We booked a private tour with Northern Soul Adventures at the last minute in early January 2024, in the hope of catching the Northern Lights in Tromsø. From the outset, our experience was flawless:
Within minutes of making the reservation (which we made via Viator), we received a confirmation email from the owner and operator, Jeff - reassuring us that the booking was confirmed, setting out the start time, and seeking to establish what size of thermal suit was required for each member of our party, where we wanted to be collected and dropped off, and whether any of us required a camera tripod for the trip.
On the morning of the day of the trip, we then received a further email from Jeff, reconfirming the start time and collection location (outside our hotel).
When the start time arrived, Jeff was already waiting outside for us, with his vehicle nearby (warmed and ready for us to depart). His welcome was warm, patient and friendly. He was happy to advise us in what to wear and to bring, and happy to wait while we dashed back to our room to bring some extra layers of clothing.
Once in the vehicle (a very comfortable 4x4 VW Caravelle van), Jeff was full of information, and very well prepared. He had carefully researched the weather forecast (via several different providers) and the most recent aurora activity predictions, with a clear and reasoned plan as to where to head and why - which he explained to us all, so that we knew what to expect. We then drove out to the surrounding islands in search of clear skies and a chance to see the lights - with Jeff all the time keeping us updated of possible changes of destination (depending upon the reliability of the forecasts and feedback from other guides in other areas).
At our first stop, Jeff set us up on a beautiful beach where (with the comfort of thermal suits and foot and hand warmers provided by him) we caught a first glimpse of the Aurora - with the added benefit of a warming camp fire and some delicious lentil casserole which he had prepared at home. Jeff could not have been more helpful or accommodating - even lending us the benefit of his expertise in establishing the correct settings for our cameras.
We then moved on (at Jeff’s suggestion) to a second location - where the skies were clear and the lights were fantastic. Here, we observed the lights for some time, with hot tea and coffee, and chocolate chip cookies to fuel us as we watched.
We were back at our hotel by about 0030 hours (having departed at 1730), and had enjoyed one of the best holiday events that we have know as a family. That would not have been possible without Jeff’s patience, knowledge and willingness to help. He was an absolute delight with whom to spend the evening, and we would recommend him to anyone. He speaks flawless English, Danish, German and Norwegian, and his wife (Hannah - who is English) also offers local guiding. Do please make use of their services - you will not regret it!