Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Northern Lights Small Group & Photos

If you’re eyeing a trip to Lapland with hopes of catching the elusive Northern Lights, this tour might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally done it, I’ve gathered enough feedback and details to give you a clear picture of what you can expect. The promise of a small-group experience with passionate local guides and professional photography sounds promising, especially for those who want a personalized adventure.

What really stands out for me are the 100% money-back guarantee if they don’t get the photos with the lights, and the flexibility of timing, which adapts to weather and aurora activity. On the flip side, a potential hiccup could be the dependence on weather conditions—like all Northern Lights tours, success isn’t guaranteed, but this tour does everything it can to improve your odds. This experience seems best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, trustworthy chance to see the Aurora with added perks like photos and a small-group vibe.

Key Points

• Personalized small-group tours enhance the experience and allow for more interaction with guides.
• Professional photos included give you a lasting memory without extra cost.
• Flexible timing and location based on weather forecasts increase your chances of seeing the Lights.
• A strong money-back guarantee provides reassurance if the Lights stay hidden.
• Comfortable transportation ensures a safe, relaxed journey to remote viewing spots.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, dedication, and extra effort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

One of the main things we love about this experience is how it maximizes your chances to see the Northern Lights. The tour generally lasts around 8 hours, but this can shift depending on cloud cover and aurora activity—creators of the tour are proactive in adjusting to the weather forecast, which is a big plus. Pickup times are also flexible, usually between 17:00 and 19:00, with the specific time confirmed on the day of your adventure.

Once on board a comfy Mercedes van, you’ll be whisked away from Rovaniemi to locations chosen for their clear skies and minimal light pollution. The guides are well-versed in the latest weather and aurora forecasts, actively hunting for the best spot to witness the Lights. This isn’t just a random chase; it’s a calculated effort to give you the best possible viewing experience.

The best part? When the Lights appear, your guide will take professional photos to capture the moment, and you receive these images the following day — a thoughtful touch that many travelers find invaluable. If, for some reason, the Lights are shy or the photos don’t turn out, you get a full refund. That’s confidence in their ability to deliver.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Initial Drive

Your adventure kicks off with a pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi. The vehicles are modern and comfortable, which makes the transfer to the aurora-hunting zones a pleasure rather than a chore. Expect about a 1.5-hour drive as your guide shares the plan for the night, including where they think you’ll have the best chance of seeing the Lights.

Aurora Hunting in Remote Locations

Once you arrive at the chosen location, the real magic begins. The guides are dedicated, and reviews highlight their knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile, sometimes driving hundreds of kilometers to find clear skies. We loved the way the guides study the forecasts — this is not a hit-or-miss approach, but a calculated effort to optimize your viewing chances.

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Light Viewing and Photography

When the Lights appear, the guide will assist with setting up your camera or phone to get the best shots. You’ll be able to relax, take in the stunning natural display, and enjoy warm drinks or snacks offered by the guides. Reviewers rave about the high-quality photos they receive afterward, which truly stand out as a memorable part of the experience.

Return to Rovaniemi

After hours of chasing and hopefully witnessing the Lights, you’ll head back to Rovaniemi, usually around 1.5 hours after the Lights fade or the tour ends. The tour ends with a sense of shared achievement and hopefully some incredible photos in hand.

Transportation and Group Size

The use of Mercedes vans is a standout detail. They’re comfortable, reliable, and capable of handling the long drives necessary for good aurora hunting. The maximum group size is just 8 people per guide, which helps keep things intimate and allows guides to give personalized attention. This is a big advantage over larger tours where you might feel more like a number.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

Considering the price includes professional photos and the money-back guarantee, the value is quite compelling. You’re paying for more than just a chance to see the Lights—you’re investing in a well-organized, responsive experience with knowledgeable guides who are genuinely invested in delivering results. The flexibility and personalized approach are especially valuable considering how unpredictable Aurora sightings can be.

Insights from the Reviews

Travelers are clearly impressed with the guides. One review raves about Rasmus, Tino, and Arttu for their dedication and communication, noting Rasmus’s extra effort in hunting the Lights and Arttu’s helpfulness. Another traveler mentions how their guide, Veeti, was available for questions and made the experience unforgettable. Several reviews highlight the professional photos and the guides’ willingness to go the extra mile, like driving hundreds of kilometers or bringing forgotten gloves.

Many reviewers describe the Lights they saw as “fantastic” or “breathtaking,” emphasizing how the guides’ efforts paid off. Multiple travelers mention that the trips are “worth every penny,” especially with the added benefit of good company and expert guidance.

The Downside

While this tour does everything to increase your chances, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings aren’t guaranteed. The tour’s success hinges on weather and solar activity, which can be unpredictable. However, their adaptive approach, well-chosen locations, and professional guidance significantly tilt the odds in your favor.

Another consideration is the timing—the tour generally starts between 17:00 and 19:00, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with late evenings. Also, you’ll need to dress warmly, as you’ll be outdoors for extended periods in cold weather, and the tour recommends sturdy boots, hats, and gloves.

This experience is ideal for travelers who prioritize a personalized, well-organized Northern Lights hunt. If you value professional photos and want to avoid the hassle of self-guided chasing, this tour offers great value. It’s also best for those willing to be flexible about timing and prepared for cold nights. Given its small-group setup, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer a more intimate, less crowded adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children? While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the small-group nature and focus on comfort might make it suitable for older children who can handle cold nights and long drives. Always check with the provider about age restrictions.

What should I bring? Warm clothing, including layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots, is essential. The weather can be very cold, especially at night.

How long does the tour last? The tour lasts around 8 hours, but this can vary based on weather and aurora activity. Pickup times are typically between 17:00 and 19:00.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights? You will receive a full refund for the photography part if no photos of the Lights are taken, thanks to the 100% money-back guarantee.

Can I book this tour last minute? Yes, the tour is flexible, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is great if your plans are still unfolding.

Is transportation comfortable? Yes, the Mercedes vans are modern, comfortable, and capable of handling remote drives.

How do guides decide where to go? They base their decisions on the latest weather and aurora forecasts, actively seeking the clearest skies and best viewing spots.

Are meals or drinks included? The tour includes warm juice and cookies during the viewing, but beyond that, travelers should plan for their own snacks if needed.

This Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi offers a thoughtful, reliable way to chase one of nature’s most spectacular displays. The combination of small-group intimacy, professional photography, and a flexible, weather-aware approach makes it stand out. The reviews highlight guides who are passionate, dedicated, and willing to go the extra mile — often driving hundreds of kilometers just to find clear skies.

While no guide can guarantee the Lights, this tour’s track record and customer satisfaction suggest it’s a solid bet for those wanting a personalized, memorable experience. The money-back guarantee further reassures you that their main goal is to help you see the Aurora if at all possible.

If you value expert guidance, quality photos, and the chance to enjoy a more personal adventure away from crowds, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to come prepared for cold nights and be flexible with your expectations—it’s all part of the adventure.

Ready to chase the Aurora? This tour offers a balanced mix of professionalism, comfort, and genuine effort—perfect for travelers who want a real shot at witnessing one of the sky’s greatest shows.

You can check availability for your dates here: