Saariselkä: Aurora Photo Tour by Car with Transfer & Drinks

Saariselkä: Aurora Photo Tour by Car with Transfer & Drinks — Honest Review

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive northern lights during a trip to Lapland, the Saariselkä Aurora Photo Tour by Car might seem like just the ticket. It promises a cozy, guided hunt for the aurora borealis, with some nice touches like hot drinks, gingerbread cookies, and photos afterward. As someone who’s seen a lot of northern lights tours, I’ll share what makes this one good—and what to keep in mind before booking.

What I do like about this experience is its convenience and focus on comfort—you’re picked up from your accommodation, transported to prime viewing spots, and treated to warm drinks. Plus, the inclusion of photos is a real bonus for remembering the moment. On the flip side, one potential snag is the unpredictability of the northern lights—this isn’t a guarantee, just a chance. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, guided experience and don’t mind the hope that the aurora might not show up.

If you’re someone looking for a straightforward, well-organized Northern Lights outing that offers some extra comforts, this could be worth considering. But if your main goal is a guaranteed show or a more adventurous outing, you might want to explore other options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Comfortable, short duration: Only 3 hours, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Includes transportation and hotel pickup: No worries about finding a meeting point.
• Hot drinks and gingerbread cookies: Nice touches for keeping warm and cozy.
• Photos provided afterward: A great way to remember the experience without worrying about photography.
• Unpredictable natural phenomenon: The aurora isn’t guaranteed, so some luck is involved.
• Suitable for those who want a relaxed experience: Not necessarily for thrill-seekers or those wanting a full-night adventure.

What to Expect on the Aurora Photo Tour

This tour is designed to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights while keeping things straightforward and comfortable. We’ll start with a hotel pickup, which means no stressing over meeting points—just relax until your guide arrives. Once on board, you’ll head toward the best spots in Saariselkä to hunt for the aurora borealis, depending on the weather and sky conditions.

Expect the journey to take around three hours, during which your guide will take you to some of the major northern lights hotspots. These locations are chosen based on current weather and solar activity, aiming to optimize your chances of witnessing the dancing lights. While the northern lights are unpredictable, the guides are experienced in reading the sky and trying to position you for the best view.

Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy hot drinks and gingerbread cookies—a small but appreciated touch that makes waiting in the cold more pleasant. The warm beverages help combat the chilly Lapland air, especially important when you’re gazing upward for extended periods. If you’re a keen photographer or just want some good shots for memories, the guide will also capture photos during the trip and offer nighttime photography tips if you’re using your own camera.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be returned to your accommodation, and you’ll receive a link to your photos afterward. It’s a nice way to keep those wintery memories alive, especially since capturing the aurora on your own can be tricky.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour is fairly simple but well-structured. You’ll be picked up at your hotel, where your guide will brief you briefly about what to expect. From there, the group will board a comfortable vehicle heading toward the sites with the highest chance of aurora activity. This part is key: the guide’s local knowledge and experience matter because they’ll choose spots away from city lights and with clear views, maximizing your chances of a sighting.

Expect a relaxed atmosphere—this isn’t a high-energy adventure but more of a laid-back, scenic drive with occasional stops. During each stop, you’ll get a chance to look up and see if the lights are making an appearance. If conditions are right, you’ll be treated to the mesmerizing dance of green, purple, and sometimes even red hues flickering across the sky.

The guide’s role is crucial: they’re there to share their knowledge about the aurora borealis, answer your questions, and take your photos. Some reviews mention the guides’ experience—multiple travelers appreciated how well they knew where to go to catch the best views. Others, however, did mention that, despite the effort, the aurora can still be elusive, which is part of the gamble.

Once the tour ends, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. The photos are sent afterward via a link, which is a thoughtful keepsake, especially since night photography can be tricky for most people.

Real Traveler Experiences and Honest Feedback

Looking at recent reviews, opinions on the tour vary. A few travelers expressed disappointment when the northern lights didn’t appear despite the effort, like one German traveler who said, “Leider gab es keine Nordlichter. Schade das die Tour trotzdem durchgeführt wurde.” This is a common theme with aurora tours—nature doesn’t always cooperate.

On the positive side, travelers who did see the lights rave about the views. For example, a traveler from Singapore mentioned, “Our guide is very experienced and knew exactly where to bring us to catch the northern lights. We literally saw the best ever NL display within an hour into the trip,” which shows that with a bit of luck and a good guide, this tour can deliver truly awe-inspiring moments.

Many reviews highlight the value for money, especially with the added bonus of photos and warm snacks. The gingerbread cookies and hot drinks are simple but meaningful touches that make waiting more comfortable. One traveler even called it “excellent,” reflecting how satisfying the experience can be when luck is on your side.

However, some reviews warn about the unpredictability and the possibility of the tour going ahead even if no aurora is visible—something to keep in mind if you’re hoping for a guaranteed show. Also, parents should consider whether outdoor exposure late at night suits small children, given the outdoor stay and cold temperatures.

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Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Duration: 3 hours — perfect if you want a quick but potentially rewarding outing.
Pickup: Included, but you should check your confirmation email for the exact meeting time and location to avoid missing out.
Price: The value depends on how much you prioritize photos, warm drinks, and the chance to see the lights. Many find it reasonable given the convenience.
Weather dependence: The tour’s success hinges on clear skies and solar activity. It’s smart to check the latest weather forecast beforehand.
Group size: Not specified, but typically these tours are small enough for personalized attention.
Language: The live guide speaks English, making it accessible for international travelers.
Cancellation: Full refund available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility to your plans.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, guided hunt for the northern lights without the hassle of organizing transportation or worrying about the best spots. If you appreciate warm drinks, cookies, and photos to keep the memory alive, this ticks those boxes. It’s also suitable for those with a flexible schedule, understanding that the aurora is unpredictable, and success isn’t guaranteed.

However, if you’re after a full-night adventure or a guaranteed sighting, you might prefer other options or longer tours. Those traveling with very small children should consider whether outdoor late-night exposure is suitable. And if you’re a hardcore aurora chaser or want to venture further into the wilderness, this tour’s more laid-back style might not satisfy that craving.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It depends. The tour involves outdoor time and late hours, so consider if your kids are comfortable with cold weather and being outside in the dark.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, which gives some flexibility if the forecast isn’t promising.

Will I definitely see the northern lights?
Not necessarily. The aurora borealis is an unpredictable natural phenomenon, and even with experienced guides, a sighting isn’t guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, especially thermal underwear, a good winter jacket, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots—Lapland can get very cold at night.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free snacks available?
Yes, these options are available upon request, making the experience more comfortable if you have dietary restrictions.

How are the photos shared?
After the tour, you’ll receive a link to download your photos, which are taken by the guide during the trip.

What if I arrive late?
Late arrivals won’t be able to join the tour, and it won’t be refunded, so be sure to be on time.

Is the tour noisy or crowded?
It’s usually a small group, so expect a cozy, friendly atmosphere—not a big bus full of people.

How long do the northern lights typically last?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, but the actual time you spend observing depends on the weather and aurora activity that night.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Saariselkä Aurora Photo Tour by Car offers a convenient, cozy way to chase the northern lights in Lapland. It combines the chance to see a breathtaking natural phenomenon with the benefits of warm drinks, snacks, and photos—making it a solid choice for those who want comfort and support in their aurora hunt.

While it’s not a guaranteed sighting, the experience can be quite magical when the lights do make an appearance. It’s well-suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace, value local knowledge, and appreciate some extra touches like photos and warm treats.

If you’re okay with a bit of luck and looking for a stress-free way to tick the aurora off your bucket list, this tour could be just what you need. But keep your expectations realistic, dress warmly, and enjoy the journey—because even if the lights don’t dance for you, the winter scenery and the thrill of the hunt still make it worthwhile.

Happy aurora chasing!

You can check availability for your dates here: