Saariselkä: Aurora Hunting Tour with Northern Lights Experts

Travelers dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights may find this Aurora Hunting Tour in Saariselkä both practical and exciting. Led by Northern Lights experts from Arctic Timetravels, the experience promises a personalized chase through the starry wilderness of Lapland. With a rating of 4.6 based on over 100 reviews, this tour has earned praise for its knowledgeable guides and the genuine chance to see this natural wonder.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the flexibility of the locations—it’s not a fixed spot-and-wait kind of tour. Second, the small-group size ensures a more intimate and tailored adventure. Third, the expertise of guides like Walter, Nico, and Max, who seem genuinely dedicated to maximizing your chances. On the flip side, there’s a possibility of no sighting—a reminder that nature is unpredictable, and patience is key.

This tour is best suited for adventurers eager to hunt the Northern Lights, those who appreciate personalized guidance and comfort, and travelers with flexible plans who want an authentic experience rather than a cookie-cutter activity.

Good To Know

• Expert guides increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis through real-time forecasts and location scouting.
• Small group sizes (6-8 people) make for a cozy, flexible experience with more personalized attention.
• Transportation in comfortable minivans allows access to remote, clear-sky spots for optimal viewing.
• Warm drinks and snacks keep you cozy during outdoor waits, making the experience more enjoyable.
• The tour is weather-dependent, so sightings cannot be guaranteed—patience and flexibility are essential.
• Advance booking and optional photography upgrades enhance your experience, especially if capturing the lights is a priority.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive Into the Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Experience

The Basics: What to Expect

This 3-hour tour in Saariselkä offers more than just a drive; it’s a carefully planned pursuit of the Northern Lights, led by seasoned guides. You’re picked up from your accommodation within a 15 km radius of Saariselkä’s center, ensuring easy access. Once onboard a comfortable minivan, you’ll set off into the wilderness, with the overall goal of finding clear skies and, hopefully, a dazzling display of the Aurora.

The guides, like Walter, Nico, and Max, are praised for their deep knowledge and dedication. They don’t just drive around aimlessly—they actively chase the best chance for sightings based on real-time weather conditions and aurora forecasts. This proactive approach allows for multiple stops at different sites, rather than waiting in one spot for hours on end.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

The tour typically begins with a pickup from your accommodation, after which your guide drives you toward the best possible locations. Many reviews highlight the flexible stop strategy—guides like Nico and Walter are known for their excellent scouting, sometimes taking travelers to remote lakes, snowy forests, or secluded clearings where the skies are less clouded.

One reviewer, Zainab, described how their guide Gabri drove to four different locations, managing to see the Aurora in three of them despite cloudy weather in the region. This adaptability is a major plus, especially since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that depend heavily on weather and solar activity.

The Locations: Why They Matter

The choice of spots is driven by aurora and weather forecasts, which is a smart move because it increases the likelihood of seeing the lights. Many guides will take you to special places like frozen lakes or open fields, where light pollution is minimal, and the reflections amplify the spectacle. For instance, one memorable review mentions a visit to Grandpa’s Lake, where the aurora and stars painted the night sky in a surreal display.

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Staying Warm in the Arctic Night

While the outdoor experience is magical, it requires appropriate clothing. You’ll need a warm winter jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots—all essential for staying comfortable while waiting outdoors. The tour provides warm drinks and snacks during breaks, which many reviewers appreciate, especially as it helps keep the chill at bay.

Photography and Sightings

If capturing the aurora is important, you can pre-arrange a photography upgrade at €15 per person. Guides are often praised for their helpful tips on how to photograph the lights with phones or cameras, making the experience more memorable. Many reviewers, like Serena, mentioned guides who took beautiful pictures of their group, adding a lasting keepsake.

The Human Element: Guides Who Care

One of the standout features is the passion and knowledge of guides such as Walter, Nico, and Max. They’re often described as friendly, enthusiastic, and committed—staying out late, adjusting plans based on weather, and sharing stories about the Aurora, Lapland, and local culture. For example, Omar praised guide Ammar for his politeness and expertise, while others appreciated the personalized attention that smaller groups allow.

The Cost and Value

At $158 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions—pick-up, transportation, expert guidance, warm drinks, and snacks. Compared to larger bus tours, the small-group format feels more exclusive and adaptable, which many reviews highlight as a major advantage. Guides’ flexibility to move to the best spots and stay out longer for a better chance at sightings** significantly boosts the experience’s worth.

What to Keep in Mind

Since Northern Lights sightings cannot be guaranteed, patience and a bit of luck are necessary. The guides do everything possible to maximize your chances, but weather and solar activity remain out of human control. Travelers have noted that even guides like Nico and Zen monitor forecasts carefully, and some guests have seen spectacular displays after some attempts.

Plus, weather conditions can influence the duration and comfort of the tour, so dressing warmly and being ready for outdoor waiting are essential. Some reviews mention the vans being a bit small for larger groups, so if you’re traveling with a big party, consider this when booking.

Why This Tour Works for You

If you’re a traveler who loves a personalized experience, this Aurora Hunt is a great pick. The small groups, flexible locations, and dedicated guides mean you’ll get tailored attention and the best shot at witnessing the Lights.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the scenic drives through snowy landscapes and the chance to learn about the Aurora from knowledgeable guides. For photographers, optional upgrades and guidance can turn your night into a collection of stunning images.

Families or couples seeking a memorable Arctic adventure will find the tour well-organized and comfortable, especially with the warm drinks and snacks. However, if you’re traveling with very young children or seniors over 95, it’s worth confirming the suitability due to outdoor waiting.

Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the clear value for money, especially given the inclusions and the high success rate reported in reviews.

Final Thoughts

The Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour offers an engaging, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights in Lapland. With expert guides like Walter and Nico, you’ll benefit from their real-time forecasts, strategic stops, and dedication to giving you the best chance at witnessing this awe-inspiring phenomenon.

The small-group setup ensures a personal experience, and the combination of outdoor adventure with cozy warm drinks makes it more comfortable. While seeing the Lights is never 100% guaranteed—nature keeps her secrets—you’ll be well-positioned to catch a glimpse thanks to the guides’ expertise and flexibility.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, flexible Northern Lights experience, especially those who prioritize local knowledge, comfort, and a genuine pursuit of nature’s spectacle. If you’re prepared for the possibility of no sighting and can handle outdoor conditions, this is a fantastic way to make your Arctic nights unforgettable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The Aurora Hunt lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that can easily fit into your Nordic itinerary.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers pickup from your accommodation within 15 km of Saariselkä, transportation by minivan, a knowledgeable guide, warm drinks, and snacks.

Can I get my photos taken during the tour?
Yes, there’s an optional photography package for €15 per person. Guides often assist with tips on capturing the Lights, and some reviews mention guides taking pictures of guests.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, layered clothing, including a hat, gloves, and winter boots. The outdoor waiting can be cold, especially if the Aurora activity is high.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children, but very young children under 1 year or seniors over 95 may want to check with the provider for safety and comfort considerations.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since the Lights are dependent on weather and solar activity, sightings are not guaranteed. Guides do their best to find clear skies, but sometimes clouds or low activity mean no display occurs.

How flexible are the locations?
Guides like Walter and Nico are known for their flexibility, driving to multiple spots based on forecasts, which significantly improves your chances.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in your travel planning.

To sum it up, if you’re after an adventure-packed, expert-led pursuit of the Northern Lights in Saariselkä, this tour is a top choice. With its focus on flexibility, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to explore remote spots, it’s designed to give you the best possible experience—and hopefully, a view of the Aurora that you’ll never forget.

You can check if your dates are available here: