Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting Photo Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Rovaniemi and dreaming of catching the elusive northern lights, you might have come across this Aurora Borealis Hunting Photo Tour. While it promises a mix of scenic viewing and expert photography tips, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

What we like most about this tour is its attempt to give you multiple chances to see the lights at different spots and the inclusion of professional photos to remember the moment. Plus, it’s fairly flexible with cancellations and payment options, making it accessible for last-minute planners. However, a key consideration is that, like many aurora tours, seeing the lights is never guaranteed — especially if weather conditions aren’t cooperative.

This experience tends to suit travelers who are eager to have a guided, relatively short adventure with a focus on photography and those who appreciate local expertise. If you’re okay with the uncertainty of natural phenomena and want some guidance and warm drinks to keep cozy, this could be a good pick. That said, if you’re expecting a guaranteed show, you might want to explore options with higher success rates or guaranteed viewing.

Key Points

• Focus on Photography: You’ll get professional tips and photos with the aurora in the background.
• Flexible Planning: The route is adjusted based on weather conditions to maximize your chances.
• Limited Duration: At just four hours, it’s a short but packed experience.
• Warm Comforts: Hot drinks and gingerbread cookies are included to help fend off the cold.
• Uncertain Visibility: Despite efforts, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights.
• Small Group Atmosphere: The tour is guided by an expert, which is helpful for novices wanting tips.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Aurora Borealis Photo Tour

When you choose this tour, you’re signing up for a 4-hour experience that aims to make the most of your time under Lapland’s night sky. After being picked up from central Rovaniemi at the Safartica Office, you’ll be equipped with warm gear—an essential because northern Finland winters can get seriously cold. This planning is really helpful, as it saves you from the hassle of renting or bringing too much winter clothing yourself.

The tour’s core idea is to increase your chances of seeing the aurora by visiting several carefully selected locations. The guide, a professional photographer, will lead you to spots chosen for their good vantage points and potential clear views of the sky. Since weather in Lapland can change rapidly, the route is flexible, and guides will adjust plans accordingly. This means that some nights, if the weather isn’t cooperating, you might visit interesting spots without seeing the lights—something that was echoed in reviews where people mentioned that, despite the effort, the aurora was elusive.

The Experience at Each Location

At each stop, you’ll get to learn tips on how to photograph the northern lights—a big plus if you’re into capturing the moment. The guide will share advice on camera settings, which can be invaluable, especially if you’re new to night photography. You’ll also have the opportunity to have your professional photo taken with the aurora in the background, providing a lovely souvenir.

While most participants appreciate the effort guides put in, some reviews highlight that guides sometimes seem somewhat unprepared or lacking in-depth knowledge about the aurora itself. One traveler noted that guides simply read off Wikipedia-level info, which might be disappointing for those craving a more detailed explanation. Yet, others appreciated the guidance they received, especially the photography tips, which helped improve their skills.

Comfort and Refreshments

The inclusion of hot drinks and gingerbread cookies is a thoughtful touch. Waiting outside in chilly weather can be tough, but warm beverages help make the experience more comfortable. You’ll likely find the mood cozy and social, especially if the group is small.

The Realities of Aurora Viewing

One of the most important facts about aurora tours is that seeing the lights depends heavily on weather and solar activity. Multiple reviews mention that, despite the guides’ efforts, the aurora was not visible on some nights. For example, one reviewer from Germany shared, “We didn’t see the northern lights with the naked eye, but we did get a photo that shows them.” This highlights that aurora sightings are never guaranteed.

Another review noted that the tour took place even after heavy snowfall, with the staff explaining that the chances of seeing the lights were slim. Despite this, they appreciated the guides’ effort, which is often all you can hope for in such unpredictable conditions.

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Is It Worth the Price?

At a typical four-hour duration, the tour is fairly priced, especially considering it includes transportation, gear, hot drinks, and professional photos. The value lies in the expert guidance and the multiple location visits, which increase your chances of a sighting. However, if your main goal is to guarantee a viewing of the aurora, this tour may not be the best choice—no aurora tour can promise that, only maximize the odds.

Group Size and Experience

Since the tour runs with a live English-speaking guide, you’ll likely find yourself in a relatively intimate group, which is nice for personalized tips and conversation. The small group setting also makes it easier to ask questions or get one-on-one advice about photography.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is well-suited for photography enthusiasts eager to learn how to capture the northern lights better. It’s also a decent option if you want a guided, well-organized evening that makes the most of limited daylight hours.

Travelers who don’t mind the uncertainty of seeing the aurora will find this tour worthwhile, especially with the warm drinks and the professional photos as keepsakes. However, if your priority is a guaranteed view or a longer, more immersive experience, you might want to check other options or ask about tours with higher success rates.

This tour isn’t specifically tailored for families or children, who might find the outdoor cold and longer waits challenging, but nothing in the description suggests it’s unsuitable for older kids or teenagers who are prepared for winter nights.

FAQs about the Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Photo Tour

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the route and timing are adjusted based on weather conditions to increase the chances of seeing the aurora. If the weather is cloudy or snowy, your chances diminish, and the tour might visit several locations without guaranteed sightings.

What do I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for winter weather are recommended. The tour provides gear, but layering with your own warm clothing also helps. Weather-appropriate clothing and winter sports gear are essential to stay warm.

Can I reschedule the tour if the weather looks bad?
Yes, the tour can be rescheduled before 16:00 on the day to a more suitable date, which is helpful if you want to maximize your chances.

Will I get a professional photo?
Yes, one of the highlights is having a professional photo taken with the northern lights in the background, which you can keep as a memorable souvenir.

What if I don’t see the northern lights?
Since aurora sightings depend on natural factors, there is no guarantee. The tour offers no refund if the lights aren’t visible, but the effort and multiple stops increase your odds.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, starting from pickup in central Rovaniemi and finishing back at the meeting point.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly targeted at children, the outdoor nature and physical demands mean older kids or teenagers who enjoy cold nights could participate comfortably. Always consider individual stamina and interests.

Final Thoughts

The Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Hunting Photo Tour offers a practical way to try your luck at seeing the northern lights with the help of an expert guide. It’s ideal for those who want a guided experience that includes photography tips and memorable photos, all within a short evening window. Keep in mind that aurora viewing is inherently unpredictable, and this tour is more about increasing your chances rather than guaranteeing a show.

The inclusion of warm drinks, flexible scheduling, and a focus on photography makes this a solid choice for travelers eager to learn and capture the moment. However, if you’re set on witnessing the lights at all costs—and you’re willing to pay more—you might want to explore other options with higher success guarantees.

Overall, if you’re comfortable with the uncertainties and want a well-organized, informative, and cozy outing, this tour can add a special touch to your Lapland adventure.

Remember: Always check the weather forecast, dress warmly, and keep your expectations realistic. The northern lights are nature’s magic, but they never come with a 100% promise.

You can check availability for your dates here: