Northern lights feel closer from the mountaintop. This evening tour combines a skip-the-line Fjellheisen Cable Car ride with an easy, guided snowshoe hike in search of aurora.
I especially like the convenience: you go up and down quickly (the cable car ride is about 5 minutes) and you’re guided start to finish with snowshoes and poles provided.
The main thing to weigh is that the northern lights are never promised. If you’re expecting a guaranteed aurora show, keep your expectations flexible—and dress for wind, because the top of the mountain is colder than central Tromsø.
In This Review
- Key moments that make this tour worth your time
- Cable car first: saving time and cold with Fjellheisen’s quick ride
- Your first snowshoe hour: what “moderate” feels like on snow
- Northern lights odds: how the hunt works and how photos are handled
- Mountain café break: the warm reset that makes the evening feel complete
- Price and value: why $173 can make sense here
- What to bring (and what you don’t have to) for cold Tromsø nights
- Who this tour is best for—and who should skip it
- Should you book? My take for your Tromsø evening
- FAQ
- Where do I meet for the Fjellheisen snowshoe evening?
- How long is the tour, and how much of it is hiking?
- What snowshoe gear is included?
- Are northern lights guaranteed?
- Will I get photos after the tour?
- What should I wear for the evening on the mountain?
- Is this tour suitable for children or mobility needs?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key moments that make this tour worth your time
- Skip-the-line cable car access so you spend less time queueing in the cold
- A guided first snowshoe hour with equipment included, even if you’ve never tried it
- Aurora portrait if the lights show up plus edited photos afterward
- Mountain café warmth with a hot drink and sweet pastry after hiking
- Comfort-forward pacing supported by guides who keep the group moving together
Cable car first: saving time and cold with Fjellheisen’s quick ride
This is a great choice if you want an evening in the Tromsø area without turning your night into a logistics puzzle. You meet at the Norwegian Travel Shop (inside Tromsø Havn Prostneset, top floor) at Samuel Arnesensgate 5, then you head to the lower station of Fjellheisen by shuttle.
One practical win: the tour includes skip-the-queue access using a separate entrance. That matters in winter, when everyone is bundled up but still standing around outside. Once you’re on the cable car, you gain altitude fast—up to about 421 meters above sea level—with a ride that takes roughly 5 minutes.
The gondola system carries up to 28 passengers per gondol, which helps you feel like you’re part of a group ride rather than stuck in a long line. Also, be aware that Fjellheisen has ongoing construction at the upper station. Construction doesn’t necessarily ruin the experience, but it can change how the area looks and where you move after the cable car.
Tip: if you’re the type who hates fumbling with layers in the cold, this “go up first” plan is calmer than walking uphill just to reach the start of a snow experience.
You can also read our reviews of more evening experiences in Tromso
Your first snowshoe hour: what “moderate” feels like on snow
Once you reach the upper station, your actual adventure begins on snow-covered paths. The tour is built for beginners. You get snowshoes and poles, plus a short introduction so you know how to walk and turn safely.
You’ll be with an English-speaking guide throughout the hike. That’s not just for safety—it’s also for rhythm. The tour is paced so you can hike for about one hour at a moderate pace, with breaks if needed. Based on past group feedback, guides tend to adjust the tempo to keep everyone comfortable, not march the whole group at a single speed.
What I think you should take from the equipment-and-intro setup: you’re not expected to “figure it out” yourself on difficult terrain. You’ll be learning how to move on snow with the support of someone who’s watching your footing.
A couple reality checks:
- The wind on top of the mountain is stronger, and temperatures are typically lower than in central Tromsø.
- You still need to bring the right clothing. The tour provides snowshoe gear, but it doesn’t replace the need for winter layers.
Also, this is not a short stroll. It’s long enough to feel like an outing, but short enough that first-timers can keep up without feeling wrecked.
Northern lights odds: how the hunt works and how photos are handled
This tour is designed around one big possibility: seeing the northern lights while you’re up on the mountain. During the hike, you’ll search for aurora conditions—so you’re not waiting around indoors the whole time. If the lights appear, your guide helps with timing and positioning.
One standout detail: the guide may capture a special Aurora portrait when conditions allow. After the tour, you also get professionally edited photos available within 48 hours, plus optimized digital images that are web-ready (and you can purchase print-friendly versions).
A balanced way to think about it: the aurora hunt is part of the experience, but cloud cover and weather control the final result. That’s exactly why the tour is structured so you still have a fun, guided snowshoe evening even if the sky stays dark.
If you want to maximize your chances of seeing aurora, the best strategy is to keep moving thoughtfully, stay outside long enough, and trust the guide’s calls when they adjust your spot.
Mountain café break: the warm reset that makes the evening feel complete
After roughly an hour hiking, you return to the upper station. This is where the tour becomes comfortable in a very practical way.
You get time to warm up at a cozy mountain café, where the included treat is a hot drink and a sweet pastry. That matters more than it sounds. Cold feet and stiff fingers are real on northern nights, and having a warm moment built into the schedule helps you enjoy the rest of your evening instead of just surviving it.
Then you finish the experience the same way you started—by cable car descending back down the mountain—and you’re transported to Tromsø by private shuttle.
Two small considerations:
- The tour doesn’t include a full meal. If you’re likely to get hungry after winter hiking, plan to eat before or after.
- Because it’s winter, the “warm reset” isn’t optional—it’s part of why this tour feels smooth rather than frantic.
Price and value: why $173 can make sense here
At $173 per person for about 210 minutes total, this isn’t a budget activity. But you’re not just paying for a view. You’re paying for a package that removes multiple friction points:
- Roundtrip cable car ticket
- Transfers to and from the lower cable car station
- Private shuttle back to the meeting point
- English-speaking guide during both logistics and snowshoeing time
- Snowshoes and poles
- Hot drink and pastry in the mountain café
- Digital photos, including edited images within 48 hours
If you tried to DIY it, you’d need to solve each piece: transport, cable car tickets, snowshoe rental/gear, and figure out a guide-led beginner route. Even if you could piece it together, it’s rarely as low-stress as a single organized evening.
That said, one review concern did come up in a way worth respecting: if you personally want a longer hike or you feel the walk is too short once you’re used to snowshoeing, you may judge the price more harshly. This tour’s structure prioritizes accessibility and a clear evening program, not an all-night endurance outing.
You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Tromso
What to bring (and what you don’t have to) for cold Tromsø nights
This tour includes snowshoe gear, but you’ll be responsible for your winter base layers. The packing list is simple, and it’s there for a reason: you’ll be outside on snow, with wind at altitude.
Bring:
- Hat
- Gloves
- Socks
- Scarf
- Warm shoes
- Thermal clothing and warm clothing
What’s not included:
- Thermal suit and boots (so plan to wear your own winter boots or very warm footwear)
- A full meal
Practical advice: wear layers you can adjust quickly. If you show up overdressed, snowshoeing warms you up. If you show up underdressed, wind will punish you fast once you stop moving near the upper station.
If you’re sensitive to cold hands, gloves matter more than almost anything else.
Who this tour is best for—and who should skip it
This is a good fit for people who:
- Want a beginner-friendly snowshoe introduction with guided support
- Are comfortable hiking for about one hour at a moderate pace with breaks
- Appreciate the convenience of shuttle + skip-the-line cable car timing
- Care about getting photo results even if aurora visibility varies
It’s not suitable for:
- Children under 12
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- Anyone traveling with pets
Also, the tour says it’s suitable for those in good physical condition for the hike portion. That doesn’t mean athletes. It means you should be able to walk on snow without needing medical-level support.
Should you book? My take for your Tromsø evening
Book this tour if your top priorities are convenience, a structured beginner snowshoe experience, and an aurora-focused night that still has value even when skies don’t cooperate. The big wins are the skip-the-line access, the quick cable car ride, the guided snowshoe hour, and the warm café reset with photos afterwards.
Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if you’re hoping for a long hike workout, or if you’d rather not pay for a package where the hike time is intentionally controlled. Also, if you’re missing winter gear, remember the tour won’t provide thermal suits or boots—this is one of those “bring your own warmth” situations.
If you’re visiting Tromsø in winter for the aurora, this is a smart, low-stress way to put yourself in the right place—without wasting your evening standing in lines.
FAQ
Where do I meet for the Fjellheisen snowshoe evening?
Meet at the Norwegian Travel Shop inside Tromsø Havn Prostneset (top floor), at Samuel Arnesensgate 5, Tromsø.
How long is the tour, and how much of it is hiking?
The full tour is about 210 minutes, including transfers. You hike for about one hour, and the exact hike time can vary depending on weather conditions.
What snowshoe gear is included?
Snowshoes and poles are included, along with a brief introduction to help you feel comfortable on the snow. You do not need previous snowshoe experience.
Are northern lights guaranteed?
No. The plan is to look for them during the hike. If the northern lights appear, the guide can capture an Aurora portrait.
Will I get photos after the tour?
Yes. You receive digital tour photos in web-ready resolution, and professionally edited photos are available within 48 hours after your tour.
What should I wear for the evening on the mountain?
Bring warm winter gear like a hat, gloves, socks, scarf, and warm shoes, plus thermal clothing and warm clothing. Winter clothing like thermal suits and boots is not provided.
Is this tour suitable for children or mobility needs?
It’s not suitable for children under 12. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re comfortable walking on snow—I can help you decide if this timing and hike length match your style.
