If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights in Finland but aren’t sure how to make the most of the experience, a dedicated Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour might be just what you need. Based on what travelers have shared, this tour offered by Safartica promises a mix of scenic drives, expert-guided photography tips, and chances to catch the aurora dancing in the sky. While I haven’t tried it myself, I’ve gone through reviews, details, and the itinerary to give you a solid sense of what to expect.
What I really like about this tour is that it’s designed to maximize your chances of seeing the lights, plus it offers valuable help with night photography. The fact that your guide also takes photos during the tour is a bonus—especially if you want some great memories without fumbling with your camera in the dark. A potential drawback, however, is that the focus on photography might mean the “hunt” for Aurora visibility isn’t always the main priority, according to some reviews. This tour is best suited for those who are keen to learn how to capture the lights and don’t mind leaving the hunt to the experts.
If you’re visiting Levi and want a shorter, informative, and visually rewarding experience, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep your expectations in check: seeing the Northern Lights depends heavily on weather and aurora activity, which can be unpredictable. Still, if you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want a guided night adventure, this experience offers good value and memorable moments.
Key Points
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides who know the best spots and how to help you photograph the auroras.
- Photo Tips & Photos: Great for learning night photography and receiving professional photos afterward.
- Flexible Scheduling: Can be rescheduled if weather conditions aren’t favorable, as long as you contact the front desk.
- Short & Sweet: The tour lasts around 4 hours, making it manageable for most travelers.
- Limitations: Focus may lean heavily on photography, and aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed.
- Group Size: Up to 30 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience without being too crowded.
What’s Included & How It Works
The tour kicks off at Hiihtäjänkuja 10, Sirkka, where you’ll meet your guide. From there, you’ll be driven to several carefully selected spots. The goal is to hunt for the clearest skies and the best vantage points to catch the aurora, which is crucial because northern lights visibility is all about luck and weather conditions.
During the drive, your guide will double as your personal photographer, taking fun selfies and more serious shots of the sky and you. The guide is also skilled in playing with lights for cool photo effects—so even if the lights don’t dance across the sky, you’ll end up with some fun and memorable pictures. Plus, they’ll give you practical tips on camera settings for night photography, which you can use on your future trips.
The experience includes hot drinks and tasty cookies, adding a cozy touch to the chilly night. If clouds or aurora activity are disappointing, the tour can be shifted to a later date, provided you contact the front desk by 4 pm on the day.
Planning more time in Levi? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary: What to Expect
Driving to the Best Spots
The core of this experience is the drive. You won’t be walking around in the cold all night; instead, your guide will take you to multiple “known” spots where the chances for clear skies and auroras are higher. This approach is common in aurora tours because finding the perfect viewing spot is often about location and weather.
Photo Opportunities & Tips
As you arrive at each spot, your guide will be busy snapping photos of you and the sky. They’ll also give helpful advice on how to adjust your camera to better capture the lights in the future, which is very relevant if you’re into photography or want to learn how to do night shots. The guide’s enthusiasm and friendly attitude seem to be a hit with most travelers, as one reviewer said, “Een super enthousiaste gids, zeer vriendelijk.”
Potential for Aurora Sightings
Of course, the main reason for going on such a tour is to see the Northern Lights. But it’s important to note—sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Some reviews mention the focus on photography, which might make it seem like the hunt for Aurora is secondary. For example, one reviewer said, “The tour was focused more on photography,” and expressed disappointment about the spots visited. That’s a reminder to check Aurora forecasts if witnessing the lights is your top priority.
Food and Atmosphere
The hot drinks and cookies are a thoughtful addition, making the cold night a little more comfortable. The group size (up to 30 travelers) strikes a balance—large enough for a social atmosphere but small enough to keep things personal.
How Does It Stack Up in Value?
At around $140.66 per person for 4 hours, this tour is reasonably priced considering it includes transportation, professional guidance, photo services, and some refreshments. If you’re interested in photography or learning how to improve your skills in low light settings, this could be a good investment. Plus, the opportunity to visit several spots increases your chances of catching the aurora, especially when conditions are favorable.
However, some reviews suggest that if your main goal is purely to see the Northern Lights, this might not guarantee that—weather and solar activity are beyond the guide’s control. The focus on photography, while useful, might also mean the tour feels less like a traditional aurora chase and more like a scenic, photographic night out.
Practical Details You Need to Know
- Duration: About 4 hours, a manageable timeframe for most travelers.
- Meeting Point: Hiihtäjänkuja 10, Sirkka, Finland.
- Transport: The guide drives to multiple locations, so you won’t be walking in the dark for long.
- Rescheduling: Free rescheduling is possible if you contact the front desk by 16:00 on the activity day.
- Group Size: Up to 30 people, balancing intimacy and social vibe.
- Booking: Usually booked about 38 days in advance, so plan ahead if possible.
- Weather & Aurora Conditions: The tour can be postponed if conditions aren’t right, but visibility isn’t guaranteed even then.
Reviews in a Nutshell
Two reviews highlight different aspects. One criticizes the tour for feeling more like a photography workshop than a true aurora hunt, saying, “It was focused more on the photography.” Conversely, another reviewer appreciated the enthusiasm of the guide and the spots visited, even if the aurora didn’t cooperate every time. This shows the tour’s strength in guiding and photo support but also the unpredictability of Northern Lights viewing.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who love photography, enjoy being guided to scenic spots, and want some help capturing memories of their trip. If your main goal is simply seeing the aurora, you might want to combine this with personal research using aurora apps and weather forecasts. It’s also a good choice if you like cozy, short excursions with a friendly guide and an emphasis on photo tips.
Final Thoughts
The Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour in Levi offers a friendly, well-organized way to chase the auroras while enhancing your night photography skills. You’ll enjoy the comfort of a guided drive, the fun of professional photos, and some nice touches like hot drinks and cookies. However, remember that aurora visibility is never 100% guaranteed, and the focus on photography might not suit everyone.
If you’re a traveler who appreciates learning new skills, loves scenic drives, and doesn’t mind the unpredictability of nature, this tour could be a worthwhile addition to your Levi itinerary. Just keep your expectations realistic, check the weather, and enjoy the experience—whatever the sky shows you.
Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour in Levi
“The title of the tour was misleading. I was expecting that we will hunt for the northern lights but only went to two usual spots. It was focus mor…”
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.
Where does the tour start?
It starts at Hiihtäjänkuja 10, 99130 Sirkka, Finland.
Can I reschedule if the weather isn’t good?
Yes, the tour can be rescheduled to a later date if you contact the front desk by 16:00 on the day.
What’s included in the price?
Transportation to multiple spots, guidance from an experienced guide, professional photography during the tour, hot drinks, and cookies.
Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, up to 30 travelers, which balances group intimacy with a lively atmosphere.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
While the tour maximizes your chances, seeing the aurora depends on weather and solar activity, which cannot be guaranteed.
What about the photography tips?
Your guide will give useful advice on camera settings for night photography, helping you improve your skills for future trips.
Is this suitable for families or children?
The data doesn’t specify, but given the nature of the activity, it’s probably best suited for adults or older children interested in photography and comfortable with cold nights outdoors.
If you’re curious about adding a touch of magic to your Levi trip and enjoy the company of knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a nice blend of adventure and learning. Just keep your expectations aligned with the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights, and you’ll likely come away with some great photos and memories.
