In short
Dress in three layers: wool base layer, warm mid-layer (fleece or down), and a windproof outer layer (or the tour's thermal suit). Add wool socks, insulated boots, a hat, a neck warmer and mittens over thin gloves. Avoid cotton.
The three-layer system
- Base layer: merino wool long-sleeve top and leggings. Wool stays warm even if you sweat on the bus.
- Mid layer: a fleece or down jacket, plus warm trousers. This is the layer that traps heat.
- Outer layer: windproof jacket and trousers, or the tour's thermal suit. Wind is what makes −10 °C feel like −20 °C.
Packing checklist
- Merino base layer top and leggings
- Fleece or down mid-layer
- Windproof, insulated jacket and trousers (if the tour doesn't lend a suit)
- Two pairs of wool socks
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots with good grip
- Ice grips / spikes for your shoes (for walking in town)
- Warm hat covering your ears
- Neck warmer or buff
- Thin liner gloves (to use your phone) plus thick mittens
- Hand and toe warmers
- Spare phone battery or power bank (cold drains batteries fast)
- Passport or national ID card (tours may cross into Finland or Sweden)
- Head torch with a red-light setting
What tours usually include
Small-group and private tours often lend thermal suits and boots, and many serve hot drinks and food by a campfire. Big bus tours generally don't. See the "Included" column in our Tromsø tour comparison.
Camera tips in the cold
- Keep spare batteries in an inside pocket, close to your body.
- Use a tripod and a long exposure (a few seconds). Most phones now have a night mode that works on the aurora.
- When you go back into the warm bus, keep your camera in a bag so condensation doesn't form on the lens.
- Many tours take professional photos of you for free, so you can just enjoy the show.