Northern Lights Hunting with Aurora Workshop

Experiencing the Northern Lights in Lapland is often described as a bucket list moment, but how do you turn that fleeting spectacle into a memorable, well-informed experience? That’s where the Northern Lights Hunting with Aurora Workshop by Xwander Nordic steps in. With a blend of educational insights and a carefully planned hunt, this tour offers a chance to understand the science behind the Aurora Borealis while maximizing your chance to see it.

We love that this experience isn’t just about chasing lights blindly. The guides are clearly knowledgeable, the focus on photography helps you capture the moment, and the small group size ensures a more personal touch. Plus, the fact that the tour adapts to weather conditions makes it more reliable than many generic Northern Lights excursions.

One potential consideration? The tour is limited to 4 hours, which might feel short if the weather isn’t cooperating. But for those looking for a well-rounded, immersive adventure, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want more than just a quick safari—they’re after understanding, quality guidance, and the best chances to witness this natural wonder.

Good To Know

• Expert-led workshop combines Aurora science, cultural context, and photography tips.
• Small group setting (limited to 8 participants) offers personalized attention.
• Weather-dependent but flexible with rescheduling and alternative options.
• Expert guides monitor forecasts and adapt routes for optimal viewing.
• Includes warm drinks, snacks, and photos taken during the tour for lasting memories.
• Price ($192) offers good value for a focused, educational, and potentially rewarding experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Northern Lights Hunting with Aurora Workshop

This four-hour adventure is designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the Northern Lights while increasing your chances of actually seeing them. It begins at the Xwander Basecamp in Ivalo, where the initial part of the tour is an interactive workshop. Here, guides share insights into the science of the Aurora Borealis, explain its cultural importance in Finnish tradition, and teach you photography techniques so you’ll be able to capture the lights effectively.

The Workshop: A Solid Foundation

The workshop is more than just a quick talk. It covers forecasting, helping you understand what conditions are most likely to produce a visible display. You’ll learn how to use your camera to get the best shots—an invaluable skill if you’re eager to document this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As one reviewer noted, “what is particularly great is that the viewing points are adapted to the current weather conditions,” which the guides explain during this session.

Expert guides like Anne and Quentin not only share their knowledge but also make the learning fun. Reviewers have commented on how approachable and enthusiastic these guides are, making the experience feel more personalized and relaxed.

The Aurora Hunt: Out in the Wilderness

After the workshop, you’ll don warm overalls and boots provided by the tour (a huge plus considering the cold). The group then boards comfortable minibuses to head out into the broader Inari region, known for minimal light pollution—crucial for spotting the Aurora.

What sets this tour apart is the adaptive route planning. The guides actively monitor cloud coverage, aurora forecasts, and weather conditions to select the best locations for viewing on the night. If the weather isn’t cooperative, they’re ready to reschedule or switch to another activity, providing peace of mind—something very much appreciated by travelers who have limited time and high hopes.

Viewing the Lights

The guides use infrared headlamps to maintain night vision without disturbing the viewing experience. As one reviewer shared, “we were lucky and able to see the Aurora,” but even if the lights are faint, the guides’ knowledge and the warm drinks keep spirits high. The small group size ensures plenty of space for everyone to find their perfect viewing spot and ask questions.

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Photos and Memories

What’s special is that the guides take photos during the tour, which they share with you afterward. This means you don’t have to worry about capturing the perfect shot—your guides have it covered. This added touch is especially valuable since many travelers find photographing the Aurora tricky without proper guidance.

Comfort and Practicalities

The hot drinks and snacks help keep everyone warm and comfortable amid the chilly night. As one reviewer noted, “I wish I had a little cabin to protect myself from the cold,” but honestly, the provided gear and the cozy atmosphere of the minibuses make a big difference.

Transfers from Ivalo are included, adding to the convenience. However, if you’re staying outside Ivalo—say in Nellim or Saariselkä—you’ll need to arrange additional transfers, which could add to the cost.

Pricing & Value

At $192 per person, this experience offers a lot. The combination of a guided Aurora science session, expert-led hunt, photo opportunities, warm drinks, and transfers makes it quite competitive compared to other similar tours. The small group size enhances the experience, ensuring you’re not just another face in a crowd.

While the price might seem high compared to self-guided options, the value lies in the expert guidance, scheduled flexibility, and increased chances of witnessing the Aurora. Plus, the photos taken by guides are a bonus, allowing you to relive the experience later.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want more than just a chance to see the Northern Lights—they’re interested in understanding the science, learning photography skills, and having a guided, well-organized adventure. It suits those who appreciate small groups and personal attention, and who prefer the comfort of included gear and warm drinks.

If you’re someone who is willing to invest a bit more for quality and education, and you’re flexible with timing (since weather plays a big role), this tour will likely meet your expectations.

For anyone visiting Lapland with a keen interest in the Northern Lights, this tour ticks many boxes. The knowledgeable guides and flexible route planning significantly boost your chances of seeing the Lights, and the educational component enriches the experience beyond just watching a sky show. The small group size makes it a cozy, intimate outing, ideal for those who want a personal touch.

However, keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their visibility depends heavily on weather conditions. The tour’s rescheduling policy offers some reassurance, but patience and flexibility are still key.

This activity is well-suited for photographers, Aurora enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want a guided, educational, and comfortable experience. If you’re after a fun, informative adventure with good odds of witnessing the Aurora, this is a smart choice.

What is the duration of the Northern Lights Hunting with Aurora Workshop?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with starting times based on availability.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transfers from Ivalo and back are included in the price. Additional transfers from nearby locations may cost extra.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, a camera, snacks, and a flashlight are recommended for comfort and practicality.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers have praised guides like Anne and Quentin for their friendliness and expertise, especially in monitoring forecasts and answering questions.

What if the weather isn’t good on the night of my tour?
The guides actively monitor conditions and offer free rescheduling or switching to another activity if necessary.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size (limited to 8 participants) makes it a great option for solo travelers seeking a personalized experience.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?
Not suitable for wheelchair users, as the activity includes outdoor travel in winter conditions.

Are photos provided?
Guides take photos during the tour and share these with participants afterward, helping you remember the experience.

What is the price point like?
At $192, it offers good value considering the educational component, guided routes, and included gear and drinks.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and rescheduling is free if weather conditions aren’t favorable.

In summary, the Northern Lights Hunting with Aurora Workshop offers a well-rounded, informative, and flexible approach to one of the world’s most sought-after natural phenomena. Whether you’re a photography lover or a curious traveler, this tour provides a comfortable and expert-guided chance to chase the Aurora in Finland’s stunning landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: