This past week, my friends and I went to Tromso, Norway, where we took part in a Northern Lights Chase with Arctic Explorers, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. We started out with a late afternoon pickup, and quickly changed into our cold weather gear (including a full body suit, boots, and wool gloves). It was snowing both of the days that we were in Tromso, so it would have been almost impossible for us to see the Northern Lights if we had just stayed in the city. The tour guide informed us that we would be driving to Finland, a three and a half hour drive, where the forecast was clearer.
After arriving at a campsite, our tour guide informed us that the site we were going to use was occupied by groups from other tours, so we would be using one at a slightly different location (about 3 minutes drive away). He then informed us that he didn't know exactly what country we were in, saying "I know the other campsite was in Finland, and those lights over there [approximately 700 feet away] are in Sweden, so.... I don't actually know what country we're in". There was about 6 inches of snow on the ground, but the tour guide managed to get a campfire going and then passed around prepackaged meals that just needed boiling water to rehydrate, including a local favorite: reindeer stew, which was actually delicious. There was some very weak Northern Lights activity, with the lights appearing whitish gray to the naked eye, but the Milky Way was visible and gorgeous. For a few hours, we just sat under the stars, watching the lights grow stronger and then fade again.
When it was time to vacate the camp, our tour guide offered the group the option to walk across a bridge to Sweden (so we could authoritatively say that we had been in 3 countries in one night), and we agreed. After driving for about 5 minutes, we pulled up to a narrow metal bridge spanning the width of a frozen lake. We walked across the bridge 5 people at a time, as that was all the weight the bridge could hold. Once on the other side, our guide informed us that we could walk back across the frozen lake if we so chose. We did, but about 3/4 of the way across, we were instructed to turn back, as our tour guide could hear the ice cracking.
Once safely back in Finland (via the bridge), the Northern Lights started appearing in the distance, stronger than before this time. We wouldn't have spotted them if one of the other members of the tour didn't look up at exactly the right time. The tour stopped for what felt like a few moments to watch them, but was actually immersed in the lights for about 20 minutes. After that, we headed home and started the three and a half hour drive back to Norway.
If you are thinking about attempting to see the Northern Lights, I highly recommend a guided tour, as they have access to information and knowledge that we (as tourists) do not. If we had stayed in Tromso, there would have been no chance for us to see the lights, but the tour made it possible. Also, how many people can say they ate reindeer stew by a campfire, in half a foot of snow, while not knowing what country they were in? Overall, the tour made this experience possible.
Just remember, if you try to cross any frozen lakes, listen for cracking ice, and never forget to look up once in awhile. You never know what you might be missing.
