Aurora Photo Experience by Car from Saariselkä

Planning a trip to Lapland without dreaming of catching the aurora borealis is like visiting Italy and skipping pasta. This Aurora Photo Experience offered by Safartica promises a chance to witness this elusive, ethereal display of lights in a setting designed for comfort, learning, and capturing memories. If you’re drawn to the idea of standing under a star-studded sky, hoping for that spectacular dance of green, pink, or purple ribbons overhead, this tour is worth considering.

What immediately catches the eye is the thoughtful combination of professional guidance, photography tips, and warm refreshments. It’s a well-balanced package that emphasizes both the thrill of seeing the lights and the practicality of capturing them on camera. Plus, the small group size—capped at 30—means you’ll get a more personal experience, which is often what makes these Arctic adventures truly memorable.

However, there’s one noteworthy caveat: the aurora’s appearance depends heavily on weather and solar activity. Clear skies are essential, and even the best guides can’t guarantee a sighting. If you’re a serious photographer or a first-timer, this honesty about the probability of success shows a responsible approach—better to have realistic expectations than disappointment.

This experience suits adventurers eager to learn, photographers on the hunt for tips, and travelers seeking a cozy, guided outing rather than a rugged wilderness trek. If you’re after a laid-back, informative, and visually rewarding night in Lapland, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Expert guides increase your chances of seeing the aurora and share valuable photography tips.
• The tour includes photos taken during the outing, which are shared via a web link—no need to worry about catching the shot yourself.
• Warm drinks and gingerbread cookies provide comfort while gazing at the sky.
• The small group setting fosters a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
• The price ($136.54 per person) reflects a balanced mix of experience, learning, and cozy comfort.
• Booking in advance (about 29 days ahead on average) is recommended due to high demand.

An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Photo Experience

What the Tour Offers

This three-hour adventure begins at Safartica’s meeting point in Saariselkä, a convenient location that’s near public transportation, making it easy for most travelers to access. After a brief introduction, you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle—either a car or minivan—guided by knowledgeable locals familiar with the best spots for aurora viewing.

The core of the tour is heading out to carefully selected vantage points, where the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are maximized. These spots are chosen based on weather conditions, solar activity, and a bit of luck, but the guides are committed to finding the clearest skies possible.

The Experience of Watching the Aurora

While watching the night sky, you’ll be treated to hot drinks and gingerbread cookies, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in the Arctic chill. This simple touch adds a layer of comfort that makes waiting for the lights more enjoyable. If the sky cooperates, you’ll witness the Aurora Borealis flickering and swirling overhead—a spectacle that leaves many visitors speechless.

From one glowing review, we learn, “We had a great experience. The guides were very friendly. They kept cheering all the time! We got to see lovely auroras.” These enthusiastic guides not only keep the mood lively but also help explain the science behind this natural wonder, deepening your appreciation.

Photography Tips and Memories

What sets this tour apart is the emphasis on learning how to photograph the Northern Lights. The guides take photos of the group using professional cameras, which are shared with participants via a web link after the tour. For those bringing their own cameras, tips on night-time photography help ensure you go home with some decent shots—an invaluable perk since capturing the aurora can be tricky without guidance.

One guest expressed delight that the guides “clicked our lovely pictures,” making this experience more than just a sighting—it becomes a tangible memory to cherish.

How the Tour Is Laid Out

The itinerary is straightforward: meet at the designated spot, venture out in search of clear skies, enjoy the company and refreshments, and return after about three hours. This duration is perfect—long enough to chase the lights but not so long as to become tedious or overly cold.

The Value Proposition

At $136.54 per person, you’re paying for more than just a chance to see the Aurora—you’re investing in expert guidance, educational insights, photo opportunities, and cozy comforts. Compared to the cost of self-organized trips, this guided experience offers peace of mind and a higher probability of success, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with Arctic conditions.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly guides and the stunning views. One mentioned, “Our guides told us they were a 6/10 in intensity and number,” setting realistic expectations about the likelihood of seeing the lights on a given night. This transparency is appreciated, especially since the aurora is a natural phenomenon that hinges on cosmic factors.

The small group size (max 30) fosters a relaxed environment where questions are welcome, and everyone can share in the wonder without feeling like just another face in a crowd.

Practicalities and Additional Details

• Booking: Booking about a month in advance ensures secure placement during peak viewing season.
• Availability: The tour operates year-round, with the best chances in winter months when nights are longest.
• Flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind if weather forecasts turn unfavorable.
• Transportation: The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the meeting point, removing the hassle of arranging your own transport.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, guided adventure with a focus on learning and photography. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Lapland who want to maximize their chances of seeing the aurora without the stress of arranging their own chase.

Travelers with a passion for nature and a keen interest in night photography will especially enjoy the tips and photo sessions. It also suits those who prefer a cozy, small-group atmosphere rather than large, anonymous tours.

However, if your primary goal is a guaranteed aurora sighting or you’re seeking a rugged outdoor experience, you might want to consider additional or alternative options. The success of this tour, after all, depends largely on the weather and solar activity, which are outside anyone’s control.

The Sum Up: A Worthwhile Arctic Adventure

This Aurora Photo Experience packs in a lot of value for the price. You gain not only a chance to see the Northern Lights but also expert guidance, helpful photography tips, and warm refreshments that turn a chilly night into a memorable event. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a comfortable, educational, and visually rewarding Arctic outing.

The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through in reviews, making the experience more engaging and personal. The opportunity to capture the lights on camera makes it especially appealing for those eager to relive the moment long after returning home.

If you’re visiting Saariselkä and are eager to tick off a bucket-list item in a friendly, well-organized setting, this tour offers a reliable and enjoyable way to chase the elusive Aurora Borealis.

FAQ

How long is the Aurora Photo Experience?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, providing enough time to find a good viewing spot, enjoy the sky, and take photos without feeling rushed.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at the meeting point in Saariselkä, making logistics simple.

What should I wear?
While not specified, given the Arctic environment, it’s wise to dress warmly in layers, including thermal underwear, a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots.

Can I join if I don’t have a camera?
Absolutely. The guides will take photos of the group with professional equipment, and you’ll receive these pictures afterward via a web link.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the tour operates throughout the year, winter months offer the longest nights and the best chances for dark, clear skies suitable for aurora viewing.

How likely am I to see the Northern Lights?
The guides will do their best to find clear skies, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity. A 6/10 intensity was reported on a recent trip, so be prepared for variability.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing you to reschedule or cancel if the conditions seem unfavorable.

In essence, this tour offers a friendly, informative, and visually stunning introduction to one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena. It’s an excellent pick for those who value comfort, guidance, and storytelling amidst the Arctic silence.