Tromso Northern Lights Cable Car: An Honest Review

Alright, so you’re thinking of hopping on the Tromso cable car in Norway to catch the Northern Lights? It’s almost like everyone who heads up there dreams of seeing that incredible green glow dance across the sky. Very naturally, people wonder if it’s worth the time and, in fact, money. After giving it a go, let’s chat about what that experience is really like, shall we?

What to Anticipate with the Tromso Cable Car Experience

First off, the Tromso cable car, known as Fjellheisen to many locals, zips you up to Mount Storsteinen – that’s just over 1,300 feet above sea level, is that right? We travel quickly upward in maybe just four minutes. Right at the top, you get this sweeping look out over Tromso. By the way, even without the Northern Lights, the sight of the city and islands is gorgeous.

Once you hop out, that view pretty much hits you, arguably? During daylight, expect to see lots of pretty water and islands dotted around, in that case. When it’s night, if you are very, very lucky and the Northern Lights appear, this location gives a view largely free from light pollution from town, it could be great to catch some magic in the sky.

At the summit there’s a viewing platform, of course, a cafe, and, naturally, walking paths. Many pick a nice spot outside to set up their cameras, might be. Some will hang around in the cozy cafe with windows that stretch wide across, tending to offer front-row views while keeping cozy with a warm drink.

Why Ride the Cable Car for Northern Lights Views?

What are a few pretty solid arguments for taking that trip up the mountain in Tromso?

High Vantage Point: This position really elevates your perspective—literally, typically. Getting up high above town reduces light and other disruption.
Accessibility: You might struggle to hike to truly great vantage points. You can instead catch a car, which is perfect. If you are seeking convenient ways of spotting Aurora, or are traveling with companions for whom trekking around isn’t easy, this cable car does much of that work, anyway.
Facilities: It might be the only place with a café to stay nice and warm as you watch nature’s display, as a matter of fact. Waiting for long times during cold nights can sometimes be tricky. You tend to stay pleasant with warming food and beverage at the ready.

Potential Drawbacks of the Fjellheisen Experience

Let’s cover points of awareness about a Northern Lights trip on Fjellheisen, first:

Crowds: News flash, loads of people are after the Northern Lights experience, frankly. This is one of Tromso’s well known spots, actually. Expect that, just a bit, you will be sharing that viewpoint.
Cost: Let’s be real, a return ride is pretty pricey, clearly. The expense surely has to weigh into your planning.
Weather Dependency: Absolutely know, the weather dictates everything up in the arctic, by the way. When skies are cloudy the cable car summit may turn out just costing some good money and you’ll see precisely nothing for your pains, it’s almost.

Tips to Maximize Your Cable Car Aurora Adventure

If seeing those lights on the cable car does really sound special, then have a look at tips on making that experience awesome.

Check the Aurora Forecast: Increase that shot at spotting the lights—basically learn what space weather predicts, arguably. Apps and space weather sites give indicators for Aurora sightings!
Dress Warmly: Mountain air up high becomes super nippy; wear layers, I mean. Insulated clothing, very good gloves, cozy head covering all make waiting much nicer.
Go on a Weekday: Weekends often equal more company around Tromso—opting for mid-week will typically reduce this just a bit.
Bring a Camera: Capture dancing lights with the appropriate equipment. Tripods especially! Remember that your smartphone may lack some capability needed when it’s quite dark out there; I mean, its sensors may be challenged!
Arrive Early: Grabbing better spots benefits if there’s plenty of interest. Show up ahead of dusk gives plenty of preparation as skies shift, tends to.

Alternatives to Catching the Northern Lights in Tromso

Okay, Tromso has various great locations should Fjellheisen simply not appeal!

Aurora Chasing Tours: Join skilled guides, typically, going out chasing conditions on nights presenting stronger promise. Oftentimes these guides help tailor vantage points towards clearer visibility depending upon minute-to-minute aurora conditions.
Head Out on Your Own: Rent a car, seemingly drive somewhat outside Tromso proper. Find spots with light to be low that strike fancy.
Island Exploration: Head to places outside of Tromso like Kvaløya or Sommarøy which provide terrific seascapes while watching.

Okay, it’s true, getting away far and wide from lights means great, expansive viewing opportunities for stargazing alongside seeing Aurora Borealis shows, right?

Is Fjellheisen worth the price?

Alright, so you have to ask if it’s great value. Well, if conditions cooperate—aurora’s strong, cloud covers don’t disrupt completely, of course—that ride is indeed, pretty awesome, really. Keep perspective though! The car up the hill is a means— it does help that aim, honestly. Yet flexibility is necessary up that way.

Basically it adds convenience through that warm cafe. Accessibility becomes easier and less demanding since someone else drove up mountains. You still need planning and preparedness, okay?

Other Activities at Mount Storsteinen

Oh, for sure, there are alternatives should space phenomena stay hidden: enjoy that view even during normal skies! That spot’s vantage really is special, so too it’s almost that any panorama turns pretty stunning regardless lighting states. Strolling, having café stops while watching vistas makes experiences good too, is that right? Basically Mount Storsteinen has experiences offered independently or in combo with Auroras as focal aspects!

Some final thoughts?

Alright, planning matters most when traveling up the Fjellheisen on Northern Light dreams— monitor activity, have attire correct. Expect costs to match popularity; balance hopes knowing some atmospheric surprises occur despite ideal preparations, very. Being flexible equals bigger possibility something magic occurs those winter nights amongst northernmost reaches; make sure perspective considers not solely dancing atmospheric radiance while planning adventure to Norway then see journeys stay wonderfully open for beauty to reveal during anticipated plus very happily unanticipated situations.