Calling an entire city a tourist trap is that it shows a lack of research and knowledge. Yes, social media paints an exaggerated picture of the Aurora. No, that's not Tromsø at fault. In your shoes, I would've first researched what the lights look like without edits prior to visiting this town. Second, I would've booked 3-4 days depending on the weather forecast. Third, I would've booked a small group trip with a reputed operator that offers free retries if you don't see the lights. For perspective, I've watched the lights on 3/7 chases after extensive research and 1 of them was absolutely spectacular with lots of activity upon clear skies. About Norway being expensive...yes, yes it is. Unlike the aurora though, this is not a hidden fact. You may prefer getting more value, and that's okay. Simply pick a country or season that fits your budget. Bottom-line: Never base your trip a single activity, especially one that's bound by nature's laws.
As a Norwegian, this looks like hell on earth. Sardines in a barrel, we would call this. The Northern lights is a natural phenomenon. Sometimes it can give amazing shows in many different vibrant colour all over the skies, and if so there's no need to book any tours, you'll see them from anywhere. Othertimes it's clouded over, or there's only weak green patches, or there's none whatsoever. That's just nature. These aurora borealis safari trips are just made for desperate touritsts who only have a couple of days and somehow _have_ to see a couple of weak green light patches on the skies just so they can tick it off their bucket list. So they go hunting for the best chances, but, if the Northern Lights are so weak you'll have to hunt them then they're really not worth seeing. I think it's a good rule of thumb as a tourist anywhere on earth to never ever get on a tour buss. You'll just get cramped with other tourists and you'll have the least authenic experience ever. Chinese seems to love this form of travel, I only see Chinese tourists in big tour busses and it's so sad to see every time, the Japanese used to be like this too, but recently I'm seeing more and more Japanese tourists travelling outside of the tours and discovering the lands in a more authentic way so I'll give them cred for that. Tour busses must be avoided at all cost, no matter where on earth you are. It's about as authentic as going on a cruise. For example, that guy who sang this magical Sami shamanistic song. I think any local would have started laughing when he started joiking Samiid Ednan. The thing is, joik is a spiritual exercise where you sing the feelings you experience in nature, it's supposed to have elements of _improvision,_ and it's never words or language. Just sounds in a distinct pattern which represent something meaningful in that moment. And what kind of spiritual/nature experience do you think that guide had in that moment? It's like asking a guy dressed in Donald Duck costume to have a spiritual experience in a Disney Park. Utter nonsense. Just google Samiid Ednan, it's a 44 year old Eurovision song that's been used so much it's lost all significance. It's more like a caricature of Sami culture, than an actual experience.
Thanks for the info! I would love to see a more authentic version of the aurora borealis in the feature. My friend told me you can see them in many other countries as well, such as Alaska in the United States and Canada. When we went to Bergen Norway, we were very adamant about avoid any tour companies because we wanted to customize our whole travel experience. I think due to the nature of being in a cold place that was snowy and the northern lights being very far away, we were more compelled than usual to use tour companies. We will definitely seek out the northern lights on our own next time. There was a lot of Chinese tourist, as well as tourist from Spain and France, and even a handful from South America. We even talk to some tourist from Australia! The tour bus was awful! They charged a lot of money too, such a rip off. In Bergen, we rented a car which made for a more amazing experience. It was also around the summer time, so the weather was much more favorable. I thought the moment when everybody was singing together with the Sami chief was enduring. It was a great representation of many cultures coming together and showing respect to another culture through song and music. We definitely need more instances of showing respect to other cultures, based on all the events that are happening in the world at the moment.
@@minTwin Were they mainlanders or Taiwanese? Mainlanders usually have their own tour busses in my experience. I live in a touristy town and meet people from all over the world, I always love meeting people from different cultures and I've met really nice people from Singapore and Taiwan, but mainlanders come in big flocks and keep to themselves. If I try to say hi they just look at me scared. Twenty years ago it used to be you guys(I am guessing from your accent you're American, if not then sorry) which had the worst reputation. Back in the Bush era, Americans would think they ruled the world and behaved so too. But now, that's completely gone, Americans are much more respectful now(especially your generation) and Russians and Chinese(mainland) have taken over the bad reputation the past ten years. So I am really happy that you met Chinese people out on that trip because that means they're starting to open up and explore and expose themselves to people from around the world, and not just stare at us locals as if we're scary barbarians about to oof them. (It's a generational thing though, younger folks seem more normal). My advice about aurora borealis is first to check what year it is. It goes in patterns and some years are stronger than others. I lived in Lofoten one year, and solar activity was at a height that year so we saw them every single time we went out(except when clouded). Right now I live in Ålesund and I only see it like a couple of times a year here, because it's way further south(almost as south as Bergen). My second advice is to try to find some cheap accomondations and stay a little longer, so there's not this stress, so you don't have to chase after it. It's a completely different experience if you're out on your own in nature, away from lights, maybe staying the night in a tent, and you're just left alone. Then you connect in a different way. Lofoten would be the ideal spot, imo, because it's islands out in the ocean and thus has less light pollution. And if you don't see anything then you're still at one of the most beautiful places on earth. Come December/January for the magical everlasting night. It's really beautiful, especially in Lofoten where there's clear view to the south and this vibrant red colour in the horizon around midday which was just the most incredible coloured sky I have ever seen. To me, that was the greatest experience when I lived in Lofoten, way more beautiful than the northern lights. But as long as you're in the sweet spot, which I believe is between 66° north and 70° north, it's just as visible in Canada and Alaska. But I think it'd be a lot colder so bring wool, wool and more wool. ^^
Next time learn a little bit about the place you're visiting before deciding to go there and vlog, because this video feels like you went there expecting cheap food and being able to see the Northern lights anytime you want 😂 use google, read reviews, etc this video was so negative and its because you were too lazy to do your research in advance
@@loginjonel You're so sensitive, guy. I am just telling the world my first hand experience. There's one thing to research and read about a place and another to go there and experience the place yourself. Maybe you should travel the world too and find that there are many places better and more affordable than Tromso, Norway.
I have to tell you, the northern lights CAN look really amazing, you just happen to see the weaker ones. Tromso can be a tourist trap no doubt, but it depends entirely on the ones going there how trappy it'll be. for the northern lights you dont need fancy whatsoever satellite tracking etc, they probably just made it sound like they doing something really complicated. any aurora app and the paid version of windy and youre good. rent a car, chase cloud free zones, a bit of luck and done. we are going to tromso yearly 2-3 weeks and we usually see them on 2/3rd or more of the days, we just love them and it never gets boring, the fun heavily depends on where and what you're watching tho. a tour for 2 people probably costs as much as a rental car for a week, smartphones do take nice pictures but as you said you need light to do that. I have an old sony alpha 7 II and just love taking pictures of them, it can get so intense that you can see the whole area being lit up with your eyes, not to mention the spectacle in the sky. thats not every day for sure but also not like once a year, I'd say on a 2 weeks trip you can see really nice ones like 2-3 times if you put effort into it. no guides and tours needed, I could write what you need to do down in like 5 minutes, thers nothing special behind it. I once stayed in the scandic grand too for a few days, its good but you really need something with a kitchen there, eating out is horrendous and imo the price/quality not worth it on most things, not all but a lot. get an airbnb, cook something nice and relax. the only activities I can recommend in the city is tromsobadet, nice outdoors pool and with 18€ I think for a day absolutely fine and the polaria but thats maybe just me cause I love seeing fish. It just really makes me sad, please dont think the northern lights cant be spectacular. whats true is it wont look like the edited pictures they advertise with here and there, ok, but seeing greens/purple and white actually happened to us several times and it was overwhelming, they really can be seen dancing above your head sometimes. if at any point you want to give it another chance, best of luck, dont let that one bad time hold you back. sorry for wall of text, eating while writing
Good video! I've lived all of my 32 years on earth in Tromsø, and here are my thoughts: I don't agree that Bergen is "better" than Tromsø. In fact I think they are incomparable. Consider that Norway is a long country. Tromsø to Bergen is more than a 1000 miles by car. Bergen is at around 60 degrees north, while Tromsø is at about 69.5 degrees north. The cities are different in so many ways. With that being said, I do think that: (1) The tour companies are essentially scamming tourists with their promises, as anyone can just look at the solar activity and forecast themselves and just get outside of the light pollution. (2) Norway in general is extremely expensive, eating out is even more expensive, and the ridiculous tourist trap shops found in the city centre are reprehensible. (3) When it comes to what experience Tromsø gives you, so much is up to chance. Both in terms of northern lights activity, but also weather. If you're lucky, you'll get low temperatures, clear skies and lots of northern lights. If you're unlucky, you'll get overcast, mild weather and wet boots. For northern lights, going further east to Kirkenes might be a better idea, as the weather is more stable, as it is inland. The area in general is however less interesting than Tromsø. I personally think Tromsø is at its best during summer, and while I have seen some spectacular northern lights in my lifetime, around 95% of it is not so spectacular. Its way too much of a gamble going for a short stay and hoping to get an amazing northern lights experience, unfortunately.
Or, put it in this perspective…. Maybe food is pricey because you’re in a different country that is more expensive? So, instead of saying that it’s pricey,just think that maybe is not for your pocket. Also, Google is free, and before you go somewhere,you should inform yourself about it! You got two very bad days to see the northern lights and therefore you got a bad experience! Northern lights is basically nature manifesting, so you never know what you’re gonna see! But to teach you a bit for free ( since you like cheap stuff) , the northern lights can be strong or weak depending on the solar activity . You got it weak,and then you come on the internet saying that is overhyped 😂🤣😂🤣 Learn,educate yourself first. Two days in tromsø and you couldn’t even learn how to protege name properly 😅
@@fabiodarrell2913Naw you wrong, Norway is pricy. I went to Japan and Korea and got good value for my money. Based on what your saying I should go to another country and see it in the future.
If you drive you can explore more of Tromso….stay out of the city centre booked yourself at Airbnb you get to meet the locals & see the Northern lights for free just out of your windows & balcony….if the skies is clear…..Eating in a Restaurant in Norway is crazy….even the locals dont do that often……
Calling an entire city a tourist trap is that it shows a lack of research and knowledge.
Yes, social media paints an exaggerated picture of the Aurora. No, that's not Tromsø at fault.
In your shoes, I would've first researched what the lights look like without edits prior to visiting this town. Second, I would've booked 3-4 days depending on the weather forecast. Third, I would've booked a small group trip with a reputed operator that offers free retries if you don't see the lights.
For perspective, I've watched the lights on 3/7 chases after extensive research and 1 of them was absolutely spectacular with lots of activity upon clear skies.
About Norway being expensive...yes, yes it is. Unlike the aurora though, this is not a hidden fact. You may prefer getting more value, and that's okay. Simply pick a country or season that fits your budget.
Bottom-line: Never base your trip a single activity, especially one that's bound by nature's laws.
@@MridulBiswas dude sounds like too much work, I'm just gonna go to Japan
@@minTwin @MridulBiswas awaiting his next video "Tokyo, Japan is a tourist trap. 2025 Travel Vlog"
As a Norwegian, this looks like hell on earth. Sardines in a barrel, we would call this.
The Northern lights is a natural phenomenon. Sometimes it can give amazing shows in many different vibrant colour all over the skies, and if so there's no need to book any tours, you'll see them from anywhere. Othertimes it's clouded over, or there's only weak green patches, or there's none whatsoever. That's just nature. These aurora borealis safari trips are just made for desperate touritsts who only have a couple of days and somehow _have_ to see a couple of weak green light patches on the skies just so they can tick it off their bucket list. So they go hunting for the best chances, but, if the Northern Lights are so weak you'll have to hunt them then they're really not worth seeing.
I think it's a good rule of thumb as a tourist anywhere on earth to never ever get on a tour buss. You'll just get cramped with other tourists and you'll have the least authenic experience ever. Chinese seems to love this form of travel, I only see Chinese tourists in big tour busses and it's so sad to see every time, the Japanese used to be like this too, but recently I'm seeing more and more Japanese tourists travelling outside of the tours and discovering the lands in a more authentic way so I'll give them cred for that. Tour busses must be avoided at all cost, no matter where on earth you are. It's about as authentic as going on a cruise.
For example, that guy who sang this magical Sami shamanistic song. I think any local would have started laughing when he started joiking Samiid Ednan. The thing is, joik is a spiritual exercise where you sing the feelings you experience in nature, it's supposed to have elements of _improvision,_ and it's never words or language. Just sounds in a distinct pattern which represent something meaningful in that moment. And what kind of spiritual/nature experience do you think that guide had in that moment? It's like asking a guy dressed in Donald Duck costume to have a spiritual experience in a Disney Park. Utter nonsense.
Just google Samiid Ednan, it's a 44 year old Eurovision song that's been used so much it's lost all significance. It's more like a caricature of Sami culture, than an actual experience.
Thanks for the info! I would love to see a more authentic version of the aurora borealis in the feature. My friend told me you can see them in many other countries as well, such as Alaska in the United States and Canada.
When we went to Bergen Norway, we were very adamant about avoid any tour companies because we wanted to customize our whole travel experience. I think due to the nature of being in a cold place that was snowy and the northern lights being very far away, we were more compelled than usual to use tour companies. We will definitely seek out the northern lights on our own next time.
There was a lot of Chinese tourist, as well as tourist from Spain and France, and even a handful from South America. We even talk to some tourist from Australia! The tour bus was awful! They charged a lot of money too, such a rip off. In Bergen, we rented a car which made for a more amazing experience. It was also around the summer time, so the weather was much more favorable.
I thought the moment when everybody was singing together with the Sami chief was enduring. It was a great representation of many cultures coming together and showing respect to another culture through song and music. We definitely need more instances of showing respect to other cultures, based on all the events that are happening in the world at the moment.
@@minTwin Were they mainlanders or Taiwanese? Mainlanders usually have their own tour busses in my experience. I live in a touristy town and meet people from all over the world, I always love meeting people from different cultures and I've met really nice people from Singapore and Taiwan, but mainlanders come in big flocks and keep to themselves. If I try to say hi they just look at me scared.
Twenty years ago it used to be you guys(I am guessing from your accent you're American, if not then sorry) which had the worst reputation. Back in the Bush era, Americans would think they ruled the world and behaved so too. But now, that's completely gone, Americans are much more respectful now(especially your generation) and Russians and Chinese(mainland) have taken over the bad reputation the past ten years. So I am really happy that you met Chinese people out on that trip because that means they're starting to open up and explore and expose themselves to people from around the world, and not just stare at us locals as if we're scary barbarians about to oof them. (It's a generational thing though, younger folks seem more normal).
My advice about aurora borealis is first to check what year it is. It goes in patterns and some years are stronger than others. I lived in Lofoten one year, and solar activity was at a height that year so we saw them every single time we went out(except when clouded). Right now I live in Ålesund and I only see it like a couple of times a year here, because it's way further south(almost as south as Bergen).
My second advice is to try to find some cheap accomondations and stay a little longer, so there's not this stress, so you don't have to chase after it. It's a completely different experience if you're out on your own in nature, away from lights, maybe staying the night in a tent, and you're just left alone. Then you connect in a different way.
Lofoten would be the ideal spot, imo, because it's islands out in the ocean and thus has less light pollution. And if you don't see anything then you're still at one of the most beautiful places on earth. Come December/January for the magical everlasting night. It's really beautiful, especially in Lofoten where there's clear view to the south and this vibrant red colour in the horizon around midday which was just the most incredible coloured sky I have ever seen. To me, that was the greatest experience when I lived in Lofoten, way more beautiful than the northern lights.
But as long as you're in the sweet spot, which I believe is between 66° north and 70° north, it's just as visible in Canada and Alaska. But I think it'd be a lot colder so bring wool, wool and more wool. ^^
@@Nabium Thats some wonderful insight! I will definitely keep the city of Lofoten available for the future!
@@minTwin Wow you read my wall of text from a day I apparently forgot to take my adhd meds :P good job on that!
Usually in mid to late March, does Tromso still snow heavily? Planning to go there next year!
Next time learn a little bit about the place you're visiting before deciding to go there and vlog, because this video feels like you went there expecting cheap food and being able to see the Northern lights anytime you want 😂 use google, read reviews, etc this video was so negative and its because you were too lazy to do your research in advance
@@loginjonel You're so sensitive, guy. I am just telling the world my first hand experience. There's one thing to research and read about a place and another to go there and experience the place yourself. Maybe you should travel the world too and find that there are many places better and more affordable than Tromso, Norway.
@loginjonel Nailed it.
I have to tell you, the northern lights CAN look really amazing, you just happen to see the weaker ones. Tromso can be a tourist trap no doubt, but it depends entirely on the ones going there how trappy it'll be. for the northern lights you dont need fancy whatsoever satellite tracking etc, they probably just made it sound like they doing something really complicated. any aurora app and the paid version of windy and youre good. rent a car, chase cloud free zones, a bit of luck and done. we are going to tromso yearly 2-3 weeks and we usually see them on 2/3rd or more of the days, we just love them and it never gets boring, the fun heavily depends on where and what you're watching tho. a tour for 2 people probably costs as much as a rental car for a week, smartphones do take nice pictures but as you said you need light to do that. I have an old sony alpha 7 II and just love taking pictures of them, it can get so intense that you can see the whole area being lit up with your eyes, not to mention the spectacle in the sky. thats not every day for sure but also not like once a year, I'd say on a 2 weeks trip you can see really nice ones like 2-3 times if you put effort into it. no guides and tours needed, I could write what you need to do down in like 5 minutes, thers nothing special behind it.
I once stayed in the scandic grand too for a few days, its good but you really need something with a kitchen there, eating out is horrendous and imo the price/quality not worth it on most things, not all but a lot. get an airbnb, cook something nice and relax. the only activities I can recommend in the city is tromsobadet, nice outdoors pool and with 18€ I think for a day absolutely fine and the polaria but thats maybe just me cause I love seeing fish. It just really makes me sad, please dont think the northern lights cant be spectacular. whats true is it wont look like the edited pictures they advertise with here and there, ok, but seeing greens/purple and white actually happened to us several times and it was overwhelming, they really can be seen dancing above your head sometimes. if at any point you want to give it another chance, best of luck, dont let that one bad time hold you back.
sorry for wall of text, eating while writing
Good video!
I've lived all of my 32 years on earth in Tromsø, and here are my thoughts:
I don't agree that Bergen is "better" than Tromsø. In fact I think they are incomparable. Consider that Norway is a long country. Tromsø to Bergen is more than a 1000 miles by car. Bergen is at around 60 degrees north, while Tromsø is at about 69.5 degrees north. The cities are different in so many ways.
With that being said, I do think that:
(1) The tour companies are essentially scamming tourists with their promises, as anyone can just look at the solar activity and forecast themselves and just get outside of the light pollution.
(2) Norway in general is extremely expensive, eating out is even more expensive, and the ridiculous tourist trap shops found in the city centre are reprehensible.
(3) When it comes to what experience Tromsø gives you, so much is up to chance. Both in terms of northern lights activity, but also weather. If you're lucky, you'll get low temperatures, clear skies and lots of northern lights. If you're unlucky, you'll get overcast, mild weather and wet boots.
For northern lights, going further east to Kirkenes might be a better idea, as the weather is more stable, as it is inland. The area in general is however less interesting than Tromsø. I personally think Tromsø is at its best during summer, and while I have seen some spectacular northern lights in my lifetime, around 95% of it is not so spectacular. Its way too much of a gamble going for a short stay and hoping to get an amazing northern lights experience, unfortunately.
Thanks so much for this insight!
Or, put it in this perspective….
Maybe food is pricey because you’re in a different country that is more expensive? So, instead of saying that it’s pricey,just think that maybe is not for your pocket.
Also, Google is free, and before you go somewhere,you should inform yourself about it!
You got two very bad days to see the northern lights and therefore you got a bad experience! Northern lights is basically nature manifesting, so you never know what you’re gonna see! But to teach you a bit for free ( since you like cheap stuff) , the northern lights can be strong or weak depending on the solar activity . You got it weak,and then you come on the internet saying that is overhyped 😂🤣😂🤣
Learn,educate yourself first.
Two days in tromsø and you couldn’t even learn how to protege name properly 😅
@@fabiodarrell2913Naw you wrong, Norway is pricy. I went to Japan and Korea and got good value for my money. Based on what your saying I should go to another country and see it in the future.
@@minTwinI'm sure Norway would be happy with that
@@RobertsonHH I'm sure they wouldn't because tourism is such a big source of revenue for the country 🤣
If you drive you can explore more of Tromso….stay out of the city centre booked yourself at Airbnb you get to meet the locals & see the Northern lights for free just out of your windows & balcony….if the skies is clear…..Eating in a Restaurant in Norway is crazy….even the locals dont do that often……
TLDR, guy looking for a bargain does the most “touristy” things Tromsø has to offer and calls it a tourist trap 😖
@@dpierce188 just doing what my girl wanted to do
Oh damn, I'm Sami (not reindeer herder though) and grew up in Tromsø. Fun to see what people unfamiliar with it think of it!