Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment - The Experience of Photographing the Aurora with Sami Guides

Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment

Join the 4-hour Kiruna Northern Light Photo Tour for $207, with expert Sami guides, equipment rental, and flexible weather options to capture the aurora.

The Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment offers a standout opportunity for anyone eager to photograph the Northern Lights in Sweden. Priced at $207 per person and lasting around 4 hours, this tour is designed for those seeking a hands-on experience with expert guidance. The tour departs from Camp Ripan or the Touris Center in Malmvägen, with pickup included, making logistical planning straightforward. While the tour is limited to 8 participants, the small group size ensures personalized attention, which is perfect for learning camera techniques or simply enjoying the auroras in an intimate setting.

What truly sets this experience apart is the combination of professional Sami guides and the provision of camera gear, including a wide-angle lens and tripod. The guides, born and raised in the area, bring invaluable local knowledge about the best spots to see the Northern Lights, even in less-than-ideal weather conditions. This tour isn’t just about witnessing the aurora — it’s about actively learning photography skills and creating memories with equipment tailored for capturing the Northern Lights.

Key Points

Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment - Key Points

  • 4-hour Northern Lights photography experience in Kiruna for $207 per person
  • Includes equipment rental: camera, wide-angle lens, tripod, headlamp, and warm clothing
  • Led by experienced Sami guides, who know the best spots based on weather conditions
  • Flexible weather options ensure chances to see the aurora, even if weather is not perfect
  • Small group experience, limited to 8 participants, for personalized guidance
  • Pickup from Camp Ripan or the Touris Center included, with departure around 7:15-7:30 pm
You can check availability for your dates here:

Kiruna’s Ideal Setting for Northern Lights Photography

Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment - Kiruna’s Ideal Setting for Northern Lights Photography

In the heart of Norrbotten County, Sweden, Kiruna offers ideal conditions for spotting the Northern Lights. The tour’s flexibility allows guides to choose the best location based on current weather, maximizing the chances of seeing the aurora on any given night. Since every night is unique, this adaptive approach is critical for capturing that perfect light display.

The landscape around Kiruna, with its vast, open skies, provides a stunning backdrop for Aurora photography. The local guides, having grown up in the area, use their deep knowledge of Arctic nature to select areas with the clearest views. This strategic approach helps guests get the most out of their time outdoors, regardless of changing weather conditions.

The Experience of Photographing the Aurora with Sami Guides

Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment - The Experience of Photographing the Aurora with Sami Guides

Partnering with professional Sami photo guides, this tour ensures you’ll receive tailored advice on camera handling and composition. The guides help borrow camera equipment, so even those without their own gear can participate fully. They also teach techniques for capturing the Northern Lights, which is especially helpful for beginners or those looking to improve their photos.

The guides are born in the area, which means they have an inherent understanding of where to find the best views. Their local knowledge is invaluable, especially when weather conditions are unpredictable. The guides also manage transportation to the best spots, saving guests hours of searching and ensuring the focus remains on photography and enjoying the moment.

Equipment Provided for Optimal Northern Lights Photos

Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment - Equipment Provided for Optimal Northern Lights Photos

The included camera equipment, featuring a wide-angle lens, is selected specifically for capturing the aurora. Guests can borrow tripods suitable for both cameras and mobile phones, helping to stabilize shots during long exposures. This gear, combined with guidance from experienced guides, makes it easier to take stunning photos even in low-light conditions.

Along With camera gear, the tour provides warm cover clothes and a headlamp, essential for comfort and safety during long outdoor sessions in cold weather. The headlamp helps with adjusting camera settings in the dark, and the warm clothing ensures guests can stay comfortable while waiting for the lights to appear.

Logistics: Pickup, Duration, and Group Size

The pickup is included and takes place at 7:15 pm from the Touris Center or at 7:30 pm from Camp Ripan. The small group of up to 8 participants offers a more personalized experience, with ample opportunity to ask questions and get individual tips from the guides.

The 4-hour duration is flexible, with start times confirmed based on local weather conditions. This adaptability is crucial because every night offers a different chance to see the Aurora. The tour is designed to be both informative and relaxed, allowing guests to enjoy the Arctic night without feeling rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Weather and Aurora Visibility

The tour is designed around weather-dependent conditions. The guides select the best spots for clear skies, meaning that even if the weather isn’t perfect at the start, the group can be moved to a better location. While seeing the aurora cannot be guaranteed, the chances are always good, thanks to the guides’ local expertise.

The tour’s emphasis on weather flexibility makes it a strong choice for those hoping to catch the Northern Lights, especially given that bad weather can still lead to successful sightings in certain spots.

What to Bring for the Night Out

Travelers should dress warmly, as the Arctic nights can be very cold. The tour provides warm cover clothes, but bringing additional layers, gloves, and hats is advisable. The headlamp provided helps with setting up camera equipment and seeing clearly in the dark.

Since SD memory cards are not included, guests planning to take many photos should consider purchasing one beforehand. The equipment rental and guidance ensure that even those without their own gear can participate fully.

Booking, Cancellations, and Flexibility

The tour’s booking process offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for changing plans. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps with travel planning. The tour is available in English and Swedish, accommodating a broader range of guests.

This experience is not suitable for children under 10, mainly due to the cold and outdoor nature of the activity. The small group size guarantees everyone receives attention, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts or anyone eager to see the Northern Lights in a comfortable, guided setting.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour is perfect for beginners wanting to learn how to photograph the aurora, as well as more experienced photographers seeking local insight and equipment support. Its small group size and local Sami guides make it a personalized and authentic Arctic experience.

However, those uncomfortable with cold weather or outdoor night activities might want to prepare accordingly or consider other options. Since aurora sightings depend on weather conditions, travelers should remain flexible and patient.

Final Thoughts on the Kiruna Northern Light Photo Tour

The Kiruna Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment offers a balanced mix of professional guidance, local expertise, and equipment support. The 4-hour experience is well-suited for those eager to capture the aurora in their camera while enjoying the Arctic landscape.

The inclusion of gear rental and pickup logistics simplifies planning, and the small group size ensures personalized attention. While aurora visibility isn’t guaranteed, the flexible location choices and weather-dependent approach give this tour a solid chance of success.

This experience is especially valuable for aspiring photographers or anyone wanting to make the most of their time in Kiruna, with expert local guides helping you make the most of the Arctic night.

Ready to Book?

Kiruna: Northern Light Photo Tour with Equipment



5.0

“The guide is experienced and help us well-equipped. We saw aurora!”

— GetYourGuide traveler, April 9, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes professional Sami photo guides, camera equipment with wide-angle lens, tripod for camera or mobile phone, transportation to the best spots, warm cover clothes, and a headlamp.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with starting times depending on availability and weather conditions.

Where does the tour depart from?
Guests are picked up from Camp Ripan at 7:30 pm or from the Touris Center, Malmvägen 9B, around 7:15 pm.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The experience is not suitable for children under 10 years due to outdoor conditions and the cold.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing suitable for Arctic nights. The tour provides warm cover clothes and headlamp, but extra layers and gloves are recommended.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
While the guides do everything possible to find clear skies, aurora sightings cannot be guaranteed because they depend on weather conditions.

Is equipment provided?
Yes, camera equipment, tripod, and accessories are included, making it accessible even for those without their own gear.

How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

What languages are spoken?
The tour is offered in English and Swedish.

What if I want to book now and pay later?
You can reserve your spot with the “Reserve & Pay Later” option, giving flexibility for your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:
More Great Tours Nearby