Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Aurora Hunt with Local Guides & Photos

Planning to witness the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi? While countless tours promise a glimpse of this celestial spectacle, few match the authenticity, expertise, and flexibility of the Guaranteed Aurora Hunt offered by Lapland Explorers Oy. This tour isn’t just about waiting under the sky; it’s about active chasing with passionate locals who know exactly where to find the best light shows.

What sets this experience apart? First, you’re guided by locals born and raised in Rovaniemi and Lapland—including a Sámi owner, adding a layer of cultural depth you won’t find elsewhere. Second, the tour adapts to the Aurora activity, with the potential to last from just a couple of hours to a full night. Lastly, the photos captured by the guides make it a memorable souvenir, often praised by visitors for their professionalism and quality.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour depends heavily on weather conditions and Aurora activity, so patience is key. If the skies stay stubbornly cloudy or the Aurora remains shy, the refund policy ensures you won’t be left empty-handed. This tour is best suited for travelers who value personalized service, local expertise, and a genuine chance to see the Northern Lights rather than just a generic bus ride.

Good To Know

• Expert Guides: Local guides with deep roots in Lapland and Sámi heritage increase your chances of spotting the Aurora.
• Flexible Timing: The tour can last between 2 and 10 hours, depending on Aurora activity and weather conditions.
• Scenic Locations: Carefully selected remote spots far from city lights ensure optimal viewing.
• Photos Included: Guides take professional-quality photos so you can cherish the experience forever.
• Full Refund Guarantee: If no Aurora appears, you’re refunded in full, adding peace of mind to your adventure.
• Cultural Connection: The Sámi presence offers a meaningful cultural perspective on the Arctic land and the Lights.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Chase Experience

Starting the Adventure: Comfort and Convenience

The journey begins with a pick-up from your Rovaniemi accommodation, making it easy to start your night without hassle. The tour is conducted in a comfortable minibus, which is vital given the cold, sometimes unpredictable Arctic weather. The vehicle’s cozy interior, heated and equipped for comfort, allows you to relax while the guide navigates to the best spots.

The Route and Locations: Strategic and Remote

The guides are masters at reading the sky and selecting locations. Depending on the Aurora forecast and weather, they might drive into Finland, cross into Sweden, or venture deep into Lapland’s wilderness. As several reviews highlight, they are willing to travel long distances (sometimes over 200 km) to find clear skies and a good view. This flexibility is key because, in Lapland, the Aurora’s visibility is never guaranteed, but the guides’ experience maximizes your chances.

Many guests appreciated how the guides avoid crowded roadside stops, opting instead for secluded lakes or snow-covered clearings. One reviewer mentioned seeing the Aurora “near a frozen lake in Finland,” while others enjoyed crossing borders into Sweden for the best shot at the lights, often with a hot drink and snacks waiting.

The Hunt: Patience, Flexibility, and Expertise

Unlike tours that just wait in one spot, this experience actively pursues the Aurora. If conditions aren’t promising early on, guides will drive further or change locations. The tour can extend from just a couple of hours to nearly ten, depending on Aurora activity and weather, as well as the guide’s judgment.

The guides are skilled at tracking Aurora activity and reading sky patterns, which they share enthusiastically. Many reviews mention guides like Casper, Roni, Jesse, or Matias, who are praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and dedication. Reviewers appreciated how guides kept the group engaged, sharing stories about Lapland, the Northern Lights, and Sámi traditions.

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Photos and Memories: Captured by Professionals

One of the standout features is that the guides take photos of you under the lights using professional equipment. Several reviews highlight how guides like Roni or Jesse focused on capturing multiple shots, making sure everyone got good images. Guests often find these photos much better than their own attempts in the dark, adding significant value, especially since Aurora photography can be tricky without the right gear.

Comfort and Warmth: Snacks and Campfire

Waiting outside in Arctic temperatures isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but the tour keeps comfort a priority. Guests are provided with warm clothing if needed, and the minibuses serve as cozy hubs for hot drinks, traditional snacks, and sometimes even a campfire. This setup encourages guests to relax, chat, and enjoy the Arctic atmosphere while waiting for the Aurora to dance overhead.

The Value of the Tour

At $165 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the personalized guiding, flexible hours, and quality photos. Many reviewers praise the dedication of guides—who go long distances and work tirelessly to find the Aurora, even in challenging weather. The full refund guarantee if no lights are seen reduces the risk, making it accessible for those hesitant about paying for a potentially cloudy night.

Who Is It Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who:

• Want a personalized, flexible Aurora chase with knowledgeable locals
• Value cultural insights about Lapland and Sámi traditions
• Like professional photos to remember their trip
• Don’t mind long drives and waiting outdoors in winter
• Seek peace of mind with a full refund if no Aurora appears

If you’re after a more relaxed, no-pressure adventure with high chances of success, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate local expertise and want to avoid large, impersonal groups.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Early Hours

The tour likely starts in the late afternoon or early evening, with pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi. The timing varies, typically between 16:00 and 21:00, depending on the season and Aurora forecast. Guides aim to leave early enough to beat clouds or to adapt if the forecast improves later.

Scenic Drive and Location Hopping

Once on board, your guide – often Roni, Jesse, Casper, or Matias – begins the chase. The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering a chance to chat and learn about Lapland and the Northern Lights. As we saw from reviews, the guides drive for hours if necessary, crossing borders and exploring remote lakes or forested clearings.

Rest Stops and Photo Sessions

Throughout the night, there are planned stops for photo opportunities and short breaks. Guests can step outside in their warm clothing, breathe in the crisp Arctic air, and watch the sky. The guides make sure everyone gets a chance for photos and videos, with some even setting up cameras for long-exposure shots.

Waiting and Hot Drinks

When the Aurora is active, the guides set up a cozy spot with a campfire, hot drinks, and snacks. Guests can sit around the fire, enjoying the silence and the dancing skies. Several reviews mention how guides like Roni or Jesse capture multiple photos during these waits, ensuring everyone’s memories are well-preserved.

Return and Final Thoughts

After the Aurora chase, the guides drop guests back at their lodgings, often with a collection of photos and a sense of accomplishment. Even if the lights don’t appear, the experience of being out in Lapland’s wilderness, chasing a natural phenomenon, is often described as unforgettable.

The Sum Up

This Guaranteed Aurora Hunt tour from Rovaniemi offers a well-rounded, personalized, and culturally rich way to experience the Northern Lights. The emphasis on expert guides, flexible locations, and high-quality photos makes it stand out among other options. The full refund guarantee adds security, especially since Aurora sightings are inherently unpredictable.

It’s a perfect choice for travelers who desire an active, guided adventure with authentic local insights and the best possible chance of witnessing this stunning natural display. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Aurora chaser, this tour balances professionalism with a genuine enthusiasm for the Arctic wilderness.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes personalized guidance, prime locations, comfortable transportation, professional Aurora photography, snacks, and hot drinks.

How long does the tour last?
It can be as short as 2 hours or extend up to 10 hours, depending on Aurora activity and weather conditions.

Where do the guides take us?
They head to remote, carefully chosen locations based on Aurora forecasts, which might include spots within Finland or crossing into Sweden.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, hat, gloves, outdoor gear, and your passport or ID card are recommended for the drive across borders.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the long outdoor waits and cold conditions suggest it’s best for children comfortable in winter weather.

What happens if we don’t see the Aurora?
You’ll receive a full refund. The guides will inform you in advance if weather conditions make a sighting unlikely.

Can I join the tour if I’m not staying in Rovaniemi?
Yes, pickup from your Rovaniemi accommodation is included, so you should be able to join if you’re nearby.

Are photos included?
Yes, the guides take professional photos of you under the Aurora, which are provided after the trip.

What makes this tour different from others?
The local guides’ expertise, flexible timing, cultural insights, and the full money-back guarantee set it apart.

Is there a chance to see the Aurora near Rovaniemi city?
While some guests see the Aurora relatively close to the city, most locations are remote to avoid light pollution for better viewing.

This Aurora hunt is a top pick for those wanting a genuine, well-guided, and flexible experience. With knowledgeable guides, a cultural connection, and a strong focus on success, it promises a memorable Arctic adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: