Kiruna: Northern Lights Chase with Car

Kiruna: Northern Lights Chase with Car

This 3-hour guided tour in Kiruna, Sweden, offers a focused and intimate experience hunting for the Northern Lights. Priced as a flexible booking, it includes pickup from nine different locations and a small group setting limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention. The tour is well-suited for those who want an efficient, yet memorable Arctic adventure with expert guides who read the skies to maximize the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

While the Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, this tour emphasizes careful planning, expert knowledge, and strategic locations to give you the best possible shot at witnessing nature’s greatest light show. The quick 3-hour excursion is ideal for travelers staying in Kiruna, offering a balance of comfort, education, and excitement, with plenty of opportunities to learn about Lapland, the polar night, and life within the Arctic Circle.

Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours from pickup to drop-off
• Locations: Multiple pickup and drop-off points across Kiruna
• Small group: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides read weather conditions and sky patterns
• Photo assistance: Guides can help with camera settings to capture the Aurora
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting from Kiruna’s Central Pick-up Points

The tour begins with convenient pick-up from nine different locations, including popular hotels like Scandic Kiruna, ICEHOTEL, and Camp Ripan. The pick-up times range from 19:00 to 20:00, depending on the location, so travelers can choose the most suitable spot. The actual pick-up might be a few minutes early or late, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

This flexibility makes it easier to fit the tour into any schedule, whether arriving from the airport or staying in town. Upon collection, travelers are comfortably seated in a warm vehicle, ready for the adventure into the Arctic night.

Carefully Selected Viewing Spots for Aurora Sightings

The main focus of this tour is visiting locations with the highest chances of Aurora sightings. The guide leads the group far from Kiruna’s city glow, choosing spots with minimal light pollution and clear skies.

Some sightings occur quite close to the starting point, with the first shimmering ribbons often visible from the roadside. The guide continuously reads the weather and sky, moving as needed to optimize the chances of witnessing green, purple, or red flashes overhead. The locations are carefully picked to avoid clouds and light interference, which is crucial given the unpredictable nature of Aurora displays.

The Guide’s Role in Aurora Hunting and Learning

A knowledgeable guide leads the experience, sharing insights about Lapland, the polar night, and life above the Arctic Circle. They help interpret the sky’s signals and explain phenomena like the Aurora Borealis, making the journey educational as well as exciting.

The guide also assists in photographing the Northern Lights. If you bring your own camera, they can suggest camera settings to improve your chances of capturing beautiful shots. Their enthusiasm and attentiveness contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment and success of the evening.

Comfort and Practical Tips for Arctic Night

While waiting for the Aurora to appear, warmth remains essential. The tour provides hot beverages such as tea or lingonberry syrup to keep everyone cozy. The vehicle is warm and comfortable, a welcome refuge from the cold night air.

Travelers are advised to wear warm clothing and appropriate shoes. The Arctic nights can be very cold, especially if the Aurora remains fleeting. The short duration of three hours helps prevent fatigue and keeps the experience manageable, even in chilly conditions.

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What Reviews Highlight About This Tour

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and enthusiasm of guides, especially noting guides like Henrik and Daniel who go beyond just pointing out the lights. Their excitement about Aurora photography and dedication to finding the best spots earn high marks.

Even when the Aurora doesn’t appear due to weather, the atmosphere, conversations, and views still leave a positive impression. Travelers appreciate the warm vehicle and interesting insights provided by the guides, which turn a potentially cloudy night into a valuable Arctic experience.

The Experience of Aurora Watching from the Roadside

Unlike longer tours that visit remote campsites, this tour often allows viewing right from roadside spots. The shorter chase means less time waiting in distant wilderness, but the trade-off is that some sightings might occur close to the pick-up points.

This approach suits travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace and appreciate the opportunity to see the lights without extensive travel. It also means fewer logistical complications, making it easier to fit into a tight schedule.

Logistics: Small Group, Flexibility, and Safety

The small group size of up to 8 participants creates a cozy environment for conversation and expert interaction. The pickup and drop-off services are included, with the tour starting around 19:00 or 20:00, depending on where you are in Kiruna.

Given the free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance), travelers have flexibility in planning. The live English-speaking guide ensures clear communication and engaging storytelling throughout the experience.

Distinctive Features Compared to Other Aurora Tours

This tour emphasizes careful sky reading and strategic locations rather than extensive travel or outdoor activities like snowmobiling or reindeer sledding. The focus on photography support is a notable perk, helping guests record their Arctic memories.

Plus, the small group setting and local guides’ enthusiasm enhance the feeling of a personalized adventure. The tour offers a balance of education, comfort, and Aurora chasing, suitable for those who want a short, meaningful experience.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour makes every effort to maximize Aurora sightings, nature remains unpredictable. Clear nights provide the best chances, but no guarantees exist. Travelers should be prepared for cold weather and possible quick stops, sometimes very close to the city.

On top of that, since the tour doesn’t specify remote wilderness locations beyond roadside spots, those seeking a more isolated experience might prefer longer or more remote tours.

Final Thoughts on the Kiruna Aurora Chase

This 3-hour Northern Lights tour from Kiruna offers a personalized, easy-to-join experience that combines expert guidance, strategic viewing spots, and photo assistance. Its small group size and flexible logistics make it ideal for travelers who want a short, comfortable Arctic adventure.

While it’s impossible to guarantee Aurora sightings, the knowledgeable guides’ expertise and careful location choices significantly improve your chances. The inclusion of warm drinks and the focus on learning about Lapland and the polar night add extra value to this memorable Arctic outing.

If you’re in Kiruna and want a focused, well-organized Aurora hunting experience without extensive travel, this tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours, including pickup and drop-off.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from nine different locations within Kiruna, including hotels and the ICEHOTEL, with pickup times between 19:00 and 20:00.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a limit to the group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and warm shoes are essential to stay comfortable during the evening.

Will I be able to take good photos of the Aurora?
Yes, guides offer camera setting tips to help you capture stunning Aurora images.

Is this tour suitable if I don’t catch the Northern Lights?
Even if no Aurora appears, the guides ensure an interesting night with insightful explanations and beautiful night views.

How does this tour compare to other Aurora experiences?
It emphasizes strategic locations, photography support, and small group intimacy rather than long-distance travel or outdoor activities.

Is the tour accessible for everyone?
The tour involves outdoor waiting in cold conditions, so warm clothing and shoes are necessary. Specific accessibility details are not provided.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its focus on reading the sky, small group setting, and expert guidance makes it a practical choice for those seeking a personalized Aurora hunt near Kiruna.

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