Saariselkä: Aurora Photo Tour by Car with Transfer & Drinks

Exciting Northern Lights Adventure in Saariselkä with Photos and Warm Drinks

The Saariselkä: Aurora Photo Tour by Car with Transfer & Drinks offers a compact yet immersive experience of witnessing the elusive northern lights in Finland’s Arctic wilderness. This 3-hour guided tour from Saariselkä combines expert-led viewing, cozy refreshments, and the chance to receive beautiful photos capturing your moment under the sky. The tour costs not specified but is designed to fit a variety of budgets, with the highlight being the opportunity to explore possible northern lights hotspots with a knowledgeable guide.

While the unpredictability of the aurora borealis means there’s no guarantee of seeing the lights, the tour’s strategy of traveling to prime locations and expert guidance makes it a solid choice for those eager to chase this natural phenomenon. The tour is particularly suitable for travelers who appreciate comfortable transportation, informative guides, and post-activity photo memories, though it’s worth noting that outdoor stay and late hours might not suit very small children or those looking for a very relaxed outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 3 hours, departing from Saariselkä
• Includes: Transfer, hot drinks, gingerbread cookies, and photos
• Focus: Traveling to prime northern lights viewing areas
• Expert Guidance: Guides help identify the best spots and provide nighttime photography tips
• Weather Dependence: Aurora spotting depends on clear skies and solar activity
• Photos: You receive a link to your images after the tour

How the Tour Starts in Saariselkä

This tour begins at your accommodation in Saariselkä, where your guide meets you before boarding a comfortable bus. The transportation is included, and the guide’s main role is to lead you to locations where the chance of seeing the aurora is highest, based on weather conditions and solar activity. The meeting time is always at least 15 minutes before departure, so punctuality is essential.

The departure time varies depending on availability, and the full experience is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the dancing lights. Since late arrivals result in a missed tour with no refund, arriving on time is crucial for a smooth experience.

Traveling to Arctic Hotspots for Aurora Viewing

The journey takes you around to different northern lights hotspots, carefully chosen by your guide to offer the best viewing conditions. The specific stops are not detailed, but the emphasis is on finding clear skies and optimal viewing spots. The guided approach means you avoid cold walks and can relax in the warmth of the vehicle, which is an advantage in the minus 30°C temperatures often experienced in Lapland during winter.

Traveling between different locations also allows for a flexible response to changing weather, increasing your chances of spotting the aurora. The guide monitors weather and solar activity, adjusting the route as needed for the best viewing possibilities.

Hot Drinks and Gingerbread Cookies for Comfort and Atmosphere

One of the tour’s charming features is the inclusion of hot drinks and gingerbread cookies, which are served at convenient stops along the route. These refreshments add a cozy touch to the outdoor experience, especially as you gaze up at the night sky. The hot berry juice is available, and vegetarian or gluten-free options can be requested in advance.

The cookies and warm beverages help create a relaxed atmosphere, making the experience more enjoyable despite the cold temperatures. This simple touch is appreciated by many and sets the tone for a comfortable night under the stars.

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Professional Photography and Post-Tour Photo Links

A notable highlight of this tour is the photo service. The guide captures images during the trip, and afterward, you receive a link to your photos. This means you can relive the aurora experience without worrying about taking photos yourself, especially since nighttime photography can be challenging.

Plus, the guide offers tips on nighttime photography if you bring your own camera, helping you improve your shots during the trip. The photos are shared publicly on the activity provider’s website and social media channels, so be aware of this before booking.

The Role of Guides and Their Expertise

Guides on this tour are experienced and knowledgeable about local weather patterns and the best aurora viewing spots. Their expertise increases your chances of spotting the lights, especially if the sky is clear. Some reviews praise the guide’s ability to find the best locations quickly, often leading to stunning displays within the first hour of the tour.

The guide also explains the science and stories behind the northern lights, adding an educational element to the experience. If you’re interested in photography, they provide tips to help you capture the lights effectively.

Weather Conditions and the Unpredictability of the Aurora

Since the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, their appearance depends heavily on weather conditions such as cloud coverage and solar activity. The tour recommends checking the weather forecast beforehand, but even with careful planning, aurora sightings cannot be guaranteed.

This unpredictability is a shared aspect of all aurora tours, and the tour’s success relies on both luck and expert guidance. The clear sky and solar activity are critical factors that influence whether the lights will dance in the sky during your outing.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

The tour involves outdoor sitting and standing, often in very cold conditions, so dressing warmly is essential. The outdoor stay may be late into the night, making it less suitable for very young children or those sensitive to cold or late hours. The bus transfer makes the experience more accessible for most, but physical mobility should be considered before booking.

The short duration of three hours makes it manageable for most, but participants should be prepared for the possibility of waiting outside in minus temperatures.

Comparing This Tour to Other Aurora Experiences

This tour offers a comfortable, guided approach to seeing the northern lights, with the added benefit of professional photos. In contrast to some longer or more adventurous safaris, this experience emphasizes ease and comfort with included hot drinks and cookies.

While some reviews mention the absence of aurora sightings or less attentive guides, many highlight excellent locations and stunning displays when luck is on your side. The small group setting and expert guidance make this an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and cozy Arctic adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Saariselkä Aurora Photo Tour

This 3-hour tour from Saariselkä offers a practical way to chase the northern lights with local expertise and comfort. The inclusion of hot drinks, cookies, and photos enhances the experience, making it memorable even if the lights don’t appear every night.

It’s best suited for travelers who value guided convenience and want professional photos without the hassle of setting up their own equipment. The unpredictable nature of the aurora means that this tour’s success depends on weather conditions and solar activity, but the guided approach maximizes your chances.

If you’re prepared for late nights outdoors in cold weather and want a well-organized, cozy, and informative experience, this tour can deliver a meaningful Arctic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transfer from Saariselkä, hot drinks, gingerbread cookies, and photos taken during the trip, with a link provided afterward.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 3 hours, departing from Saariselkä, with flexible start times depending on availability.

Can I expect to see the northern lights?
While the tour aims to give you the best chance, the aurora borealis is unpredictable. Clear skies and solar activity are necessary for sightings.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly is essential, especially for outdoor waiting periods, as temperatures can be minus 30°C.

Is this suitable for children?
Small children might find outdoor late-night conditions challenging. Consider your child’s comfort with cold and late hours before booking.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free snacks available?
Yes, these options are available upon request, ensuring everyone can enjoy the refreshments.

Will I get to keep the photos?
Yes, you receive a link to the photos taken during the tour, which you can download and keep as memories.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The data does not specify group size limits, but the use of a bus suggests a manageable group.

How do I know when the tour starts?
The meeting time is sent in the confirmation email, and arriving at least 15 minutes early is recommended.

What happens if I am late?
Late arrivals result in a missed tour without a refund, so punctuality is important.

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