Auroras in Saariselkä Northern Lights Photo Tour by Car and on Foot

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Aurora Borealis in Finland, this Northern Lights Photo Tour in Saariselkä might just catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve reviewed the details and plenty of reviews from other travelers, and it’s clear this experience aims to maximize your chances of seeing those iconic glowing skies.

What we really like about it is the organized approach—you’re driven to dark spots away from light pollution, which is key for viewing the lights. Plus, the inclusion of guidance on how to photograph the Aurora makes it appealing for those wanting a souvenir they can keep. On the flip side, weather can be unpredictable, and that’s something to keep in mind before booking.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a 5-hour outdoor adventure, and who value good guidance and comfort while chasing the Northern Lights. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned winter traveler, you’ll appreciate the effort to give you a solid chance at a sighting—and the cozy dinner at the end makes it all feel a bit more special.

Key Points

• Transportation is included, making the experience hassle-free.
• Guides share local myths and legends, adding cultural depth.
• Snacks, warming beverages, and a hearty BBQ dinner keep you comfortable during the cold night.
• Most travelers see the Northern Lights on this tour, but weather can influence visibility.
• Photos are taken by guides and sent afterward, giving you a memory to cherish.
• The tour balances adventure, culture, and comfort for a well-rounded experience.

What to Expect from the Saariselkä Northern Lights Photo Tour

Starting Point and Preparation

The fun begins at the Lapland Welcome Safari Office in Saariselkä, where you’ll be greeted and prepped for the night. Here, you’ll receive winter gear—a thoughtful inclusion that means you don’t need to worry about packing too heavily for the cold. The gear ensures you stay warm during your outdoor viewing, which is crucial given how chilly Lapland can get at night.

This initial 30-minute preparation period is also where you’ll meet your guides, who are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness. From the reviews, guides like Maurice and Linda stand out for their engaging stories, local myths, and their effort to keep the group entertained and informed.

The Drive and Dark Sky Spots

Once suited up, the tour kicks off with transportation—most likely a minivan or similar vehicle—taking you out into very dark, light-pollution free areas. This is a big plus, because the best chance to see the Aurora is away from city lights. The guide will drive around, stopping at the spots they believe will have the clearest skies.

Traveling by car is convenient, especially in winter, as it allows the guides to quickly adapt to weather conditions or visibility. Several reviews highlight how flexible the guides are in adjusting the stops to optimize the viewing potential.

On Foot and Watching the Sky

After parking, you’ll likely step out into the crisp night air. Some parts of the tour involve walking uphill or into wooded areas, which not everyone might find easy in heavy winter gear, but it’s all part of the experience. The goal is to get the best view possible, and guides are familiar with the landscape to help you find the most promising vantage points.

The Cozy BBQ Tent Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is enjoying a barbecue dinner in a cozy tent while keeping an eye on the sky. This is a smart touch, because it offers warmth, comfort, and a social element after some time spent outside. The hot drinks and snacks provided help to fend off the cold as you wait for the lights.

Guests have described this part as intimate and relaxing, with some mentioning the “hot chocolate in a Teepee with fire” as a memorable moment. It’s a good way to break up the outdoor portion of the tour and adds a layer of comfort that many travelers appreciate.

The Northern Lights and Photography Tips

Guides do more than just look for the Aurora—they’ll advise you on how to take effective photos, which is often a top priority for travelers. This guidance can include camera settings and composition tips, boosting the probability of capturing that perfect shot.

Most reviews mention that the guides’ photos are sent afterward, giving you tangible memories of the night. However, a few travelers noted delays or issues with receiving these pictures, so keeping communication open post-tour is advised.

Chances of Seeing the Aurora

The guides are confident that about 80% of their tours result in sightings, which is pretty good considering how unpredictable the Aurora can be. One reviewer said, “You have seen northern lights on our tour which is very important,” emphasizing that this tour offers a high likelihood of success.

That said, weather remains an unpredictable factor. Cloud cover or poor visibility can mean you might not see the lights despite the best efforts. As one reviewer advised, “don’t book until you can see the weather forecast,” because Mother Nature ultimately decides if the sky will cooperate.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At $150.06 per person for about 5 hours, this tour is priced on the moderate side for aurora chasing. Considering the included transportation, winter gear, guidance, snacks, dinner, and photos, many find it a good value for the experience.

What really stands out here is the comprehensive approach—not just a drive and look, but a multi-faceted experience combining outdoor adventure, cultural storytelling, and comfort. The warm dinner and hot drinks, in particular, make it more than just a chase; it’s a whole evening out.

Some reviews suggest that this experience is perfect for those who want a guaranteed effort to see the Northern Lights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided expertise and don’t mind the possibility of weather influencing the outcome.

The Group Size and Overall Atmosphere

The tour tends to be quite popular, with a maximum group size of 100 travelers. Many reviews mention smaller groups or well-organized experiences, which makes the outing more intimate and less chaotic. The group atmosphere is described as friendly, with guides engaging and eager to share their knowledge.

Transportation and Logistics

Most travelers appreciated the easy pickup from the designated meeting point in Saariselkä. Although a few mentioned minor hiccups, like using taxis when large groups caused logistical issues, these are not uncommon in winter tours. The transportation is reliable and designed to maximize your time outdoors.

Tour Duration and Flexibility

Spanning around 5 hours, this tour balances outdoor time with comfort. It’s enough to give you several chances to see the Aurora while also enjoying some cozy moments. The flexibility to stop and walk around increases your chances of a sighting and adds to the adventure.

Authentic Experiences from Real Travelers

Several reviews highlight guides like Maurice and Linda for their friendly and knowledgeable approach, making even cloudy nights memorable. One reviewer said, “Maurice is an fantastic guide who shares knowledge of Northern lights and Finland,” which underscores the importance of good guides in these tours.

Others loved the combination of snow walking, the fire-lit Teepee, and the river detours, describing the night as “memorable and adventurous.” Yet, not every review was perfect. A few mentioned issues like transportation delays or missed photos, which remind us that weather and logistics can sometimes throw a wrench in even the best plans.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurers wanting a well-rounded evening—combining outdoor viewing, cultural storytelling, and warm food. If you’re looking for a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights and enjoy guided experiences, this tour offers a solid option. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate hot drinks and cozy atmospheres after some cold outdoor time.

Someone traveling with a reasonable budget and expecting an authentic and engaging experience will find this tour worth considering. However, if you’re skeptical about weather conditions or want guaranteed sightings, remember that the Aurora remains a natural phenomenon beyond any guide’s control.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If your main goal is to see the Northern Lights with expert guidance, then this tour is definitely worth your attention. The combination of transportation, local myths, helpful photography advice, and a warm dinner creates a well-put-together experience for those willing to brave the cold.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who want to maximize their chances in a safe, organized setting, especially if they’re curious about Lapland’s culture and enjoy the idea of a relaxing, social evening. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge add genuine value, making even cloudy nights feel special.

That said, if your trip falls during particularly poor weather or if you’re ultra-sensitive to logistical hiccups, it’s good to stay flexible and keep your expectations realistic. Mother Nature makes the final call on the Aurora, but with this tour, you’re definitely giving yourself a strong shot at catching that dance of lights in the sky.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, starting with preparation and ending back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, guidance, winter gear, snacks, coffee/tea, a BBQ dinner, and guide photos are included.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Most travelers do see the Aurora, with an 80% success rate reported by guides, but weather conditions can affect visibility.

What should I wear?
You will be provided with winter gear, but bringing warm layers, hats, and gloves is recommended for maximum comfort.

Are the photos sent afterward?
Yes, guides take photos during the night, and they will send them to you afterward upon request—though there may be a delay sometimes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the outdoor nature and cold weather suggest it’s best for older children who can handle chilly nights and walking.

What if the weather is cloudy?
If the sky is too cloudy, the Aurora might not be visible, but guides will do their best to find clear spots, and the experience still offers cultural and outdoor enjoyment.

This Saariselkä Northern Lights Photo Tour offers a thoughtful mix of adventure, education, and comfort. It’s a great pick for anyone wanting to chase the Aurora while soaking in the magic of Lapland’s winter night.