A common standard for responsible winter tourism in the Tromsø region
Winter tourism in Northern Norway has grown rapidly — especially Northern Lights tours. With growth comes responsibility.
To address increasing pressure on nature, local communities, and public infrastructure, Tromsø Municipality, together with regional and national authorities, has developed new guidelines for Northern Lights and fjord tourism operators.
The goal is clear:
fewer legal violations, safer operations, and more respect for nature and local residents.
Why these guidelines matter
Night after night, visitors line up to experience the Northern Lights. While this brings economic value, it has also revealed challenges:
- Unsafe traffic and parking
- Damage to nature and private property
- Noise and disturbance in residential areas
- Illegal or poorly regulated tourism operations
During inspections last winter, 24 out of 44 inspected companies were found to have violations.
These guidelines are meant to act preventively, helping operators understand their obligations and operate responsibly — before sanctions become necessary.
Developed together with the industry
The guidelines were created through cooperation between:
- Tromsø Municipality
- Joint Anti-Crime Centres in Troms and Finnmark
- Police, Labour Inspection Authority, NAV, Tax Administration
- Norwegian Public Roads Administration
- Troms County Municipality
- Research institutions
- Tromsø Guideforening (TGF)
- Visit Tromsø Region
This is important:
The industry itself helped shape the standard.
“There is a strong desire for professionalisation of the industry. The goal is to find a common standard and a responsible way of operating.”
— Helga Bårdsdatter Kristiansen, Sustainability Advisor, Tromsø Municipality
What the guidelines focus on
The guide brings together requirements and best practices from multiple authorities, including:
Laws & regulations
- Employment contracts, working hours, HSE
- Tax, VAT, and business registration
- Transport permits and driver licensing
- Reporting obligations to authorities
Traffic & safety
- Winter driving competence
- Speed adjustment and road behaviour
- Legal parking only — never on roadsides or private property
- Letting locals pass instead of speeding up
- Use of reflective vests during roadside activity
Nature & local communities
- Leave no trace
- Waste management
- Respect fire bans and campfire rules
- Avoid noise, especially after 23:00
- Respect private homes, locals, and children
- Educate guests about drones and local rules
These guidelines represent the minimum standard expected of professional operators.
Why enforcement will continue
Authorities are clear:
Northern Lights tourism will remain a focus area.
“There are constantly new providers entering the market. That’s why it’s important that we keep the pressure up.”
— Stine Marie Knudsen, Head of the Anti-Crime Centre, Troms and Finnmark
Inspections will continue — and illegal operations will be sanctioned.
Towards certification and higher standards
Tromsø Municipality has expressed a long-term ambition:
certification of Northern Lights operators.
Inspired by organizations like AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), the idea is to go beyond minimum legal requirements and ensure:
- Professional conduct
- Local acceptance
- Long-term protection of nature
- Better experiences for guests
“If you sell untouched nature, you must ensure that the local population wants you to come back — and that you don’t destroy what you sell.”
— Helga Bårdsdatter Kristiansen
TGF’s position
Tromsø Guideforening strongly supports these guidelines.
We believe:
- Clear standards protect guides, guests, and locals
- Responsible operators should not be undercut by illegal practices
- Professional guiding is a competence — not a loophole
These guidelines align closely with TGF’s long-term goals:
education, certification, and higher quality guiding in Northern Norway.
What happens next
The municipality is now working on location-specific guides, developed together with:
- Local communities
- Guides
- Operators
- Researchers and authorities
The hope is for immediate effect — not “someday”.
“We hope the industry follows the guidelines they themselves helped develop.”
So do we.
