From Saariselkä/Inari: Aurora Hunting Tour, campfire&snacks

Planning a trip to Lapland and dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights? If so, you’ve probably come across a variety of aurora tours, but this one from Saariselkä/Inari really catches the eye. It promises an active chase, personalized experiences, and some seriously memorable moments. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on the details and reviews, it’s worth exploring if you’re eager to make the most of your Arctic adventure.

Two things we definitely love about this tour are its active approach to aurora hunting and the small group size. Rather than waiting passively for the lights to appear, the guide actively searches for the best viewing spots, which significantly boosts your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Plus, with only about 6 guests per trip, it’s a much more personal, relaxed experience. One potential consideration? The long drives might be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to extended cold-weather travel.

This tour suits travelers who want to actively seek the auroras and appreciate a more intimate, flexible experience. If you’re someone who values expert guidance, high-quality photos, and a cozy setting with warm food, this could be a great fit. It’s also good for those who don’t mind spending several hours outdoors in winter conditions, with an emphasis on comfort and safety.

Key Points

• Active Aurora Chase: Guides drive around based on forecasts to increase your chances of seeing the lights rather than passively waiting.
• Personalized Experience: Small group size (limited to 6 participants) means more flexibility and attention.
• Remote Locations: Willingness to drive far, even near the Russian border, to find the clearest skies.
• Professional Photos Included: Guides take high-quality portraits of you with the aurora for keepsakes.
• Comfort & Warmth: Cozy campfire with Finnish sausages, sweet buns, and hot berry juice.
• Flexible Rescheduling: Option to reschedule if cloud cover is too heavy, ensuring better chances on your next try.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Works and What to Expect

This isn’t your typical wait-and-watch aurora tour. It’s a genuinely active hunt, led by local experts who follow real-time space weather and cloud forecasts. They won’t just settle for the nearest spot; instead, they will drive to where the skies are clearest, sometimes heading quite far to maximize viewing opportunities.

The journey takes place in a new, comfortable Multivan Hybrid, which means a smooth, quiet drive through snow-blanketed landscapes. Imagine gliding along winding roads, surrounded by the silence of the Arctic winter, with the chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing overhead. The guide’s knowledge of local weather patterns and aurora activity makes a big difference, and reviews consistently praise their dedication and helpfulness.

The Aurora Chase – Going Beyond the Tourist Crowd

Most aurora tours are about sitting in one spot, hoping the clouds part. Not with this tour. The guide actively monitors space weather data, cloud cover, and aurora forecasts, and then drives you to the best possible location. Sometimes this means heading towards the Paatsjoki River Bridge near the Russian border, which is pretty remote and away from light pollution. Other times, it’s a wide-open vista where the sky is clear.

This approach significantly ups the chances of a sighting, which is especially key because seeing the Northern Lights is never 100% guaranteed. But the effort to chase the best conditions makes a difference. Several reviews note how the guide’s persistent efforts paid off, with multiple guests describing spectacular sights after long drives.

The Campfire & Traditional Finnish Food

Once you’re in the perfect spot, the tour switches gears a little. It’s not just about the lights — it’s about the experience. You’ll gather around a warm campfire, roasting sausages, sipping hot berry juice, and nibbling on sweet buns and cookies. It’s a classic Lapland scene, cozy and inviting, offering a warm respite from the cold.

Guests consistently mention how these moments of warmth and comfort enhance the overall experience. As one reviewer said, “The combined warmth of the campfire and hot treats will keep you snug under the starry sky.” It’s a simple pleasure, but one that makes the night feel even more magical.

Photographs & Memories

A standout feature is the professional photography included in the tour. The guide takes high-resolution shots of you with the Aurora in the background — a real gift considering how fleeting and unpredictable the lights can be. Guests have expressed appreciation for the quality of these photos, with comments like, “We got some amazing pictures, even in challenging low-light conditions.”

