Rovaniemi: Aurora Hunting Photography Tour with Barbeque

Planning a trip to Lapland and looking for an authentic Northern Lights experience? This Aurora Hunting Photography Tour from Rovaniemi offers a pretty well-rounded way to chase the aurora, enjoy some warm Finnish hospitality, and bring home some memorable photos. We’ve looked into it thoroughly, and here’s the scoop: it’s a good choice for those wanting a balance of comfort, adventure, and local flavor.

What really shines here are the knowledgeable guides—many reviews rave about their friendliness and expertise—and the chance to relax around a fire with sausages and hot drinks while waiting for the sky to put on a show. On the flip side, since the auroras are a natural phenomenon, there’s always a chance you might not see them, and that’s worth keeping in mind. This tour suits travelers who appreciate a well-organized outing with good value and don’t mind a bit of uncertainty about the aurora itself.

Key Points

• Reliable transportation and timing make the experience smooth and hassle-free.
• Expert guides enhance your understanding of the Northern Lights and help with photography.
• Comfortable setting around a fire with food and drinks creates a cozy, social atmosphere.
• Location choices are carefully selected to maximize viewing chances, but nature remains unpredictable.
• Good value with included food, drinks, and professional photos at a competitive price.
• Flexible cancellation policies allow you to book with peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour is about 3 hours long, starting with a pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi. The company, AMG Travel, organizes a trip to a prime viewing spot away from the city lights—an important factor because light pollution can ruin your chances of seeing the aurora clearly. Once at the location, you’ll settle in around a campfire, with Finnish sausages, hot berry drinks, and gingerbread to keep you warm and fueled.

The core of the experience is watching the sky for the Northern Lights, which is, of course, unpredictable. As some reviews mention, on less clear nights, the aurora might stay hidden, but you’ll still have a pleasant evening outdoors, enjoying the ambiance of a Finnish wilderness campfire. Guides can take photos for you, so you won’t have to struggle with your camera in the dark—a big plus for many.

Transportation is included, with pickup and drop-off arranged from your accommodation. The guides speak English and Russian, making communication straightforward for most travelers.

The Viewing Spot and Atmosphere

Leaving city lights behind, the tour takes you to a dark, quiet lakeside or riverside location—places carefully chosen for their visibility and natural beauty. Imagine sitting around a crackling fire on a chilly night, the smell of sausages roasting, with a steaming cup of hot berry juice in hand, all while gazing up at a sky full of stars. This is what many reviews highlight as the most enjoyable part, even if the lights don’t show.

Some travelers have described the experience as “cosy” and “special,” noting how the fireside barbecue adds a warm, social element. The fire not only keeps frostbite at bay but also creates a magical setting for photos and conversations.

The Food and Drinks

Food is another highlight here. The tour includes Finnish sausages served hot alongside various drinks, with some reviews praising the “very tasty” BBQ. Gingerbread and marshmallows are often available, adding to the traditional Nordic feel. For those with dietary restrictions, some reviews suggest requesting more inclusive options, but overall, the food is well-received and considered good value for what you get.

The Photography and Guides

One of the most talked-about aspects is the professional photos taken by guides. Many reviews mention how helpful the guides are in capturing the moment, taking high-quality pictures with their cameras—then sharing these with guests afterward. This means you leave not just with memories but also with great images to remember the experience.

Guides are noted for being friendly, informative, and punctual, which adds to the overall smoothness of the trip. They explain how the Northern Lights form and give tips on photography, which is especially valuable if you want to improve your camera skills under dark skies.

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The Unpredictability of the Aurora

Since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, no tour can guarantee a sighting. Several reviews mention nights when the weather was foggy or cloudy, preventing guests from seeing the aurora. However, the tour’s flexibility—driving to different locations and extending the time—means you’re giving yourself the best chance possible. Many reviewers appreciated that guides did their best to find clear skies, sometimes moving to a second spot or staying longer.

Some guests, like one who described the night as “too foggy to see the lights,” still enjoyed the experience of being outdoors, chatting around the fire, and sharing a meal. It’s worth going into this with realistic expectations: the lights may or may not appear, but the overall experience can still be quite special.

Group Size and Flexibility

The tour seems to operate in small groups, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. Pickup times are punctual, and drivers are friendly, often receiving praise for their professionalism. Canceling is straightforward—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—which adds a layer of flexibility if your plans change.

Price and Value

Compared to other Northern Lights excursions, this tour offers solid value. It includes transportation, food, drinks, and professional photos—features that can quickly add up if you book separately. While the cost might seem moderate, reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile investment, especially considering the quality of guides, the cozy environment, and the chance to get good photos.

Most importantly, many guests say it’s a “very organized” experience with attentive staff, making the price feel justified. Even on nights when the aurora remains elusive, guests still praise the experience as relaxing and well worth the money.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, guided outing without sacrificing authenticity. If you appreciate good food, warm fires, and the chance to see the aurora without the hassle of self-driving or uncertain arrangements, you’ll find this tour suitable. It also suits those who want professional photos of their trip and enjoy social outdoor settings.

However, if seeing the Northern Lights is your absolute priority and you’re willing to chase multiple spots or wait longer, keep in mind that the aurora isn’t guaranteed. This tour balances the hope of a sighting with a cozy, well-organized evening—so it’s perfect for those who value comfort and good storytelling as much as the spectacle.

FAQs

• Is transportation included? Yes, pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Rovaniemi are included, making logistics easy.
• Can I cancel if I change my mind? Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Will I see the Northern Lights? Since the aurora is a natural event, sightings depend on weather and sky conditions. No guarantee, but guides do their best to find clear spots.
• What do I eat and drink? The tour features Finnish sausages, hot berry drinks, gingerbread, marshmallows, and other snacks around the fire.
• Are photos included? Guides take professional photos for you, which are shared afterward—so you leave with higher-quality memories.
• How long does the tour last? It runs about 3 hours, with starting times available depending on availability.
• Is it suitable for families? While not explicitly aimed at children, the cozy fire, food, and light outdoor activity could appeal to older kids—just consider their comfort in cold weather.
• What are the guide languages? Guides speak English and Russian, so communication should be straightforward for most travelers.
• What if the weather is cloudy or foggy? In such cases, the aurora might not be visible, but many guests still enjoy the outdoor atmosphere, food, and company.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Aurora Hunting Photography Tour from Rovaniemi strikes a solid balance between adventure, comfort, and cultural experience. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to relax outdoors in a scenic setting, enjoy some traditional Finnish fare, and potentially capture the Northern Lights with the help of professional guides. While the natural unpredictability of the aurora remains, many reviewers have walked away with beautiful photos and warm memories—even when the skies stayed silent.

If you’re after a thoughtfully organized tour with friendly guides, good value, and the chance to enjoy a true Arctic evening, this might just be a great pick. Be prepared for the possibility of fog or cloud cover, but appreciate the genuine effort and ambiance that makes this experience stand out.

Whether you see the lights or not, you’ll come away with stories, photos, and a warm glow from a night spent under the Arctic sky.

You can check availability for your dates here: