Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Northern Lights Hunting Adventure

If you’re dreaming of chasing the Aurora Borealis and wondering whether this tour will help you catch a glimpse of those elusive lights, you’re in the right place. This experience, offered by Wild About Lapland, claims to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights and even guarantees it—though, like all natural phenomena, it’s not 100% certain.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on personalized attention—groups are limited to just eight participants, and the guides are well-versed in Arctic weather patterns. Plus, the fact that they drive you up to 350 kilometers away from Rovaniemi to find the clearest skies shows a genuine effort to give you a good shot at witnessing the Aurora. The bonus of receiving professional photos the next day is a thoughtful touch, helping you remember this extraordinary night.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour operates in all weather conditions, and the Aurora isn’t guaranteed, which might be disappointing if you’re hoping for a certain sighting. Also, the tour’s starting time can be late afternoon or evening, depending on the forecast, so flexibility in your schedule is helpful.

This experience seems best suited for travelers who are eager to explore the wilderness, don’t mind long drives, and want to maximize their odds of seeing the Northern Lights without the stress of fixed schedules or large crowds.

Key Points

• Maximized Aurora chances: The guides adapt the location based on weather and solar activity, sometimes traveling far into Lapland or even into neighboring countries.
• Small, intimate groups: Limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Professional photography included: Photos are taken with a professional camera and shared the following day, so you can focus on the experience and not worry about capturing the moment yourself.
• Flexible locations: Potentially traveling up to 350 km away from Rovaniemi, even into Sweden or Norway, if conditions aren’t optimal nearby.
• Weather-dependent experience: The tour’s success hinges on weather and solar activity, with a full refund if conditions aren’t suitable.
• Responsible tourism: They offset emissions by planting trees, showing commitment to sustainability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Northern Lights Hunting Tour in Detail

The Booking Experience and Value

Booking this tour offers a decent level of flexibility—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later makes it easier to plan without immediate financial commitment. The price feeds into the overall value—considering the small group size, transportation to remote locations, professional photography, and the effort to find clear skies, it’s quite competitive.

While it’s not cheap, the fact that they actively try to get you away from light pollution and into the wilderness is a big plus. The tours are capped at 8 participants, which means fewer crowds and more personal guidance. That’s an advantage whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group.

Itinerary Breakdown and What to Expect

The journey begins with a short walk or transfer to the Wild About Lapland office in Rovaniemi, where you’ll be equipped with professional winter overalls and boots—crucial when temperatures can drop to -30°C. This gear is provided if needed, which is a relief if you’re unfamiliar with Arctic winter layers.

After gearing up, your guide will drive you out into the wilderness, often far away from the city lights. The exact location depends on the weather forecast and solar activity reports, which the guides monitor closely during the day. If conditions are unfavorable around Rovaniemi, expect to be taken into remote spots possibly in Sweden or Norway—sometimes as far as 350 km away.

The drive itself is part of the adventure, offering long-distance views of Arctic landscapes—snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, open hilltops, and silent wilderness. The guides are experienced and will adapt on the fly, possibly moving locations if the sky clears or clouds roll in. You might end up on a lake beach, atop a hill, or in a snow-covered forest—each setting with its own magic.

The Hunting Experience

Once in position, your guide will keep a close eye on weather and solar activity, ready to move if needed. The goal: maximize your chances to see the Aurora dancing overhead. If the Northern Lights do appear, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display—though, as the guides emphasize, the vibrancy and frequency of the Aurora are unpredictable.

During the night, you’ll have brief stops where hot drinks and light snacks are offered—just enough to keep your energy up without disturbing the natural silence. These moments are cozy pauses amid the vast Arctic silence, perfect for taking in the surroundings or chatting with your guide.

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Photographs and Memories

One of the standout features of this tour is the inclusion of professional photography. The guide will take pictures with a high-quality camera, capturing you beneath the shimmering lights. The photos are sent to you the next day via a link, which is a thoughtful way to remember this special night without fussing with your own camera gear.

The Reality of Aurora Hunting

Reviews reveal some insights into what you can expect. One traveler from Austria said: “Great trip—although it was cloudy, our guide did his best so we could still see the Northern Lights.” This highlights the importance of weather conditions, but also the effort and flexibility of the guides.

Conversely, a reviewer from the US noted that “they start the trip at a fixed time even if the weather isn’t great,” which might be frustrating for some who prefer waiting for the perfect window. The tour does offer refunds if the Northern Lights aren’t seen, which helps reduce the risk.

What’s Good and Not-So-Good

This tour’s main strength is its dedication to finding clear skies. The drivers and guides go out of their way to chase the Aurora, sometimes covering hundreds of kilometers. The small group size allows for a more relaxed experience, with guides able to cater to individual needs and questions.

On the downside, the unpredictability of the Aurora means there’s no guarantee of a sighting, even with all the effort. If you’re visiting during periods of poor solar activity or cloudy weather, your chances diminish. Also, some might find the tour starting times a little late, especially if they prefer early evenings.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates personalized experiences, remote wilderness, and the chance to see the Northern Lights with experienced guides, this adventure is a good match. It’s especially suitable for those who don’t mind long drives and are prepared for Arctic winter conditions.

This isn’t a family-oriented tour, as the minimum age is 8 and the cold exposure can be intense, but adventurous couples or small groups of friends will find it particularly rewarding. It’s a good option for travelers seeking a balance between comfort, effort, and authentic Arctic exploration.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights hunting expedition from Rovaniemi offers a well-rounded mix of adventure, expert guidance, and environmental consciousness. The effort to chase clear skies by driving into the Arctic wilderness is what sets it apart from more static, city-based tours. You’ll appreciate the small group setting, which lends a personal touch, coupled with the professional photos that help keep the memories alive.

While not foolproof—since the Aurora is a natural and unpredictable phenomenon—this tour provides a solid chance of experiencing the lights in their full glory. The flexibility built into the itinerary, along with the expertise of the guides, makes it worth considering if your main goal is to see the Northern Lights with confidence.

Ideal for travelers who want a genuine Arctic adventure and don’t mind the uncertainties of nature, this experience is a worthwhile investment for a memorable night under the stars.

FAQ

How far do the guides drive to find clear skies? The guides can drive up to 350 kilometers away from Rovaniemi, sometimes into neighboring countries like Sweden or Norway, to find the best conditions for Aurora viewing.

What happens if the Northern Lights are not visible? If the forecast is unfavorable and you don’t see the Aurora, the tour offers a 50% refund to cover fuel and equipment costs.

Are hot drinks and snacks included? Yes, during short stops, you’ll be offered hot drinks and light refreshments to keep your energy up during the long night.

What should I bring? Pack water and warm clothing—you’ll be outside for several hours in potentially -30°C temperatures. The tour provides cold weather gear if needed.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You also have the flexibility to book now and pay later.

Is this tour suitable for children? The minimum age is 8 years old, and the cold can be intense, so consider your child’s comfort and health before booking.

What kind of group size should I expect? The maximum group size is 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and less crowded experience.

Do I need to worry about light pollution? Yes—this tour emphasizes traveling far away from city lights to give you a better chance of seeing the Aurora clearly.

All in all, this Northern Lights tour offers a thoughtful, flexible approach to Arctic sky-watching. If you’re after a genuine adventure with knowledgeable guides and a good shot at seeing the Aurora, it’s worth considering. Just keep in mind the natural unpredictability and dress warmly—then relax and enjoy the ride through Lapland’s winter wonderland.

You can check availability for your dates here: