Kiruna: Northern Lights Chase with Car

Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights in Sweden’s Arctic region? We’ve looked into the Kiruna: Northern Lights Chase with Car tour to help you decide if it fits your travel style. This small-group experience promises a cozy, personalized adventure into the Arctic night, with plenty of chances to see the Aurora and learn about Lapland’s unique environment.

What we really like about this tour is the intimate group size—limited to just eight participants—which means more personalized guidance and less time waiting around. We also appreciate that the guides are knowledgeable and genuinely excited about the lights, making the experience more engaging. On the flip side, the hunt for the Aurora depends heavily on the weather and clear skies—so if you’re visiting during a cloudy spell, seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed. This tour suits those who want a relaxed, flexible approach to Aurora chasing, especially if comfort and expert advice matter to you.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
• Expert guides read the skies and weather, maximizing your chances of catching the Aurora.
• Comfortable transportation in a warm car makes the outing accessible even in very cold conditions.
• Flexibility in locations allows guides to adapt to weather, potentially avoiding long waits and cold snaps.
• Educational insights about Lapland, polar night, and Arctic life add depth to the experience.
• Photo assistance helps you capture better shots of the Northern Lights if you bring your camera.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and How It Works

This 3-hour guided tour from Kiruna is designed to take you away from the city lights to spots where the Aurora is most likely to appear. The pickup begins around 19:00 from a variety of centrally located hotels and camps, with precise times depending on your pickup point. The small group format, capped at eight, keeps things intimate—meaning you’ll get more attention from your guide and a more relaxed experience.

Once on your way, your guide will be reading the skies, checking weather conditions, and choosing the best locations for Aurora viewing. Unlike bus or minivan tours that stick to preset spots, this tour’s flexibility can mean better chances of seeing the lights, or at least enjoying the Arctic night scenery comfortably.

The journey is led in English, with guides eager to share their knowledge about Lapland, the polar night, and life within the Arctic Circle. As you wait, you’ll be offered warm drinks like tea or lingonberry syrup to keep cozy. When the Aurora finally puts on a show, your guide can help you with camera settings to help you capture the moment.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Departure: The tour kicks off with a pickup from your selected location—such as the ICEHOTEL, Camp Alta, or Scandic Kiruna—around 19:00 to 20:00. The exact time depends on where you’re staying. This early evening start gives you plenty of time to enjoy the Arctic night.

Journey to Viewing Spots: The guide will drive to carefully chosen locations, often away from city lights, aiming to increase your chances of Aurora sightings. Because the guide reads the weather and sky conditions, you won’t be stuck at a single spot all night—this flexibility can be crucial when trying to catch the Aurora during unpredictable weather.

Aurora Viewing & Photography: Once at the location, the guide will help you set up your camera for the best shot, which is a real plus for those wanting to capture the lights. While the Aurora is never guaranteed, the guide’s experience often pays off. One review mentions that they watched the lights dance from the side of the road, without needing to travel far from Kiruna.

Warm Drinks and Comfort: Throughout, you’ll be offered warm beverages like tea and lingonberry syrup to stay comfortable, especially if temperatures drop. If feet get cold, some guides even make a small campfire—adding a cozy touch to the experience.

Drop-Off & End: The tour concludes around 22:00, with drop-offs available at the same locations you were picked up from. The entire experience is designed to be light on time but heavy on atmosphere and learning.

The Experience in Real Life (Based on Reviews)

Several travelers have shared their thoughts, and the overall sentiment is positive. One reviewer from Uzbekistan praised their guide Henrik, saying that his enthusiasm made the night memorable. They mentioned that they didn’t have to go far—the Aurora started as soon as they left the city, and Henrik even made a campfire when feet got cold. This highlights the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the tour.

Another traveler from Poland appreciated the warm and comfortable vehicle and the interesting stories shared by guides, even when they didn’t see the lights. This underscores that the journey itself—the company, the scenery, and the knowledge shared—can be just as valuable as the Aurora itself.

A third review from Argentina praised the attentiveness of guide Daniel, who searched for the best spots, and even when the weather wasn’t cooperating, the experience was still worthwhile. It shows that guides genuinely try to maximize your chances, which is reassuring when Aurora sightings depend on nature’s unpredictability.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Personalized Attention: Small group size means guides can focus on individual questions and camera tips, making it a more tailored experience.

Location Flexibility: Because the guide chooses spots based on weather conditions, you’re not stuck at a single location and might avoid the disappointment of cloudy skies.

Educational Commentary: Learning about Lapland and Arctic life adds context, turning a simple light show into an enriching experience.

Comfort & Convenience: The use of a warm, private vehicle makes the outing accessible and less physically demanding, especially in the cold.

Focus on Photography: If capturing the Aurora matters to you, guides are willing to assist with settings, which can make all the difference in getting a good shot.

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Practical Considerations

While the tour offers flexibility and a cozy setting, it’s important to remember that Aurora viewing is never guaranteed. Clear skies are essential, so if the weather is cloudy or stormy, your chances diminish. That said, the guides do their best to read the conditions and choose optimal spots, which increases your odds compared to less flexible tours.

The tour is priced to reflect the personalized experience, and while it might be more expensive than larger, bus-based options, many travelers find the intimacy and expert guidance worth the extra cost. You’ll need to bring warm clothing and shoes—which is a must in Arctic winter—so dress in layers and prepare for the cold.

Group size limitations mean fewer people in the viewing spots, reducing light pollution and making your chances of seeing the Aurora clearer. And because the tour is only three hours long, it’s a manageable outing that fits easily into a broader trip schedule.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates being in a small, relaxed group with a knowledgeable guide, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Aurora without spending the entire night outdoors in the cold. Those interested in learning about Arctic life and sharing the experience with like-minded adventurers will find this appealing.

It’s also a good choice if comfort matters—since the journey is in a warm vehicle, you won’t have to worry about prolonged exposure to the cold while waiting for the lights. However, if you’re seeking a highly adventurous, rugged experience, or if your trip falls during very cloudy weather, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for some patience.

FAQs

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if weather or plans change.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, Aurora sightings depend on weather and sky conditions, but guides do their best to read the weather and pick good spots.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and shoes are essential. Extra layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear will help you stay comfortable during the wait.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, starting around 19:00 or 20:00 depending on your pickup location.

Who guides the tour?
An English-speaking guide leads the small group, sharing insights about Lapland and Arctic life along the way.

Where does the tour pick up from?
Pickup options include multiple locations such as the ICEHOTEL, Camp Alta, Scandic Kiruna, and more, with times around 19:00-20:00.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s relaxed pace and comfort-focused approach make it suitable for most adults and older children comfortable in cold weather. Always check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights chase from Kiruna offers a balanced mix of comfort, education, and potential for spectacular sights. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it a solid choice for travelers who want to avoid the chaos of larger tours and enjoy a more personalized Arctic adventure. While nature’s unpredictability means you won’t get a 100% guarantee of the Aurora, the flexible approach taken by the guides—and the cozy vehicle—significantly boost your chances.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines the magic of the Northern Lights with learning about Lapland’s environment, and you prefer a more intimate setting, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to come prepared for the cold, and keep your expectations flexible. Sometimes, even a cloudy night can turn into an interesting Arctic adventure when shared with knowledgeable guides and good company.

In summary, this tour is best suited for those who value personalized guidance, comfort, and educational insights, and who are prepared for the unpredictability of Aurora chasing. For anyone wanting to make the most of their Arctic night without sacrificing warmth or intimacy, it’s a solid pick.

Note: Always review current weather forecasts and dress appropriately. And remember, patience and a little luck are part of the Northern Lights experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: