Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi with Pickup

The Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi offers an engaging way to chase the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. For $144.86 per person, this 4-hour experience features hotel pickup, a bus ride across scenic spots, and guidance from knowledgeable staff. The tour is designed for those eager to photograph the auroras, with photography tips and professional photo assistance included. While aurora sightings depend on natural conditions, the tour maximizes your chances by visiting several different locations.

A notable aspect of this tour is the inclusion of hot drinks and gingerbread cookies, adding comfort to the chilly night, alongside winter clothing and boots. This experience suits both photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking a well-organized chance to see the Northern Lights in a friendly, relaxed setting. However, it’s worth considering that aurora visibility is not guaranteed, as it depends on weather and solar activity.

Key Points

• Price: $144.86 per person with hotel pickup and winter gear included
• Duration: Approximately 4 hours with multiple scenic stops
• Highlight: Guided photography assistance and tips for capturing the Northern Lights
• Location: Starts at Safartica in Koskikatu 9, Rovaniemi
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers for a comfortable experience
• Weather: Tour requires good weather, with cancellations possible due to poor conditions

Pickup and Meeting at Safartica in Rovaniemi

The tour begins at Safartica, located at Koskikatu 9 in the center of Rovaniemi, making it convenient for travelers staying in the area. Hotel pickup is available from selected accommodations, streamlining the start of the evening. Once on board the comfortable bus, the guide leads the group through the Lapland night, aiming to find optimal spots for aurora viewing.

The group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and ample space for everyone to enjoy the night. The tour includes winter clothing and boots, which provides warmth and comfort during the outdoor stops. The driver and guide work together to cover up to 200 km across different locations, increasing the likelihood of a glimpse of the dancing auroras.

The Scenic Bus Ride and Multiple Aurora Viewing Spots

During the 4-hour adventure, the bus makes several stops at carefully selected locations. These sites are chosen for their reduced light pollution and clear views of the night sky, crucial factors for spotting the Aurora Borealis. While aurora sightings are not guaranteed, the experience emphasizes maximizing your chances through varied, well-chosen spots.

The bus ride itself is part of the adventure, offering a comfortable way to explore scenic Lapland. The guide actively searches for signs of the auroras and adjusts the route based on weather conditions and aurora forecasts. This flexibility helps in chasing the dancing lights, although some reviews note that success depends heavily on weather and solar activity.

The Guide’s Role in Photography and Aurora Search

One of the tour’s highlights is the professional guidance on night photography. The guide will take photos of you during the tour, using light play to create fun photo effects, which guests can later download. For those wanting to capture their own images, the guide offers tips on setting the camera for night photography.

The guides are committed to helping guests get the best shots, with several reviews praising their photography skills and friendly approach. They also try to find the auroras actively, moving to the best spots as needed. Some guests mention the guides’ efforts in setting up cameras and providing helpful instructions, making the experience suitable for amateur and experienced photographers alike.

Food and Warmth: Hot Drinks and Cookies

To keep spirits high during the chilly night, hot drinks and gingerbread cookies are provided. This small but appreciated touch offers warmth and comfort, especially when waiting at outdoor stops. The winter clothing and boots supplied by the tour help guests stay warm while enjoying the night sky.

The inclusion of snacks and drinks, combined with the warm gear, makes the experience more comfortable, even if the weather is cold or partly cloudy. This thoughtful detail is often highlighted as a positive aspect by many participants.

The Experience at Each Stop and Viewing Quality

The stops are intended to maximize visibility of the Northern Lights, with the guide choosing locations away from city lights. Some reviews mention successfully seeing auroras at multiple stops, with some places showing more intense displays than others. When the auroras dance, the sight can be stunning, and the guides help capture the moment through professional photography.

However, a few reviews note that aurora sightings are unpredictable, and sometimes, the lights are very faint or not visible at all. The tour’s flexibility and multiple stops help mitigate this, but it remains a natural phenomenon outside the control of the guides.

The Role of Guides and Their Personalities

Guests frequently commend the friendly, professional guides who lead the tour. Names like Valentina, Elise, Antoine, Tiina, and Martin appear in reviews for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and patience. Many guests appreciate guides’ efforts to tell stories, explain photography techniques, and create a fun atmosphere.

The guides actively scan the sky for auroras and do their best to find the lights. Several reviews highlight that guides worked hard to ensure everyone gets good photos and shared interesting information about the area during the stops. Their sense of humor and attentiveness are often praised as key to a positive experience.

Weather and Aurora Visibility Challenges

The success of aurora viewing depends on weather and solar activity. Some reviews mention poor weather conditions or cloud cover that prevented seeing the lights, despite the guides’ efforts. The tour provider is clear that aurora sightings cannot be guaranteed, and full refunds are available if the tour is canceled due to weather.

Guests are advised to be prepared for the possibility of not seeing the auroras, but the tour offers a full refund if canceled due to poor weather. The multiple stops and flexible route help improve chances, but patience remains essential.

Safety and Comfort During the Night Tour

The tour prioritizes guest safety and comfort. The winter gear provided ensures warmth, and the bus ride offers a relaxed way to explore the Lapland outdoors. The small group size reduces crowding, and the guides’ professionalism helps maintain a safe environment.

Even with the chilly night temperatures, the combination of warm clothing, hot drinks, and warm cookies ensures a cozy experience. Some reviews mention that guides are attentive and careful with guests, making the outdoor waits safer.

Cancellation Policy and Booking Flexibility

Booking the tour requires booking in advance, usually about 35 days ahead. The cancellation policy allows for full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the experience. This flexibility provides peace of mind if weather forecasts look unfavorable or if plans change.

The tour operates rain or shine, but poor weather conditions may lead to cancellation and rescheduling or refund. Guests are encouraged to check weather forecasts and cancel early if necessary to avoid charges.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This Aurora Hunting Photo Tour is ideal for photography enthusiasts who want guidance on capturing the Northern Lights, as well as travelers seeking a well-organized, friendly experience in Lapland. The scenic stops and hot drinks add to the cozy, memorable atmosphere.

However, those expecting a guaranteed aurora sighting should be aware that seeing the lights depends on natural conditions. It’s best suited for adventurous spirits willing to wait and be flexible. The tour’s small group size and personalized approach make it a good choice for travelers who value intimate, guided experiences.

Aurora Hunting from Rovaniemi: Worth It?

The Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi offers a solid balance of comfort, guidance, and scenic exploration. The professional guides, multiple stops, and photo assistance make it especially suitable for those eager to capture the Northern Lights and enjoy the Arctic night.

While aurora sightings are not guaranteed, the efforts of the guides and flexibility of the route improve your chances. The inclusion of warm gear, hot drinks, and small group size enhances the overall experience, making it a worthwhile option for first-timers and photo lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from selected hotels in Rovaniemi is included, making the start of the tour more convenient.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, covering multiple scenic stops for aurora viewing and photography.

What should I wear?
The tour provides winter clothing and boots, but guests should dress warmly for outdoor waits, especially in cold Arctic temperatures.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights?
Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides actively seek out the best spots, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What food and drinks are included?
Hot drinks and gingerbread cookies are provided to keep guests warm during outdoor stops.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour may be canceled due to bad weather, in which case a full refund is offered. You can also reschedule.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour generally suits most travelers, but parents should ensure children are comfortable outdoors in cold weather.

How far does the bus travel during the tour?
The bus can drive up to 200 km across different locations to find optimal aurora viewing spots.

Is photography assistance included?
Yes, the guide will help set up your camera for night photography and take photos of you during the tour.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Where can I book this tour?
This experience is available via Viator and is operated by Safartica.