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  • Writer: Mr Plane Guy
    Mr Plane Guy
  • Sep 18
  • 7 min read

Updated: Sep 30


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers


By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Northern Lights OBSSESSED


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes at the airport). Thanks for your support!


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers


If you’re serious about seeing the Northern Lights, Tromsø should be at the very top of your list.

Perched 200 miles above the Arctic Circle, this lively little Norwegian city is right in the heart of the auroral oval, the sweet spot where geomagnetic activity lights up the sky most reliably. Add in direct flights from the UK, cosy hotels, Arctic activities like dog sledding, and a surprisingly good restaurant scene, and Tromsø delivers the perfect mix of wilderness and comfort.

Here’s my complete guide to planning your Northern Lights Tromsø trip, covering when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to pack, what’s on, and plenty of insider tips.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Why Tromsø?

The Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed anywhere they’re a natural phenomenon, after all,

but Tromsø gives you some of the best odds on Earth. From late September to early April, the city enjoys clear, dark nights and sits right under the auroral belt.

It’s also more accessible than you might think. Unlike remote lodges in Finnish Lapland or Greenland, Tromsø is a proper little city with restaurants, nightlife, museums, and even an airport lounge. You can be on a snowmobile chasing the lights at 7pm and back in town enjoying a craft beer by 11.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers


Flights to Tromsø From the UK, Routes, Airlines, and Lounges

One of the biggest reasons Tromsø is so popular is how easy it is to reach from the UK. Gone are the days of long layovers in Oslo, now you can fly direct from London or Manchester in under four hours.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Direct Flights to Tromsø


London Luton (LTN) → Tromsø (TOS)

  • Airline: Wizz Air UK

  • Flight time: Around 3 hours 35 minutes

  • When: November–March, twice weekly

  • Price: From approximately £56 to £80 one way if booked early. Best for budget-conscious travellers willing to get to Luton.



London Gatwick (LGW) → Tromsø (TOS)

  • Airline: easyJet

  • Flight time: Around 3 hours 25–45 minutes

  • When: November–March, twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays)

Best for South London and Sussex travellers who prefer Gatwick. Note: Norwegian no longer flies this route, easyJet is the only direct carrier from Gatwick.



Tromsø for less: check live fares on Trip.com quick booking and solid value on winter direct flights!


Manchester (MAN) → Tromsø (TOS)

  • Airlines: easyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle

  • Flight time: Around 3 hours 25 minutes

  • When: November–March, twice weekly on both carriers

Best for travellers in northern England or Scotland avoiding London.



At a Glance

UK Airport

Airline(s)

Flight Time

Frequency (Nov–Mar)

Luton (LTN)

Wizz Air UK

Around 3 h 35 m

Twice weekly

Gatwick (LGW)

easyJet

Around 3 h 25–45 m

Twice weekly

Manchester (MAN)

easyJet, Norwegian

Around 3 h 10–25 m

Twice weekly each

If you’re elsewhere in the UK, you can connect in Oslo with SAS or Norwegian, the final Oslo–Tromsø hop takes around one hour 45 minutes.




How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers


My Secret Weapon for travelling light with low cost airlines: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags

I first came across these when I was prepping for a 4 day trip to Rome. I didn’t want to pay for a large cabin bag, but I also didn’t want to live in one pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

Enter: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags. 👉 Check them out here


What They Are

  • Resealable bags you pack your clothes into.

  • Roll them and then pump the air out.

  • Result? Clothes are flattened into a neat little condensed packed bag.



Why They’re Brilliant for Low Cost Airlines

  • Shrink your clothes by up to 70%. That’s basically doubling your space.

  • No bulging bag. Everything is flat, neat, and easy to slide into the sizer.

  • Stay organised. Separate outfits, keep dirty laundry sealed away.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

UK Airport Lounges

Early morning or winter flights are a lot easier with a lounge pass in hand. Here are my picks:

  • Luton: Aspire Lounge ,quiet, decent breakfast, good Wi-Fi

  • Gatwick North: No1 Lounge, excellent runway views and a full hot buffet

  • Manchester T1: Escape Lounge, reliable, with good coffee and pastries

If you’re a frequent traveller, consider a Priority Pass to save on lounge entry.



How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Tromsø Airport

Tromsø Airport is small but modern, just 15 minutes from the city centre by taxi or airport bus. There’s even a modest Widerøe Lounge for your return flight, nothing fancy, but warm, quiet, and stocked with drinks and snacks.


Best Time to Visit Tromsø

The Northern Lights season runs from late September to early April, but for peak darkness and the highest chances of clear skies, aim for December through February.

If you prefer milder weather and a bit more daylight, October or March are good alternatives.

Tromsø Temperatures by Month

Month

Average High (°C)

Average Low (°C)

September

8

4

October

4

0

November

0

-4

December

-2

-6

January

-2

-7

February

-2

-7

March

0

-5

April

3

-2


Where to Stay in Tromsø, 3 Recommended Hotels

You don’t need to stay out in the wilderness to see the lights. Stay in the city and join a guided tour in the evening.


Radisson Blu Tromsø

Right on the harbour with stunning views and a sauna to warm up after a night out under the auroras.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Clarion Hotel The Edge

Stylish and modern, with an excellent breakfast and perfect location near restaurants and shops.

How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Smarthotel Tromsø

Budget-friendly, clean, and centrally located for a short stay.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

What’s On in Tromsø

Time your trip with one of Tromsø’s winter events:

  • Tromsø International Film Festival, mid-January

  • Northern Lights Festival, late January

  • Christmas Markets, late November through December

  • Sami Week, early February, with reindeer races and traditional Sami culture



Norwegian Bank Holidays

Shops and restaurants may close or operate limited hours on:

  • Christmas Eve and Day (24–25 December)

  • New Year’s Eve and Day (31 December–1 January)

  • Easter (March/April, dates vary)

  • Constitution Day (17 May)


Tips for Travelling to Tromsø

  • Book early, flights and hotels fill quickly in winter

  • Stay at least three or four nights, the lights don’t appear every night

  • Dress properly, thermals, down jacket, boots, gloves, and hat are essential

  • Book a guided tour, guides know where to find clear skies. Book here:Book a Tromsø Northern Lights chase on GetYourGuide

  • Bring a tripod and spare camera batteries, cold weather drains batteries quickly

  • Have travel insurance, Arctic weather can delay flights



Final Boarding Call

If you’ve been asking yourself where to see the Northern Lights, Tromsø really is hard to beat. Direct flights, a welcoming city, world-class auroras, and endless Arctic charm all just a few hours from the UK.

If you want to make this the year you finally tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list, start planning now.


Let me know how you get on, I’d love to hear about your experience chasing the lights in Tromsø.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off LINK for a Priority Pass, to share with you.


Lounge Access Before You Fly

Before you jet off, why not start your trip in style? Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,700+ airport lounges around the world and I’ve secured a 30% discount just for my readers.

  • Normally £69/year

  • With my code: just £48

  • Includes food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfy seats far from the gate chaos


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Use my link to get your pass,



My go-to Tromsø carry-on: the Cabin Max Anode, roomy for bulky layers, wet/dry pocket, and sized for easyJet (paid large cabin) and Wizz Air Priority.


I use the Cabin Max Anode for trips because it swallows chunky jumpers and insulated trousers without turning into a mess. The hard shell is lightweight yet tough, and the wet/dry (waterproof) section is perfect for gloves or swim gear after a fjord dip. Pick this version sized for easyJet’s paid large cabin and Wizz Air Priority so it goes overhead without drama. I’ve taken it on both airlines for 3–7 day winter breaks with no issues.


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers


Top Tip: I put an AirTag in my suitcase, I was able to check that my had arrived at the aircraft and is such good peace of mind!


How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers





How Buying Your Holiday Clothes Could Pay for Your Flight with Avios

Looking for a smart way to manage travel spending?




Purple Parking offers secure, affordable parking options at your local airport, with services starting from just £5.37 per day. The car park is equipped with 24/7 CCTV, perimeter fencing, and regular patrols, earning it the Park Mark® Safer Parking award for added peace of mind.





How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers

Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.

Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø: The Ultimate Guide for UK Travellers.


Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.





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