Northern Lights photography tour with BBQ

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights and want to combine it with some authentic Finnish flavors, this Northern Lights photography tour with BBQ could be just the ticket. It’s a three-hour experience that promises a mix of scenic aurora viewing, traditional Finnish treats, and professional photography—all away from the bright city lights of Rovaniemi.

What immediately stands out about this tour is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights in a relaxed, intimate setting. Plus, the chance to capture professional-quality photos of the aurora is a definite highlight, especially for anyone wanting to remember this moment forever. On the flip side, some reviews highlight that the experience isn’t always perfect—particularly if the weather or aurora activity isn’t cooperating.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who value authentic local traditions and good storytelling about the Northern Lights, but who also understand that nature’s unpredictability can sometimes affect the experience. If you’re after a cozy, guided evening with chances to enjoy Finnish culture and warm up around a fire, it’s worth considering.

Key takeaways

• Authentic Finnish experience: Enjoy traditional Finnish BBQ and drinks around a warm fire.
• Professional photography: Capture the aurora in high-quality photos taken by guides.
• Scenic locations: Driven to spots with high chances for aurora sightings, away from city lights.
• Guided insight: Guides are knowledgeable, sharing facts and stories about the Northern Lights.
• Variable success: Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and activity levels.
• Limited group size: Designed for a personal experience, though reviews suggest some inconsistency.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to expect from this Northern Lights tour

This tour is designed to give you a taste of Lapland’s natural beauty and local culture in just three hours. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, the experience kicks off with a scenic drive to a carefully chosen spot with the best chances of spotting the aurora. Being taken away from the city’s light pollution is a huge plus, ensuring the sky is as clear and dark as possible for optimal viewing.

The journey and first stops

The pickup can be from several locations in Rovaniemi, including the Santa Claus Holiday Village and city hotels like Scandic Rovaniemi. After a quick briefing, your guide will chauffeur you to the best location for seeing the Northern Lights, which could be a river, a lake, or a quiet snowy field. The guide’s expertise on where and when to look really matters since Aurora sightings hinge on both weather and solar activity.

The cozy BBQ and Finnish treats

While waiting for the lights to dance overhead, you’ll gather around a fire to enjoy a traditional Finnish barbecue. The menu typically features grilled Finnish sausages and a warm drink—often a Christmas-style beverage—perfect for the cold Arctic night. We loved the way the fire added a cozy glow to the experience, making it feel both festive and peaceful.

Photographing the Northern Lights

One of the major draws of this tour is the chance to get professional photos of the aurora. The guide will be taking pictures of both the sky and you, so you don’t need to worry about setting up your camera gear—just enjoy the moment. Many travelers have appreciated this aspect, as it creates a tangible memory of their night under the stars.

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The experience and reviews

While many reviews praise the guide’s friendliness and the overall atmosphere, some have pointed out inconsistencies. One traveler from France mentioned that the guide didn’t speak their language, which affected communication, and they felt a bit left out. Others noted that the aurora didn’t appear, regardless of the effort, which is an unavoidable risk with any Northern Lights experience.

A German reviewer expressed frustration about the large group size—around 15 people—and a lack of communication about the aurora activity, making the experience feel somewhat less personal. Conversely, French and Italian travelers frequently describe the experience as “magical,” especially when the lights do appear.

The setting and timing

The entire tour lasts about 3 hours, which is a reasonable window to catch a glimpse of the aurora, assuming the skies cooperate. The tour operates in the evening, with pickup times depending on availability, so it’s essential to check before booking. The spots visited are chosen for their potential to deliver the best views, and the guide will do their best to find clear skies.

The pros and cons

Pros:
– The combination of traditional Finnish BBQ and Northern Lights viewing is unique and cozy.
– Guided photography ensures you leave with high-quality images.
– The experience is intimate and personalized, especially if the group size is smaller.
– Pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics easier for travelers.
– The tour often takes you to scenic, away-from-the-city locations.

Cons:
– Success depends heavily on weather and aurora activity, which can be unpredictable.
– Some travelers report that the same spots are visited repeatedly, which might reduce the sense of adventure.
– The guide’s language skills and communication quality can vary, affecting the experience.
– Large group sizes may limit individual attention, and some reviews mention feeling left in the dark about the aurora’s visibility.

Is this tour worth it?

For those passionate about seeing the Northern Lights and eager to combine it with a cultural experience, this tour can be quite satisfying, especially if the weather cooperates. The chance to capture memorable photos with professional help adds significant value—particularly for first-timers or casual photographers.

However, if your primary goal is to guarantee a sighting of the aurora, be aware that this is never guaranteed, and the unpredictability of nature can lead to disappointment. The tour’s value is also tied to the warmth and authenticity of the experience, which many find appealing.

For travelers who enjoy local traditions, good food, and scenic outdoor settings, this trip strikes a nice balance. Just remember to keep expectations flexible and be prepared for the possibility of no aurora.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is ideal for families or couples looking for a relaxed, cultural outing with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Arctic night. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate guided storytelling and professional photos, but less so for travelers seeking a fast-paced, high-adrenaline aurora hunt.

Travelers with basic patience for weather-dependent activities will find this a worthwhile experience—especially if aurora sightings happen. It’s also a good pick if you want to combine delicious local food with a beautifully dark sky and have a fondness for cozy fires and traditional treats.

Frequently asked questions

Is this tour suitable for small children?
While the experience is generally safe and cozy, the outdoor setting and cold temperatures mean it’s best suited for slightly older children who can handle Arctic conditions comfortably.

What is included in the tour?
The main features include pickup and drop-off from selected locations, transportation to scenic spots, traditional Finnish BBQ, warm drinks, and professional photos of the aurora and yourself.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights?
The tour aims to maximize your chances, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Some reviews mention that the aurora was not visible on their night, which is a common risk with all aurora tours.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 3 hours, typically starting in the evening, with timing depending on availability and local conditions.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian options are available, so inform your booking if you have specific needs.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal underwear, a good winter jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots. The Arctic night can be very cold, especially if the sky is clear.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a charming, culturally rich experience that combines the thrill of spotting the Northern Lights with the warmth of Finnish tradition, this tour offers a lot. The chance to capture dazzling photos and enjoy a fireside barbecue makes it memorable, even if the aurora chooses not to show up every night.

It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a guided, relaxed evening in Lapland, especially if they’re okay with the element of luck involved in seeing the lights. The quality of the experience can vary depending on weather and guide communication, but many find it worthwhile for the beautiful scenery, authentic food, and the chance to enjoy Lapland’s quiet winter nights.

In summary, this Northern Lights photography and BBQ tour offers a cozy, scenic way to experience Lapland’s natural wonder. It’s best suited for those who value guided storytelling, good food, and professional photos, and who are prepared for the unpredictability of nature. For anyone dreaming of a peaceful Arctic night under the stars, it could be just the right adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: