Last updated: June 7, 2026

Operated by: Naturguiden AS, Tromsø, Norway

Contact: contact@naturguiden.no

 

Introduction

Guide to Tromsø is a tourism and aurora-tracking app designed to help visitors and residents explore Tromsø and Northern Norway. This privacy policy explains what data the app collects, why, how it is processed, and your rights as a user. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. We do not use your data for advertising or cross-app tracking.

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What Data We Collect and Why

 

Location Data

The app uses your device's location services to provide core functionality:

• Determining the best aurora viewing spot based on real-time cloud cover at your location

• Showing your position relative to aurora sightings on the map

• Providing accurate local weather data

• Displaying nearby places, restaurants, and points of interest

• Alerting you when you are outside the Tromsø area

 

Your location is processed in real time on your device and is not stored on our servers. Location data is sent directly to third-party weather services (MET Norway) to retrieve local forecasts — these requests contain coordinates but no personal identifiers.

 

You can disable location services for Guide to Tromsø at any time through your device's Settings (Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services). Some features will have reduced functionality without location access.

 

User Account Data (Optional)

If you register as an operator or administrator, the app collects:

• Email address (for authentication)

• User role (operator or admin)

 

This data is stored in Firebase Authentication and Firebase Firestore, hosted by Google in the EU (Frankfurt, europe-west3). Account creation is not required for general app use — only operators submitting events need an account.

 

Aurora Sightings (User-Submitted)

When you choose to submit an aurora sighting, the following data is collected:

• Photo (uploaded voluntarily)

• GPS coordinates of the observation (from your device at time of submission)

• Self-assessed aurora strength (strong, moderate, or weak)

• Optional: Instagram handle or name as a signature

 

This data is stored in Firebase Firestore and Firebase Storage (EU, Frankfurt) and is visible to other app users on the sightings map.

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Event Submissions (Operators Only)

Operators who submit events provide event details (title, description, date, venue, category, images). This data is stored in Firebase Firestore and displayed publicly in the app after admin approval.

 

Third-Party Services

The app relies on the following third-party services to function. These services process data according to their own privacy policies:

ServicePurposePersonal data shared

Firebase / Google Cloud (Frankfurt, EU)Authentication, database, image storageEmail, user role, sighting photos and coordinates

 

MET Norway (Yr)Weather and cloud cover dataDevice coordinates (no personal identifiers)

 

NOAASpace weather and aurora forecast dataNone

 

Google Places APIVenue search for event submissionsSearch queries (no personal identifiers)

 

BokunTour listings and availabilityNone — data flows from Bokun to the app, not the other way

 

NetlifyServerless backend functionsTemporary function logs only; no persistent personal data storage

We do not use analytics SDKs, advertising frameworks, or cross-app tracking tools. The app does not use Apple's IDFA or any advertising identifiers.

 

Data Storage and Retention

All persistent user data is stored in Google Firebase services located in the EU (Frankfurt, europe-west3). We retain data as follows:

• User accounts: Retained until you request deletion.

• Aurora sightings: Displayed for up to 24 hours on the map; photos and metadata retained in the database unless you request removal.

• Event submissions: Retained indefinitely for historical reference; expired events are not automatically deleted.

• Location data: Not stored. Processed in real time on your device.

 

Your Rights

Under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you

• Correct inaccurate personal data

• Delete your personal data ("right to be forgotten")

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Data portability — receive your data in a structured format

• Object to processing of your personal data

 

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@naturguiden.no. We will respond within 30 days.

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How to Withdraw Consent

• Location services: Disable in your device settings (Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Guide to Tromsø).

• Push notifications: Disable in the app's Settings menu or in your device settings.

• Account and data deletion: Contact contact@naturguiden.no and we will delete your account and associated data.

 

Children's Privacy

Guide to Tromsø is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.

 

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available in the app and at naturguiden.no/guidetotromso. Significant changes will be communicated through the app.

 

Contact

For questions about this privacy policy or your personal data:

Naturguiden AS Tromsø, Norway contact@naturguiden.no