If you’re dreaming of witnessing the elusive dance of the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland, then the Kemi-Tornio: Starguaranteed Northern Lights Aurora tour might just be your ticket to one of nature’s most spectacular shows. This experience promises a more than 90% success rate in catching the Aurora Borealis, which sounds promising — but is it really as good as it seems? Well, here’s a detailed look that should help you decide if this tour matches your expectations and travel style.
What immediately caught our attention is how the tour combines expertise in Aurora forecasting with a cozy, cultural touch — think campfire tales, Sausage sizzles, and photography tips. We love that it’s designed to maximize your chances of seeing the lights without locking you into unpredictable, all-night chases. However, as with any natural phenomenon, there’s always a chance you might be disappointed, especially if weather conditions aren’t cooperative. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, educational, and comfortable northern lights experience, rather than a rugged, unpredictable hunt.
Key Points
- High success rate: Over 90% chance to see the Aurora during the tour
- Expert guidance: Learn how to predict Aurora activity using dedicated apps
- Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and scenic stops included
- Authentic Lapland atmosphere: Campfire, tales, photo opportunities, and local insights
- Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Shorter, manageable duration: 3 to 5 hours — suitable for most travelers
An Overview of the Tour Experience
This Northern Lights tour, operated by e-Coach, offers a seamless way to chase the Aurora without the hassle of planning your own excursions in remote Arctic conditions. They pick you up from hotels or stations in Kemi, Haparanda, or Tornio, taking a short drive (usually around 15-30 minutes) to one of their designated Aurora viewing stations. The idea is to find the clearest, most open sky possible, away from artificial light pollution, which is crucial for appreciating the Aurora’s full splendor.
The tour lasts about 3 to 5 hours, with flexible start times based on availability. This makes it easier for travelers to fit it into their itinerary without losing an entire night. The key to the success of this particular experience is their ability to forecast Aurora activity with over 90% accuracy. This is backed by persistent research, fine-tuning of start times, and the use of apps specifically designed for Aurora prediction.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kemi.
What’s Included?
- Transportation to and from your hotel or station
- Guidance on how to use Aurora hunting apps
- A scenic walk at Kalli outdoor area with panoramic views
- Photo opportunities at a view tower
- A cozy campfire with sausages and marshmallows
- Tales about the Northern Lights and insights into Sea Lapland
This combination of comfort, education, and authentic Lapland ambiance creates a memorable experience suitable for most travelers, especially those new to Aurora chasing.
Breaking Down the Itinerary
The tour has a simple but well-thought-out structure, emphasizing flexibility and quality experience over long, tiring nights.
Stop 1: Pickup
You’ll choose from three pickup locations in Haparanda, Kemi, or Tornio. This flexibility helps travelers organize their day without much fuss.
Stop 2: Viewpoint Guided Tour
The core activity involves a one-hour guided walk to a designated Aurora viewing point. Guides will check the sky, moon, and stars, and adjust plans accordingly. This is where their expertise shines — they’ve fine-tuned their timing based on Aurora forecasts, which increases the chances of catching the lights.
Stop 3: Photo Stop
A 30-minute stop at Kemi offers a chance for photos and soaking in the scenery. The view tower provides an elevated vantage point, perfect for capturing the Northern Lights or just enjoying the Arctic landscape.
Stop 4: Drop-offs
After the experience, you’ll be returned to your original location, ending the evening smoothly.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
Success rate: Over 90% of groups see the Aurora, which is a significant claim. Reviews confirm this, with travelers like Leonard noting, “We got our Aurora! It’s so phenomenal!” The use of Aurora prediction apps and persistent research is a major reason for this impressive success rate.
Expert guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Marko, Timo, and Henrik, emphasizing their knowledgeability and helpfulness. Adrienne appreciated Henrik’s familiarity with the area and the effort to coordinate a viewing in Oulu when weather conditions weren’t ideal in Kemi. This indicates a flexible, customer-focused approach.
Authentic Lapland experience: The inclusion of a campfire, storytelling, and local tales creates a cozy, immersive atmosphere. This isn’t just a quick chase; it’s a cultural experience.
Photography opportunities: The view tower and tips from guides help travelers capture the Aurora, often a highlight for those wanting memorable photos.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Value
At $112 per person, this tour is priced competitively considering the high success rate and included extras. The hotel pickup and drop-off, guidance, and cultural elements add significant value, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with Arctic conditions.
The tour’s duration, typically 3 to 5 hours, is manageable for most travelers, and the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance makes it a low-risk option. For those worried about weather, the tour’s ability to cancel with full refund if the conditions are poor offers peace of mind.
Transportation quality isn’t explicitly detailed, but given the small size of the Aurora stations and the emphasis on visual control over Sea Lapland, the experience feels personalized rather than rushed.
Why This Tour Works for Travelers
Nature lovers and Aurora enthusiasts will appreciate the focus on learning about the Northern Lights and how to predict their appearance. The comfortable, guided approach suits those who prefer a more relaxed, educational experience rather than a high-energy chase.
Photographers will benefit from the view tower and guidance, increasing the likelihood of capturing stunning images. Families and first-time visitors will find the inclusion of storytelling, Sausage sizzles, and cozy campfire an engaging way to experience Lapland’s magic.
Solo travelers or small groups will enjoy the intimate setting, with the guides’ expertise making the night both fun and informative. The flexibility to cancel and the overall high success rate make this a low-stress choice for an Arctic adventure.
Final Thoughts
This Northern Lights experience from Kemi offers a well-organized, reliable, and culturally rich way to see the Aurora Borealis. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a combination of expert guidance, comfort, and authenticity without the uncertainty of less structured tours.
The tour’s success in providing over 90% sightings is a significant draw, backed up by rave reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and the thoughtful planning. The inclusion of storytelling, photo stops, and traditional Lapland treats like sausages around a campfire makes it more than just a light chase — it’s a memorable Arctic night out.
For anyone seeking a value-rich, guided experience that maximizes their chances of witnessing this natural wonder, this tour represents a smart choice. It’s particularly ideal for first-timers, families, or anyone wanting a comfortable, educational, and authentic Lapland adventure.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
Start times vary based on availability, so it’s best to check the schedule when booking. The duration is typically 3 to 5 hours.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated hotels or stations in Kemi, Haparanda, and Tornio.
How do guides predict Aurora activity?
Guides use specialized apps and continuous research, allowing them to fine-tune start times and increase the chances of Aurora sightings.
What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential, as you’ll be outside in Arctic conditions for extended periods.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or people over 95 years old. The outdoor nature and cold weather require some mobility and stamina.
Can I cancel if weather conditions are poor?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, thanks to their flexible cancellation policy.
Are photos included?
While professional photos aren’t included, guides provide tips and access to view towers for optimal photo opportunities.
What makes this tour different from others?
Their over 90% success rate, combined with experienced guides and cultural elements like storytelling and campfire treats, makes this a standout option.
Is it possible to see the Aurora if the weather is cloudy?
Cloud cover can block the Northern Lights, but guides monitor conditions closely. If the sky is too overcast, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.
To sum it up, if you’re after a reliable, comfortable, and educational way to experience the Northern Lights in Lapland, this tour offers fantastic value. Its success rate, expert guidance, and immersive Lapland atmosphere make it one of the best options for travelers seeking an authentic Arctic adventure. Just remember to dress warmly and keep your expectations flexible — but with such a high chance of success, you’re more likely than not to witness something truly spectacular.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Kemi
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Kemi we have reviewed
- Kemi-Tornio: Starguaranteed Northern Lights Auroras
- Kemi-Tornio: Evening campfire on the island
- Kemi-Tornio: Sunset Snowmobile Safari
- HaparandaTornio: heritage cruise to Old Kemi island
- Kemi-Tornio: Reindeer farm experience
- Kemi: Museum Tour
- Ii: Easy family-friendly ice fishing trip to the sea
- Icetrek to Old Kemi
- Kemi-Tornio: Husky Sled Ride with Hot Drink
- Kemi-Tornio: Night Safari on Snowmobiles
- Kemi-Tornio: Nature tour with snowshoes
- Kemi-Tornio: Ice Fishing Safari with Snowmobiles