From Rovaniemi: Lakeside Auroras Paparazzi Photography

From Rovaniemi: Lakeside Auroras Paparazzi Photography — A Honest Look

If you’re thinking about chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, this Lakeside Aurora Photography Tour might catch your eye. It promises professional photos, cozy fireside moments, and a chance to see the aurora borealis in a quiet, scenic setting. While it sounds like a perfect winter escape, it’s worth digging into what you’re really signing up for before booking.

What we like about this experience is the combination of expert guidance and photo memories—having skilled photographers on hand to capture your moment under the Arctic sky is a real bonus. Plus, the warmth of a campfire with hot drinks and local sausages makes the chilly wait more bearable and even enjoyable. However, a potential drawback is that the aurora’s appearance isn’t guaranteed—despite the promise of a scenic setting, you may end up waiting in the cold for a sight that may not appear.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value professional photos and appreciate a relaxed, guided experience rather than those who expect a guaranteed aurora show. It’s especially good if you’re comfortable with some chill and are okay with the unpredictability of nature. If you’re keen on having beautiful keepsakes from your trip, this could be a good pick, but if you’re mainly after a guaranteed spectacle, you might want to explore other options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Professional Aurora Photography: Guides will take shots of the Northern Lights and of you enjoying the show, offering a memorable souvenir.
• Comfort and Warmth: You can enjoy hot drinks, sausages, and a campfire while waiting for the aurora, making the experience less about the cold and more about the atmosphere.
• Scenic, Quiet Location: The carefully chosen spot offers wide, tranquil views of the Arctic sky—ideal for those craving peace and stunning natural beauty.
• Unpredictable Aurora: As with any northern lights tour, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights, which can be disappointing if you’re hoping for a big show.
• Group and Pickup Details: The tour includes pickup and drop-off from multiple Rovaniemi locations, making logistics straightforward, though timing varies.
• Mixed Reviews on Photography: Some reviewers found the photos satisfactory, others felt the professional shots didn’t meet expectations or that better shots could be taken by the travelers themselves.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour typically starts with pickup from one of 10 designated locations in Rovaniemi around 10 a.m. Depending on your hotel or residence, your pickup time will be confirmed in advance. The journey itself lasts about three hours, blending travel, scenic stops, and the main event: waiting under the night sky.

The Scenic Drive and Setting

Once settled at the carefully selected viewing spot, you’ll be surrounded by Serenity and Arctic beauty. The chosen location is designed to maximize your chances of viewing the aurora, with a wide, dark sky free from city lights. This tranquil environment is perfect for soaking in the Arctic night while waiting for the lights to appear.

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The Experience at the Spot

While waiting, you’ll sit around a cozy campfire, enjoying hot drinks and Lappish sausages. The fire adds warmth and a nice touch of local flavor to the experience. It’s a good way to relax and chat with your guide and fellow travelers while keeping an eye on the sky.

The Aurora and Photography

The aurora typically starts as faint glimmers, then gradually brightens into flowing patches of light. Guides, who are also experienced photographers, will attempt to capture the moment as best they can. They’ll take group photos and pictures of the Aurora Borealis itself.

The Photos and Sharing

After the tour, you’ll receive a shared link via email containing all the group photos—accessible for 14 days. If privacy is a concern, you can request a private tour, though this will need to be arranged in advance. Some reviews note that the photos might not always meet expectations, but they do serve as a nice souvenir.

The Realities of the Experience

The Good: Scenic, Relaxed, and Photogenic

Many travelers love the calm, scenic environment. As Maria Sol Romero from Belgium put it, the evening was “very beautiful,” with hot drinks and marshmallows around a campfire, and they caught glimpses of the aurora. The location’s wide-open views and starry sky really make the experience special.

The Not-So-Good: Uncertainty and Photography

A common theme among reviews is the uncertainty of seeing the aurora. One traveler expressed frustration, saying, “we couldn’t see the aurora borealis that night and felt the experience was wasted.” This is a reminder that nature is unpredictable, and no tour can guarantee a sighting.

Regarding the photos, some reviewers felt the professional photographers did not improve upon their own efforts, with one saying, “we did better photos ourselves.” This highlights that while the photos are a nice bonus, they shouldn’t be the sole reason for booking.

The Logistics and Price

The tour costs a few hours of your evening, including pickup, transport, and the overall experience. While it offers a relaxed, guided approach with plenty of comfort, the value can vary depending on your expectations. If you’re mainly interested in professional photos and a peaceful, scenic experience, it might be worth the cost. If you’re hoping for a guaranteed aurora or a more dynamic chase, you might want to explore other options.

The Reviews’ Range

The reviews are mixed, with ratings clustering around a 3.2 out of 5. Some found the organization good and enjoyed the experience, while others felt it was a disappointing waste of time when no auroras appeared, or were unhappy with the quality of the photos. This inconsistency is typical of aurora tours, where weather and solar activity play a huge role.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you value beautiful Arctic scenery, want some professional photos of your Northern Lights experience, and are comfortable with a relaxed, guided trip, this tour could be a good fit. It’s perfect for those who appreciate comfort—hot drinks, warm fires, and a peaceful setting—over an adrenaline-filled chase.

However, if you’re stringent about viewing the aurora and want a more dynamic, flexible experience that actively hunts for the lights, you might prefer more adventurous or specialized tours. This trip is more about enjoying the atmosphere and capturing memories than guaranteeing a show.

Final Thoughts

This Lakeside Aurora Photography tour offers a peaceful, scenic way to experience Lapland’s winter nights. With the company of friendly guides and the comfort of a fire, you’ll likely leave with some memorable photos—whether or not the aurora makes a dramatic appearance. It’s a straightforward, well-organized experience that balances relaxation with the thrill of nature.

If you’re someone who loves stunning dark sky views, warmth in the cold, and capturing moments under the Northern Lights, this could be a nice addition to your Lapland trip. Just remember that being patient and flexible is part of the experience, and sometimes, nature doesn’t cooperate.

All in all, it’s a decent option for travelers who want a quiet, comfortable, and photograph-rich Arctic night out, especially if they’re okay with the uncertainties that come with chasing natural phenomena.

FAQ

Will I always see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Not necessarily. The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and there’s no absolute guarantee you’ll witness the spectacle. It depends on weather conditions and solar activity.

What should I wear for this tour?
Dress warmly. The experience involves waiting outside in Arctic conditions, so layers, thermal clothing, and waterproof gear are advisable.

Are the photos included in the price?
You’ll receive a shared link with all group photos via email after the tour, accessible for 14 days. If privacy matters, you can request a private tour.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 3 hours, including pickup, the scenic stop, and returning to your accommodation.

Is the pickup service reliable?
Pickup is included from several designated locations in Rovaniemi, with timings confirmed before the tour. Make sure to check your pickup time to avoid missing it.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While no specific mention of children is made, the relaxed, outdoor nature suggests it’s suitable for those comfortable with cold weather and outdoor waits. Always consider your family’s comfort in Arctic temperatures.

If you’re after a peaceful, picturesque evening with the chance to snap some photos of the Northern Lights, and enjoy a warm fire in the Arctic wilderness, this tour could be just what you need. Just keep expectations realistic, and be ready for the elements—the beauty of Lapland often depends on Mother Nature’s mood.

You can check availability for your dates here: