From Rovaniemi: Short Aurora Borealis Photography Expedition

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights, this Short Aurora Borealis Photography Expedition from Rovaniemi offers a practical, well-rounded way to chase the sky’s most spectacular light show. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what you can expect: an efficient, scenic, and photography-focused adventure designed to maximize your chances of seeing and capturing the auroras.

What stands out most? The combination of up to three carefully chosen locations, the guidance of a professional photographer, and the intimate insights into local culture. Plus, the tour’s moderate price point makes it accessible for many, especially considering the personalized photos you’ll receive afterward. That said, keep in mind that aurora sightings are never guaranteed—nature always has the final say.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a focused, manageable adventure with the chance to learn photography tips, enjoy rural landscapes, and hear about Lapland’s myths and traditions. It’s not ideal if you’re after a full-night expedition or have very young children or mobility restrictions, but for a three-hour window of sky-gazing and scenic drives, it hits many right notes.

Good To Know

• Expert guidance enhances your chances of catching the Aurora Borealis.
• Multiple stops increase your likelihood of seeing the lights.
• Professional photographer ensures you leave with great photos, even if the auroras are shy.
• Comfortable transportation in a rural setting minimizes hassle and maximizes viewing opportunities.
• Cultural insights add depth to the experience, blending natural beauty with local legends.
• Pricing at $148 offers good value, especially with included photos and personalized guidance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What Is the Rovaniemi Aurora Photography Tour All About?

This tour is designed to make the most of a short window—about three hours—to chase the Northern Lights. Starting with pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi, you’ll be whisked away into the dark, rural Finnish landscape, away from the city’s light pollution. The goal? To find the best spots for Aurora viewing, with your guide constantly monitoring weather conditions and Aurora forecasts to pick locations with the highest chances of a sighting.

The tour’s up to three stops mean you get to experience varied landscapes—possibly a frozen lake, a snow-covered forest, or open fields—each offering a different backdrop for the lights and your camera. The flexibility to move around is a key advantage, especially since Aurora activity can be unpredictable.

The Route and Locations

Your guide, a local with a passion for both nature and photography, drives you to areas they have selected based on real-time weather and Aurora activity data. This approach is crucial because spotting the Northern Lights depends heavily on clear skies, solar activity, and minimal light pollution.

While the exact locations vary, reviews mention impressive views of the Northern Lights on a frozen lake—a perfect scene for photographing dancing ribbons of green and purple. The guide’s expertise ensures you’re in the best spot at the right time, with their experience making a difference in what could otherwise be a frustrating chase.

The Experience of Chasing the Aurora

Once at each stop, your guide, who doubles as a professional photographer, helps you set up your camera for the best shots possible. If the lights appear, they’ll guide you on how to capture the moment, often taking some of the photos themselves to ensure you get a good shot.

Natalia’s review highlights one of the tour’s biggest bonuses: “Diogo, the guide, is a magnificent photographer,” which translates into high-quality photos sent afterward. Even if the auroras stay shy, you’ll leave with memories, thanks to the guide’s tips and the tour’s focus on capturing the right moment.

Carmen’s experience echoes this, mentioning how they watched a beautiful Aurora on New Year’s Eve and enjoyed an added surprise—a small fireworks display to celebrate. These spontaneous highlights can make the trip even more memorable.

The Cultural Touch

Throughout the tour, your guide shares stories about local legends and traditions associated with the Northern Lights, which adds a meaningful layer to the experience. Hearing how the Sami people or Lapland locals interpret the auroras turns a simple sky-gazing into a cultural journey, enriching your understanding and appreciation.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Practicalities: What You Get for $148

Included in the price are pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, transportation, up to three different viewing locations, a professional photographer, and the photos afterward. This package offers solid value, especially considering the personalized guidance and multiple stops, which significantly boost your chances of witnessing the Aurora.

Additional costs include the option to rent thermal overalls and snowboots for €10, a worthwhile investment if you’re concerned about staying warm or want to avoid lugging heavy gear. The tour lasts about three hours, which is perfect for a quick, focused outing without feeling rushed or overly tired.

The tour is available in English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible for a broad range of travelers. It’s worth noting that the experience isn’t suitable for children under 4, wheelchair users, or those with visual impairments, primarily due to the outdoor nature and temperature conditions.

The Value of This Tour

Compared to longer or more elaborate Northern Lights excursions, this tour offers an efficient, targeted experience—ideal if you’re short on time but still want a chance to see and photograph the auroras. The inclusion of professional photos and the guidance of a knowledgeable local make it stand out, especially at a reasonable price point.

The focus on multiple locations and expert guidance means you’re not just relying on luck but are actively increasing your chances. The reviews highlight how lucky guests have been to see the lights, and even if you don’t, you’ll have a set of quality photos and stories to take home.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for travelers keen on photography, looking for a short and manageable Northern Lights outing, or those who want a guided, stress-free way to chase the Aurora with local insights. It’s an excellent choice for first-timers and solo travelers or couples wanting a memorable night with minimal fuss.

However, it might not be ideal if you’re looking for a full-night adventure or traveling with very young children or individuals with mobility limitations. If you value comfort, expert guidance, and a chance to document the moment, this tour hits many right notes.

Final Thoughts

For a cost-effective, thoughtfully organized Northern Lights adventure from Rovaniemi, this Aurora Borealis Photography Expedition offers a balanced mix of scenic stops, expert guidance, and cultural storytelling. The opportunity to capture high-quality photos with help from a professional guides you toward making the most of your short time under the Arctic sky.

While aurora sightings depend on nature’s mood, this tour maximizes your chances with up to three locations and real-time forecasts. Plus, the inclusion of photos and local stories turns what could be a simple sky-spotting trip into a meaningful memory.

If you’re after a convenient, well-structured, and photo-focused Northern Lights experience, this adventure is worth considering. It’s perfect for those who want a blend of scenery, culture, and expert support—making the most of your Arctic night in Lapland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours long, with the start times depending on availability.

What is included in the price?
Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, transportation to up to three locations, guidance from a professional photographer and local guide, and photos afterward.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, warm clothing is essential. You can also rent thermal overalls and snowboots for €10 if needed.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend entirely on weather and solar activity. The tour aims to maximize your chances but cannot promise a sighting.

Can I choose a guide in a specific language?
Guides speak English, French, and Spanish, but you should specify your language preference when booking.

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 4, and the outdoor nature may not be ideal for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

What if I want to take photos myself?
The guide helps you with camera settings and positioning. If you prefer, they will also take photos for you.

How do the stops work?
Your guide will choose locations based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts, driving you to up to three scenic spots to increase your chances.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for changing weather conditions or plans.

Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or just want a taste of Lapland’s night sky, this tour offers a practical, engaging, and photo-friendly way to experience the magic of the Northern Lights.

You can check if your dates are available here: