Rovaniemi: Private Northern Lights Tour with Photography

If you’re dreaming of catching the Aurora Borealis during your trip to Lapland, this Private Northern Lights Tour from Rovaniemi really ticks many boxes. It’s designed for those who want a personalized, comfortable experience with the best chance of seeing the lights—without the crowds or unnecessary stops that sometimes come with group tours.

We’re fans of how this tour prioritizes flexibility and privacy—your group gets full attention, and the guides are focused solely on finding the clearest skies for you. Plus, the inclusion of professional photos is a nice touch, giving you tangible memories of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

One thing to consider is that this is a 6-hour commitment, which might be a long evening if you’re not a night owl, or if weather conditions don’t cooperate. Still, the effort is often worth it, especially if you’re after a high chance of witnessing the auroras in style. This tour suits travelers who want a more exclusive, tailored experience and don’t mind paying a bit extra for the comfort and personalization.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience focused entirely on your group’s preferences
• Flexible itinerary that moves quickly to find the clearest skies, even crossing into Sweden if needed
• Includes warm Finnish drinks to keep cozy while waiting for the auroras
• Professional DSLR photos of you beneath the Northern Lights, a great keepsake
• Full attention from guides without crowds or unnecessary stops
• Weather-dependent; full refund if conditions make viewing impossible

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

This tour is all about maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in a comfortable, intimate setting. Unlike larger group excursions that might spend time on BBQs or stopping at scenic spots, this private experience zeroes in on what matters—the auroras. The guides use real-time aurora insights and drive far outside Rovaniemi, often into the clearest skies, sometimes crossing into neighboring Sweden if needed. That’s a big plus because it means they’re actively seeking the best conditions rather than sticking to a preset route.

We loved the idea of private transport. It makes the entire outing feel more relaxed—you won’t be crammed into a bus with strangers, and the guides can adapt the pace based on your preferences. Plus, this setup allows the guides to react swiftly to changing weather, moving quickly to spots with the clearest sky. This is crucial in Lapland, where weather can shift rapidly.

The warm Finnish drinks—think hot chocolate or coffee—are a small but meaningful touch. They keep you warm while you wait, which can be a challenge in sub-zero temperatures. It’s a simple addition but one that makes the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.

Another feature that sets this tour apart is the professional photography. You’ll receive high-quality DSLR photos of yourself with the auroras swirling overhead, which many travelers say is a priceless memory. Since the Northern Lights are unpredictable, having professional photos taken during a successful sighting can be a real highlight.

The Itinerary: How the Night Unfolds

The tour starts with a pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi, which means no fuss about getting to a meeting point. From there, the guides take you into the wilderness—far outside the city’s light pollution—where the chances of seeing the auroras are much higher.

The journey is flexible, meaning the guides will adjust the route based on real-time weather data. They’re not bound by a fixed schedule or stops, focusing solely on giving you the best opportunity to witness the Northern Lights. If the forecast is poor near Rovaniemi, they can cross into Sweden or move to different vantage points, which is a big advantage compared to fixed-group tours.

Once at the chosen spot, you’ll settle in with your warm drinks, blankets if provided, and wait for the auroras to appear. You might find yourself mesmerized by the shifting lights—green, purple, sometimes even red or pink—these natural displays are unpredictable but awe-inspiring when conditions are right.

The guides stay with you throughout, providing insights about the phenomenon and taking professional photos. When the lights fade, or the tour concludes, you’re driven back to Rovaniemi, hopefully with memories—and photos—you’ll treasure.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers highlight the personalized approach and the dedicated effort of guides to find clear skies. One said, “We loved how quickly they moved us around depending on the weather, and the photos were stunning.” Others appreciate the warm drinks and comfortable transport, noting that it made waiting in the freezing cold much easier.

Some caution that weather plays a big role; if the skies are cloudy or the auroras don’t appear, the tour won’t operate, and you’ll get a full refund. This transparency is reassuring for travelers worried about spending money on a no-show.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for those who value privacy and flexibility. If you want a more exclusive, less crowded way to chase the Northern Lights, this is a great pick. It’s also ideal if you’re keen on professional photos as part of your memories.

However, keep in mind that the tour runs for 6 hours, which might be a long evening, especially for very young children or those with limited patience for late-night outings. It’s best for travelers who are comfortable with cold weather and waiting outside in winter conditions.

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The Cost and Value

While this tour isn’t the cheapest option on offer, it’s priced to reflect the personalized service, private transport, and professional photos included. If you’re after a high-quality, tailored experience with a high success rate for aurora sightings, many find it well worth the investment. The fact that they monitor the weather and will cancel for poor conditions for a full refund adds confidence—you’re not risking your money on a slim chance.

Practical Tips for Your Aurora Chase

• Dress warmly: Layers, thermal wear, hats, gloves, and insulated boots are essential.
• Bring a camera: Your smartphone might not cut it for capturing the lights; a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal.
• Expect flexibility: Your guides will adapt to weather, so stay patient if conditions aren’t perfect immediately.
• Be prepared to wait: Sometimes the lights are elusive, but the guides’ efforts improve your chances.
• Reserve in advance: The tour’s exclusivity and limited group size mean spots can fill up, especially during peak season.

Final Thoughts

This Private Northern Lights Tour from Rovaniemi offers a chance to experience the Aurora Borealis in a relaxed, tailored, and comfortable manner. The combination of private transport, flexible itinerary, and professional photography makes it stand out from more standard options. It’s especially appealing if you’re after a more personal experience and are willing to invest in the best possible chance of seeing the lights, along with some memorable photos to take home.

While the price might be higher than group tours, the extra attention, swift responsiveness to weather, and exclusivity tend to justify it for travelers who want quality and peace of mind. If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates comfort, flexibility, and a focus on witnessing one of nature’s most dazzling displays, this tour could be just right.

This experience is ideal for those seeking a more private, relaxed aurora-chasing adventure, especially if you value professional photos and personalized guidance. It’s perfect for travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights with a dedicated, knowledgeable team by their side. But if you’re after a budget-friendly option or are okay with larger groups and more stops, you might find other tours more suitable.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get private transportation, warm Finnish drinks, and professional DSLR photos of you under the Northern Lights. The focus is on maximizing your viewing chances and comfort.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 6 hours, starting from pickup in Rovaniemi and ending back there. It’s designed to give ample time to find and enjoy the auroras.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly with weather-appropriate clothing, including thermal layers, hats, gloves, and insulated boots. Bringing a camera is recommended if you want to capture the lights yourself.

Can the tour be canceled due to weather?
Yes, the provider monitors the weather conditions. If the forecast is extremely unfavorable and the chances of seeing the auroras are slim, the tour will be canceled, and you’ll get a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned for children in the info, the tour’s length and outdoor nature suggest it’s best suited for older children comfortable with cold weather. Babies under 1 year or those over 95 years are not recommended.

Can I join this tour if I have limited mobility?
The tour involves driving to wilderness spots and waiting outside in cold weather, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues. It’s best to check directly with the provider for specific concerns.

This private tour offers an elegant way to chase the Northern Lights, blending comfort, flexibility, and professionalism. If seeing the auroras with minimal fuss and maximum chance appeals to you, it’s likely worth considering for your Lapland adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: