Saariselkä: Aurora Hunting Tour with Northern Lights Experts

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights, this Saariselkä tour promises a night of adventure and awe. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what you can expect. It’s a great way to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, especially if you’re visiting Finland during the winter months and want an experience that’s both comfortable and tailored.

What really caught our eye are two things: first, the expert guides who aren’t just along for the ride but actively hunt down the best spots based on weather forecasts—meaning you’re more likely to see the lights rather than just wait under a cloudy sky. Second, the small-group format and flexible itineraries make this a cozy, personalized experience, different from large tour buses that just stay put and wait.

One potential consideration is that Northern Lights sightings aren’t guaranteed — nature is unpredictable, after all. But the guides’ knowledge and commitment significantly increase your odds. This tour would suit anyone eager for a well-organized, insightful night out in Lapland, especially those who want to avoid the frustration of waiting in the cold with no promising view.

Key Points

• Expert-led Aurora hunting: Guides plan locations based on weather and Aurora forecasts for better chances of seeing the lights.
• Comfortable transportation: Travel in a cozy minivan that can access spots larger vehicles can’t reach.
• Flexible locations: The tour isn’t stuck in one spot; guides actively seek the best viewing areas each night.
• Inclusion of warm drinks and snacks: Helps keep you comfortable during outdoor wait times.
• Small group size: Usually 6-8 people, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
• Price point: Around $158 per person, which is often good value considering the personalized experience and local expertise.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting the Adventure: Pickup and Transportation

The tour kicks off with pickup from your Saariselkä accommodation, within a 15 km radius. This is a real plus because it means you won’t have to worry about travel logistics—your guide will come to you. Once onboard the comfortable minivan, you’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable guide eager to share insights about the Northern Lights, Lapland, and local culture.

The vans are described as branded Mercedes, Volkswagen green, and white models, all suited for the chilly Arctic conditions. The journey usually lasts about three hours, but that can extend depending on weather and the guides’ judgment.

Why the Transportation Matters

Traveling by small group and in a cozy minivan makes a difference. You can move quickly between locations, avoiding clouds or poor visibility in one area, which is crucial for Aurora hunting. Several reviews highlight guides’ flexibility—they don’t just drive to one spot and wait, but actively hunt for clear skies, sometimes changing locations multiple times throughout the night.

The Locations and Scenery

The tour takes you to various carefully selected spots based on weather and Aurora forecasts. Some reviews mention stops at lakes, like the famous “Grandpa’s Lake,” or secluded areas away from light pollution. The scenery—snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and dark Arctic skies—sets the perfect stage for this natural show, and guides are often quick to spot the Aurora with their experience.

One reviewer shared how their guide took them to several spots, including the middle of a frozen lake, which offers spectacular views of the sky and the shimmering green and red lights dancing above.

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The Wait and Comfort

Waiting outdoors under winter skies can be chilly, but the tour makes it more bearable with warm drinks and snacks. Cranberry tea, berry juice, and biscuits are common treats, making the experience cozy rather than punishing. It’s well appreciated by guests, especially those who might be new to cold climates.

Seeing the Lights

The big question: Will you see the Aurora? While no one can guarantee it—nature is fickle—guides do everything they can to choose the best times and places. Most reviews are glowing about their chances, with some witnessing spectacular displays of green, red, and even multiple colors. Several mentions include seeing the Northern Lights shining brightly and lasting for an hour or more.

Photography and Memories

If photography is important, you can request a special photography tour beforehand for about $15 per person. Guides often take photos of you under the lights, which many reviews praise as a nice bonus. It’s worth noting that in some reviews, guides are praised for their helpful tips for phone photography, ensuring that even amateur photographers can capture the moment.

The Guides’ Knowledge and Enthusiasm

Across reviews, guides like Eugene, Alice, Amar, and Max seem to stand out for their friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated attitude. They often go above and beyond—staying late, moving multiple times, offering insights into local culture, and even sharing tips on other nearby spots worth visiting.

Several reviewers mention guides explaining the science behind the Aurora, local folklore, or Sami culture, adding value beyond just the lights themselves. This makes the experience not only a visual treat but also an educational one.

The Price and Value

At around $158 per person, the tour offers a lot of value—personalized locations, expert guidance, transport, and warm refreshments. Considering how personalized and flexible the experience is, most reviews agree it’s an excellent investment for an unforgettable Arctic night.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This Aurora hunt is ideal for travelers who prefer a guided, stress-free experience with the best chance of seeing the lights. It’s perfect if you’re eager to learn more about the Northern Lights and Arctic culture, and don’t want to rely on chance alone. The small-group setting makes it more intimate, suitable for those who enjoy engaging conversations and a relaxed atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour with Northern Lights Experts promises a well-organized, flexible, and engaging way to chase the Northern Lights in Lapland. The combination of expert guides, small-group intimacy, and carefully chosen locations makes it stand out from simpler waiting-around experiences.

While the unpredictability of nature means you can’t be 100% guaranteed a sighting, the high praise from travelers suggests your chances are quite good. Guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge add layers of enjoyment, transforming a simple night of watching lights into a memorable Arctic adventure.

This tour would suit adventure seekers, culture lovers, and first-time visitors who want a dependable way to experience one of nature’s most incredible light shows without the hassle of planning every detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup from my accommodation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Saariselkä area accommodation within a 15 km radius, making it easy and convenient to start your adventure.

Can I bring my own camera or phone?
Absolutely. Guides often provide tips for phone photography, and you can request a photography package in advance for around $15 to get professional images of the lights.

What should I wear for the tour?
Dress warmly with comfortable clothing, a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and winter boots. The outdoor waiting times can be cold, so layering is recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 3 hours, but it can be longer depending on weather conditions and the guides’ decisions to maximize your chances.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 95, mainly due to the outdoor cold and duration.

What if the weather is too cloudy or poor?
Guides monitor weather and Aurora forecasts closely. If cloud cover is significant, the trip can be canceled with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, or rescheduled based on availability.

How does the tour handle bad weather or no Aurora?
The guides do everything possible to find clear skies, but since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, sightings aren’t guaranteed. Still, most travelers report successful and spectacular views.

If you’re after a memorable, well-organized Northern Lights experience in Lapland, this Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour might just be the ticket. It offers a good mix of expert guidance, cozy comfort, and the thrill of nature’s light show—perfect for making your Arctic trip truly unforgettable.

You can check availability for your dates here: