Saariselkä: Private Photo Northern Lights Tour

Discovering the Northern Lights: An Honest Look at Saariselkä’s Private Photo Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the Aurora Borealis on camera, the Saariselkä: Private Photo Northern Lights Tour might just be what you’re looking for. Although we haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, it’s clear that this experience offers a comfortable, personalized way to witness one of nature’s most enchanting displays. Perfect for those who want more than just a fleeting glimpse — this is about creating lasting memories with expert help and professional photos in hand.

What really catches the eye is the private group setting, which promises a more intimate experience, and the professional guidance that helps even amateur photographers get stunning shots. We also love that this tour includes warm snacks and drinks, making those long, cold Arctic nights a little more bearable.

That said, one potential consideration is the 6-hour duration — while that’s great for seeing multiple spots, it can feel quite long if you’re not used to the cold or late-night outings. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, tailored experience with a focus on photography and comfort. If you’re after a memorable, stress-free way to see the lights with a side of Arctic sightseeing, this tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• Private group ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Professional guide uses high-quality cameras to capture your best moments.
• Includes warm drinks and snacks, making the cold nights more comfortable.
• Visits multiple Arctic locations based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts.
• You receive all edited photos after the tour, creating long-lasting memories.
• Suitable for those who love photography and want expert assistance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This private Northern Lights tour from Saariselkä is designed for travelers who want a more exclusive, tailored experience. Unlike larger group tours, a private expedition means your guide can focus entirely on your group’s needs, helping you find the best spots and capturing those elusive Aurora Borealis moments. The fact that a professional guide takes care of the photography is a huge plus — especially if you’re not confident with your own camera or simply want stunning, high-quality photos as keepsakes.

The 6-hour duration allows plenty of time to travel around North Lapland and find the most promising viewing locations, which are carefully chosen based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts. This flexibility is a big advantage: weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable, but your guide’s local knowledge and forecast tools help maximize your chances of seeing the lights.

The Experience: A Closer Look

The tour begins with pickup in Saariselkä, which is a convenient starting point for exploring the Arctic wilderness. Once you’re on your way, the guide will navigate to the most promising spots, often away from artificial light pollution, increasing your chances of seeing the auroras in full display.

During the night, you’ll stop at several carefully selected viewpoints. These locations are not just random spots—they’re chosen for their potential to give spectacular, unobstructed views of the sky. We loved the idea of going to multiple locations because it means you’re not stuck waiting in one place, hoping for the best; instead, your guide adapts to the conditions and moves where the lights are most active.

Throughout the evening, you’ll be warmed by campfire snacks and hot drinks, a thoughtful touch that keeps you comfortable despite the cold. Meanwhile, your guide will be taking professional photos of you under the Northern Lights with high-end equipment, ensuring you get images that truly do the scene justice.

The Photos: Cherished Memories

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the professional photography service. After the night ends, you’ll receive all the edited pictures, giving you a collection of stunning images that you can cherish forever. We’ve heard from past guests that these photos often impress even those who don’t consider themselves camera-savvy — the guide’s skill in capturing the moment makes a real difference.

The Logistics: Comfort and Convenience

The pickup, included in the tour, means you don’t have to worry about finding your way to meeting points in the dark. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, which is ample time for multiple viewing stops, catching the Aurora at different angles and settings, and enjoying the Arctic atmosphere.

The group is private, meaning you won’t be sharing the experience with strangers — perfect if you’re traveling with a partner, family, or friends who want a quieter, more personal adventure. The tour is conducted in English and Finnish, so communication should be smooth, especially if you’re familiar with either language.

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The Cost and Its Value

Pricing for a private experience like this generally reflects its exclusivity and tailored service. While it might seem pricier than larger group tours, you’re paying for the personalized guidance and professional photos, which can be well worth it if you’re serious about capturing the Northern Lights and having a comfortable Arctic night. The added comfort of snacks, hot drinks, and a private guide enhances the value, especially when considering the effort that goes into making the experience special.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting high-quality photos of the Aurora Borealis. It’s also suited for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, personalized experience in the Arctic, away from crowded group tours. If you’re traveling with a partner or small group and want a dedicated guide to maximize your chances of seeing the lights, this is a great choice.

While families could join if their kids are comfortable with cold nights and the late hours, the focus on photography and the 6-hour duration might not be perfect for very young children. It’s best for those who value comfort, expert guidance, and memorable photos over a quick, budget-friendly chase.

The Bottom Line

This private Northern Lights tour from Saariselkä offers a comfortable, tailored experience with a natural focus on capturing the magic on camera. The combination of expert guidance, stunning Arctic locations, and the chance to receive professional photos makes it stand out among many aurora-viewing options.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their chances of a good view while relaxing in the Arctic environment. The inclusion of warm drinks and snacks makes those chilly nights more bearable, and the private setting ensures a peaceful, personal experience.

However, keep in mind that this is a longer experience and can be quite cold, so dressing warmly is essential. If you’re after a relaxed, camera-focused Northern Lights outing and value quality over quantity, this tour offers solid value and memorable moments.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for families?
While the tour is private and flexible, it’s best for those comfortable with cold nights and a 6-hour outing. Families with older kids who enjoy the Arctic environment might find it a memorable experience, but very young children may find the length and cold challenging.

What should I wear?
Warm outdoor clothing is essential. Think thermal layers, insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and warm boots to stay comfortable during the long hours outside.

How are the locations chosen?
Locations are selected based on real-time weather and aurora forecasts, aiming to find the clearest, most promising spots for viewing the Northern Lights.

Will I get professional photos?
Yes, a guide with high-quality cameras will take professional photos of you under the auroras. After the tour, you’ll receive all the edited pictures.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The guide uses weather forecasts to try and find clear skies. If the weather is truly unfavorable, it’s possible the tour might be rescheduled or canceled, but this is rare with good planning.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 6 hours, from pickup through multiple stops and return to Saariselkä.

Is the tour in English or Finnish?
The tour is conducted in both English and Finnish, so communication should be straightforward.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

If you’re eager to chase the Northern Lights with expert help and a focus on stunning photography, this private tour from Saariselkä offers a relaxed, personalized way to make the most of your Arctic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: