Aurora Photo Experience by Car from Saariselkä

Exploring the Aurora Photo Experience by Car from Saariselkä

If you’re dreaming of catching the Northern Lights on your trip to Lapland, this Aurora Photo Experience by Car offers a practical, well-organized way to maximize your chances. While the Northern Lights are famously unpredictable, this tour takes you to the best spots around Saariselkä, with a knowledgeable guide who knows where the sky tends to put on its best shows. Plus, you’ll get some gorgeous photos to remember the night, which is often a highlight for many travelers.

What immediately caught our eye is the combination of expert guidance and photo opportunities. We also appreciate that a good chunk of the tour involves talking about the lights themselves—understanding what causes this celestial dance adds a layer of meaning to the experience. The other standout? The cozy touches like hot drinks and gingerbread cookies while waiting for the sky to perform. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that seeing the auroras depends heavily on weather conditions—so clear skies are a must. If you’re a traveler who loves a mix of adventure, learning, and the chance to snap some beautiful shots, this could be a solid pick.

This tour suits those who are happy to spend a few hours outside in cold weather and want a guided experience that balances education with the thrill of possibly witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. It’s also ideal if you’re keen on having professional photos taken, so you can focus on the moment while the guide captures your experience.

Key Points

• Great for photography enthusiasts: The guide will take photos you can access via a weblink.
• Weather-dependent experience: Clear skies and solar activity are crucial for sightings.
• Includes warm treats: Hot drinks and gingerbread cookies add a cozy touch.
• Small group size: Max of 30 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Convenient pickup: Meeting at a central location in Saariselkä.
• Educational component: Guides explain what causes the Northern Lights and share tips for camera use.

What to Expect from the Aurora Photo Experience

This isn’t just a quick drive-and-pray kind of tour. Instead, it’s a carefully curated outing that combines scenic drives, expert insights, and the chance to see one of the world’s most mesmerizing natural displays. You’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle, heading to spots where the chance of seeing the Aurora is highest—though, of course, no tour can guarantee a sighting, since it all depends on weather and solar activity.

The journey begins at Safartica Saariselkä, where your guide will check the weather forecast and guide you to potential viewing spots. Along the way, the guide will share insights about the Aurora Borealis—what causes it, why it varies in brightness and frequency, and how to recognize different patterns. This adds a layer of understanding to the experience, especially for those who have always been curious about the science behind the lights.

Once you reach a suitable viewing area, the guide will help you set up your cameras (or smartphones) and give tips on how to get the best images—something many travelers find invaluable. The guide also takes photos of your group, so you don’t have to worry about capturing the moment yourself. You’ll receive these photos via a weblink afterward, giving you beautiful memories without the stress of manual photography.

During the wait, you can enjoy warm beverages and gingerbread cookies, which make the cold night a bit more bearable and add a festive, comforting touch. If the Aurora makes an appearance, you’ll get front-row seats to the sky’s dance, with the guide often cheering and sharing excitement to keep everyone engaged.

The Real Value of This Tour

At $136.54 per person, this experience offers good value if you’re keen on making the most of your night in Saariselkä. It’s not just about searching for lights; it’s about understanding and appreciating one of nature’s most stunning displays with expert guidance. The included photos are a bonus—many travelers cherish having high-quality images to look back on, especially after a night of waiting and hoping.

The tour’s three-hour length strikes a balance—it’s enough time to venture out to prime viewing spots without it feeling like an overly long outdoor stint. The small group size, capped at 30, ensures that you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guide can give more personalized tips and attention.

From the reviews, it’s clear that many visitors walk away with lovely photos and memorable stories. One reviewer mentioned how “the guides kept cheering all the time,” which highlights the friendly, enthusiastic vibe of the experience. It’s this warmth and expertise that seem to make a difference, especially since the Aurora can be a fleeting, unpredictable phenomenon.

The Itinerary in Detail

While the tour is flexible based on weather and aurora activity, here’s a typical outline:

• Meeting at Safartica: You’ll check in, get briefed, and hop into a car.
• Drive to prime viewing spots: Your guide will select locations based on current weather forecasts and solar activity predictions. These spots are usually chosen for their clear skies and minimal light pollution.
• Observation and photography tips: As you arrive, the guide will assist with camera settings, helping you capture the lights if they appear.
• Photo session: The guide will take professional photos of the group, which are shared afterward.
• Warm drinks and cookies: During the wait or if the sky begins to light up, you can relax with hot beverages and gingerbread.
• Aurora sightings: If the Northern Lights appear, you’ll have a front-row view—be prepared for some magical moments.
• Return to Saariselkä: After about three hours, the tour ends back at the starting point.

This setup maximizes your chances of seeing the auroras, while also providing comfort and education, making the experience worthwhile even if the lights don’t show up.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a structured, guided outing to see the Northern Lights without the hassle of planning every detail. If you’re interested in photography, the guide’s tips and professional photos are a definite bonus. It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind waiting outdoors in winter temperatures, since the hot drinks and cookies help keep spirits high.

Since the tour is about maximizing your chances with expert guidance, it’s especially good for first-timers or those who prefer a more relaxed, informative approach rather than chasing lights on your own. However, keep in mind that the auroras are weather dependent, so patience and a bit of luck are necessary.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, offering enough time to chase potential sightings and enjoy the experience comfortably.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is available from the meeting point at Safartica Saariselkä, which is centrally located and easy to find.

What is included in the price?
For the price of around $136.54, you get transportation, guiding, expert advice, photos during the tour, and hot drinks with gingerbread cookies.

Can I take my own photos?
Absolutely. The guide provides tips for night-time photography, so you can try capturing your own shots along with the professional photos taken during the tour.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, they’re not guaranteed. However, the guide’s local knowledge and flexibility maximize your chances.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, less crowded atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the experience involves outdoor nighttime viewing in cold weather, so it’s best suited for older children or teens comfortable with cold temperatures and outdoor conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Aurora Photo Experience by Car from Saariselkä offers a thoughtful, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights. It’s more than just a ride into the dark; it’s an educational, cozy, and photo-friendly outing that makes the most of your evening in Lapland. If you’re someone who relishes expert guidance, appreciates good photos, and is prepared for the cold, this tour could be a real highlight of your trip.

It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to learn about the science behind the Aurora, those who want professional photos to remember the night, and anyone happy to spend a few hours waiting outdoors in the hope of witnessing a sky dance. The friendly guides, cozy touches, and focus on maximizing your chances make it a solid pick for a memorable Arctic adventure.