Northern Light Photo tour

If you’re dreaming of capturing the Northern Lights on camera and want to do it with some expert guidance, the Northern Light Photo Tour in Kiruna offers a compelling option. We haven’t personally been on this exact tour, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s a well-rounded experience designed for those eager to photograph the Aurora while learning a bit about Arctic nature. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate having professional guides who are local, and who can take the guesswork out of finding the best spots for a good view.

What really drew us in are two standout points: first, the fact that the guides provide camera equipment — including wide-angle lenses and tripods — which makes the experience more accessible for those without their own gear. Second, the flexible approach to weather conditions, with guides choosing the best locations based on the forecast, means you’re more likely to see the lights rather than just hear about them. However, a possible consideration is that, at roughly $212 per person, it’s a pretty decent price for a short, four-hour outing; so, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to compare it to other options. Ultimately, this tour seems best suited for photography enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in a local-guided, hands-on Aurora experience.

Key Points

• Expert local guides with extensive Arctic knowledge help maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Cameras and tripods are provided, making the experience accessible even if you don’t have your own gear.
• Weather-dependent location choices improve your odds of clear skies and Aurora sightings.
• Focus on photography tips ensures you return home with memorable images.
• Short and manageable at about four hours, fitting easily into a travel day.
• Small group size (max 8 travelers) means more personalized attention.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

This tour starts at Camp Ripan in Kiruna, where you’ll meet your guides and get introduced to the evening plan. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours — a good chunk of time but not overwhelming, especially considering the Arctic chill and the possibility of late-night hours in winter. What sets this experience apart is the mixture of learning and adventure: you won’t just be out hunting the lights, but also getting some insider tips on how to photograph them.

Your guides, all born and raised in the area, are passionate about sharing their local knowledge. They will choose the best locations based on the weather forecast and sky conditions, which is crucial because Northern Lights visibility can be unpredictable. Even in less-than-ideal weather, guides know of spots with better chances of clear skies, so there’s always hope.

Once out in the wilderness, you can expect to be equipped with a camera (wide-angle lens included), a tripod, and headlamp. The guides will give you a lesson on how to set up your camera for night photography, which means you’ll learn how to handle long exposures, focus in the dark, and capture the lights vividly. A notable plus is the provision of warm clothing and shoes, as Arctic temperatures can be punishing if you’re unprepared.

The Experience in Detail

Starting at Camp Ripan, you’ll hop into a vehicle and head toward the chosen vantage points. The guides are born in the area, so they know the land intimately. We loved the way they personalize the experience—adjusting plans based on weather forecasts and changing conditions. As one reviewer said, “Because of the cloud coverage, the lights were very slight,” but it’s clear the guides do their best to find the best spots for viewing and photography.

During the outing, you’ll learn about Arctic nature and get a hands-on lesson in how to photograph the Aurora. The guides’ enthusiasm is contagious, and their local insight means you get a more authentic experience compared to larger, more generic tours. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos, with the guides offering individual tips, ensuring you don’t just stand around but actively learn how to shoot in low light conditions.

One thing to note: the tour is small—up to 8 people—which helps keep the experience intimate and allows the guides to give focused attention. As one guest put it, “Our guide, Ilya, was incredibly sweet and made the night extra special,” showing the personal touch you can expect.

Value for Money

At just over $210 per person, this tour is on the higher end for a four-hour experience. But considering it includes camera equipment, warm clothing, and personalized guidance, many travelers find it to be worth the cost. The added benefit of knowing that guides will select the best spots based on weather means you’re more likely to come away with memorable photos and a story worth sharing.

Another thing to consider is the convenience factor: pickup is offered from a central location, so you don’t need to worry about transportation. Plus, with the small group size, you’ll have a more relaxed and personalized experience compared to larger tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for photography lovers, whether experienced or just eager to learn the basics. If capturing the Northern Lights on camera ranks high on your bucket list, this experience provides the gear, guidance, and spots to do just that. It’s also suitable for families with children, especially since booster seats are available, and the climate gear ensures everyone stays warm.

If you prefer a more relaxed, educational experience with an emphasis on taking photos, this will tick many boxes. It’s a good choice if you want to make the most of a relatively short window of Aurora viewing while gaining some new photography skills.

The Sum Up

The Northern Light Photo Tour in Kiruna offers a well-balanced, locally guided experience that combines Aurora hunting with photography lessons. The small group size, expert guides, and provision of camera gear make it particularly attractive for travelers who want to go beyond just watching the lights — they want to photograph them and learn how in the process.

While it’s priced competitively considering what’s included, it’s best suited for those genuinely interested in capturing the Northern Lights rather than just viewing them casually. The weather-dependent nature of Aurora sightings means you need a bit of luck, but the guides’ local knowledge significantly boosts your chances.

Overall, if you’re after a personalized, educational, and scenic way to experience the Northern Lights, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re keen to bring home some beautiful Aurora images and enjoy a night immersed in Arctic nature with friendly experts guiding your way.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t have their own camera?
Yes, the guides provide cameras equipped with wide-angle lenses, so even if you don’t own gear, you’ll still get to try your hand at photographing the Aurora.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts around four hours, usually starting in the evening and ending back at the meeting point at Camp Ripan.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing and shoes are included, but it’s recommended to dress in layers suitable for Arctic winter to stay comfortable during the outing.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather isn’t good?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Weather can impact Aurora visibility, but guides will choose the best spots based on forecast.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, booster seats are available, and the experience is suitable for most travelers, including families with children.

What happens if weather prevents Aurora sightings?
While the guides do their best to find good viewing spots, Aurora visibility can never be guaranteed. That’s part of Arctic adventures, but the guides’ local knowledge and flexible planning maximize your chances.

How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a more personal experience and attention from the guides.

If you’re looking for a blend of local expertise, photographic opportunity, and Arctic adventure, this tour offers a thoughtful way to chase the Northern Lights in Kiruna. Just remember, it’s as much about the experience and learning as it is about the lights themselves. Happy Aurora hunting!