Aurora Borealis Chase, Norway

How Wandering Owl Tromso Tours gave us an amazing experience.

This was originally going to be part of my Tromso post. Unfortunately, as I started writing I didn’t feel like I was doing the experience justice by simplifying it into a few lines. Since I couldn’t make it fit my format, I thought I’d give this it’s own post!

I think I should start that this is the only thing I’ve written for the blog that I’ve actually cried while reminiscing over. Don’t worry, I’m embarrassed for me too! This is going to be a long entry. So if its TR/DR: This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Just drop everything and book a tour with Wandering Owl.

We only had 3 nights in Tromso, so every moment was important. Our flight in was delayed and we missed our first night of the northern lights hunt, so this was our second night and I was feeling anxious because we’d come so far.

There was a lot of Northern Lights tours to choose from. Wandering Owl was my top choice because they do small tours and had a lot of positive reviews. We were not disappointed. Our professional guide, Bart, was incredibly knowledgeable. As a seasoned vet, you might expect a laid back “we’ll see what we see” approach…. but no, he was SO genuinely concerned about making this night amazing for everyone. I’ve never seen a tour guide work so hard.

We found out that the local guides, regardless of the company they work for, have a huge network to pass information. They work together to say what locations are good and bad that evening.

We drove south out of the city. We were headed for Finland,  but apparently some nights they’re more strict on the border than others, the network alerted us that the border crossing would not be quick one. Bart decided we’d stay on the Norwegian side, about 500m before the border. I’m so thankful, because we would probably have been stuck on the bus for the amazing show.

Wandering Owl provided all the warm gear you needed including thermal jumpsuits and boots.  I was the only one with warm enough boots to wear my own (Sorel Joan of Arctic). I also brought some hot hands packets, they were very nice to have. Tromso itself was very mild, above freezing, but being on an open field with the wind blowing, we were very grateful for the extra gear.

While he was setting up a campfire for us, he pointed north and told us to watch. Just a few minutes later, Jonathan said “Is that it?” at a faint light…. and just like that, the Aurora Borealis came into focus. It stretched across the sky from horizon to horizon.  I cried.  I cried big beautiful, exhausted, relieved, awestruck tears. The green light dancing across the sky was so much more beautiful and powerful than I had even imagined.
 Bart clambered to set up his camera and Jono and I pushed down every other person to get in front of the camera first (just kidding, but we did seem like the only ones who understood it might stop at any moment).   I have about 5 layers and the biggest goofiest grin on my face.

(I’m also brimming with tears as I write this)

We soaked in the beauty until it faded as quickly as it had appeared. We stayed longer to see if they would pop up again, but we only got a small glow after that. Bart set up a great bonfire for us, and we ate some delicious Reindeer Soup.

I slept on our way back to Tromso. Seeing the Northern Lights with Jonathan was one of the most special experiences we’ve had together.