Planning a trip to Lapland and eager to see the elusive Northern Lights? If you’re considering a guided tour, this one from Rovaniemi, run by Northern Lights Chasing, has earned a stellar reputation. With an almost-perfect 4.9-star rating from hundreds of reviews, it’s clear many travelers find this experience both memorable and worthwhile.
What we really like about this tour is how dedicated the guides are to maximizing your chances of seeing the aurora. They use real-time weather tracking, scientific methods, and flexible route planning to increase your odds. Plus, the professional photos and videos they capture are a huge bonus.
On the flip side, a potential snag is the long duration—up to 48 hours—meaning it might be better suited to those with flexible schedules and good stamina. This tour is ideal if you’re passionate about chasing the Northern Lights and don’t mind the cold or late nights.
it was a lovely trip, we were very lucky and saw it within an hour. but we waited for longer and that was totally worth it, breath-taking. we saw dancing light all over the sky. our guide was very experienced, she helped us stay warm in the van and let us know just in time.
I’m truly so grateful to our professional guide for taking us to such a quiet, remote place with zero light pollution. He accurately predicted when the aurora would erupt, and thanks to his expertise, we set off at 6:30 PM and were already on our way back by 9:30 PM after witnessing an incredible aurora display. This gave me plenty of time to return to the hotel and rest. He also helped me take so many beautiful and unforgettable photos with the Northern Lights — my friends are all super jealous and think the photos turned out amazing! Don’t hesitate to choose him — highly recommended! ✨
It is really an incredible experience! Everything was perfectly organised by Alisa and team. They were very attentive, friendly and polite and did everything to make us feel comfortable during the entire experience. Alisa knows very well on how to navigate through weather, solar flares and aurora activity. We even crossed the border to get the best viewing opportunity and then we waited and waited and then finally we had the magical moment when we saw the aurora dancing. It is really an unforgettable night. I would recommend this tour to anyone without any hesitation.
Who should consider this trip?
This experience suits travelers who want a highly personalized and scientifically backed chase, especially those who value expert guidance, quality photos, and a guaranteed view—or your money back. If you’re traveling without young children, are comfortable with long nights outdoors, and enjoy adventures that feel more like wildlife safaris than simple sightseeing, this could be your perfect match.
You can check availability for your dates here:- Who should consider this trip?
- Key Points
- A Deep Dive into the Experience
- The Itinerary and How It Works
- The Chase: Real-Time Science and Personal Attention
- What You’ll See and Do
- The Long Duration: Pros and Cons
- The Photos and Videos: A Major Bonus
- The Cost and Value
- Who Will Appreciate This Tour?
- Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
- FAQ
- More Tour Reviews in Rovaniemi
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Rovaniemi we have reviewed
Key Points
- High success rate: Scientific weather tracking and flexible routes significantly boost your chances of seeing the aurora.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable and dedicated guides monitor conditions in real-time, changing plans as needed.
Comfort and safety: Travel in a comfortable, well-heated vehicle, even during the coldest nights.
- Photos included: Receive high-quality, professional photos and videos of your experience at no extra charge.
Flexible schedule: Tour start times vary between 17:00 and 20:00, based on weather and aurora activity.
- Long hours: The 48-hour duration means long nights and the need for patience, but the payoff is worth it for many.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rovaniemi.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
If you’re dreaming about catching the Northern Lights, this tour offers a serious shot at making that happen. The core idea is that you’re not just going out at a fixed time and place—these guides are constantly tracking solar activity, cloud movement, and weather patterns. They do this to adjust the route and timing in real-time, which is essential because the aurora is unpredictable by nature.
The Itinerary and How It Works
The tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation or designated location, depending on your booking option. The exact start time isn’t fixed; instead, it varies between 17:00 and 20:00. This flexibility is crucial since the best time to see the aurora depends on weather and solar activity, both of which are carefully monitored by your guides.
Once on the road, the guides will take you far into the wilderness, sometimes over 300 km from Rovaniemi. The goal: find those rare clear skies away from city lights. You’ll travel in a comfortable vehicle, which is especially appreciated given the long hours and cold temperatures. Keep in mind, there are no toilet facilities along the route, so plan ahead.
Thank you Alisa for the amazing vibes and the tour!
Nikita is a real professional. The tour was well organised, the vehicle was warm. We patiently waited as he was tracking the northern light activity on his phone. Not long after we could see the lights as their intensity was slowly increasing. He took beautiful photos of us. Very happy with the tour!
It was very memorable. Nikita was a great guide. He is very experienced and he knows what he is doing. We started and within first 30 mins we saw the best of the light. He encouraged us to take some nice pictures. When the lights faded, he waited patiently for them to get back, when it didnt come back for more than 1 hour he took us to other locations. He was persistent, and he was 100% dedicated to this purpose only, he kept checking statistics for finding more lights even when we saw good ones in 1st 30 mins only. I had a great experience and i highly recommend this tour. My finland was memorable cause of this tour.
The Chase: Real-Time Science and Personal Attention
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of science and experience. The guides don’t rely on just guesses; they actively monitor solar activity and local weather models. When conditions are favorable, they will drive to prime locations, often in remote areas like lakes or rocky beaches, to maximize your chances.
If the conditions are poor or the aurora fails to appear, the guides are transparent. They’ll cancel the tour and offer a full refund, so you’re not left feeling disappointed. Many reviews, like Gabriella’s from Cyprus, mention how helpful and knowledgeable the guides are, providing informative insights about the lights and assisting you to find the best spots.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat You’ll See and Do
Traveling into the Arctic wilderness, you’ll witness the skies light up with vivid colors, often reflected on calm lakes or dark landscapes. The guides will capture photos and videos of the aurora, which they will send to you afterward at no cost. Several guests mention how professional and friendly the guides are, often going above and beyond to ensure everyone gets good shots.
In nights with favorable conditions, the auroras can appear bright and active, dancing across the sky with shades of green, red, and purple. Some reviews highlight how the Aurora can appear brighter in photos than to the naked eye, but even weak displays are worth the effort.
The guides’ ability to read the sky and adapt is often praised, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in their expertise.
The Long Duration: Pros and Cons
This tour is not a quick drive-and-gawk experience. It lasts approximately 48 hours, which means you’ll be out late into the night, sometimes for several hours, waiting for the best chance at a sighting. Many reviewers, such as Usha from the UK, mention how the guides are very patient and do everything possible to get you the view, even if it takes hours of driving and waiting.
While some might find this long duration tiring or chilly, the experience for others makes it all worth it. Many reviews love how dedicated the guides are, constantly monitoring data and making decisions to maximize your chance. They even drive to the Swedish border or other remote spots when needed, showing their commitment to the pursuit.
The Photos and Videos: A Major Bonus
One of the most appreciated aspects is the professional photos and videos. Guides use pro cameras to capture stunning shots, which are then sent to you after the tour. Several guests, including those from Switzerland and Australia, mention how the photos exceeded expectations and served as lasting memories.
The Cost and Value
Pricing for this tour is considered premium, but reviews suggest it’s justified by the dedication, expertise, and quality of the experience. Many guests feel that paying extra for a scientifically guided chase with guaranteed views and professional photos makes it worthwhile.
Who Will Appreciate This Tour?
If you’re someone who values expert guidance, personalized routes, and the chance of a guaranteed aurora, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suitable for adults comfortable with long nights outdoors and cold temperatures, as it’s less family-friendly due to the duration and weather.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
This Northern Lights tour offers more than just a chance to see the aurora; it provides an experience rooted in science, patience, and dedication.
Guided by knowledgeable professionals who monitor conditions in real-time, you’re more likely to witness the lights than on a standard, fixed-route excursion. The professional photos and videos are a big plus, capturing memories you’ll cherish long after the cold nights.
While the long hours might seem daunting, many reviews highlight the passion and effort guides put into making the night successful. The full refund policy if no lights are seen offers peace of mind, which is comforting given the unpredictability of nature. If you’re prepared for the cold, patient, and eager to chase the aurora with a dedicated team, this tour is hard to beat.
Remember, aurora activity varies nightly, and bright displays are rare, but with the scientific approach and personalized chase, your odds are significantly improved. For genuine enthusiasts wanting to maximize their chances and leave with incredible photos, this could be the highlight of your trip.
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Small Group with Guaranteed View
"it was a lovely trip, we were very lucky and saw it within an hour. but we waited for longer and that was totally worth it, breath-taking. we saw d..."
FAQ
How fixed is the tour start time?
The tour start time isn’t fixed. It can begin anytime between 17:00 and 20:00, depending on weather conditions. You’ll receive the exact time by 16:00 on the day of the tour.
What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, comfortable gear, warm shoes, and your passport or ID. Be prepared for long hours outside in cold conditions, often with no toilet facilities.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This experience is better suited for adults due to the long duration and cold weather. It’s not recommended for children under 14 or for those with mobility issues.
What happens if the Northern Lights are not visible?
The tour has a full refund guarantee if no aurora is seen on camera. Guides will notify you in advance if conditions are unfavorable, and the trip may be canceled without penalty.
How do the guides increase our chances of seeing the lights?
They use real-time weather tracking, monitor solar activity, and adjust routes dynamically to chase clear skies and active auroras, sometimes driving hundreds of kilometers into remote areas.
Can I expect professional photos?
Yes, guides will capture high-quality photos and videos during the night, which they will send to you afterward. Many guests praise these images as a highlight.
If catching the Northern Lights is high on your Finland to-do list, this tour offers a serious shot at success, backed by science, experience, and genuine dedication. It’s a journey worth considering if you're after the best chance to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon.
You can check availability for your dates here:
