Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting Photo Tour

If you’re eager to see the Northern Lights in Lapland, the Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting Photo Tour offers a focused way to chase this natural wonder. This 4-hour bus tour departs from Koskikatu 9 in Rovaniemi, with pickup included and led by an experienced photographer guide. The tour costs a set price with the flexibility of reservation and payment later, and it give you a good chance of seeing the aurora, even in unpredictable winter weather.

While the rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 14 reviews suggests mixed experiences, the inclusion of hot drinks, gingerbread cookies, and professional photo opportunities adds value. This tour suits those who want a guided, photographic experience, but travelers should be aware that sightings are not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the effort to find the best viewing locations and help you capture memories makes this a worthwhile choice for aurora enthusiasts.

Key Points

• 4-hour guided tour with pickup in Rovaniemi, led by a professional photographer
• Hot drinks and gingerbread cookies provided to keep warm during the hunt
• Visit multiple locations planned according to weather conditions to increase chances of seeing the lights
• Photos with the aurora as the background are included, with tips on how to shoot them yourself
• Sightings are not guaranteed, so flexibility and patience are important
• Suitable for those interested in photography and experiencing the Northern Lights in Lapland

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Starts at Safartica Office in Rovaniemi

The meeting point for this tour is the Safartica Office on Koskikatu 9. Travelers are advised to arrive 25 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure punctuality. The tour includes pickup, but it’s essential to be on time—missing the start results in a missed tour with no refund. The route is planned based on weather conditions to optimize the chances of aurora sightings.

The duration of the experience is 4 hours, offering enough time to visit several of Lapland’s top viewing spots. The transport is by bus, allowing the group to cover different locations without the fatigue of walking long distances. The group size is not specified, but the focus is on a guided experience with a small-group feel.

What the Aurora Borealis Photo Tour Offers in Rovaniemi

During this tour, visitors get to visit multiple locations carefully selected for their viewing potential. The expert guide provides photography tips throughout, helping you understand how to set your camera to capture the lights. Professional photos are taken of guests with the aurora in the background, which can serve as memorable keepsakes.

Along With the photography aspect, the tour emphasizes comfort and warmth. Hot drinks and gingerbread cookies are served to keep guests cozy despite the cold Arctic night. The route is adaptable; if weather conditions are unfavorable, the guide will try to find a location with better chances of seeing the aurora.

The Experience of Searching for the Northern Lights

The main goal is to maximize the chances of witnessing the aurora borealis. The locations visited are chosen based on real-time weather updates, which is crucial since Northern Lights sightings depend heavily on clear skies. This tour offers an opportunity to see the lights at least once, though the experience is not guaranteed.

Guests can learn how to photograph the aurora, with the guide providing tips on camera settings such as exposure time. If luck is on your side, you’ll get to see dancing lights across the sky, possibly near a swamp or from an open area in Lapland. However, reviews indicate that some guests do not see the lights at all, which is common in aurora hunting tours.

The Importance of Weather and Flexibility

Weather conditions play a significant role in the success of this tour. The route is planned to adapt to forecasted weather, but poor conditions might still prevent sightings. The tour staff reschedule tours before 16:00 if a more suitable day is preferred, but no refunds are offered if the lights are not visible during the scheduled activity.

Guests should dress warmly with comfortable shoes, winter gear, and weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during the long nights outdoors. The cold can be intense, but the hot drinks and cookies help alleviate some of that discomfort.

More Great Tours Nearby

How the Photos and Tips Elevate the Experience

One of the main attractions of this tour is the opportunity to have professional photos taken with the aurora as the backdrop. The guide offers tips on how to photograph the lights, providing a valuable service for those looking to capture their own images. This focus on photography makes the tour especially appealing for amateurs and enthusiasts wanting to improve their night-sky shooting skills.

Guests receive guidance on camera setup, including how to choose exposure times, which is often a challenge in low-light conditions. The professional photos, whether of the entire group or individual shots, can later serve as lasting memories of the trip.

How This Tour Compares to Other Aurora Hunts

This guided bus tour is one of several options in Rovaniemi, with some offering guaranteed sightings or longer durations. While this tour does not guarantee seeing the aurora, it emphasizes location flexibility and photography support. It’s a good option for those who prefer a shorter, social experience with the chance to capture photos professionally.

Other tours may offer more extensive excursions or guaranteed views, but this tour’s weakness lies in the unpredictability of sightings. Still, its accessible price point and photo services provide good value for travelers interested in both experiencing and photographing the northern lights.

Customer Feedback and What to Expect

Reviews reveal a mixed record. Some guests appreciate the effort of the guides and the opportunity to take photos, even if no lights are seen. Others, however, express disappointment when Aurora borealis remains elusive, or when guides lack detailed knowledge about the phenomenon.

One review notes that weather was poor, and the guides appeared not very informed, reading from Wikipedia-like sources. Despite this, effort was made to find better viewing spots, and a few photos of auroras were captured. It’s clear that sightings depend heavily on weather, and patience or luck can significantly influence the experience.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour

Booking in advance allows you to reserve your spot with flexible payment options. Be sure to arrive early at the Safartica Office to avoid missing the departure. Dress warmly in winter gear, including comfortable shoes, as you’ll be outdoors for several hours. Since the route is weather-dependent, it’s advisable to keep flexible with your plans, especially in case of poor conditions.

Remember, no refunds are offered if the northern lights are not visible, so it’s wise to manage expectations and be prepared for the possibility of an uneventful night. However, the tour’s focus on photography tips and professional photos can still make it a worthwhile experience.

Final Wrap-Up: Worth Considering for Aurora Enthusiasts

The Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Hunting Photo Tour offers a practical way to chase the northern lights with guidance, warmth, and professional photos included. It suits photographers or those eager to capture the aurora with expert help. The route flexibility and hot drinks add comfort, but sightings are always subject to weather conditions.

While some reviews highlight disappointments with the visibility, the guides’ efforts and photo support help make the most of each night. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a guided, photo-oriented experience and are okay with the uncertainty that comes with aurora chasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 4 hours from pickup to drop-off, including multiple location visits.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from the Safartica Office in Rovaniemi on Koskikatu 9. Arrive 25 minutes early for check-in.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity. The tour reschedules if needed, but no refunds are provided if the lights are not seen.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate winter clothing and warm shoes. Bring winter gear suitable for cold outdoor nights.

Does the tour include food?
Yes, hot drinks and gingerbread cookies are provided to help guests stay warm.

Will I get my photos taken professionally?
Yes, a professional photo with the aurora in the background is included, and you’ll receive tips on how to photograph the lights yourself.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Reservations can be made with flexible payment options, but availability depends on the season and demand.

What if I want to go on a different day?
The tour can be rescheduled before 16:00 for a more suitable day, depending on weather forecasts.

Is this suitable for children?
The data does not specify age restrictions, but appropriate winter clothing and the outdoors setting suggest it is suitable for older children with supervision.

What if the weather is bad?
The route is planned based on weather conditions to improve chances, but poor weather may still prevent sightings. The tour does not offer refunds in these cases.

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