Standing under a sky illuminated by the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re on a guided tour, at a well-known viewing spot like the beaches of Lofoten, or catching the aurora from an urban viewpoint in Tromsø, chances are you won’t be alone. The excitement is real—sometimes overwhelming—but it’s important to remember that everyone around you is there to enjoy the same magical moment.
For the best Northern Lights Guided Tour Experience possible for everybody, there are some things to keep in mind. Unfortunately, in the heat of the experience, some people unintentionally disrupt the moment for others. They might rush around frantically, use bright lights, or unknowingly step into someone’s carefully composed shot. To make sure that everyone gets the best experience, here are some Do’s and Don’ts for your best Northern Lights Guided Tours experience.
Be a Considerate Aurora Watcher
Come prepared. Before embarking on your Northern Lights Group Tour, make sure you have made a certain level of preparations and know what conditions to expect.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings. Before you move, take a second to look around. Many photographers spend a lot of time setting up their shots, carefully choosing compositions that might not be obvious to you. If you walk through their frame, especially during a long exposure, you might ruin their shot without realizing it.
How to help: Move carefully if you need to pass through an area where people are photographing. If possible, walk behind them instead of in front, and if you must cross their path, do so quickly and while crouching to minimize obstruction.
Use Dimmed Lights. Bright white lights can instantly destroy night vision—not just for you, but for everyone around you. Even a quick check of your phone screen can be disruptive. A red light headlamp, as suggested by many, does preserve night vision and is a little less disturbing. But unfortunately, it can make for very unnatural discolouration in others‘ peoples shots. We therefore advise to only use dimmed regular white headlamps when necessary for your own safety.
How to help: Bring a headlamp with regular white and a low setting, or adjust your phone’s brightness to the lowest setting.
Keep Noise to a Minimum The Northern Lights are more than just a visual phenomenon; they create a peaceful, almost spiritual atmosphere. Loud conversations, shouting, or playing music can pull people out of the moment.
How to help: Speak in a low voice, and if you’re in a group, be mindful of others who may be there to enjoy the silence as much as the lights.
Help Others If They’re Struggling Not everyone is an experienced aurora hunter. Some people might be seeing the lights for the first time, struggling with camera settings, or unsure of where to look.
How to help: If you notice someone having trouble and they seem open to help, share your knowledge. A small tip—like adjusting exposure settings or suggesting a good dark-sky spot—can make a big difference in their experience. For some basic photography tips, read our A beginner’s guide to the Northern Lights.
Respect Viewing Spots and Personal Space If you arrive at a location where others are already set up, be mindful of their space. Pushing in front of someone who has been waiting patiently is inconsiderate.
How to help: Find a respectful spot without blocking others, and if the area is crowded, ask before squeezing in near someone’s tripod.
What Not to Do While Watching the Aurora
Don’t Walk Into Other People’s Shots Long-exposure photography captures light over several seconds, sometimes even minutes. Even a quick walk through someone’s frame can ruin their entire shot.
How to avoid it: Be aware of where tripods are set up and avoid walking through their line of sight. If you must pass through, do so quickly and low to the ground.
Don’t Use Bright Flashlights or Phone Screens Carelessly Nothing is worse for aurora photography than a sudden burst of light. Bright lights make it harder for cameras to capture the aurora properly and can temporarily blind people adjusting their night vision.
How to avoid it: Only use red-light flashlights, and keep your phone screen brightness as low as possible.
Don’t Take Excessive Selfies With Flash We all want a photo under the aurora, but repeatedly using a flash is disruptive to both people and cameras. There are better ways to capture yourself in the moment.
How to avoid it: Use a long-exposure setting instead of flash. Many modern phones and cameras have night modes that allow you to capture the aurora without the need for artificial light.
Don’t Hog the Best Spots If you’ve found a great viewing location, remember that others also want a chance to enjoy it. Taking up large amounts of space or setting up multiple tripods without considering others can ruin the experience for those around you.
How to avoid it: Be open to sharing prime spots, and if you’ve already gotten some great shots, consider stepping aside so others can have a turn.
Don’t Ignore Local Rules or Guides If you’re on a guided tour, follow instructions. Guides often have the best knowledge of conditions and etiquette. Similarly, some locations have rules in place to protect the environment, wildlife, or local communities.
How to avoid it: Respect posted signs, listen to your guide, and leave no trace—this means taking any trash with you and avoiding unnecessary disturbances to the area.
Making It a Positive Experience for Everyone
The Northern Lights are a gift from nature, something we are lucky to witness. We can make the experience even better by looking out for one another. Here are a few ways we can help:
- If someone is unknowingly disrupting others (like using bright lights), politely let them know. Most people don’t mean to be disruptive and will appreciate a kind reminder.
- Encourage newcomers who are seeing the aurora for the first time. Sharing excitement and knowledge makes the experience even more special.
- Take a moment to put down the camera and simply watch. Sometimes, the best memories are made without a lens in between.
- Work together to improve the experience. If you’re in a group, coordinate light use and positioning so that everyone gets the best possible view.
The Northern Lights are fleeting, and no two displays are ever the same. By being mindful of those around us, we can ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the magic of the aurora to the fullest. Let’s chase the lights together—with kindness, respect, and an appreciation for the wonder above us.