Saariselkä,Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour.

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Finland’s magical Lapland, the Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offered by ArcticTours might just be your best shot. This is a well-organized, comfort-focused experience designed for travelers eager to witness the aurora borealis in an authentic environment, with plenty of opportunity to capture stunning photos. While the tour doesn’t promise a 100% sighting—nature remains unpredictable—it offers a dependable chance thanks to experienced guides and a flexible approach.

What truly draws us in are three key points: professional guides with local expertise, comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Benz minibus, and the flexibility to search across wider areas. Most travelers will appreciate the small-group setting, making the experience more personal and less hurried. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour requires a minimum of three participants to run, so if you’re traveling solo or in a small group, always check availability in advance.

This tour suits those who value a more relaxed, guided approach over rugged snowmobile safaris or high-intensity adventures. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a chance to see the Northern Lights with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. If you’re after a scenic, professional, and customizable aurora hunt in Lapland, this tour is worth considering—just be prepared for the weather and keep your expectations flexible.

Good To Know

• Expert-guided Aurora hunting increases your chances of spotting the Northern Lights.
• Comfortable mini bus transport in a Mercedes Benz provides warmth and flexibility.
• Small group sizes ensure a more personalized and relaxed experience.
• Flexible search areas mean wider chances for clear skies.
• Photographers will appreciate the guidance and opportunities for stunning aurora shots.
• Dependence on weather and aurora activity means sightings aren’t guaranteed but are more likely with expert help.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose This Tour?

The Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour excels because of its combination of professional guides, comfortable transportation, and strategic approach to finding the Lights. In Lapland, weather conditions often challenge Aurora watchers, but the guides’ local knowledge and willingness to seek clearer skies elsewhere greatly boost your odds. The use of a Mercedes Benz minibus isn’t just about style; it’s about comfort—especially when waiting outside in Arctic temperatures. The small-group setting means you’re not lost in a crowd, and your guide, including notable professionals like Henry and Jen, are praised for their friendliness and expertise.

The tour’s emphasis on photography is another plus. Guides help you find the best angles and settings, turning this into an opportunity to bring home some incredible images of the Lights dancing overhead. Several reviewers mention how guides like Henry and Jen went above and beyond, chasing the aurora and explaining the science behind it, which adds depth to the experience.

One important point to keep in mind is that this activity requires at least three participants to operate, so it’s best suited for those who are flexible with scheduling or traveling during peak season. Also, because the tour involves outdoor exposure in cold temperatures, dressing properly in thermal layers, insulated shoes, and winter gear is essential for comfort.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meet-up and Pickup: The tour starts with a free pickup from several strategic points within a 20 km radius of Saariselkä, including Kakslauttanen Village, Kiilopää, and Saariselkä itself. Pickup times vary depending on your location—anywhere from 5 to 35 minutes before the tour begins. Ensuring punctuality is key since the guides have tight schedules and no room for delays.

The Drive and Search: Once onboard the Mercedes Benz minibus, the guide—often a Northern Lights expert—begins the hunt. Unlike snowmobile safaris, traveling by car (or minibus) offers a broader search area, increasing the chances of finding clear skies. The guides are well-versed in the latest conditions and often adapt their route based on weather updates and aurora forecasts.

Stopping for Photos and Sightseeing: The tour includes one or more photo stops, where guides assist with camera settings and composition. Several reviewers note that guides like Jen and Henry are particularly good at explaining the science behind the aurora and helping guests capture the best shots. If the aurora persists, the group can move to multiple locations, maximizing viewing time.

Duration and Flexibility: The entire experience lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. If the aurora remains active for longer than expected, the guides may extend the hunt or shift to locations with better visibility.

Drop-off: After the tour, guests are returned to their original pickup points, often within a short window of 10 minutes. Being ready on time for pickup is crucial, especially since the guides manage multiple stops and pickups.

What’s Included and What to Bring

This tour offers excellent value. Included are free pickup and drop-off within a 20 km radius, guided aurora hunting, and professional photography assistance. The use of a Mercedes Benz minibus ensures a quiet, comfortable environment—crucial when waiting outside in -10°C or colder weather.

What you’ll need to bring: warm winter clothing, including thermal layers, insulated shoes, hats, gloves, and scarves. Staying warm is the key to a successful and enjoyable experience, especially because much of the time is spent outdoors waiting for the lights to appear.

The Experience and Its Challenges

Many travelers love the personal touch and flexibility this tour offers. As Karthigayan notes, “The guide picked us up on time and chased the lights,” which highlights their proactive approach. Others, like Vivian, mention how guides like Henry “tried his best to find a good location,” reflecting the unpredictable nature of aurora viewing.

However, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings can never be guaranteed. Weather conditions, cloud cover, and solar activity all influence whether you’ll see the Lights that night. The guides do everything possible, but patience and luck remain part of the package.

Some travelers appreciate the option to nap in the vehicle if the weather is particularly cold or if they’ve been outside waiting for a while. This flexibility is especially good for families or those who prefer a less strenuous experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Price and Value

At $154 per person, the tour is competitively priced given the level of comfort, guidance, and flexibility. Many similar experiences in Lapland can be more expensive, especially if they involve private guides or more rugged activities. The inclusion of professional Aurora photography advice adds extra value, helping you capture memories worth sharing.

While the price doesn’t include hotel pickup in some cases, the free service within a 20 km radius simplifies planning. The small-group size (using Mercedes Benz Minibuses) ensures fewer crowds and a more intimate experience, which many travelers find worth the extra cost.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora hunting experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort, expert guidance, and flexibility. Families with children who can handle outdoor cold weather, couples seeking a romantic night under the Lights, or solo nature lovers wanting a dependable chance to see the aurora will find this tour a good fit.

It’s especially suitable if you’re new to Arctic weather or photography, as guides are happy to assist with camera settings and provide explanations. However, those expecting a guaranteed sighting should temper expectations, as Aurora Borealis remains an unpredictable spectacle.

The Sum Up

The Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers a well-rounded, comfortable way to experience Finland’s most famous natural phenomenon. With expert guides like Henry and Jen leading the way, you’re in good hands to hunt for the Lights, even if weather conditions aren’t perfect. The use of a Mercedes Benz minibus means you won’t be cold or cramped, and the flexibility to move between locations maximizes your chances.

This tour is best suited for those who value professionalism, comfort, and personalized service over rugged adventure. It provides a solid chance to witness the aurora borealis and capture stunning photos, all while enjoying the Arctic night in style. Remember to dress warmly, stay patient, and enjoy the magical dance of the Lights overhead.

FAQ

How early should I be ready for pickup?
It’s best to be ready 25 to 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup to avoid missing the tour. Pickup times depend on your location, from as early as 35 minutes before the tour for Kiilopää to just a few minutes for Saariselkä village.

What should I wear for the tour?
Warm winter clothing is essential—thermal layers, insulated shoes, hats, gloves, and scarves will keep you comfortable during outdoor waiting periods.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the activity can be enjoyed by families, consider whether your children can handle outdoor cold weather and late evening hours, as the tour runs in the evening and can last over three hours.

What if the weather is cloudy?
If weather conditions aren’t favorable in Saariselkä, guides will hunt for clearer skies elsewhere. The wider search area improves your chances of catching the Lights.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No, Aurora Borealis is unpredictable, and sightings depend on solar activity, weather, and clear skies. The guides will do their best, but a sighting is never guaranteed.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a Mercedes Benz minibus, offering a quiet, heated, and comfortable environment—perfect for relaxing during waits or photo stops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process also allows you to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility.

In summary, this tour offers a reliable, cozy, and professionally guided way to chase the Northern Lights in Lapland. It provides excellent value for those eager to experience this Arctic wonder without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a family with kids, or a solo traveler, it’s a well-designed option that balances adventure with ease.

You can check if your dates are available here: