Aurora Hunting with Snowshoes

If you’re dreaming of chasing the elusive Northern Lights in Finland’s winter wonderland, the Aurora Hunting with Snowshoes tour from Northern Echoes offers an appealing way to do it. While we haven’t personally joined this adventure, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a genuine, memorable experience that’s perfect for those seeking a mix of nature, comfort, and authentic Arctic magic.

What we love about this tour are its private setting, skilled guides, and the cozy campfire atmosphere. We appreciate that it balances adventure with comfort, giving you a chance to explore snowy terrain on snowshoes, then warm up with hot drinks and local snacks. The potential downside? Since Aurora visibility is a natural phenomenon, seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed—patience and luck are part of the adventure. This tour will suit travelers who value personalized experiences, are prepared for cold weather, and want a flexible, intimate way to enjoy Lapland’s night sky.

Good To Know

• Private Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention from guides.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, flexible, and knowledgeable guides like Eveliina enhance the experience.
• Comfort & Warmth: Warm campfire, hot drinks, and snowshoes included make the cold manageable.
• Natural Unpredictability: Northern Lights are a natural event; anticipation is part of the adventure.
• Convenient Logistics: Pickup service, mobile ticket, and transportation included streamline the experience.
• Value for Money: At around $160, it’s a well-priced, intimate tour considering the personalized service.

An Authentic Arctic Night: What to Expect

This tour is designed to provide a relaxed yet adventurous evening in the Finnish wilderness, ideally suited for those craving a private, tailored experience. Starting at Jäämerentie 28, Sodankylä, your evening kicks off at 8:00 pm, just as the night falls and the sky darkens, perfect timing for Aurora spotting.

The highlight, of course, is snowshoeing on easy-to-navigate terrain. Snowshoes and headlights are provided, allowing even beginners to comfortably traverse the pristine snow. Expect a gentle hike, with guides responding to your pace and interests—whether you want a quick outing or a longer trek.

After a bit of exploring, your guide will set up a warm campfire. This is when the magic truly begins: the flickering flames, the scent of burning wood, and the chance to watch the stars in the crystal-clear Arctic sky. Well-lit by headlights and firelight, this is a cozy spot for hot drinks—hot chocolate, coffee, or tea—which are included in the price. One reviewer mentioned how the hot chocolate “warmed both body and soul,” emphasizing the comfort of this part of the experience.

The Northern Lights: Nature’s Spectacle

The main attraction, of course, is the Northern Lights. Guides will be watching the sky carefully, and if conditions are right, you might see the Aurora dance overhead. A reviewer recalled a cloudy start, but “fortunately, we could see northern lights,” highlighting how unpredictable this natural phenomenon can be. The guide’s flexibility and local knowledge can make a difference in maximizing your chances.

It’s important to note that visibility cannot be guaranteed, as the lights depend on solar activity and weather conditions. That said, even if the lights don’t appear, the experience of being under the Arctic sky, snowshoeing, and sharing stories around the fire is a wonderful memory in itself.

The Practical Aspects & Included Details

Transportation and Accessibility

One of the tour’s strengths is its private transportation from the meeting point, minimizing hassle and ensuring you’re picked up and dropped off conveniently. The tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for travelers staying in Sodankylä or nearby.

Duration & Timing

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, which is ample time to enjoy snowshoeing, the campfire, and a good chance to see the Aurora if luck’s on your side. Starting at 8:00 pm, it’s well-suited for those who prefer evening outings, and the short duration helps prevent fatigue in the cold.

Cost & Value

At $160.91 per person, this experience offers a balance of intimacy and value. The price covers snowshoes, headlights, private transportation, all fees, and taxes. However, you’ll need to bring your own winter clothing, as this isn’t included. This can be a significant consideration for travelers unfamiliar with Arctic conditions or those who haven’t packed accordingly.

Customization & Flexibility

The tour is customizable upon request, which is a nice touch for groups with specific interests or needs. Whether you want to extend the snowshoe hike or focus more on Aurora hunting, the guide can adapt to your preferences.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

While many aurora tours are large group affairs, this one’s private setup makes it stand out. You’re not just another face in a crowd, which means you get more personalized attention and a quieter, more intimate experience. Several reviewers mention how Eveliina, their guide, made the experience “really special” and “perfectly organized”. Her friendliness and responsiveness to requests contributed significantly to their positive memories.

Another highlight is the local snacks and hot chocolate enjoyed by the fire, adding a comforting element after some physical activity in the cold. The reviews praise the excellent service, the flexibility, and the knowledge of guides who know how to read the sky and respond to changing weather conditions.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for couples, small groups, or individuals seeking a private, immersive Arctic adventure. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided experiences with a personal touch and are prepared for cold weather, as there’s no winter clothing provided. Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to combine outdoor activity with a cozy campfire backdrop will find plenty to love here.

If you’re after a flexible, authentic experience that blends adventure, comfort, and the chance of seeing the Northern Lights in a peaceful setting, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

Aurora Hunting with Snowshoes offers a wonderful way to explore Lapland’s winter landscape while chasing the elusive Aurora Borealis. The focus on a private, personalized experience ensures you’re not just another tourist, but a participant in an Arctic adventure crafted around your interests.

The included snowshoes, headlights, and transportation make it convenient, but remember to dress warmly yourself. The cozy campfire, hot drinks, and friendly guides create a warm atmosphere that offsets the cold, making for an enjoyable, memorable night.

This tour is especially perfect for those who want a more intimate, flexible experience with good guidance and a touch of local hospitality. While the Northern Lights can’t be guaranteed, the journey through snowy woods, under starry skies, is in itself a highlight worth experiencing.

FAQ

Is snowshoeing difficult?
No, the terrain is described as easy-to-navigate, suitable even for beginners.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 8:00 pm, aligning with prime Aurora viewing hours.

What’s included in the price?
Snowshoes, headlights, private transportation, all fees and taxes, and hot drinks like coffee or tea.

Do I need to bring winter clothing?
Yes, winter clothing is not included, so dress warmly for the cold Arctic night.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, the activity can be tailored upon request, such as extending the snowshoe trek or adjusting the itinerary.

Is the Aurora sighting guaranteed?
No, since Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, visibility depends on weather and solar activity.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

What is the meeting point?
Start and end at Jäämerentie 28, Sodankylä, Finland.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private transportation is included, ensuring easy access and drop-off.

What is the cancellation policy?
It’s non-refundable, but if canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

To sum it up, this tour strikes a great balance between adventure and comfort, offering a personalized Arctic night experience in Lapland. It’s perfect for travelers looking for authentic moments under the Northern Lights, guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals, and wrapped in the tranquility of snowy wilderness.