Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour in Ylläs

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights in Finland, you’ll likely stumble upon a few tour options. I recently came across the Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour in Ylläs, and it sounds like a solid choice for those wanting a relaxed, picture-friendly experience. While I haven’t booked this particular tour myself, the details suggest it hits some key marks: comfortable northern landscape viewing and professional photography support.

What I really like about this tour is the personalized approach — the guide isn’t just a driver but also your photographer, offering tips to help you shoot the auroras yourself. Plus, with the option of pickup, it’s convenient and hassle-free, especially in such a cold environment. One thing to consider, though, is that it’s a roughly 4-hour experience—so it’s a bit of a short window for those who want longer nights or multiple chances to see the lights.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who value professional photos, straightforward logistics, and a cozy atmosphere. If you’re after a laid-back, guided chase with lots of chances for photos and stories, it could be just right. But those wanting a longer, more adventurous outing might prefer a different or more extensive option.

Key Points

• Comfortable, short duration: About four hours, ideal if you prefer a quick but quality experience.
• Expert photography assistance: Your guide will take photos of you and share tips for dark-sky photography.
• Multiple viewing spots: The tour visits several locations, increasing chances of seeing the auroras.
• Warmth and convenience: Pickup service and the end-of-tour cabin for warm drinks add to the experience.
• Limited group size: Max of 30 travelers helps keep things more personal and manageable.
• Good for photo lovers: Especially those eager to get professional-looking shots of the Northern Lights.

In-Depth Review of the Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

First off, this is more than just a drive—you’re out hunting for one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena in the company of a knowledgeable guide. The fact that your guide will take professional photos and give you photography tips makes this tour particularly appealing if you’re into capturing memories. The promise of digital photos via a weblink means you won’t have to worry about fiddling with your camera in the cold, which is a bonus.

The pickup from your hotel in Ylläsjärvi is a thoughtful touch, especially considering the winter weather. Once onboard, the vehicle becomes your cozy base as you move between different vantage points. The idea is to maximize your chances of spotting the auroras while still enjoying the winter scenery comfortably from inside the vehicle—no long walks in freezing temperatures required, which is a big plus for many.

Itinerary and Locations

The tour’s core activity involves driving to several different spots with the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights. While the exact locations aren’t specified, the emphasis on multiple stops suggests an effort to find clear skies and good viewing conditions. This approach helps increase the likelihood of a sighting, especially if cloud cover or light pollution is an issue at one spot.

In some reviews, travelers mentioned that the guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, which can make a significant difference when you’re out late in cold conditions. Hearing stories and facts about the Northern Lights adds context and can turn a good experience into a memorable one.

The Photography Experience

This is a key aspect of this tour. The guide’s role as your photographer means you can relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about capturing the perfect shot yourself. Plus, the sharing of tips about taking photos in the dark could improve your skills for future trips. People who love taking pictures or want high-quality photos of themselves under the auroras will appreciate this setup.

The review mentions that the photos taken during the tour are “wonderful,” which indicates that the guide is skilled at capturing the lights and the participants. Playing with light effects for fun photo effects can add an extra layer of enjoyment, making this more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s also a creative photo session.

Comfort and Convenience

The tour lasts around four hours, which is plenty of time to enjoy the pursuit without feeling rushed. The inclusion of warm drinks at the end in a cozy cabin provides a perfect ending, especially in the cold winter night. The small group size—up to 30 travelers—helps keep things intimate and manageable, allowing the guide to give more personalized attention.

Price and Value

At just over $146 per person, this tour offers a fairly reasonable price considering what’s included: transportation, professional photography, and multiple viewing spots. For travelers who prioritize high-quality photos and expert guidance, this can be quite a good deal. The fact that most travelers book about 56 days in advance suggests it’s popular, and you’ll want to plan early if you’re keen.

Possible Downsides

No tour is perfect, and a couple of considerations are worth mentioning. The four-hour window might be short if you’re hoping for multiple nights of aurora chasing—here, you get a snapshot of the experience rather than an extended exploration. Weather can also be unpredictable, and if the skies are cloudy, chances of seeing the lights diminish. However, the multiple stops nature of the tour helps mitigate this somewhat.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is well-suited for photographers or travelers eager to get good photos of the Northern Lights with the help of an expert guide. It’s also great if you prefer a more relaxed, less physically demanding outing—no long walks or outdoor waits in heavy gear required. If you’re traveling with family or friends who want a comfortable, informative night out in Lapland, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you’re after a longer, more immersive experience or want to chase the lights over multiple nights, you might want to explore other options. This tour offers a nice balance of comfort, expert input, and scenic viewing, ideal for those who want a quality, manageable experience.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Hotel Ylläsrinne, making it convenient to start your evening without worrying about transportation.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately four hours, providing enough time to visit several spots and hopefully see the auroras without feeling exhausted.

Will I get photos from the tour?
Absolutely. The guide will take professional pictures of you and your group, which will be available via a weblink after the tour.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 30, which helps maintain a comfortable, intimate atmosphere.

What should I wear?
It’s highly recommended to wear very warm clothing, as you’ll be outside for short periods while watching the lights and taking photos.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
While the tour increases your chances by visiting multiple spots, the auroras depend on weather and solar activity. If you don’t see them, you’ll still have great photos from the evening.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience, which offers some peace of mind.

In the end, the Northern Lights Hunting Photo Tour in Ylläs seems like a solid pick for those wanting a stress-free, guided experience with great photos and warmth. It balances scenery, expert guidance, and convenience, making it a good choice for anyone who values comfort and memorable visuals over longer or more intensive excursions.