Auroras in Saariselkä Northern Lights Photo Tour by Car and on Foot

Travel to Saariselkä, Finland, for the Auroras in Saariselkä Northern Lights Photo Tour by Car and on Foot, priced at $150.06 per person. This 5-hour adventure is perfect for those seeking the best chance to see the Northern Lights, as it takes you to a dark, light-pollution-free area. The tour includes all transportation, guiding services, warm winter gear, and a cozy barbecue dinner inside a tent with views of the night sky. Despite the unpredictable weather that sometimes obscures the lights, this tour is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.

Averages booking 35 days in advance, making it clear this tour is popular among travelers eager to catch the Aurora Borealis. The experience is suitable for most guests, with most travelers able to participate, and options for vegetarian meals are available if advised at booking. For those interested in capturing the lights on camera, guides will send photos afterward, although communication issues regarding photos have occurred in some cases.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $150.06 per person for approximately 5 hours of Northern Lights hunting.
• Location and Setting: Starts from Saariselkä and takes you to a dark, remote area ideal for Aurora viewing.
• Included: Transport, winter gear, guidance, food, and warm beverages are all part of the package.
• Guides’ Expertise: Guides share local myths and legends about the lights and provide photo tips.
• Weather and Aurora: The tour offers your best chance to see the Northern Lights, but weather conditions can prevent sightings.
• Photo Service: Guides send photos afterward, but some reviews mention delays or communication issues.

Starting Point at Saariselkä for the Northern Lights Tour

The tour begins at the Lapland Welcome Safari Office in Saariselkä. Here, guests receive winter gear, which is included in the price, to stay warm during the outdoor parts of the trip. The meeting point is close to public transportation, making it easy to access. The initial preparation takes about 30 minutes, during which guests are equipped for the cold, ensuring comfort during the outing.

The meeting point’s central location makes it simple to gather the group before heading out into the dark wilderness of Lapland. Once prepared, the group departs with all transportation arranged, reducing stress and simplifying logistics.

Transportation and Pick-up Details

All transportation is included in this tour, with guides driving around to find the best viewing spots. The group is typically picked up from the meeting point at Kelotie 1. In cases of larger groups, like during peak times, transportation may involve taxis due to the high number of participants, which can cause slight delays. The tour’s flexible approach allows guides to stop wherever the Northern Lights are most visible, maximizing the chances of a sighting.

The Route and Stops in the Wilderness

The tour’s route takes guests into remote areas away from light pollution, crucial for Aurora viewing. Stops are made wherever the guides judge the sky to be clearest and most promising for sightings. These locations include scenic spots around Saariselkä, with some reviews mentioning walks in wooded areas and hills, which add to the adventure.

One notable stop involves walking around in the woods or hills, where hot chocolate can be enjoyed in a teepee with a fire. This cozy setting offers warmth and a chance to relax while waiting for the Aurora to appear. The guides’ experience helps in selecting the most promising spots, though the visibility of the Northern Lights still depends on the weather and atmospheric conditions.

The Experience of Snow Walking and Warmth in a Teepee

A highlight of this tour is the snow walking in the woods, giving guests a sense of adventure in the Lapland landscape. During these walks, guests can enjoy hot chocolate inside a teepee with a fire, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere amid the cold night. This stop combines the thrill of outdoor exploration with comfort, making the experience more memorable.

The guides’ storytelling often includes local myths and legends about the Northern Lights, enriching the experience beyond just viewing. These stories add a cultural layer to the outing, making it engaging and educational.

Dinner in a Cozy Fireplace Hut and River Inari Excursion

After some outdoor exploration, guests can enjoy a barbecue dinner in a cozy fireplace hut. This meal offers warmth and sustenance, ideal after an active outdoor session. Following dinner, the tour may include a visit to the River Inari, where the guides suggest a detour to see the rapids and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

This combination of activities—snow walking, storytelling, dinner, and river excursions—creates a varied and immersive experience. However, it’s important to remember that the main focus remains on the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, which is always subject to weather conditions.

Guides’ Knowledge and Communication

Guides like Maurice and Linda are praised for their expertise and friendly manner. They share knowledge of the Northern Lights and local Finland myths, making the evening both educational and entertaining. Guides are attentive to guests’ needs, providing warm clothing and photo tips.

Some reviews highlight that guides make efforts to keep guests engaged and ensure they don’t feel bored. However, a few comments mention communication issues, especially regarding photo delivery, which can sometimes take several months. Guides do clarify that photos are saved in the cloud and can be sent upon request via email.

Weather Variability and Aurora Sightings

Weather conditions significantly influence the tour’s success. While the guides aim to find clear skies, cloud cover can prevent the Northern Lights from appearing. Some guests note that bookings should be made with weather forecasts in mind, as cloudy skies can spoil the sighting.

The guides emphasize that mother nature decides whether the lights are visible, but they guarantee that this tour offers your best chance to see the Aurora in Rovaniemi. The phrase “the river gives to his son” reflects the unpredictability but also the hope of a successful sighting.

Photographs and Post-Trip Sharing

One valued aspect is the guides’ offer to send photographs of the Northern Lights after the tour. These photos help preserve the memory of the experience, especially since some reviews mention difficulties in receiving them promptly. Guides work through a queue system and are willing to send photos even months after the event if guests request them via email.

Guests should be aware that communication about photos can sometimes be slow, but the availability of images is a generous part of the package.

Tour Reviews and Overall Satisfaction

With a 4.2/5 rating based on 45 reviews, the tour receives high marks for guides’ friendliness, storytelling, and scenic stops. Guests often appreciate the expertise of guides like Maurice and Linda, who make the experience more engaging. The dinner in a fireplace hut and snow walking in the woods are frequently praised as memorable highlights.

While weather can affect the Northern Lights’ visibility, guests acknowledge that the overall experience remains positive, with many experiencing spectacular views and fun outdoor activities. Some criticisms involve transportation hiccups or delayed photo delivery, but these are generally minor compared to the overall quality.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour suits adventurous travelers with an interest in the Arctic landscape, local folklore, and photography. It’s ideal for those who want a balanced mix of outdoor activity, storytelling, and comfort in a winter setting. The inclusion of warm gear and a cozy dinner makes it accessible even for those who are less accustomed to extreme cold.

However, the success of the Northern Lights sighting depends largely on weather conditions, so travelers should be prepared for the possibility of no Aurora display if the sky remains cloudy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
The tour offers the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis in Saariselkä, but visibility depends on the weather. Guides do their best to find clear skies, but cloud cover can prevent sightings.

What is included in the tour price?
The $150.06 fee covers transportation, winter gear, guidance, snacks, warm beverages, and dinner. Photos are sent afterward upon request, though delivery times may vary.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be accessible. The outdoor activities and walking in snow are suitable for most guests, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved.

What should I bring or wear?
Warm clothing is provided, but guests should dress in layers suitable for Arctic cold. Comfortable, waterproof footwear is recommended for walking in snow.

How often do guests see the Northern Lights?
Guides report seeing lights on about 80% of their tours. However, weather conditions remain unpredictable, and clear skies are essential for a sighting.

What if I don’t receive my photos?
Guides will send photos upon request via email. If there are delays, they are usually due to the queue system, and photos can be sent even months later once identified.

This Northern Lights photo tour in Saariselkä offers a practical and scenic way to experience Lapland’s stunning winter nights. While weather can sometimes limit Aurora sightings, the combination of guided storytelling, outdoor walks, and warm meals makes it a rewarding choice for those seeking a memorable Arctic adventure.