Watch the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights don't feel real until you see them in person. Photos and videos can't capture the way the sky literally moves - waves of green, purple, and sometimes pink light dancing overhead like something from another world.

Tromsø sits 350km north of the Arctic Circle, making it one of the best places on Earth to see the aurora. The city has good infrastructure for visitors while still offering dark skies just minutes outside town. Many operators run nightly chases to find clear skies.

The lights are caused by solar particles hitting Earth's atmosphere. Strong solar activity means better displays, and you can check aurora forecasts online before heading out.

Pro tip: Get away from city lights, dress warmer than you think necessary, and bring a tripod if you want photos. The best displays often happen between 10pm and 2am. Be patient - sometimes you wait hours, and sometimes the sky explodes with color the moment you step outside.