Kiruna: Northern Lights Minivan Chase with Warm Drink

Discovering the Northern Lights in Kiruna: An Honest Look at the Minivan Chase with Warm Drink

If you’re dreaming of glimpsing the elusive Northern Lights in Sweden, the Kiruna: Northern Lights Minivan Chase with Warm Drink offers a cozy, guided way to chase this natural wonder. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but based on reviews and the tour details, it seems like a solid option for those wanting a relaxed but immersive Arctic experience.

What caught our eye is the combination of expert guidance and the comfort of warm drinks while waiting—a thoughtful touch that makes the cold less daunting. Plus, the tour’s focus on finding the best viewing spots means you’re not just stuck in one place, hoping for the best. But, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a dedicated photography tour, so if capturing every moment is your priority, you might want to look elsewhere. This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a comfortable, informative chase after the lights rather than a high-octane photo mission.

Key Points:
– Comfortable experience with warm drinks and snacks from Lapland
– Expert guides help maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora
– 4-hour duration offers a manageable glimpse without long waits
– No hotel transfers included, so plan your transportation
– Not suitable for children under 6, so check your family needs
– Great for those who prefer a relaxed, guided experience over rigorous photography sessions

What is the Kiruna Northern Lights Minivan Chase?

This tour is a 4-hour adventure starting from Kiruna, designed to take you out of the city lights and into the Arctic wilderness where the Aurora Borealis might make an appearance. Instead of a large bus, you get the intimacy of a minivan, which can access spots larger vehicles might miss, offering a more personal experience.

The idea is simple: meet your guide in the heart of Kiruna, then head out to the locations with the best odds of viewing the Northern Lights. The guides are knowledgeable, helping you understand the science behind the Aurora while searching for those shimmering green, pink, or purple curtains dancing across the night sky.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: what to expect on this chase

From the moment you meet your guide behind Scandic Hotel in Kiruna’s new center, you’re set for an evening focused on comfort and anticipation. The tour lasts about four hours, which is enough time to venture into the surrounding wilderness without feeling like you’re on a relentless chase.

Once on your way, the guide drives to where the Aurora might be most visible that night—often based on the latest weather and solar activity updates. The drive itself is a highlight, as the Arctic landscape around Kiruna is breathtakingly stark and beautiful.

While you wait for the lights, you’ll enjoy warm drinks and delicacies from Lapland — a thoughtful touch that keeps spirits high and hands warm. You can expect to be outside for some time, so dressing warmly is crucial, but the cozy beverages help make the waiting more pleasant.

The guides: what makes them special?

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the guides’ expertise. Guests consistently mention how knowledgeable and helpful the guides are, not just in chasing the Aurora but also in sharing insights about the local environment and Lapland culture. As one reviewer noted, “The guide was fantastic—really knew where to take us and explained everything clearly,” making the experience more meaningful.

This is especially valuable if you’re new to aurora hunting or Arctic conditions. Guides often have a finger on the weather and aurora forecast pulse, giving you better chances of seeing the lights than if you went on your own.

What about comfort and logistics?

Since this is a small-group minivan tour, you’ll have a more intimate experience than larger bus tours. There’s a good balance between being out long enough to see something spectacular and not feeling exhausted or cold. However, it’s important to bring your own warm clothing and water—the tour doesn’t include rentals or gear, and the Arctic night can get chilly quickly.

The tour does not include transfers from your hotel, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point behind Scandic Hotel. This is straightforward if you’re staying in Kiruna, but it’s something to plan for if you’re not centrally located.

Is it good value for the price?

At $198 per person, the tour is priced fairly for a guided Arctic adventure. It includes the guide and the warm drinks, which are thoughtful additions. While it might seem steep for some, keep in mind that this price covers not just transportation but also the expertise of someone who’s out there trying to maximize your chances of the Aurora’s appearance.

Guests who have taken the tour say that the experience is well-organized and worth the cost, especially considering the comfort and personal attention you receive. Plus, the ability to enjoy a warm drink while waiting, rather than braving the cold with just a camera, enhances the overall value.

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What do reviews say?

With a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews, this tour has clearly made a good impression. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides and the cozy atmosphere, making a potentially cold and uncertain experience much more enjoyable. One review mentions, “The guide was fantastic—knew exactly where to go and explained everything about the Aurora, which made it so much more interesting.” This indicates that the guiding makes a real difference.

A common theme is that while the tour doesn’t promise a sighting (which is understandable, given the nature of the Northern Lights), the guided efforts and comfort make for a memorable evening. Some mention that the timing and weather are unpredictable, but that the effort and company make it worthwhile.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is a good fit for travellers who value comfort and expert guidance over a purely photo-centric experience. It’s ideal if you prefer traveling with small groups and enjoy learning about the environment from knowledgeable guides. Because it involves waiting outside, warm clothing and patience are a must.

It’s also suitable for those who want a relaxed, stress-free way to experience the Northern Lights without the hassle of organizing transport or braving the cold alone. The inclusion of Lapland delicacies is a bonus for those wanting a taste of local culture.

Final thoughts

The Kiruna Northern Lights Minivan Chase with Warm Drink strikes a nice balance between comfort and adventure. You get to leave the city behind, enjoy the Arctic scenery, and have a real shot at seeing the Aurora thanks to knowledgeable guides. The cozy drinks and snacks make the waiting part easier and more inviting.

If you’re traveling to Kiruna and want a guided experience that doesn’t require a lot of physical effort, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It’s not the most intensive Aurora hunt out there, but it offers a relaxed, friendly, and informative way to enjoy one of nature’s most magical displays.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old, likely due to the outdoor cold and the nature of the experience. If you’re traveling with older children, they might enjoy the adventure with proper warm clothing.

Do I need to bring my own camera?
While it’s a great opportunity for photos, this isn’t a dedicated photography tour. You can bring your camera to capture the moment, but the focus is more on the experience and guidance.

Does the tour include hotel transfers?
No, transfers from your hotel aren’t included. You’ll meet at the designated spot behind Scandic Hotel in Kiruna.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal underwear, a good insulated jacket, hat, gloves, and warm footwear. Bringing water is also advised since staying hydrated is important.

What happens if there’s no Northern Lights?
Like all Aurora tours, the lights depend on weather and solar activity. Guides will do their best to find a good viewing spot, but a sighting isn’t guaranteed. Still, the experience of being out in the Arctic and learning about the Aurora makes it worthwhile.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility if weather conditions aren’t ideal or your plans change.

This tour is a solid, comfortable way to chase the Northern Lights in Kiruna, especially if you appreciate good guidance and cozy amenities. It’s best for travelers who want to keep it simple, enjoy the scenery, and have a knowledgeable host to increase their chances of witnessing this spectacular natural event.

You can check availability for your dates here: