From Saariselkä: Aurora Hunting Tour with Campfire & Snacks

An Honest Look at the Aurora Hunting Tour from Saariselkä

If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland, this Aurora Hunting Tour with Campfire & Snacks promises an intimate, comfortable, and authentically Finnish experience. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of details to help you decide if it’s the right adventure for you.

What immediately catches our eye is the small group size—limited to 6 participants—which means more personalized attention and a better chance to truly enjoy the experience. We also love the combination of luxury transportation in a hybrid Multivan and the rustic charm of cooking sausages over an open fire.

However, a possible consideration is the uncertainty of seeing the Aurora—a natural phenomenon, after all, can’t be guaranteed. But the tour’s flexibility to reschedule without penalty is thoughtful.

This tour suits travelers who value comfort, intimate group settings, and a relaxed pace, especially if photography and local traditions are high on your list. Now, let’s dig into the details.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small group size (up to 6 people) ensures a more personal experience.
• Comfortable hybrid transport provides a cozy, quiet ride through Lapland’s winter landscape.
• Authentic Finnish campfire snacks—sausages, buns, and cookies—add a warm, rustic touch.
• Vivid Northern Lights over the Paatsjoki River Bridge create memorable photo opportunities.
• Expert guide offers tips and can take photos of you with the Aurora.
• Flexible scheduling allows rescheduling if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

An Introduction to the Experience

This Aurora Hunting Tour from Saariselkä offers a chance to chase the elusive Northern Lights in a setting that combines comfort with authenticity. For travelers seeking a cozy, guided adventure in the Finnish winter, it promises a memorable night out.

What’s appealing about this experience is the multivan transport—a modern, hybrid vehicle that ensures you travel smoothly through Lapland’s snowy roads, avoiding the chill while enjoying the scenery. We also appreciate the small group size, which allows for more interaction with the guide and a less crowded, more relaxed atmosphere.

The tour’s highlight, of course, is the potential sighting of the Aurora Borealis—a natural light display that’s as unpredictable as it is breathtaking. Along the way, you’ll stop at picturesque spots like the Paatsjoki River Bridge, where the reflections of the lights and snow create a scene that’s hard to forget.

One thing to keep in mind is that Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed—a common reality with northern light tours. But the guide will give a professional weather and Aurora forecast the day before, plus suggest rescheduling if the conditions aren’t right. This flexibility can make all the difference in managing expectations.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a comfortable, intimate outing that combines the magic of Lapland with a taste of Finnish traditions—and a good shot at the Northern Lights.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The adventure begins with hotel pickup—or an alternative meeting at the Saariselkä parking lot—around 8:30 PM. From there, you’ll board your Multivan Hybrid, a vehicle that’s both environmentally friendly and comfortable, and settle into the tranquil ride through Lapland’s snow-dusted landscapes.

Traveling through the villages of Ivalo and Nellim, your guide will share insights about the local area and landscape, along with tips for photographing the Aurora. The journey takes you along winding roads toward the border with Russia, reaching the Paatsjoki River Bridge. Here, the swift-flowing river adds a dramatic backdrop for your Aurora hunt.

When conditions are right, you’ll stop at a scenic spot to set up for a campfire—a cozy moment that sums up the Finnish way of enjoying the winter outdoors. You’ll light a fire, cook traditional Finnish sausages over open flames, and warm up with juice, buns, and cookies.

While waiting for the lights, or if the Aurora is already dancing overhead, your guide can help with photography, ensuring you get a picture of yourself with the vivid sky. Many reviews praise the guide’s willingness to capture special moments, making this a perfect experience for photo enthusiasts.

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, but it’s flexible—if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can reschedule without losing your booking. The intimate group setting makes for a relaxed experience, where everyone has space to enjoy the clear night sky and the company of fellow travelers.

The Value of Comfort and Local Tradition

One of the most attractive aspects of this tour is the combination of comfort and authenticity. The Multivan Hybrid ensures a warm, quiet ride—far more relaxing than winter walks or crowded buses. This is particularly appealing if you’re traveling with family or prefer a quieter, more intimate experience.

The campfire snacks are more than just sustenance—they’re a nod to Finnish traditions, adding a rustic charm that makes the experience feel genuine. Warm juice, buns, and cookies help you stay cozy against the cold, and the smell of sausages cooking over an open fire enhances the sense of connection to Lapland’s outdoor life.

The small group size means your guide can tailor the experience somewhat—offering tips for photography or local insights you might not get on larger tours. Several reviews mention the friendly and informative guides, who make everyone feel at ease and are eager to help capture memorable photos.

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The Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights

While the main allure is the possibility of witnessing the Aurora, it’s important to remember that nature doesn’t always cooperate. The guide will review weather conditions and Aurora forecasts the day before to give you a realistic idea of your chances.

If the conditions aren’t ideal, you can reschedule your tour without extra charge, which adds a layer of flexibility many travelers appreciate. This proactive approach helps manage expectations—knowing that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, not a guaranteed show.

Many travelers find that even if the Aurora isn’t visible, the experience of traveling through Lapland at night, cooking over fires, and enjoying the peaceful winter landscape make the trip worthwhile. Plus, with the guide’s help, you’ll be prepared with cameras and tips to maximize your chances should the lights appear.

Transportation and Group Size: Why It Matters

The modern, hybrid Multivan offers a quiet, environmentally friendly ride through some of the most beautiful winter scenery in Europe. It’s a big plus for those concerned about sustainability but still wanting comfort after a long day of travel.

With a small group cap of six, the experience avoids the chaos of larger tours, fostering a more relaxed and personal atmosphere. Travelers mention that this makes the outing feel like a night out with friends rather than a crowded bus trip.

The timing—starting around 8:30 PM—places you in the prime window for Aurora viewing while also fitting well into a typical evening of Lapland sightseeing.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

Given the inclusion of transportation, a professional guide, local insights, traditional snacks, and the chance to photograph the Northern Lights, this tour offers good value for those seeking a personalized, comfortable experience.

While North American or European travelers might find the price a bit higher than self-guided options, the added convenience and expert guidance make it worthwhile, especially for first-timers or those wanting a no-hassle outing.

The tour’s flexibility—rescheduling if weather is unfavorable—further enhances its value, allowing you to make the most of your trip without risking a wasted evening.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora Hunting Tour from Saariselkä is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, intimate experience that combines comfort, local culture, and the thrill of possibly seeing the Northern Lights. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a cozy night with good company, this is a strong choice.

It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small groups and personalized service, along with an interest in Finnish outdoor traditions. The flexibility to reschedule if the weather isn’t favorable makes it less stressful compared to more rigid tours.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a fully self-guided adventure, you might find cheaper options, but you would lose the comfort and expertise this tour offers.

For anyone who values stunning, memorable views and a chance to learn about Lapland’s winter life from friendly guides, this tour hits many marks—especially when the Northern Lights decide to put on a show.

FAQs

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, starting around 8:30 PM, but check availability for specific start times.

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be picked up and dropped off by a Multivan Hybrid from your hotel or the specified meeting point at Saariseläntie 7.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in winter clothes; this is essential for comfort during outdoor stops.

Can I take photos of the Northern Lights?
Definitely. Your guide can help with photography, and you’re encouraged to bring your camera to capture the moment.

What if I don’t see the Aurora?
The guide will provide a professional weather forecast the day before, and you can reschedule your tour at no extra cost if conditions aren’t suitable.

Is the tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users; children are welcome if they can handle outdoor winter conditions comfortably.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

In wrapping up, this Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour offers a cozy, well-rounded way to chase the Northern Lights with expert guidance, rustic snacks, and a peaceful journey through Lapland’s winter wonderland. It’s a good pick for those who want a blend of comfort, authenticity, and a real chance to see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays.

You can check availability for your dates here: