Northern Lights 1
About This Course
Introduction
A condensed course with leading experts to review the basics, and the not-so-basics, of the northern lights. Whether it’s the science behind the phenomenon, the weather forecast, or the rules on how to drive and park according to the law, get the information directly from the experts.
The course is divided into the hard knowledge and how to use it when guiding, and the values of working as a guide. There is an optional third part: a demo tour for those who want to go into the field with the experts and practice the content of the sessions.
Workflow
Before the training, registered participants will have access to digital learning materials so they can start learning on their own.
The course will take place on the given dates at the University Museum, where participants will review their knowledge with the experts.
One and a half weeks after the course, there will be a theoretical exam at the same venue. Passing the exam is mandatory to receive the recognition.
You can learn more about the recognition here.
Lectures and Workshops
Check out the curriculum section.
Exam
A theoretical exam will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of the subjects. Participants are not expected to know everything, but they should know the most important things and where to find the details.
Schedule
Course: 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th of November:
- Morning course: 11:00–15:00
- Afternoon course: 17:00–21:00
Exam: 23rd of November 2026
Both courses have the same content, and participants can decide which one to attend. They can also attend the morning course on some days and the afternoon course on others, or attend both.
A detailed schedule of the lectures will be sent to participants before the course. There will be breaks during the lectures.
During the week of the course, all participants have free access to the museum exhibitions during the museum’s opening hours.
Course Dates
9th, 10th, 12th and 13th of November 2026 (no course on the 11th)
Prices
Course:
- Standard price: 3,000 kr
- Price with subsidy from Troms Fylkeskommune: 1,500 kr
- Tromsø Guideforening member’s price: 750 kr
Learning Objectives
Target Audience
- Guides at the beginning of their career who want to make sure they have the absolute minimum knowledge to start guiding.
- Guides who have guided before but want to reinforce their knowledge.
- Companies who want to complement the in-house training of their guides.
Curriculum
Northern Lights Science
Northern Lights Science
Myths and Stories
Weather Forecast
Driving and parking
Northern Lights Photography
Guidelines and Code Of Conduct
The Sámi
Enviromental Care
Your Instructors
Tromsø Guideforening
See more
Adrien Mauduit
Masters of Science, aurora chasing guide & instructor, professional astrophotographer & cinematographer, science communicator, author, owner at Night Lights Films
Camilla Brattland
Sami culture and livelihoods, responsible for collection of folk music and yoik at the university museum.
Elina Hutton
PhD in tourism and Arctic issues in the changing world. Lecturer and researcher at UiT Business School. Guided first northern lights tours in 1994, nowadays more focused on visitor monitoring and management. Passionate about the little details in nature and believes in the transformative power of storytelling.
Ferenc Martin
Professional photographer certification - Corvinus Prudenti, 2020 Freelance photographer from 2020 onwards Sports photographer at Kanyarfoto, seasons 2021 and 2022. HIPA awards shortlist - 2026
Per Helge Nylund
Tromsø native, museum professional and science communicator. Master of Science in Botany and Master of Arts in Museum Studies. Training guides at and for the Tromsø Museum since 1999. Frequent presenter of Tromsø's history through city walks, talks and lectures, as well as funeral traditions through tours of cemeteries.
Petr Pavlis
Guiding for nearly 10 seasons (3 seasons for Czech Travel agency + 6-7 seasons in Tromsø), TGF leader, Master’s degree in Recreation, leisure time, well-being and Outdoor activities.
William Copeland
William has been providing weather information and teaching aurora guides for over a decade in Tromsø. His master is in Geology, specialising in marine geology and geophysics, and has worked at MET Norway and is now working back in tourism, primarily with aurora focus.
