Lakeside Auroras Paparazzi Photography

Lakeside Auroras Paparazzi Photography Review: A Chance to Capture the Northern Lights

If you’re dreaming of catching the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi, Finland, the Lakeside Auroras Paparazzi Photography tour offers a way to turn that dream into a photo memory. While it might not guarantee a sighting, it aims to improve your chances with guided planning and a cozy atmosphere, making it a solid choice for those who want the experience wrapped in comfort.

What stands out for us are the guided excursion with round-trip transport, which eases logistics, and the opportunity to get professional-quality photos against the Arctic sky—something many travelers find priceless. On the flip side, the tour’s unpredictable nature and mixed reviews about organization mean it might not suit everyone, especially if you’re after a more certain or longer Northern Lights experience. This tour is probably best for travelers who value the chance to see the Aurora with the added bonus of good photos, without too much fuss or expense.

Key Points

• Guided and convenient: Round-trip transport from Rovaniemi makes logistics easier.
• Photo-focused: You’ll receive a professional photoshoot, which is a highlight for many.
• Warm and cozy: Thermal clothing and hot snacks around a fire help keep outdoors comfortable.
• Uncertain Aurora sightings: The Northern Lights are natural, so there’s no guarantee you’ll see them.
• Short but sweet: About 3 hours, including transport and waiting time.
• Small group size: Max 15 travelers, creating a more intimate experience.

The Experience in Detail

This tour promises the chance to snap a photo of a lifetime with the Northern Lights as your backdrop. The experience begins with a pickup from your meeting point in Rovaniemi, making it straightforward for travelers staying in town. Once on the bus, you’re transported away from city glow—an essential step since light pollution can drown out the Aurora’s subtle colors.

The destination is a dark observation point in the surrounding countryside, selected based on weather conditions and Aurora forecasts. This means your guide is actively trying to position you where the lights are most likely to appear. We appreciate this approach since Northern Lights are notoriously unpredictable, and a good guide will read the sky and traffic conditions to optimize your chances.

Once you’re at the site, the focus shifts to enjoying the spectacle and staying warm. The tour provides thermal clothing, which is a real plus—nothing kills the mood faster than cold fingers or freezing toes. A bonfire with hot snacks creates a cozy gathering spot, and many reviews mention the warmth and comfort this adds, turning what could be an outdoor wait into a pleasant experience.

While waiting, you’ll have the chance for a professional photoshoot. The photographer will capture you and your group with the Aurora overhead, giving you a tangible souvenir. After the tour, links to your photos are emailed, typically available for 14 days. This is a big plus if you want high-quality images rather than just relying on your phone.

The Pros and Cons of the Tour

Pros: The guided element and transportation logistics are what make this stand out. Instead of worrying about finding a good spot yourself, the tour takes care of that, especially important if you’re unfamiliar with the area or short on time. The inclusion of thermal gear and hot snacks also enhance the outdoor experience, making it more comfortable and enjoyable.

Cons: As with all Northern Lights tours, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the Aurora. Some reviews, like Verity’s, mention “wasted time at the beginning due to some organization issues,” which indicates that coordination could be smoother. The short duration (around 3 hours) means you might not have lengthy viewing time, and if the weather turns poor, the tour might be canceled, offering a full refund but leaving you without the experience.

Price point at roughly $118.50 per person is reasonable, especially considering the included transport, thermal gear, hot snacks, and professional photos. However, it’s important to manage expectations—this is about maximizing your chances in a short window, not a guarantee of a sighting.

What the Tour Looks Like Step-by-Step

Pickup and Transportation

The tour starts at Sunny Safari’s meeting point in Rovaniemi. Expect a small group (up to 15 people), which allows for a more personalized experience. The bus takes you away from town to a carefully chosen dark location. The ride itself is comfortable and quick, giving you time to chat with fellow travelers or simply enjoy the Arctic scenery.

Arrival at the Observation Spot

Once you arrive, the guide gives a brief talk about the Northern Lights, sharing stories and scientific insights about this natural wonder. This educational aspect enhances your appreciation of the sight you’re hoping to see.

Waiting Around the Fire

The core of the experience is waiting for the Aurora to appear. The tour provides hot snacks and hot drinks, which are much appreciated, especially if the sky remains stubbornly clear or cloudy. The bonfire offers a cozy focal point, and many travelers find this part both relaxing and social.

Photoshoot Time

When the sky shows signs of activity, the photographer sets up and captures you against the glowing Arctic sky. This is often the highlight—having high-quality images with professional framing makes the experience worthwhile, especially compared to just taking selfies or phone snaps.

Return and Photo Delivery

After about 1-2 hours outdoors, you’re transported back to the meeting point. The photos are emailed afterward, giving you something to cherish long after the trip ends.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re someone who wants a guided, hassle-free way to see the Northern Lights, this could be a good pick. It suits travelers who appreciate the comfort of thermal clothing, hot snacks, and a dedicated photoshoot. It’s also ideal if you’re okay with a shorter window of opportunity and understand that Aurora sightings depend on weather and sky conditions.

This tour might not appeal as much to those seeking a longer, more immersive experience or guaranteed sightings—remember, the Aurora remains unpredictable. If your main priority is capturing stunning photos with expert help and enjoying a cozy outdoor setting, this tour hits the right notes.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a practical, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi. The inclusion of round-trip transport and thermal gear makes it particularly appealing for those worried about outdoor conditions or unfamiliarity with the area. Plus, the professional photos are a real perk, especially if you want more than just a phone shot of the sky.

However, be prepared for the natural uncertainty that comes with Aurora hunting. If seeing the Northern Lights is your top priority and you’re flexible about the time spent outdoors, this tour could give you a memorable Arctic adventure. But if you’re very particular about guaranteed sightings or longer hours outside, you might want to explore other options.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for those who want a comfortable, guided experience with a good chance of capturing the Aurora—and who don’t mind the inherent unpredictability of natural phenomena.

FAQ

Will I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, there’s no absolute guarantee. The guide will do their best to find the best viewing conditions based on weather and Aurora forecasts, but conditions can change unexpectedly.

What does the tour include?
It includes round-trip transport from Rovaniemi, thermal clothing, hot snacks around a fire, and a professional photoshoot. The photos are emailed after the tour and are available for 14 days.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including transportation, waiting outdoors, and the photoshoot.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly labeled as family-specific, the tour’s outdoor and social nature could appeal to families with children prepared for outdoor winter conditions. Just note the need for warm clothing and understanding the short duration outdoors.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal clothing, as you’ll be outside for up to 1-2 hours. The tour provides thermal gear, but good outerwear and warm accessories are recommended.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If the weather prevents Aurora viewing, the tour might be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and communicate with the provider if possible.

If you’re eyeing a quick, guided Northern Lights experience with the bonus of professional photos, this tour could be a worthwhile addition to your Rovaniemi trip. Just keep your expectations realistic, and remember that patience and luck are key in Aurora hunting.