From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos

If you’re heading to Lapland with hopes of catching the Northern Lights, this tour promises to be a highly professional and personalized adventure. Offered by Nordies Tour, the Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos has garnered excellent reviews and a near-perfect rating of 5.0 from travelers who’ve experienced it firsthand. It’s a journey designed not just for sightseers but for those eager to capture the beauty of the Aurora in high-quality photos and videos, all guided by a knowledgeable and friendly expert.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the guaranteed success rate of nearly 100% over four years suggests a solid approach backed by scientific data and regional knowledge. Plus, the small-group format (max 8 guests) promises a more intimate, flexible experience—something you don’t get with larger, bus-style tours. We also love the fact that they offer full refunds if the Aurora doesn’t show up or if the tour gets canceled, removing a lot of the guesswork from planning.

On the flip side, keep in mind that the duration can extend up to 9 hours, which requires a good deal of patience and stamina—though most travelers seem happy to wait for the perfect display. Since the tour depends heavily on weather conditions, there’s always a chance it could be canceled or postponed, so flexibility with your schedule is wise. This tour is best suited for travelers who are genuinely excited about Aurora photography and are comfortable with a later evening start.

In the end, if you’re after a tailored, well-organized Northern Lights experience with a strong focus on photography, this tour offers excellent value for your money. It’s perfect for those who want expertise, flexibility, and high-quality visuals with their Arctic adventure.

Key Points

• High Success Rate: Nearly 100% chance of seeing Aurora Borealis over four years.
• Expert Guidance & Photography: Led by a professional photographer who teaches you how to capture the lights in stunning shots.
• Flexible Itinerary: Routes and stops are adjusted based on real-time weather and solar wind data.
• Small Group Size: Max 8 guests for a more personal and adaptable experience.
• Full Refund Policy: No risk if the Aurora doesn’t appear or if weather cancels the tour.
• Duration & Timing: Usually around 6 hours, but can extend to 9, with start times between 17:00-22:00 depending on conditions.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Booking & Preparation

Booking the tour about two months in advance is typical, which shows how popular it is. The price of roughly $137.57 per person is a fair investment considering what’s included—personalized attention, professional photography, and the potential for unforgettable sights. Once booked, you’ll receive a mobile ticket, and pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi is offered, adding convenience.

The Meeting & Introduction

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point. The guide kicks things off with a clear, accessible explanation of what causes the Aurora Borealis and how to interpret solar wind data—key for understanding why certain nights produce better displays. This educational component enhances the experience, making you feel more connected to the science behind the lights.

The Route & Flexibility

The journey takes you across Finnish and Swedish Lapland, with the guide choosing the best viewing spots based on real-time weather and Aurora forecast data. Stops can range from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on conditions that night. The flexibility is one of the biggest selling points, as it significantly increases your chances of witnessing a spectacular display.

The guide may pause periodically to check the conditions or to reposition if necessary. Once the guide spots a promising Aurora, they’ll stop the vehicle, set up the camera gear, and begin the photography session. This on-the-fly planning means you’re not stuck with a preset schedule—your experience is tailored to that night’s weather and aurora activity.

The Photography Experience

This is a highlight for many travelers. The tour boasts top-tier camera equipment specialized for astro and night photography, ensuring that the photos and videos you receive are of the highest quality on the market. The guide not only captures stunning images but also offers tips on how to best photograph the Aurora yourself. As one reviewer notes, Kun, the guide, is “professional, informative, and engaging,” making sure everyone feels comfortable with their cameras.

Duration & Comfort

The total experience lasts about 6 hours on average, but it can stretch to up to 9 hours if the conditions require longer drives or more stops. The late start, between 17:00 and 22:00, aligns with the best times for Aurora viewing and allows you to maximize your chances of seeing the lights in darkness.

The Experience & Reviews

Multiple reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the tour’s organization. One traveler called it an “Unforgettable” adventure, highlighting how Kun’s professionalism and engaging manner made the night special. Others appreciated the constant communication and explanation of tools used to track the Aurora, which added a layer of understanding and excitement.

The Value of the Photos & Videos

Most guests receive unlimited photos and videos of the Aurora, allowing you to relive the experience and share with friends and family. Given the high quality of these captures, it’s a significant perk that adds value far beyond the standard sightseeing tour.

Cancellation & Weather Policy

Weather is critical in Aurora hunting, and the tour has a full refund policy if conditions prevent sightings or if the tour is canceled. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind and flexibility.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora Borealis tour is ideal for travelers seeking a personalized and educational experience, especially those interested in night photography. If you’re comfortable with longer hours, late evenings, and the possibility of weather-related cancellations, you’ll find this tour offers excellent value.

It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want the guidance of a professional photographer and the chance for high-quality visual souvenirs. However, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a more relaxed, less tailored experience, you might consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This tour combines expert guidance, flexibility, and a focus on photography to create a compelling Arctic adventure. The near-perfect success rate and glowing reviews underscore its reliability, while the small group size ensures personalized attention. The emphasis on capturing the Aurora in high-quality photos and videos makes it especially attractive to those wanting lasting memories.

Pricing is reasonable for what’s included, considering the expert guidance, transportation, and professional photography gear. The full refund policy provides reassurance, making this a low-risk choice for Aurora seekers.

In essence, if your main goal is to see and photograph the Northern Lights with a knowledgeable guide by your side, this tour offers one of the best options in Rovaniemi. It’s a carefully curated experience that truly maximizes your chance of witnessing one of nature’s most breathtaking displays, all while learning about the science and capturing stunning visuals.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour generally lasts around 6 hours but can extend up to 9 hours if conditions require more driving or longer stops.

What time does the tour start?
Start times depend on weather and can be anytime between 17:00 and 22:00, giving flexibility to align with the best Aurora conditions.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from your accommodation or designated point is offered, and the guide will drive you to the best viewing spots based on the Aurora forecast.

What happens if there’s no Aurora?
The tour has a full refund policy if the Aurora doesn’t appear or if the tour is canceled due to weather, removing the risk of losing your investment.

How many people are in each group?
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring personalized attention and a more tailored experience.

Are photos and videos included?
Yes, travelers receive unlimited photos and videos of the Aurora in high quality, which is a major perk for photography enthusiasts.

What should I wear?
While not explicitly stated, expect cold weather—dress warmly in layers, including hats, gloves, and thermal clothing—to stay comfortable during late-night viewing.

This Aurora Borealis hunting tour from Rovaniemi offers a well-rounded, reliable, and memorable Arctic adventure. With expert guidance, flexible planning, and high-quality photos, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone eager to chase the Northern Lights and capture them in all their glory.