Northern Lights photography tour with BBQ

Northern Lights Photography Tour with BBQ in Lapland: An Authentic Arctic Experience

This Northern Lights photography tour with BBQ offers a unique way to witness the stunning aurora borealis in Lapland, Finland. Priced for a 3-hour adventure, it departs from Rovaniemi and takes you far from city lights to optimize your chances of seeing the natural light show. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate a combination of spectacular scenery, traditional Finnish cuisine, and professional photography. It is designed for visitors eager for an immersive experience that blends the Arctic’s natural beauty with cultural highlights, though it’s worth noting that it might not suit those seeking an exclusively aurora-hunting trip.

This experience is well-suited for anyone interested in capturing the Northern Lights with professional photos and enjoying a warm, authentic Finnish BBQ under the stars. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, and the pickup and drop-off services make the logistics straightforward. However, reviews indicate that the experience can vary depending on weather conditions and guest expectations, especially regarding the focus on the aurora versus the barbecue.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 3-hour outdoor adventure with Northern Lights viewing, BBQ, and photography
• Pickup and drop-off from select locations in Rovaniemi
• Professional photos of the aurora and participants included
• Finnish treats like grilled sausages, warm drinks, and vegetarian options available
• Expert guides select the best viewing spots with explanations about the aurora borealis
• Limited to 5 km from Rovaniemi city center for pickup/delivery, with flexible cancellation

Departure from Rovaniemi and Pickup Details

The tour begins with hotel pickups in Rovaniemi at one of five designated locations, including Santa Claus Holiday Village and Santasport. Guests are asked to wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, with guides waiting up to 5 minutes beyond the scheduled window. The transportation ensures a smooth transfer to the designated viewing areas, which are selected for their high likelihood of aurora visibility.

Pickup and drop-off are within 5 km of Rovaniemi city center, making this tour convenient for visitors staying nearby. This proximity to the city allows for easy access to the Arctic wilderness without long travel times.

The Secret Stops and Scenic Locations

The tour involves visiting a secret stop where the guide will choose the best spot for viewing the aurora. These locations are typically away from the city lights, ensuring a more immersive experience with minimal light pollution. The stops include a fireplace area where a traditional Finnish BBQ is prepared, creating a cozy setting amid the Arctic night.

Travelers are taken to a river or lake, which sometimes involves a short walk or climbing a small hill for a better vantage point. These scenic sites provide the perfect backdrop for photographing the Northern Lights, with the guide capturing professional images of the aurora dancing in the sky.

The Aurora BBQ Experience: Food, Fire, and Finnish Traditions

Once at the viewing location, guests gather around a warm fire while enjoying delicious Finnish sausages grilled over the open flame. The tour also offers warm drinks, including a traditional Christmas beverage, and caters to gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegetarian preferences upon request.

The combination of cuisine and natural beauty creates a relaxed atmosphere, where guests can chat and enjoy the serene Arctic night. The guide serves as a storyteller, explaining the science behind the auroras and sharing Finnish customs, adding cultural richness to the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Professional Photography During the Northern Lights Display

One of the tour’s highlights is the professional photos taken during the aurora display. As the lights start dancing across the sky, your guide captures stunning images of the aurora and participants against the Arctic backdrop. These photos are included, offering guests a lasting memory of their Arctic adventure.

Guests can expect the guide to be attentive, ensuring everyone is comfortable, and that the photos are well-composed. Even if the aurora is faint or absent, the guide’s expertise and the scenic setting remain part of the memorable experience.

The Likelihood of Seeing the Aurora Borealis

While the tour promises high chances of aurora sightings, reviews highlight that weather conditions and solar activity influence visibility. The guides do their best to select optimal spots, but as with all aurora tours, there is a chance of not seeing the lights due to factors beyond their control.

Guests should be prepared for cold Arctic nights and understand that the focus is also on the experience of Finnish traditions and the outdoor setting. The tour’s flexibility and professional guidance aim to maximize the likelihood of a visible display but cannot guarantee sightings.

Customer Feedback and Variability in Experience

The reviews show a mix of satisfaction and disappointment. Some praise knowledgeable guides, scenic locations, and the cozy barbecue, describing the experience as magical and authentic. Others point out issues such as poor communication when guides do not speak the preferred language, or less-than-expected aurora sightings.

Several reviewers mention that the tour sometimes focuses more on the barbecue than on chasing the aurora, especially if the lights are faint or clouds block the sky. Nonetheless, positive comments highlight the quality of the food, the professionalism of the guides, and the opportunity to take professional photos.

The Value of the Tour Compared to Similar Offerings

This tour offers a combination of aurora viewing, Finnish culinary traditions, and professional photography in a 3-hour slot. The inclusion of photos to treasure long after makes it stand out among other outdoor aurora tours. The pickup and drop-off service adds value by reducing logistical stress.

However, the experience’s success depends heavily on weather and aurora activity. Compared to other options that may focus solely on aurora hunting, this tour provides a more relaxed, culturally immersive experience, appealing to those who enjoy outdoor dining and photography.

Who Will Enjoy This Arctic Adventure?

This Northern Lights photography tour is perfect for families, couples, or groups who want a cozy outdoor experience in Lapland. It suits those interested in Finnish traditions, professional photos, and a relaxed atmosphere under the Arctic sky.

Guests who value cultural elements and culinary delights alongside the aurora will find this tour engaging. However, those seeking a strict aurora chase or guaranteed sightings should consider that weather conditions may affect visibility.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Finnish Night Under the Aurora

The Northern Lights photography tour with BBQ offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventure, culture, and professional photography. Its scenic locations, expert guides, and traditional Finnish food create a memorable Arctic evening, especially for those who appreciate a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

While aurora sightings are not guaranteed, the experience’s focus on authentic traditions, scenic stops, and quality photos makes it a worthwhile choice for many visitors. It appeals most to those who want a well-rounded Arctic night that combines nature, cuisine, and culture in a manageable three-hour window.

Guests should be prepared for cold weather and understand that the focus is on enjoying the Arctic environment, with aurora viewing as a thrilling bonus when conditions permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi, professional photos of the aurora and participants, a traditional Finnish BBQ, and warm drinks, with vegetarian options available.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, starting with pickup, scenic stops, dinner around the fire, and ending with return to your accommodation.

Is a guide available in English and French?
Yes, the guides speak English and French to cater to different guests.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights?
The tour offers high chances of visibility, but weather and solar activity influence whether the aurora appears. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What food is served during the BBQ?
Guests enjoy grilled Finnish sausages and warm drinks. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options are available upon request.

Are there any restrictions?
Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour for safety reasons.

How accessible are the scenic stops?
Stops are typically at scenic locations like rivers or lakes, with minimal walking involved, suitable for most guests prepared for Arctic weather.

What should I wear?
Guests should wear warm clothing, layered attire, and sturdy footwear to stay comfortable during outdoor waiting periods.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Cloud cover can block the aurora, but the guide will select the best available spots, and the cozy fire and Finnish treats still make the experience worthwhile.

How do I book and cancel?
Reservations can be made with flexible payment options, and cancellations are acceptable up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for families with children who can tolerate the cold and enjoy outdoor activities in Arctic conditions.

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