Northern lights hunting by car with local guides

Experience the thrill of chasing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi with expert local guides, deep into the Arctic wilderness, in this private car tour.

The Northern Lights hunting by car with local guides offers a personalized and adventurous way to witness the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi, Finland. Priced at $1,544.51 per group (up to 6 people), this 4 to 10-hour tour takes you beyond typical sightseeing, driven by guides who are both local Arctic natives and trained Finnish Army officers. Expect a flexible, intimate experience designed for small groups, with the full attention of expert guides dedicated to maximizing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in their full glory.

This tour’s standout feature is its deep wilderness driving, allowing guides to adjust routes based on real-time weather conditions and sky clarity. The guides’ military-grade navigation skills help them chase clear skies across hundreds of kilometers of Arctic terrain. While the tour is quite flexible and tailored, it’s best suited for those prepared for an evening that may extend up to ten hours, with the possibility of driving long distances into the Arctic night.

Key Points

  • Personalized Northern Lights experience with a private group of up to 6 people
  • Led by local Lapland natives with military training and Arctic knowledge
  • Flexible itinerary, driving deep into wilderness or hundreds of kilometers to find clear skies
  • Tour duration varies from approximately 4 to 10 hours, depending on weather conditions
  • Pickup service included for ease and convenience in Rovaniemi
  • Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the trip

Meet the Guides: Local Laplanders with Military Expertise

The tour is led by guides born and raised in Lapland, who combine deep local knowledge with military navigation skills. This dual background ensures both a trusted safety approach and the ability to find the best spots for viewing the Aurora Borealis. Their training in the Finnish Army equips them with survival and navigation skills, making the experience both secure and efficient, especially when chasing elusive clear skies across vast Arctic landscapes.

These guides are committed to delivering a tailored experience, adjusting plans dynamically based on sky conditions and weather forecasts. Their familiarity with the local terrain and weather patterns helps increase the likelihood of witnessing the Northern Lights in their full splendor.

The Pickup and Meeting Details in Rovaniemi

The tour departs at 7:00 pm from a designated meeting point in Rovaniemi. The pickup service ensures convenience for travelers staying in or near the town, streamlining the start of this Arctic adventure. Since this is a private tour, only your group will participate, allowing for a flexible, intimate experience tailored to your preferences and timing.

The mobile ticket option simplifies the booking process, offering immediate confirmation. The private nature of the tour means personal attention from guides and no crowds, enhancing the overall quality of your Aurora hunt.

The Route: Deep into Arctic Wilderness or Clear Skies

The guiding principle of this tour is flexibility. If the weather forecast indicates cloud cover in certain areas, the guides will drive hundreds of kilometers to find clear skies. This might involve venturing into remote wilderness areas, far from city lights, where the Aurora can be most vividly experienced.

Since the guides are experienced in Arctic survival and navigation, they can handle challenging conditions and adapt the route as needed. This dynamic approach helps maximize the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, even during unpredictable weather.

What Makes This Tour Different from Others?

Unlike standard Northern Lights tours, this experience focuses on driving deep into the Arctic wilderness, not just sticking to nearby spots. This means more time in potentially optimal viewing areas and less risk of disappointment due to clouds or light pollution. The small group size (up to 6 people) ensures you get personalized attention and a more comfortable, less rushed experience.

The expert guides’ background in both local knowledge and military skills adds a layer of trustworthiness and professionalism. They stay awake all night if needed, making sure they wake you at the right moment when the Aurora appears—a commitment highlighted in reviews.

The Experience Duration and Flexibility

This tour offers flexible durations between 4 and 10 hours, depending on how long weather conditions permit and how eager your group is to chase the lights. Starting at 7:00 pm, guides can extend the trip into the early hours, prioritizing your chance to see the Aurora in full display. If weather conditions are poor, the guides will reschedule or provide a full refund, thanks to a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

The duration flexibility allows travelers to choose a shorter or longer adventure, making it adaptable for different schedules and preferences.

The One Review That Highlights the Experience

While only one review is available, it praises guide Ismo for his dedication—staying awake all night and actively waking guests when the Northern Lights appear. The reviewer describes the experience as “amazing,” emphasizing the guides’ attention to timing and viewing spots. This highlights the tour’s strength in personalized guidance and dedication to providing the best viewing opportunities.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

At $1,544.51 per group, the tour offers a luxury experience for small groups, combining highly personalized service with expert guidance. Pricing reflects the private, tailored nature of the trip, making it suitable for those seeking a high-end Arctic adventure. The full refund policy adds peace of mind, especially in unpredictable weather conditions.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date, and the confirmation is immediate with a mobile ticket option.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Northern Lights hunting experience is ideal for small groups seeking a personalized, flexible adventure** in the Arctic. It suits adventurous travelers who are comfortable with long hours outdoors and driving into remote wilderness. Families or groups who value expert guides with military navigation skills and a high likelihood of seeing the Aurora will find this tour particularly appealing.

Those who want a tailored experience rather than a generic sightseeing trip will appreciate the customized route and attentive guiding.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Arctic Aurora Chase

The Northern Lights hunting by car with local guides in Rovaniemi offers a highly personalized, expert-led journey into the Arctic night. With local guides trained in military navigation, you gain a trustworthy, flexible approach to chasing the Aurora, maximizing your chances in unpredictable weather.

While the price reflects a premium experience, the small group size, tailored route, and dedicated guides make this a compelling choice for travelers seeking depth and quality over standard tours. The flexible timing and route adjustments are particularly valuable, ensuring that your Aurora experience is as memorable as possible.

If you’re prepared for a long, adventurous night in the Arctic wilderness and desire a private, guided chase for the Northern Lights, this tour could be the ideal choice.

✨ Book This Experience

Northern lights hunting by car with local guides



5.0

100% 5-star

“The guide Ismo stayed up all night, and when the Northern Lights appeared, he made sure to wake us up and take us to the best viewpoint. It was ama…”

— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Aug 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed for small groups and does not specify strict physical requirements. However, it involves driving into remote wilderness and potentially long hours outdoors.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private guided Northern Lights chase, with pickup from Rovaniemi, and the services of guides trained in local knowledge and military navigation.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration varies from approximately 4 to 10 hours, depending on weather conditions and the group’s interests.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its deep wilderness driving, personalized route, and guides’ military and local expertise help provide a more adaptable and potentially successful Aurora viewing experience.

Is food and drink provided?
The provided information does not specify food or drinks included, so travelers should prepare accordingly.

Are there any restrictions or special considerations?
Most travelers can participate, but long outdoor hours and remote driving may require reasonable mobility and comfort with Arctic conditions.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 7:00 pm from Rovaniemi.

Will I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the guides are highly experienced in maximizing chances, witnessing the Aurora depends on weather and sky conditions. The flexible route aims to increase this likelihood.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for most travelers, provided they are comfortable with the outdoor Arctic environment and long hours outdoors.

How do I book the tour?
Booking can be done via the provided platform with immediate confirmation, and the mobile ticket makes planning straightforward.