Saariselkä,Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour.

A night under the Arctic sky, searching for the elusive Northern Lights, is a bucket-list experience for many travelers heading to Lapland. This Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offered by ArcticTours in Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen promises an intimate, professional way to chase the lights, with the added bonus of expert guidance and comfortable transportation. While the Northern Lights are unpredictable—the very reason they’re so special—this tour aims to maximize your chances with targeted hunting and strategic stops.

We’re particularly fond of how this tour combines small-group comfort with knowledgeable guides who know the best spots for aurora viewing. The use of a Mercedes Benz minibus means you’re not stuck in a big, noisy coach, and the experience feels more personal. Also, the photography angle is a major plus—these guides help you capture the lights beautifully, which means your photos will be as memorable as the sight itself.

One thing to keep in mind is the weather dependency—cloud cover can obscure the aurora, and the tour only runs if at least three people book. But with the guides’ experience and flexible search areas, the chances are better than you might expect. This tour suits travelers who love a mix of adventure and comfort, and who want to turn a natural phenomenon into a visual story worth sharing.

Key Points

• Expert-led aurora hunting increases your chances of seeing the lights.
• Comfortable Mercedes Benz minibus offers a cozy, less crowded experience.
• Flexible locations and weather strategies help find clear skies.
• Professional photography assistance helps you capture stunning images.
• Small group size means more personalized attention.
• Weather and natural unpredictability still mean no guaranteed sighting, but a well-organized effort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Aurora Tour?

While many northern lights tours simply take you to a set location, this one stands out thanks to its professional guides who actively chase the best viewing spots based on weather conditions. We loved the way they explained the science of the aurora, making the experience both educational and awe-inspiring. The guides are described as friendly and knowledgeable, often going beyond expectations to help guests see the lights and take photos—“simply magical,” as one reviewer put it.

The 3-hour duration is ideal for those wanting a taste of Lapland’s night sky without it turning into a marathon. The tour’s timing in the evening maximizes darkness for aurora visibility and suits most travelers’ schedules. Plus, the small group size (using only Mercedes Benz vehicles) means fewer crowds and more space for everyone to relax and enjoy the experience.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Pickup and Meeting

The tour kicks off with free pickup and drop-off within a 20 km radius of Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, with exact times depending on your location. The vehicle, a sleek Mercedes Benz minibus, picks you up from several convenient spots, including Saariselkä village and the Kakslauttanen area—two of the most accessible locations in Lapland. The emphasis on punctuality means you should be ready on time; delays can happen, but the guides are generally reliable.

The Hunt Begins: Exploring the Arctic Night

Once on board, your guide—an aurora expert—begins the hunt, constantly checking weather conditions and satellite data for aurora activity. Since Saariselkä can sometimes have cloudy weather, the flexibility to search for clear skies elsewhere is a key benefit, maximizing your chances of witnessing the lights. The tour often involves several stops, moving to different spots based on where the sky is clearest.

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Sightseeing and Photo Stops

During the approximately 3.5-hour experience, you’ll make a few stops for sightseeing and photography. The guides are adept at helping guests take high-quality photos—a major perk, especially if you want to share your experience or keep a visual record. Many guests have commented on how guides explained the science of the aurora, adding an educational layer to the adventure.

The Weather and Comfort Advantage

Traveling by car rather than a snowmobile offers clear advantages—more space, better temperature control, and the ability to cover a wider area in search of clear sky. If it gets cold outside, you can hop back into the warmth of the minibus, which is a relief for those sensitive to extreme cold or traveling with children. One reviewer noted that the guide “tried his best to find a good location,” emphasizing the proactive approach.

Drop-Off and Reflection

At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped back at your accommodation, often with plenty of time left in your evening for dinner or more sightseeing. If the aurora stays long or is particularly vivid, the flexibility of moving between spots is a significant advantage—more than snowmobiles or static trips.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers free pickup and drop-off within 20 km, guided aurora hunting, and public aurora photos—helpful for those wanting professional-quality shots. It’s worth noting that the tour operates only if at least three guests are booked, which keeps it intimate but also means last-minute bookings could be risky.

Pricing and Value

Considering the length (3–3.5 hours), the use of a luxury vehicle, and the expertise involved, the cost is reasonable. You’re paying for the guides’ local knowledge, the vehicle’s comfort, and the chance to see the aurora under optimal conditions. For many travelers, this combination offers excellent value, especially when compared to less personalized or less flexible options.

What Travelers Say

The reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides—“on time, knowledgeable, and eager to chase the lights,” as one reviewer put it. Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the quality of the photos taken during the tour, describing the experience as “simply magical.” Several mention the guides’ efforts to find the best viewing spots, making the trip feel tailored to their hopes of seeing the aurora.

Some reviews also note the importance of proper winter clothing—the Arctic night can be very cold, and dressing appropriately is essential to enjoy the experience comfortably. The tour’s small group size and comfortable transportation are often praised for making the outing more intimate and less stressful than big coach trips.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This aurora tour is ideal for travelers who prioritize comfort and expert guidance. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the assistance with capturing the lights makes it especially attractive. It also suits those who want a more personal experience with fewer people, thanks to the small-group format.

However, it’s not the best choice if you’re traveling with very young children or are sensitive to cold, as the outdoors can get chilly and late-night hours might be tiring. Also, the uncertainty of the aurora means that this is not a guaranteed sighting, but the guides’ efforts and flexibility greatly improve your odds.

Final Thoughts

For those venturing to Lapland hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, this Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers a well-rounded, comfortable, and highly professional way to increase your chances. The combination of expert guides, luxury transportation, and strategic location-hopping makes it stand out among many Arctic tours.

While you’ll never have full control over nature’s mood, the proactive approach and attention to detail here ensure you’re doing your best to witness something truly extraordinary. If you value a small-group experience, photography help, and a dedicated guide chasing the lights with you, this tour delivers good value and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this Aurora Hunting Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, allowing for flexibility based on weather and aurora activity.

Where does the tour pick up from?
Pickup is free within a 20 km radius of Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, with specific times depending on your location—such as Saariselkä village, Kiilopää, or Kakslauttanen.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly—winter clothing and shoes are essential, as the Arctic night can be very cold. Layers, hats, gloves, and thermal wear are recommended.

Is there a guarantee I will see the Northern Lights?
Since the aurora is a natural phenomenon, a sighting cannot be guaranteed. However, the guides’ experience and flexible search areas greatly improve your odds.

Can children go on this tour?
Yes, but consider their comfort with cold and late hours. The activity might be tiring for very young children, and the outdoor component requires appropriate clothing.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

In all, this tour provides a thoughtful, comfortable, and insightful way to experience Lapland’s most famous natural wonder. If your goal is to maximize your chances with expert guidance in a cozy setting, it’s a solid choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: