Auroras Northern Lights in Saariselka

Discover the Aurora in Saariselka with Expert Guidance for $169

The Auroras Northern Lights tour in Saariselka, Finland, offers a memorable chance to witness this natural Arctic spectacle. Priced at $169 per person and lasting around 3 hours, this tour is perfect for those seeking an authentic, well-organized experience. The tour departs from Saariselka and Ivalo, with pick-up included from major hotels. The small group size and focus on privacy mean you get intimate access to some of the best viewing spots.

This tour stands out with its emphasis on optimal viewing conditions, by visiting partly private, absolute dark sites far from village lights. It also includes fascinating storytelling, local mythology, and cultural elements like Lappish shamanism. Though weather and solar activity influence the Northern Lights’ visibility, this adventure offers the best chance to see the lights in this area, with flexible stops en route and a longer duration to maximize viewing opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $169, the 3-hour tour provides an immersive Arctic experience.
• Expert Guides: Guides share detailed information about the Northern Lights, local mythology, and nature.
• Prime Viewing Locations: The tour visits absolute darkness sites with ideal microclimates for clear skies.
• Includes Barbecue and Photography: Enjoy a delicious barbecue in a tepee and assistance with taking and sharing photos.
• Cultural Elements: Experience Lappish shamanism and fire storytelling around a living fire.
• Flexible and Private: Pick-up from all major hotels with no guarantee of perfect light, but the best opportunities are targeted.

The Journey to Saariselka’s Best Aurora Viewpoints

This tour begins with local transfers from Saariselka or Ivalo hotels. The guides pick you up at your accommodation, and the journey toward the prime sites begins immediately. The route is carefully planned to take you away from city lights, reaching sites far from village and hotel illuminations, ensuring absolute darkness—crucial for spotting faint Aurora displays.

The microclimate at these sites means even if the weather is foggy nearby, the selected spot might still have clear skies, increasing your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. The longer your stay, the higher the possibility of catching the Aurora, particularly just before midnight, though lights can appear anytime during the tour.

Visiting the Most Suitable and Private Viewing Sites

The tour centers on partly private sites specifically chosen for their minimal light pollution and excellent sky clarity. The main site is a completely dark area, where the illuminating effects of faint Aurora can be observed more vividly than in more illuminated regions. The sites are also positioned to benefit from favorable microclimates, making them resilient to weather variations like fog or clouds in the surrounding areas.

This setting ensures that guests are in the best possible environment for Aurora viewing, with microclimate benefits providing an edge on nights with challenging weather conditions elsewhere. The sites are located far from village lights, providing the darkness necessary for maximum Aurora visibility.

The Unique Experience of a Tepee and Barbecue in Saariselka

One of the highlights of this tour is its cozy setup in a tepee at the prime viewing site. This warm hut offers shelter and comfort, allowing guests to wait for the Aurora in absolute darkness and silence. The tour includes a barbecue snack, catered to various diets, in the tepee or nearby.

The barbecue experience adds a delightful element to the night, with sausages, pancakes, or other snacks shared over stories and entertainment. The fire storytelling and Lappish shamanism elements enrich the cultural experience, as guides share local myths and traditions around the living fire.

More Great Tours Nearby

Photographing the Aurora and Sharing the Moments

This tour makes a special effort to assist with Aurora photography, providing tips and guidance on capturing the lights with your camera. The guides also take photos themselves and share them via a cloud service, so guests can keep memories of their Arctic night.

While the quality and number of pictures depend on weather conditions and camera skill, the guides do their best to help everyone get good shots. The tour includes sharing pictures, which can be a treasured part of the experience, especially for those wanting professional-looking Aurora photos.

The Role of the Guides and Local Stories

Guides on this tour are knowledgeable and passionate, sharing stories about Northern Lights mythology, local life, and nature. The tour includes fire storytelling and insights into Lappish culture, adding depth beyond just Aurora hunting.

Guests note the guides’ friendly and responsible attitude, making the experience more memorable. Some reviews highlight guide’s expertise in observing lights and stars, as well as their skill in making fire and preparing barbecue snacks.

Flexibility and Weather Considerations

Weather and solar activity influence Aurora visibility, making no guarantees of seeing the lights. The tour’s flexibility involves multiple stops during the drive to follow the Aurora if it appears elsewhere. The longer duration allows for more chances to catch the lights, especially near midnight, which is often the peak time.

The tour keeps a close eye on weather conditions and makes adjustments to pick-up times and stops as needed. This proactive approach maximizes your chance of a successful Aurora sighting, even if clouds or fog obscure the sky at times.

Practical Info: Booking, Cancellation, and What’s Included

Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, allowing you to plan your trip without immediate payment. The tour includes local transfers, guide, winter gear, barbecue snacks, and assistance with photography.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind. The tour lasts around 3 hours, with live English-speaking guides leading the experience. Keep in mind that long driving is part of the journey, and private tours are not offered.

Who Will Appreciate This Northern Lights Tour the Most

This tour suits travelers who value a cultural experience combined with Aurora hunting, as guides incorporate local mythology and shamanistic storytelling. The small group size and privacy of the sites make it ideal for those seeking an intimate Arctic adventure.

Guests should be prepared for cold nighttime conditions and some physical activity, such as a short climb to the hut with torchlight. The longer duration and warm tepee setup offer comfort during the wait for the Aurora, making it suitable for those who enjoy a cozy, immersive experience in the Arctic wilderness.

Aurora Viewing in Saariselka: An Honest Summary

This 3-hour Northern Lights tour in Saariselka offers a well-rounded Arctic experience, blending nature, culture, and photography. The focus on prime dark sites and favorable microclimates increases the chances of Aurora sightings, although patience and luck still play a role.

The expert guides’ storytelling, fire rituals, and cultural insights provide added depth, making the tour more than just Aurora hunting. The inclusion of barbecue in a tepee and photo sharing makes for a warm, memorable night in the Finnish Lapland.

While weather conditions can limit Aurora visibility, the flexible stops and longer duration give the best possible opportunity to witness the Lights in their full glory. This tour is a solid choice for those looking for a authentic, culturally enriched Arctic adventure, ready to embrace the darkness and the wonder of the Northern Lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, but guests should be prepared for some physical activity like a short climb to the hut and cold nighttime temperatures.

What should I wear?
Warm winter gear is provided, but it’s advisable to wear insulated clothing, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots suitable for Arctic conditions.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night on this tour?
Visibility depends on weather and solar activity. While the tour aims to maximize your chances, there are no guarantees of seeing the Aurora.

What is included in the price?
The price covers local transfers, guide, winter gear, barbecue snacks, assistance with photography, and a warm hut.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This Auroras Northern Lights tour in Saariselka offers a balanced mix of nature, culture, and comfort, perfect for those eager to chase the Arctic’s most dazzling display.

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