Saariselkä: Aurora Hunting Tour with Northern Lights Experts

Imagine sitting in a warm van, clutching a hot drink, while outside the vast, dark Arctic wilderness lights up in shimmering green, red, and purple — that’s the kind of magic this Northern Lights tour in Saariselkä promises. If you’re dreaming of catching the Aurora Borealis, this 3-hour adventure with Arctic Timetravels offers a well-balanced mix of expert guidance, personalized locations, and genuine chances to see nature’s most breathtaking light show.

What we love about this experience is how the guides are not just drivers, but experienced aurora hunters who truly know where to go — and when. Plus, the small-group format means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and you get plenty of personalized attention. One possible drawback? The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never guaranteed — but expect guides to do everything possible to maximize your chances. This tour suits travelers who prefer a comfortable, flexible, and informative way to experience Lapland’s most iconic spectacle, especially those who appreciate expert insights and a cozy ride.

Key Points

• Expert-guided hunts significantly improve your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis
• Small groups (6-8 people) mean more personalized service and flexibility
• Transportation in comfortable minivans allows access to remote locations
• Weather and Aurora forecast-based route adjustments help optimize visibility
• Warm drinks and snacks keep you cozy during outdoor waits
• Photography options available for capturing the lights (upon request)

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour

This Northern Lights experience in Saariselkä offers more than just waiting under cloudy skies. It’s a thoughtfully designed hunt led by local experts who navigate the unpredictable Arctic weather to find clear, dark skies — the perfect backdrop for the Aurora Borealis. With a price point of $158, it’s a solid investment for anyone eager to see this elusive natural wonder without risking a wasted night staring at clouds.

Two features immediately jump out. First, the guides’ expertise — they don’t just drive around aimlessly; they analyze forecasts and use their knowledge to find the best viewing spots. Second, the small-group setting makes the experience more intimate and adaptable, which is especially helpful in the Arctic’s often changing weather. The only potential downside is that, despite everyone’s best efforts, the lights are still a natural phenomenon, so sightings are not guaranteed. That said, if you’re looking for a well-organized, flexible, and friendly tour that balances comfort with adventure, this experience should suit you well.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 3-hour adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation within a 15 km radius of Saariselkä, making it convenient if you’re based in town. Once aboard a cozy minivan — which comfortably seats 6 to 8 guests — the real search begins. The guides will explain the basics of the Aurora Borealis and answer any questions about Lapland’s culture, nature, and the science behind the lights.

Throughout the tour, your guide will continuously monitor weather and aurora forecasts. Unlike some tours that wait at one fixed spot, this trip is a true hunt — your guide will drive to multiple locations if needed, looking for clear skies and minimal cloud cover. Reviews highlight how guides like Eugene, Amar, and Max are invaluable for their knowledge and dedication; they’re constantly scanning the skies and adjusting routes based on real-time conditions.

Expect to spend time outdoors, which means dressing warmly — think layered clothing, hats, gloves, and warm boots. The van acts as a mobile base, providing shelter, hot drinks, and snacks during breaks, which many travelers find essential after braving the cold. If photography is important, you can request a specialized tour package in advance, with tips for capturing the lights, and guides are happy to take pictures of you — many reviews praise guides like Alice and Omar for their photography assistance.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup in Saariselkä

The tour kicks off with a prompt pickup from your accommodation, making it easy and stress-free. Being picked up within a 15 km radius saves travelers from the hassle of organizing transport and allows guides to start scouting immediately.

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The Drive and Search for Clear Skies

Once onboard, the guide explains what to look for and how the Aurora forms. The real joy begins as the van starts its adaptive journey — sometimes quick stops along quiet roads, other times longer stays in secluded spots. Guides often take multiple attempts, moving between different vantage points, increasing the odds of spotting the lights.

The Best Viewing Spots

Travelers consistently praise guides for their ability to find prime spots — sometimes even moving to a lake or remote wilderness area away from artificial lights or cloud cover. One reviewer loved the experience of watching the Aurora from the middle of the frozen Inari Lake, which made the scene truly magical.

Outdoor Time and Warmth

Outdoors, guests can stand or sit wrapped in layers, waiting patiently under the starlit sky. The guides keep the mood light with hot drinks and snacks, helping everyone stay warm and comfortable. This small touch makes a big difference — especially in the Arctic cold.

Photography and Learning

If you’ve ordered the photography upgrade, guides will give tips on how to best capture the Aurora with your camera or phone. Many reviews mention guides taking photos of guests, which becomes a treasured keepsake.

Return and Reflection

After about 3 hours, the van heads back to Saariselkä. Whether or not you’ve seen the lights, most travelers agree that the guided expertise and flexible approach make the journey worthwhile.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

While $158 might sound steep for a three-hour trip, the value lies in the expert guidance, tailored route, and comfort. Many tours simply wait at a single spot and hope for the best — this one actively hunts the Aurora, which many reviewers say dramatically increases the odds of a sighting. It also includes warm drinks and snacks, making outdoor waiting more bearable, and the small group size ensures personalized attention.

Compared to other experiences that might cost more or offer less flexibility, this tour’s focus on scientific forecasting and adaptive routing makes it a smart choice for those who want a hassle-free, knowledgeable, and potentially awe-inspiring Arctic night.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who appreciate comfort, expert guidance, and a bit of luck. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups, or families (except very young children or the elderly over 95). If you’re enthusiastic about photography, the option to request a photography tour is a bonus. It’s also an excellent choice for those who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Aurora in a limited time frame.

However, if you’re a solo traveler or extremely budget-conscious, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for the possibility of no lights — though most reviews suggest that guides do their best to find a clear sky.

The Sum Up

The Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to chase the Northern Lights with knowledgeable guides and a flexible approach. The small-group format and expert forecasting greatly increase your odds of witnessing this celestial display — and the cozy transport makes the experience comfortable even in the cold. It’s a solid choice for anyone who values authentic expert insights and personalized routes over cookie-cutter waiting spots.

This tour stands out for its dedication to the experience — guides who truly care about getting you the best possible view, not just filling time. If you’re in Saariselkä and eager to see the Aurora Borealis, this experience offers a good balance of value, comfort, and adventure, making it a memorable highlight of any Arctic trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting with a pickup from your accommodation and ending back in Saariselkä.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from your accommodation within 15 km of Saariselkä is included, and you’ll travel in a comfortable minivan designed for small groups.

Can I request a photography package?
Yes, photography upgrades are available upon advance request for $15 per person, and guides can help you take better photos of the Aurora.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layered clothing, including a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and winter boots. Outdoor time will be in cold weather, so be prepared.

Is there a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights?
While guides do everything they can based on weather and forecast conditions, sightings cannot be guaranteed — nature remains unpredictable.

What is the group size?
Small groups of 6 to 8 people are typical, which allows for flexibility and more personalized attention.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is dependent on weather conditions; if the forecasts suggest poor viewing, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled for better conditions, with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Are children allowed?
The tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year or people over 95 years old for safety reasons.

This Northern Lights tour in Saariselkä is a smart choice for travelers who want a dedicated, guided, and flexible hunt for the Aurora Borealis. With experienced guides and a focus on finding clear skies, you’ll have a much better shot at witnessing this incredible natural spectacle. Just remember, patience and a bit of luck are part of the package — but even if the lights stay hidden, you’ll have enjoyed a cozy Arctic adventure guided by true experts.

You can check availability for your dates here: