Saariselkä,Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour.

The Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers a memorable opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in Lapland. Priced around €100-€150 per person, this 3 to 3.5-hour adventure departs from Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, with free pickup and drop-off within a 20 km radius. The tour is led by professional Aurora guides in a comfortable Mercedes Benz minibus, ensuring small groups and personalized attention.

While the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that cannot be guaranteed, the tour’s focus on expert-guided hunting and its wide search area increase the chances of a stunning sighting. This experience is suited for those comfortable with nighttime outdoor conditions and who value professional guidance and photography. Though weather-dependent, the tour’s adaptability—searching for clear skies outside the village—helps maximize the likelihood of a successful Aurora sighting.

Key Points

• Expert-guided Aurora hunting in Saariselkä using Mercedes Benz mini buses
• 3-3.5 hours of Northern Lights chasing with small group sizes
• Free pickup and drop-off within 20 km of Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen
• Photos of Aurora activity included—professional photography provided
• Tour departs in the evenings and nighttime, so suitable for those prepared for cold hours outside
• The tour is weather-dependent, and minimum bookings of 3 participants are required for operation

You can check availability for your dates here:

Small Group Tours in a Mercedes Benz Minibus Ensure Comfort and Flexibility

This Aurora Hunting tour departs from Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen in a Mercedes Benz minibus, which emphasizes small group sizes for a more comfortable experience. The luxury vehicle offers warmth and space, making the often chilly and late-night outing more enjoyable. The guided experience focuses on maximizing the probability of sightings by exploring a wider area than is possible with snowmobiles, which are limited to smaller zones.

The pickup times are carefully scheduled, with Kiilopää pickup happening 30-35 minutes before the tour starts, and Saariselkä village being the closest pickup point, often ready within 10 minutes. Travelers are asked to be ready on time to avoid delays, as the provider cannot wait for late arrivals.

Exploring the Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen Area for Aurora Visibility

The tour takes place in the Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen area, where light pollution is relatively low but still present in the village. If the weather in Saariselkä is cloudy, guides actively search for clear skies elsewhere, significantly increasing the chance of catching the Aurora. The search for perfect Northern Lights involves moving to several locations during the trip, especially if Aurora activity persists over the evening.

The guided tour includes photo stops and explanations about the lights, helping visitors understand the natural phenomenon better. If the Aurora stays visible for a long time, the flexibility of traveling by car allows the guides to visit multiple locations, unlike fixed snowmobile routes.

The Benefits of Aurora Hunting by Car Versus Snowmobile

Compared to snowmobiles, traveling by mini bus offers several advantages for Aurora hunting. The wider search area increases the chances of finding a clear sky, especially important in the polar night. The vehicle’s warmth and stability mean that even if outside temperatures are very cold, visitors can warm up easily in the bus, reducing fatigue and discomfort.

This method also accommodates families or travelers with children, who might find a long outdoor wait on snowmobiles tiring. Inside the bus, travelers can rest or even take a short nap if needed. The flexibility of moving between different locations ensures that if the Aurora appears unexpectedly, guides can quickly adapt their plans to maximize viewing time.

What You Need to Know About Meeting Points and Logistics

The tour begins with free pickup and drop-off within 20 km of Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen. The main pickup points include Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen East and West villages, and Laanila area, with specific timings—for example, Kiilopää pickups occur about 30-35 minutes before the tour.

Travelers must arrive promptly at their designated pickup location, as the provider emphasizes timeliness. The small group size is maintained through the use of Mercedes Benz minibus, ensuring comfort during the 3-4 hour adventure. The activity is only available if at least 3 participants are booked, which helps ensure the trip’s viability.

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What’s Included in the Aurora Hunting Tour

The tour fee includes free pickup and drop-off within the designated area, guided Aurora hunting in a minibus, and professional Aurora photos taken during the trip. The guides speak both English and Finnish, facilitating clear communication and expert explanations about the Aurora and the night sky.

Participants are advised to bring warm clothing and sturdy winter shoes, as you’ll spend time outdoors in potentially very cold conditions. The photos taken during the tour are shared publicly, so travelers should be comfortable with their images being used for promotional purposes.

The Experience of the Aurora Hunting Guide

From the available reviews, guides are described as professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. They are praised for their timeliness and dedication to finding the lights. Guides actively chase the Aurora by moving to hidden or less light-polluted spots, often explaining the science behind the Lights and capturing memorable photos for guests.

Guides like Henry and others are noted for their friendly attitude and effort to maximize viewing chances. They are seen as passionate about their work, which adds to the overall trustworthiness of the experience.

The Chance of Seeing the Aurora and Realistic Expectations

Since Northern Lights are a natural and unpredictable phenomenon, the tour cannot guarantee a sighting. They suggest checking weather forecasts for cloudiness and solar activity ahead of time. The effort and expertise of guides are aimed at optimizing the likelihood of a successful sighting, but conditions outside their control may influence the outcome.

The tour operates primarily in the evenings and at night, which may be challenging for young children or those with tight schedules. The late hours and outdoor exposure call for proper clothing and preparedness.

Final Thoughts on the Saariselkä Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour

This tour offers a well-organized, guided approach to experiencing Lapland’s Northern Lights. The small group size and luxury Mercedes Benz minibus make it a comfortable choice for those seeking a personalized adventure. The inclusion of professional photos adds a tangible memory of the trip.

While weather and natural variability mean the Aurora cannot be guaranteed, the expert guides and wide search area give this experience a strong chance of success. It’s perfect for visitors who value guided knowledge, photography, and flexibility in locations.

This tour is especially recommended for travelers willing to brace the cold in pursuit of a magical natural display, and for those who appreciate professional service in their Aurora quest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 3 to 3.5 hours, starting in the evening, with specific times depending on availability.

Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, with free pickup and drop-off within a 20 km radius.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and winter shoes are essential for outdoor viewing in cold temperatures.

Can the tour operate if the weather is cloudy in Saariselkä?
Yes, guides search for clear skies outside the village area if the weather in Saariselkä is cloudy, increasing the chance of sighting the Aurora.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour operates in the late evening and outdoors, it is not explicitly unsuitable for children, but parents should consider whether their children can stay outside and awake late.

How many people are in each group?
The tour uses a small Mercedes Benz minibus, ensuring intimate group sizes for comfort and better experience.

What is included in the price?
The price includes guided Aurora hunting, free transportation, and professional Aurora photos.

What if I want to cancel my booking?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak English and Finnish, allowing for clear explanations and communication.

Are photos shared publicly?
Yes, the photos taken during the tour are publicly available on the provider’s website and social media channels.

This Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour from Saariselkä delivers a comfortable, expert-led experience in seeking Lapland’s elusive northern lights, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their chances in a small-group setting.

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