Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt with VIP Van

Imagine zipping across the vast, dark skies of Lapland in a comfy van, chasing the elusive and magical Aurora Borealis. That’s the gist of the Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt with VIP Van, offered by Lapin Taivas Arctic Expeditions. While I haven’t done this specific tour myself, I’ve gone through plenty of reviews and details to give you an honest picture of what to expect. If you’re after a flexible, personalized approach to Aurora hunting—without being stuck in one spot—this could be just the adventure you’re looking for.

What I really like about this tour is how dedicated they are to finding clear skies. They travel up to 300+ KM if needed, constantly moving to avoid light pollution, which is often a problem in more fixed-route tours. Plus, the professional photos taken during the hunt—delivered within 72 hours—are a fantastic bonus to remember the night. On the flip side, if you have an early morning after your tour, this late-night adventure might be less ideal because guides tend to stay out as long as the lights are dancing.

This trip is best suited for those who love a bit of adventure, don’t mind long nights, and want a tailored Aurora experience. It’s perfect if you’re seeking a flexible, high-chance hunt with knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the lights. But if you’re the type who prefers a more structured, less mobile tour, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Flexible route: No fixed route—guides drive wherever the clear skies are, often covering over 100 km to find optimal viewing spots.
• High success rate: During winter 2023-24, the catch rate was 86%, rising to 92% so far this season, making it a reliable choice.
• Expert photographers: Guides use the best weather reports, cameras, and lenses, delivering professional photos straight to your email.
• Comfort & convenience: Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off within 15 km of Rovaniemi, WiFi on board, snacks, and power banks.
• Downsides: The tour can be very late, so it’s not ideal if you have early plans next morning. Also, it’s a lot of driving at night, which might be bumpy or cold.
• Family and solo travelers: Open to most travelers, with a maximum group size of 16, but keep in mind the late hours may be tiring for children or light sleepers.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting at 7:00 pm in Rovaniemi, you’ll be welcomed and picked up from your hotel within a 15 km radius. The journey is part of the experience—it’s not just waiting around; it’s a scenic, often exhilarating drive through the dark, starry Finnish landscape. The van is described as very comfortable and warm, which is a big plus in such cold environments.

The primary goal? To find the clearest night sky possible, and that means traveling across Finnish and Swedish Lapland, sometimes covering over 300 km. Guides are continually monitoring weather reports, cloud coverage, and solar wind conditions to optimize your chances of witnessing the Aurora.

The Stops & Viewing Spots

The tour doesn’t stick to a fixed route but aims to visit 2 to 3 different viewpoints—out of over 300 mapped spots—based on real-time conditions. Some reviews mention visiting spots as far as Sweden, which highlights the length and flexibility of this hunt.

Traveling in a spacious van, you’re guaranteed a comfortable ride, and the guides do a great job keeping the atmosphere light and positive. A typical night includes a Finnish Pulla (Dallas Roll) and berry tea to keep you fueled, since patience and comfort are essential when chasing lights in the Arctic cold.

The Guides & Photography

One of the big highlights is the guides’ expertise—not just at spotting the Aurora but also at capturing it. Many reviews praise guides like Emin or Chevos for their dedication, energy, and photography skills. They use high-quality equipment—Sony A7III cameras with Sigma astrophotography lenses—and will take professional shots of you in front of the lights.

The photos are delivered via email within 24 to 72 hours, and travelers consistently remark on their quality. As one reviewer put it, “Their pictures are top,” and many appreciate how the guides help them take their own photos as well.

The Experience of a Night Out

Expect to be out until the Aurora fades—some guides stay as long as the lights are visible, with reports of guides hunting until 5 am. This makes it an ideal choice for night owls or those eager to maximize their chances, especially since the success rate during the winter season is quite high.

However, this also means it’s a very late night, and if you have an early flight or other plans, it might be a little tiring. The tour explicitly notes they don’t recommend it if you’ve got an early morning the next day.

Group Size & Atmosphere

With a maximum of 16 travelers, the group remains fairly intimate. Many reviews mention the guides’ enthusiasm and professionalism, which really adds to the experience. Guides like Emin and Chevos are praised for their persistence and passion—crucial qualities for Aurora hunting.

The Value of the Tour

At $207.38 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering what’s included—hotel pickup, snacks, professional photography, WiFi, and the fact that guides are actively chasing the best spots—you get a lot for your money. The success rate, combined with the comfort and personalized approach, makes it a solid investment if Aurora viewing is your main goal.

Keep in mind, the tour is all about flexibility and maximized odds, which you won’t get in more fixed-route tours. If you’re serious about seeing the Northern Lights, this is a compelling option.

Real Experiences from Travelers

Many visitors rave about guide Emin and the team’s dedication. One reviewer calls Emin an “exceptional guide” who stayed out until 5 am, ensuring everyone saw the lights. Others mention the guides’ infectious energy, their effort to find the perfect spot, and the high quality of photos. The atmosphere is described as relaxed but serious about hunting the Aurora.

Of course, some reviews mention the unpredictable nature of the lights—on some nights, the Aurora isn’t as strong, or the weather clouds over the sky. One review candidly states, “The northern lights were not the strongest that night,” but still appreciated the guides’ efforts and the overall experience.

A minority experienced less satisfactory communication or logistical issues, but these are rare and often related to weather unpredictability, not the guide’s effort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora hunt suits travelers who value flexibility and are willing to stay out late for a better chance at seeing the lights. It’s perfect if you love being in control of your experience and don’t mind a lot of driving at night. The professional photos are a big bonus—ideal if capturing memories is important to you.

It’s also great for solo travelers or small groups who want a more personal, less cookie-cutter adventure. Just remember, this isn’t an experience for those wanting a quick, light-paced trip or with very early mornings planned afterward.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 15 km of Rovaniemi, snacks and soft drinks, WiFi on board, a professional photo shoot, and the guide’s expertise in Aurora spotting and photography.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 7:00 pm and often extending deep into the night, depending on Aurora activity.

Can I see the Northern Lights with this tour?
While the success rate is high—86% during 2023-24 winter, and 92% so far this season—nature is unpredictable. Many guests see the lights, but sometimes the Aurora may be faint or absent due to cloud cover or solar activity.

Do I need to bring winter clothing?
Winter clothing isn’t included, so dress warmly in layers, especially since you’ll be outside for a long time in cold conditions. The van is comfortable and warm, but once outside, you’ll need proper gear.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly specified, the late hours and long drives might be tiring for young children. It’s best suited for older kids or adults who can handle a late night in cold weather.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour relies heavily on weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The guides constantly monitor weather reports to maximize chances.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an Aurora experience that’s flexible, driven by expert guides, and geared toward maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, Lapin Taivas’s Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt could be just the ticket. It’s especially worthwhile if you want to avoid the crowds and fixed routes, and if capturing stunning photos is a priority.

This tour isn’t for the faint of heart—be prepared for a long night, some driving, and unpredictable weather—but for genuine Aurora chasers, it’s a solid, well-reviewed choice.

For travelers who want a personalized, dedicated hunt from professionals who really care about the lights, this is hard to beat. Just make sure you’re okay with late nights and dressing warmly!

Happy Aurora hunting!