Saariselkä,Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour.

Exploring the Saariselkä & Kakslauttanen Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights in Lapland, the Saariselkä Kakslauttanen Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers a well-organized way to do just that. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve looked into what makes it appealing—and what might be worth considering.

Two things stand out right away: the expertise of the guides and the convenience of traveling comfortably in a small Mercedes Benz minibus. These aspects really enhance the experience, especially since chasing the elusive auroras often requires some luck and good location choices. On the flip side, a potential challenge could be the weather; this tour only runs when at least three people are booked, and the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights means there’s no guaranteed sighting.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who value guided expertise and comfort over rugged adventure, especially if you’re keen on photography or simply want a chance to witness the Aurora in a relaxed setting. If you’re okay with flexible plans and enjoying a small group with knowledgeable guides, this could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Expert-guided Aurora hunting increases your chances of seeing the lights.
• Comfortable small-group tours in luxury Mercedes Benz minibuses make the experience more enjoyable.
• Weather-dependent activity—visibility of the Northern Lights is never guaranteed.
• Flexible locations based on weather conditions improve your odds.
• Ideal for those who want a calmer, guided experience rather than rugged or outdoor-only adventures.
• Photographers will appreciate the professional guidance for capturing the Aurora.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What This Tour Offers

The Saariselkä Kakslauttanen Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour is essentially a well-orchestrated venture into the Arctic night. Over approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, you’re taken on a hunt for the Northern Lights—one of nature’s most captivating spectacles—by a team of guides who know the landscape and the science behind the phenomenon. The tour operates in the evening, which is prime time for Aurora viewing, and then switches to daytime activities like sightseeing and photography.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its approach: rather than sticking to one fixed spot, the guides are proactive about moving around based on weather conditions, cloud cover, and aurora forecasts. If the skies are cloudy in Saariselkä, they’ll search elsewhere, significantly boosting your chances of catching the lights.

The Transport & Small Group Experience

Traveling in a Mercedes Benz minibus means you’re part of a small group, which makes the whole experience more personal and less rushed. This setup allows guides to make quick decisions about where to go next, and it’s also more comfortable for everyone—no crowded buses or noisy groups here.

On top of that, the minibus lets you cover a broader area than a snowmobile might, giving you access to wider clear-sky spots. Plus, from inside the vehicle, you can stay warm and relax during the long Arctic night, which can be a big plus if you’re traveling with children or just prefer a cozy ride.

The Role of the Guides

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides are a major highlight. They are described as professional, friendly, and knowledgeable, with one reviewer noting that the guide “chased the lights” and took their group to a “hidden spot” for the best viewing. Many reviews mention how helpful the guides are in explaining the science behind the Aurora and assisting with photography.

This personalized attention makes a difference, especially for those who want to get good photos or simply want a smooth, informative experience rather than feeling left to the mercy of the weather.

What to Expect on the Tour

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The Itinerary

The tour begins with a free pickup from designated locations within a 20 km radius around Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, which means no stressful early mornings or long walks in bulky winter gear. The specific pickup times vary depending on your location, with the earliest pickups from Saariselkä village itself—sometimes just a few minutes away from your accommodation.

Once everyone is gathered, the guides set out on their hunt. The first stop might be in Saariselkä or at Kakslauttanen, which is famous for its glass igloos, although the tour doesn’t include overnight stays in these. The main activity is the guided aurora chase, where you’ll be exploring different spots based on weather conditions and aurora activity level.

During the hunt, there are opportunities for photo stops and sightseeing. If the Aurora appears and stays long enough, guides can move to several different locations to maximize your chances for stunning photos. Reviewers have appreciated this flexibility, noting how it gives them more opportunities to capture the lights.

What You Will Experience

The night sky in Lapland can be breathtaking, especially if the lights cooperate. Guides usually take photos for you, giving you a chance to have memorabilia of the experience without needing expert photography skills. As one reviewer said, their guide “explained the lights and took a lot of photos,” making the whole thing feel very special.

But remember: Auroras are unpredictable. Although the guides do their best to find clear skies, there’s no absolute guarantee you’ll see them. It’s worth managing expectations, especially if you’re visiting during a period of high cloud cover or solar inactivity.

Comfort and Practicalities

The tour’s duration is manageable at around 3 to 3.5 hours, which makes it suitable for most travelers, including those who might find longer tours tiring. The small group size and comfortable transport mean you won’t feel rushed or cramped.

You’re advised to wear warm clothing and proper winter shoes, as you’ll be outside waiting for the lights to appear, sometimes for quite a while. The guides are familiar with the local weather patterns and will advise on what to bring.

The Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Knowledgeable guides enhance your chances of seeing the Aurora and help with photos.
• Comfortable transportation in a luxury minibus makes the journey relaxing.
• Flexibility in location increases the likelihood of clear skies.
• The small group setting creates a more intimate, less crowded experience.
• The tour offers professional photos, a nice bonus for those wanting souvenirs.

Possible Downsides

• The activity only runs if at least three people are booked, so it’s not guaranteed.
• Since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, sighting cannot be promised—clouds or solar inactivity might mean a cloudy night or no lights.
• The tour is mainly outdoors and late in the evening, which might be tough for some travelers or families with small children.
• Weather conditions can influence the experience significantly; if it’s very cold or cloudy, your chances decrease.

Is It Worth the Price?

This tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the professional guidance, reliable transportation, and the potential to see the Northern Lights—something that’s often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For anyone serious about photographing the Aurora or just wanting a hassle-free way to chase the lights with experts, the cost is justified.

The included professional photos add extra value—rarely do tours offer that, and it saves you the trouble of lugging around camera gear in freezing temperatures. Also, the small group size and luxury vehicle boost comfort and intimacy, which many travelers appreciate.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed, guided experience with a focus on comfort and photography, this tour is a solid choice. It’s suitable for travelers who want a bit more assurance about seeing the Aurora, especially since the guides move locations to maximize your chances.

It’s also well-suited for those who don’t want rugged outdoor activities like snowmobiling or reindeer sleigh rides—this is more about enjoying the night sky from the warmth of the vehicle and the company of knowledgeable guides.

However, if you’re traveling with very young children or prefer outdoor adventures without a vehicle, you might want to consider whether late nights outdoors are suitable. Also, flexible travelers who understand the natural unpredictability of the Aurora will appreciate this tour more.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the experience involves outdoor night-time viewing, it can be suitable for children comfortable with cold weather and late hours. Keep in mind that the tour is outdoors and can be quite long, so consider your child’s patience and endurance.

What should I bring?
Warm winter clothing and proper shoes are a must. The guides recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable during outside waiting periods.

What happens if the weather is cloudy?
If the weather forecast predicts cloud cover in Saariselkä, the guides will search for clear skies elsewhere in the area. This flexibility helps improve your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, but it’s still dependent on actual weather conditions.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While guides do their best and have a good track record, seeing the Aurora isn’t guaranteed. It’s a natural phenomenon, after all, and its appearance depends on solar activity and weather.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, which is a manageable chunk of time to enjoy without feeling too fatigued.

Where do I get picked up?
From designated spots within 20 km of Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, including Saariselkä village, Kiilopää, and various Kakslauttanen locations. Be ready on time for pickup, as delays can happen.

Is the tour private or in small groups?
You can choose between private or small group experiences, both providing a more personalized and relaxed outing.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible booking option.

How many people typically join?
The tour requires a minimum of three participants to run, so it’s best to book with others in your group or check availability early.

To sum it up, this Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour from Saariselkä offers a thoughtful, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights in Lapland. The combination of professional guides, comfortable transport, and flexibility in location significantly enhances the experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, guided outing with good chances to see the Aurora and capture beautiful photos. While it’s not a guaranteed sighting, the effort guides put into seeking clear skies makes it a worthwhile option for those dreaming of witnessing this stunning natural light show in comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: