Levi: Best & Original Northern Lights Hunting & photography

Levi’s Best & Original Northern Lights Hunting & Photography tour offers an authentic Arctic adventure that combines expert-led guidance with prime aurora spotting locations. Priced at a competitive rate, this 5.5-hour tour is run by Beyond Arctic, a company boasting over 10 years of experience and a stellar 4.4/5 rating from 120 reviews. It departs from Sirkka, Levi, and is designed for those eager to chase the Aurora Borealis with the most knowledgeable guides in Lapland.

This tour is especially suitable for travelers who value professional photography, carefully planned routes, and small groups limited to 8 participants. While it’s a demanding experience—mainly because it’s photography-based and requires patience—those with an interest in capturing the Northern Lights will find it well worth the effort. A key highlight is the inclusion of high-quality, edited photos, provided free after the tour, which adds lasting value.

Key Points

• Expert-led Aurora Hunting: The tour is operated by Lapland’s first and most experienced aurora chasing team, with over 10 years of success.
• Small-Group Experience: Limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.
• Multiple Locations: Usually 2-3 carefully chosen spots away from crowds, based on weather and aurora forecasts.
• High-Quality Photos: Attendees receive professional, edited photos after the tour at no extra cost.
• Strategic Planning: Routes are planned early in the day by a professional team, analyzing weather and solar activity for optimal chances.
• Comfort & Safety: The experience uses quality vehicles suited for Arctic conditions, with guides trained in safety and local weather understanding.

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Starting Point and Transportation Details

The tour begins with a pickup from Sirkka, with options for guests staying in central Levi at the Beyond Arctic Levi office located at Myllyjoentie 2, 99130 Sirkka. The meeting time is 15 minutes before the tour, and pickup outside central Levi is arranged at your accommodation within 10 kilometers. The transportation is by minivan, suitable for the winter terrain and small groups.

The Unique Route and Aurora Forecasting

What makes this tour stand out is the expert planning that goes into each evening’s route. The team starts their logistics early in the morning, analyzing weather systems and solar activity to craft the best route for aurora sightings. This careful preparation means that one to three locations are visited during the tour to maximize photographic opportunities.

The locations are chosen dynamically based on live forecasts, ensuring that the tour is adaptable. If the optimal spot is 100 kilometers away, the team makes the journey, embodying the true spirit of aurora hunting. The focus is on deep Arctic wilderness areas, far from city lights and crowds, which significantly enhances the chances of witnessing the dancing Northern Lights.

Locations and Stops Explored

The tour features two or three stops, each selected for their visual and photographic potential. The first stop may be a secret spot where the Aurora is expected to be most visible. The second stop often involves a walk or camp activities lasting around 1.5 hours, giving time to photograph the night sky, take in the silence of the Arctic, or even sit around a campfire with warm drinks and sausages.

A photo stop lasting about 45 minutes is included, providing an opportunity to capture the Northern Lights with guidance from professional photographers. These stops are deliberately far from crowds, allowing for a more authentic and peaceful experience.

The Guide and Photography Expertise

The guides leading this tour are not only experienced Aurora hunters but also professional photographers. Their knowledgeable explanations help participants understand how to best capture the Northern Lights, with tips on camera settings and composition. The guides are attentive, ensuring everyone’s safety while also helping guests maximize their photo potential.

Reviews highlight how guides are very attentive and well-informed, making the experience enjoyable even if the Aurora isn’t visible. The guides’ expertise in weather and Aurora forecasts is crucial, especially given that cloud cover or snowfall can sometimes make Aurora sightings difficult.

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Comfort, Equipment, and Arctic Conditions

The vehicles used are equipped for Arctic winter conditions, ensuring safety and warmth. The tour is designed for small groups, which improves comfort and allows guides to give personalized attention. While the tour is photography-based and hence somewhat demanding, the guides do everything possible to make it comfortable, including providing warm clothing and equipment.

Participants are advised that the minimum age is 10 years old because of the physical and photographic nature of the tour. The length of 5.5 hours can feel long if the Aurora is not visible, but the tour often includes warm break stops with hot drinks and sausages to improve the experience.

The Experience and Customer Feedback

This tour consistently receives positive reviews, especially praising the knowledgeable guides and professional photography services. Many mention the careful route planning and the small group size as major advantages.

Some reviews note that the tour duration might be quite long, especially if the Aurora is not observed early on. One review suggests that once the Aurora is seen and photos are taken, it might be better to wrap up earlier to avoid the experience feeling overly lengthy.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Aurora Chasing Experience

The Levi Northern Lights Hunting & Photography tour offers a professional, well-organized Arctic adventure aimed at those eager to capture the Aurora Borealis through their cameras. The expert guides, carefully selected locations, and free high-quality photos are notable benefits that set this tour apart.

While the experience demands patience and some physical stamina, especially given the long duration, it rewards participants with some of the best chances in Levi to see and photograph the Northern Lights. Suitable for adventurous families with older children or photo enthusiasts, this tour provides a balanced mix of exploration, education, and breathtaking scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transportation, expert guides, warm clothing and equipment, and high-quality, edited photos sent afterward for free.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, starting and ending in Sirkka, Levi.

What if the Northern Lights are not visible?
If the Aurora cannot be seen due to clouds or snowfall, the focus shifts to night photography at carefully selected locations.

What is the minimum age for participants?
Participants must be at least 10 years old, due to the photography focus and the physical demands of the tour.

Where does the tour start?
The main meeting point is Beyond Arctic Levi office in Myllyjoentie 2, Sirkka. Guests outside central Levi are picked up from their accommodation within 10 km.

How many stops are typically made?
Usually 2-3 locations are visited, chosen based on weather and aurora forecasts.

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

Is the tour suitable for photography beginners?
While guides offer tips, some familiarity with camera settings is helpful, as the tour is photography-focused.

Are there opportunities for breaks or warming up?
Yes, the tour includes breaks with hot drinks and sausages, especially during longer stops.

What makes this tour different from others in Levi?
It is Lapland’s first and most experienced aurora hunting operator, with careful route planning, small groups, and a focus on quality photos.

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