Levi: Aurora Borealis Tracking, Learning, & Photography Tour

When it comes to chasing the Northern Lights, there’s no shortage of options in Lapland. But this particular tour from Balkarctic Adventures caught our attention because it promises more than just a basic chase — it combines scientific forecasting with hands-on learning and professional photography, all wrapped up in a cozy, small-group experience. For anyone who’s ever tried to catch the aurora and felt the frustration of cloudy skies or unpredictable conditions, this could be a game-changer.

What really sets this tour apart are two key things: First, the personalized Aurora Probability Report that guides your night’s plans — which means you’re not just crossing fingers; you’re making informed choices. Second, the focus on teaching you to track the aurora yourself, using free apps and real-time data, so you’ll leave with practical skills for future nights. That said, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a tour for the very young or those seeking a laid-back, sit-and-wait style experience; it’s geared toward travelers eager to learn and actively participate.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency — like all aurora tours, cloud cover can still spoil the show. The tour offers rescheduling or refunds if the forecast doesn’t cooperate, which is reassuring. This experience suits curious, adaptable travelers who want to make the most of their Northern Lights adventure, especially if they’re interested in photography or learning about space weather.

Key Points

• Forecast-Driven Experience: You get a personalized Aurora Probability Report the night before, based on a combination of cloud cover, solar activity, and live data.
• Educational Focus: You’ll learn how to track the aurora with free mobile apps and magnetogram data, gaining skills for future viewing.
• Flexible Routing: The small group (max 8 people) means your guide can change direction to avoid clouds and light pollution, increasing your chances of seeing the lights.
• Professional Photos Included: During the tour, your guide will take high-quality images of you under the aurora, which you’ll receive afterward.
• Warm Comforts: Under the stars, enjoy local snacks and hot drinks, making the experience cozy despite the cold.
• Rescheduling or Refunds: If the forecast looks poor, you can reschedule or get your money back without hassle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Heart of the Tour: What to Expect

Personalized Aurora Forecast – Your Night Before’s Secret Weapon

The tour’s magic begins with a detailed forecast sent the evening before. This isn’t just a weather report; it combines cloud coverage, hemispheric power, solar wind, and magnetometer data to give an accurate probability of Aurora visibility. If the chances are below 50%, the tour can be rescheduled or canceled for free. This thoughtful approach helps you avoid wasting your precious time and gives you confidence in the experience.

Learning to Track the Aurora Yourself

Once out under the dark skies, the guide teaches you how to use free mobile apps and live magnetogram data to monitor space weather. You’ll learn how to interpret real-time information, detect when the aurora is active, and understand the science behind it. This hands-on approach is especially appreciated by travelers who enjoy understanding what they’re witnessing rather than just watching a spectacle passively.

Flexible Routing for the Best Views

As the small group drives through the Finnish wilderness, your guide keeps an eye on cloud forecasts and sky conditions, changing direction if needed. This adaptability is crucial — the weather can change quickly, and being able to chase clear patches maximizes your chances of seeing the lights dance overhead. It’s a smart way to make the most of your limited time in Lapland.

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Under the Stars with Warm Drinks and Snacks

When the lights appear (or even if they don’t), you’ll have the chance to relax with some local snacks and warm drinks. The experience isn’t just about catching a sight, but also about enjoying the atmosphere and chatting about the science and folklore of the aurora. It’s a cozy, memorable setting that balances adventure with comfort.

Night Photography Support & Professional Photos

For those interested in capturing the moment, the guide provides support with night photography. If conditions allow, they’ll take professional photos of you under the aurora, which you’ll receive later as a set of edited images (typically 15-30 per booking). If you’re new to night photography, this addition can be especially valuable, giving you high-quality images without the hassle of setting up your own gear in the dark.

What the Day Looks Like: The Itinerary

Pickup in Sirkka: The experience begins with pickup from your accommodation or arranged meeting point in Levi. The guide will confirm the location when you book, ensuring a smooth start.

30-minute drive: Your group will hop into a cozy vehicle, heading out into the night’s darkness. The short drive means more time under the sky once you arrive.

Guided Aurora Tracking: Once at your viewing spot, the guide employs live data and their expertise to find the clearest sky. They’ll teach you how to use apps and interpret data, making you more confident in spotting the aurora yourself.

Waiting & Watching: Depending on conditions and how active the aurora is, you might spend 1-3 hours outside. The small group size means personalized attention and flexibility, including the potential to change locations if needed.

Return & Photos: After the tour, you’re driven back with your professional images, ready to relive the experience or share the magic with friends.

The Real Value: Is It Worth It?

In terms of price, this tour offers a lot more than just a chase — it’s an educational experience that equips you with practical skills and personalized data. The inclusion of professional photos adds a memorable touch, and the ability to reschedule or get a refund if the forecast is poor provides peace of mind.

The small group format makes it intimate and allows the guide to tailor the experience based on real-time conditions, which can significantly improve your chances of seeing the aurora. Plus, the focus on teaching you to track the lights yourself means you gain a skill that can be useful for future trips or spontaneous outings.

However, keep in mind that, like all aurora tours, the actual spectacle depends heavily on weather and solar activity. If you’re unlucky with cloud cover or the aurora isn’t particularly active that night, the experience might be less dramatic than hoped. Still, the flexible approach and forecast-based rescheduling help mitigate this risk.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers, especially those interested in science, photography, or learning how to predict the aurora’s appearance. It’s perfect if you want to actively participate rather than just passively hope for a sighting.

It also suits adventurous souls willing to dress warmly and spend time outdoors in cold conditions, with a genuine interest in understanding what’s happening in the sky above. Since children under 10 and babies under 1 year aren’t recommended, it’s better suited to older kids and adults who appreciate a more educational and engaging experience.

Those who value flexibility and personalized attention will appreciate the small group setup and rescheduling option. If you’re after a straightforward, “sit and wait” style tour, this might be too involved — but for others, it’s an enriching way to connect with one of nature’s most spectacular shows.

FAQs

How do I know if I’ll see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Your guide provides a personalized Aurora Probability Report the night before, which indicates the likelihood of visibility. If it’s below 50%, you can reschedule or get a refund.

What should I bring for the tour?
Dress warmly in layers, bring a charged smartphone, and a tripod if you have one. Avoid open-toed shoes, high heels, and alcohol, since safety and warmth are priorities.

How long does the tour last?
The duration can be anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on weather conditions and how long the aurora remains active.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 or babies under 1 year, mainly because it involves outdoor night-time activity in cold weather and requires active participation.

What happens if the weather forecast is poor?
You can reschedule your tour or receive a full refund, ensuring you’re not out of pocket if the sky isn’t cooperating.

Will I get photos of myself under the lights?
Yes, if conditions allow, the guide will take professional photos during the tour, which you’ll receive afterward.

Do I need to have previous photography experience?
Not at all. The guide can support you with night photography, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the pickup is included in the Levi area, and the drive is part of the experience, moving to the best possible viewing spots.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an active, educational, and flexible Northern Lights experience in Lapland, this tour offers a compelling package. The focus on forecast-based planning and personalized learning sets it apart from more standard aurora chases, allowing you to feel more in control of your experience. The small group size enhances the personal touch, while the professional photos give you a tangible memory of your Arctic night.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to understand the science behind the aurora, improve their night photography, or simply enjoy a cozy, guided adventure in the cold dark skies. Just remember that the aurora is a natural phenomenon — but with this tour’s approach, your odds of witnessing it are as good as they can be.

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You can check availability for your dates here: