 to 6 hours, depending how challenging the hunt is.
Northern Lights photos
The guides are photographers and also well acquainted with a variety of cameras and can often help you to adjust the settings on your own camera. Please note that some compact cameras are not suitable for taking good photos of the Northern Lights. However, the guide has good photographic equipment and will take photos along the way. These photos will be available to the tour guests free of charge. You will also receive a free photo of yourself beneath the Northern Lights (conditions permitting).
Tripod rental
There are two essential ingredients for taking good, sharp Northern Lights photos: a long shutter speed and keeping the camera steady. The best way of achieving the latter is by using a tripod. We rent out quality Manfrotto tripods. Remember to include this option when booking your tour.
Booking
You can book your tour via the online booking system on this page.
Private tour
The tour can also be arranged as a private tour. Get in touch for price and adaptations.
Pick up
Sorrisniva at 18:30 (6:30 p.m.)
Trasti& Trine at 18:40 (6:40 p.m.)
Cruise Ship Terminal at 18:45 (6:45 p.m.)
Scandic Alta at 19:00 (7 p.m.) (also if you are staying at Thon Hotel or Canyon Hotel)
Altafjord Gjestegaard & Spa at 19:10 (7:10 p.m.)
Holmen Husky Lodge is 300 m from us and we pick up there just after 19:00 (7 p.m.).
(from 15 March, all pick up times are one hour later)
Duration: 4.5 – 6 hours
Read feedback from previous guests on TripAdvisor!
Press
From September 15 to April 10, departure every evening
Price includes
Pick up from your hotel or the cruise port (choose your pick up location when you book)
Soup of the Evening during tour briefing
Guided hunt for the Northern Lights with a maximum of 8 participants in the bus
Hot chocolate/coffee/tea and snacks
Insulated thermo suit and overshoes, if necessary
Assistance with your camera settings so you can take photos of the Northern Lights
Photo of yourself with the Northern Lights behind
Please note that the temperature may drop to minus 30 °C
Clothing
Windproof jacket
Windproof trousers
Hat
Gloves
Down jacket, or if necessary thick woollen sweater/thick fleece
Long underpants and top, preferably woollen
Warm winter boots
Woollen socks
You can borrow a thermo suit and foot bags to put over your shoes. These will keep you warm!
Photographic equipment
Camera with manual settings, preferably SLR
Tripod
Extra batteries
Head lamp