Having a professional portrait with the Northern Lights is one of those souvenirs that truly stands out, especially since many travelers worry about capturing the moment themselves.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation and Group Size

The Multivan Hybrid used for transport is a big plus. It’s not only modern and comfortable but also eco-friendly and quiet, which helps preserve the peaceful atmosphere of the night. This is especially noticeable when compared to older, louder vehicles.

Group size is deliberately kept small, with a maximum of 6 participants. The reviews show that this creates a relaxed environment, allowing for more personal interaction with the guide, and more flexibility in the trip. It’s perfect if you prefer a less crowded experience where your questions and concerns are heard.

Duration & Flexibility

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, a good length for a winter night—long enough to chase the lights seriously but without feeling exhausted. There’s also the option to reschedule if the forecast looks poor, which gives travelers some peace of mind.

Pricing & Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the overall value appears high considering the personalized approach, professional photos, cozy campfire, and expert guiding. You’re paying for a tailored experience designed to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora, not just a cookie-cutter tour that leaves you waiting in one spot.

If you’re serious about witnessing the Northern Lights and want a comfortable, well-organized experience, this tour’s price is likely justified. Plus, the ability to reschedule if conditions aren’t ideal makes it a smart choice.

What the Reviews Tell Us

The majority of reviews are glowing, with many describing it as a spectacular and well-organized experience. Guests appreciate the guides’ knowledge and dedication—the driver Jyrki, for example, “did a fabulous job of driving and hunting for Aurora,” and his explanations helped many understand their chances better.

Even in cloudy weather, guests found value in the effort. One said, “The guide drove all the way to Nellim and found a great spot, even while waiting in the snow.” That persistence is what we love about this tour.

A few reviews note that cloud cover can be a challenge, which is to be expected with natural phenomena. The tour’s promise to reschedule free of charge if the forecast is too cloudy is a bonus, and several travelers took advantage of this.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want more than just a passive viewing experience. If you’re eager to actively chase the Aurora, enjoy small-group settings, and appreciate the effort of guides who go the extra mile, you’ll likely be very pleased. It also suits those who value high-quality photos and a cozy outdoor atmosphere.

However, if you’re easily tired from long drives or dislike cold weather, you might want to prepare accordingly or consider other options with shorter durations or fixed locations.

FAQ

Can I reschedule if the weather is too cloudy?
Yes, the tour offers a free reschedule if the forecast indicates heavy cloud cover, giving you a better chance on another evening.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about 3.5 hours, including driving, hunting, and campfire time.

Is the transport comfortable?
Absolutely — the tour uses a new, quiet, and eco-conscious Multivan Hybrid, ensuring a smooth and cozy ride.

How many people are on the tour?
The small group size is limited to 6 participants, making the experience more personal and flexible.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential, as you’ll be outside for extended periods in winter conditions.

Will I get professional photos?
Yes, the guide takes high-quality digital portraits of you with the Aurora, which are included in the experience.

What’s the main difference compared to passive aurora tours?
This tour actively drives to the best possible locations based on current weather and aurora forecasts, rather than waiting in one spot.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a more engaged and personal Northern Lights experience, this Aurora Hunting Tour from Saariselkä/Inari ticks many boxes. The combination of expert guidance, remote locations, dynamic chasing strategy, and cozy campfire moments provides a richer, more memorable Arctic adventure. It’s especially suited for those who value the chance to see the Aurora when conditions are unpredictable and who want high-quality photos to remember the moment forever.

While it’s not guaranteed every single night, the effort and flexibility mean you’re giving yourself the best possible chance. For travelers looking for a genuine, active pursuit in the Finnish winter, this one’s definitely worth considering.

Final Recommendations

This tour is perfect for those who want a personalized, active, and comfort-focused Northern Lights experience. If you’re okay with long drives and unpredictable weather, the effort put into chasing the Aurora is likely to pay off. For anyone who appreciates a cozy campfire, professional photos, and small-group intimacy, this adventure offers a fine balance of excitement and comfort. Just remember, patience and warm clothing are your best friends here.

Happy aurora hunting!

You can check availability for your dates here: