If you’re dreaming of capturing the elusive northern lights while enjoying expert guidance, the Aurora Hunting Photography Tour in Lapland, Finland, might just be your perfect winter adventure. This four-hour excursion promises not only the thrill of witnessing the Aurora Borealis but also the practical support to help you photograph it like a pro. With a modest price of $301 per person, it offers a good balance of value and authentic Arctic experience.
What really draws us to this tour is its focus on photography and comfort. They handle the logistics of finding the best viewing spots, so you can focus on the lights and your camera settings. Plus, transportation is included, reducing the typical hassle of navigating remote locations. However, the relatively short duration and small group size may not suit travelers looking for a longer or more varied Arctic experience. This tour is ideal for those who want a focused, well-organized chance to see—and photograph—the northern lights in a relaxed setting.
Key Points
- All-in-one package: Transportation, guiding, and photography assistance are included.
- Small group size: Limited to just 5 participants for a more personal experience.
- Expert guidance: Assistance with manual camera settings to help you capture the lights beautifully.
- Flexible booking and cancellation: Book now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.
- Ideal for photographers: Bring your camera and tripod for best results.
- Locations: Pickups are available from Rovaniemi, Lapland, and Luosto, with drop-offs also provided.
An Overview of the Aurora Hunting Photography Tour
This tour offers a practical way to experience the Arctic’s dazzling night sky without the typical stress of planning. Traveling with a small group and inclusive transportation means you’re spared long drives and searching for the perfect spot—you simply show up, and they do the rest. The main goal is to maximize your chances of seeing the Auroras while giving you the tools to photograph them well.
The tour is run by Aurora Photography Trips, with guides fluent in English and Finnish. It’s a shorter, focused experience—lasting just four hours—making it an excellent choice for travelers with tight schedules or those who want a quick Northern Lights fix. The cost of $301 might seem high at first glance, but considering transportation, guidance, and the promise of a memorable Aurora sighting, many see it as a fair value.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Lapland.
Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect
Pickup and Locations
You choose your pickup point from three options: Rovaniemi, Lapland, or Luosto. This flexibility is helpful depending on where you’re staying in Lapland. The pickup process is straightforward, and the tour provider picks you up in a comfortable vehicle, ready for the Arctic night.
Finding the Best Spot
Once on the road, the guides will navigate to areas with low light pollution, which is essential for seeing the Aurora in all its glory. This isn’t a random chase; it’s a calculated search for the clearest, darkest skies. Many reviews highlight the advantage of having transportation prearranged—no need to worry about booking taxis or figuring out remote locations yourself.
More Great Tours NearbyNorthern Lights and Photography
The main highlight is, of course, witnessing the northern lights dance across the sky. The guides aim to find conditions where visibility is optimal, and they keep an eye on weather and Aurora forecasts to adjust the plan if needed.
You’ll learn about manual camera settings—shutter speed, ISO, aperture—to help you get the best photos. The guides are knowledgeable and patient, helping even beginners get decent shots. Many reviewers mention they left with quality couple photos of Lapland’s winter landscape under the Aurora, which are perfect souvenirs.
Hot Beverages and Silence
The tour includes a hot beverage—nothing like a warm drink under the cold night sky—plus a guaranteed peaceful, quiet environment. This is especially appreciated in a small group setting, where the focus is on enjoying nature rather than noisy crowds.
Drop-off and End of Tour
After about four hours, the guides drop you back at your original pickup point, satisfied that you’ve had a chance to see the lights and learn some photography tips along the way.
What We Loved About This Tour
We appreciate the effort to combine guided assistance with a relaxed, intimate experience. Being in a small group of just five participants creates a friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for sharing the awe of the Aurora. The inclusion of transportation to remote spots is a genuine plus, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or don’t want to worry about logistics.
On top of that, the focus on photography elevates this from just another Aurora chase. If you’re keen to learn how to manually set your camera or improve your night photography skills, you’ll find this tour helpful and supportive. The guides’ knowledge about the best spots and Aurora activity adds a layer of confidence that you’re not just hoping for a sighting but actively increasing your chances.
A Possible Drawback
The main consideration is the short duration—just four hours. For some travelers, this might feel rushed, especially if weather conditions aren’t ideal or if the Aurora activity is subdued. Also, since the tour depends heavily on weather and Aurora forecasts, a cloudy night might mean an abbreviated experience or no sighting at all. It’s worth noting that the flexibility of booking and cancellation is helpful, but patience might be needed if conditions aren’t perfect.
The Real Value: Is It Worth the Price?
At $301, this tour isn’t the cheapest Arctic experience you’ll find, but it includes transportation, expert guidance, and the chance to photograph the Northern Lights—things that can add up if you try to arrange them independently. Many reviews mention that this offers good value for money considering the convenience and knowledge provided.
The inclusion of hot beverages and the small group size enhances the overall experience, making it more personal and comfortable. If you’re someone who values learning and photography and wants a hassle-free night in Lapland, this tour could be a strong choice.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This Aurora photography tour suits travelers who want a guided, comfortable, and focused experience. It’s ideal if you’re eager to capture professional-looking photos and don’t want to spend your time hunting for spots or dealing with logistics alone. It’s also good for those who prefer a small, intimate group to enhance the experience and get personalized tips.
However, if you’re looking for a longer or more adventurous Arctic stay, this might feel a bit condensed. Also, if you’re traveling with a larger group or family, you might want to compare similar experiences, but for a solo traveler or couple seeking quality guidance, this one hits the mark.
Final Thoughts
This Aurora hunting photography tour offers a practical, well-organized way to experience the northern lights without the typical stress of planning every detail yourself. The combination of transportation, small groups, expert tips, and guaranteed quiet spots creates a memorable Arctic night that’s tailored for photography enthusiasts and Aurora admirers alike. The price reflects the convenience and quality, making it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a reliable, guided Aurora adventure in Lapland.
In a region famous for its spectacular skies, this tour helps ensure you’re not just hoping for a sighting but actively setting yourself up for one—plus coming away with stunning photos to remember it by. It’s a solid pick for travelers who appreciate good value, personalized service, and the chance to photograph one of nature’s most breathtaking shows.
FAQ
What locations do the pickups and drop-offs cover?
You can choose from Rovaniemi, Lapland, or Luosto for your pickup and drop-off points, making it flexible based on where you’re staying.
What should I bring?
Bring your camera and tripod to make the most of the dark sky and your ability to capture the Aurora effectively.
Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation to low-light pollution areas is part of the package, removing the hassle of finding remote spots yourself.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, which is enough time for Aurora viewing, photography tips, and some relaxing moments under the night sky.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers peace of mind when booking in advance.
Is there any guarantee of seeing the northern lights?
While the tour aims to find the best conditions, Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. They do their best to maximize your chances.
This detailed, balanced review aims to help you decide if this tour fits your Arctic adventure style. Whether you’re a photography buff or simply eager to see the Aurora in comfort, this trip offers a thoughtful way to experience Lapland’s mesmerizing skies.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Photography Tours in Lapland
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