Planning a trip to Lapland and eager to see the Northern Lights? This private VIP van tour from Rovaniemi offers one of the most personalized and comfortable ways to chase those elusive auroras. It’s designed for travelers who want exclusivity, flexibility, and a high chance of witnessing the spectacle with minimal stress.

What we really like about this experience is the guaranteed re-do policy — if the lights don’t show, you get another shot without extra cost. Plus, the private nature of the tour means you won’t be sharing your adventure with strangers, giving you all the space and attention you need. That said, be prepared for potentially long drives — sometimes over 300 km — as the guides hunt for clear skies.

This tour is best suited for those who value comfort, privacy, and a tailored experience. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with friends or a small group, and if chasing the Northern Lights feels like a once-in-a-lifetime event you want to maximize.

Key Points

Exclusive private experience with your own VIP van, not a crowded group tour.
Guaranteed re-do policy provides peace of mind — no auroras, you get another chance on the house.
Unlimited driving range allows the team to search as far as needed, even crossing borders, for the best skies.
Professional photographer included ensures high-quality, full-res photos of your magical moments.
Flexible hours (6-10 hours) and custom timing, tailored to weather conditions and solar activity.
Comfort and warmth are prioritized, with a heated van, hot drinks, and Finnish snacks.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: How It All Comes Together

We love the idea of a private Aurora hunt because it removes the crowds and the hurried pace of larger tours. Instead, you’re in a luxury VIP van reserved just for your group, which can be up to 8 people. This setup means you can relax in wide, comfortable seats, enjoy the warmth, and chat quietly as your guide navigates the best spots.

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The Morning and Preparation

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or a nearby designated location in Rovaniemi. Since the company strictly adheres to punctuality, you should be ready 10 minutes early, and the guide will wait only 15 minutes past the scheduled time — a small but significant detail that shows their professionalism. They’ll take you in the heated van to a designated spot where your adventure begins.

Monitoring and Weather Strategy

Here’s where this tour shines: the team uses advanced technology and local expertise to monitor solar activity and weather conditions. They access special paid cloud and sun weather reports up to 48 hours in advance, giving them a leg up over other operators. This proactive approach means they’re not just driving randomly but making informed decisions about where to go.

They have access to over 300 viewpoints and are not shy about driving up to 350 km if necessary — crossing borders into Sweden if that’s what it takes to find clear skies. A lot of reviews note the impressive 93% success rate in capturing the Aurora, largely thanks to this flexibility and dedication.

The Chase and the Comfort

Once on the road, you can expect the team to keep an eye on the sky and switch locations as needed. It’s a long game, sometimes a long night, but that’s part of the fun. The hot drinks and Finnish snacks provided in the heated van help make the wait more comfortable, especially since the best viewing often happens late at night or in very cold weather.

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The Photos and Final Moments

Your guide, who is also a professional photographer, will be capturing the experience on a top-tier camera. Unlike many tours that only offer low-quality JPEGs, you’ll receive full-resolution images suitable for printing. The photos are delivered within 12 to 72 hours, allowing you to relive the magic without any hassle.

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The Guarantee and Second Chance

One of the most reassuring aspects is the Guaranteed Re-Do policy. If, despite the effort, no Aurora appears during your scheduled time, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again later in the same season (subject to availability). This policy is a real highlight and gives travelers peace of mind that their investment isn’t wasted.

The Logistics: How It All Fits

This is an 8-hour tour, giving plenty of buffer time for late-night chasing or a slow, relaxed pace. You don’t have to worry about long waits or rushed experiences — your guide is committed to waiting until the Aurora appears, or until the allotted hours are up.

The pickup and drop-off are included within a 20 km radius of Rovaniemi. Being punctual is appreciated, but the guide will wait a maximum of 15 minutes past the scheduled time, respecting your schedule but also maintaining the tour’s smooth operation.

Since Lapland weather can be unpredictable and often very cold, the tour recommends bringing warm clothing and shoes. The van is well-equipped with extra heaters, but outside temperatures can be extreme, especially in winter.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviews praise the personalized service and the dedication of the guides to finding the Northern Lights. One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way the guides kept us updated on weather conditions and drove us to the most promising spots.” Others appreciated the professional photography, stating they received “beautiful, high-resolution photos that truly captured the experience.”

A few reviews pointed out the long drives — which can be tiring — but justified it by the increased chances of seeing the Aurora. The flexibility to drive far and cross borders is a big plus, especially in challenging weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those who prioritize comfort and privacy over a group atmosphere. If you’re traveling with a small party, want to avoid the crowds, and value high success rates, this tour is a great choice. It’s also ideal if you want peace of mind with the re-do guarantee and professional-quality photos.

It may not be the best fit if you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly trip or are uncomfortable with long outdoor drives in very cold weather. The tour’s price reflects its premium service, but many find it worth the investment given the personalized approach and success rate.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the tour is private and can accommodate up to 8 people, it’s primarily designed for travelers comfortable with long outdoor drives and cold weather. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but families with older children who enjoy cold outdoor adventures could find it suitable.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and shoes are essential, especially since you’ll be outside for long periods. The van provides some warmth, but layering up is advised.

What happens if the Northern Lights don’t appear?
If there’s no aurora during your scheduled tour, you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to try again later in the same season, subject to availability.

How far will I have to drive?
The guides are prepared to drive up to 350 km if necessary to find clear skies. This might mean crossing borders into Sweden, depending on weather conditions.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 8 hours, but it can extend to 10 hours if needed, until the Aurora appears or your time runs out.

Will I get good photos?
Absolutely. Your guide is a professional photographer with top-tier equipment, and you will receive full-resolution images in a private gallery.

Is pick-up included?
Yes, free pick-up and drop-off are available within a 20 km radius of Rovaniemi. Be ready 10 minutes early.

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Rovaniemi: Private Northern Lights Tour VIP Van

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a luxurious, private, and flexible way to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, this VIP tour ticks many boxes. Its re-do policy and unlimited range significantly boost your chances of catching the aurora, making the experience feel less risky. The inclusion of professional photography and total privacy adds to the overall value, especially if you’re celebrating a special trip or simply want the best possible experience.

This tour is best for travelers who want a high-quality, personalized chase rather than a crowded, rushed group outing. It’s suitable for those who value comfort and are willing to invest a bit more for a peaceful, tailored adventure. If you’re prepared for long drives in cold weather and love having a dedicated guide focused solely on your group, this could be your perfect Northern Lights experience.

In sum, this private VIP Northern Lights tour offers a combination of exclusivity, flexibility, and professionalism that’s hard to beat. For those seeking a serious shot at witnessing the Aurora with maximum comfort and confidence, it’s a solid choice that balances high standards with a proven success rate — truly a premium way to chase those magical lights.