Chasing Aurora on Different Spots – Small Group

Planning a trip to Rovaniemi and dreaming of catching the Northern Lights? You’re not alone. Many travelers flock here, hoping to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. This particular tour offers a small-group experience—max eight guests—that promises a personalized journey to chase the elusive aurora. With a flexible itinerary based on weather conditions and professional guidance, it aims to maximize your chances of seeing the lights. The tour also includes a cozy break around a campfire with hot drinks and sausages, making it a well-rounded winter outing.

What we really like about this experience is its flexibility—moving between 23 different locations depending on how the weather is behaving. That means you’re not stuck in one spot, hoping for a miracle, but actively hunting with a knowledgeable guide. The thermal clothing provided ensures comfort during those chilly Arctic nights, and the small group size means a more intimate, less hurried experience.

However, the main thing to keep in mind is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights. No matter how good the forecast or how experienced the guide, there’s no 100% guarantee you’ll see the lights. That said, if you’re looking for a guided, well-organized, and comfortable aurora hunt, this tour could be a solid choice—especially if you’re eager to learn from experts and enjoy a cozy outdoor experience.

This tour will suit travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure, education, and comfort—plus those who are flexible and understand the natural unpredictability of aurora sightings.

Key Points

• Flexible Location Stops: The tour visits up to 23 different spots based on weather conditions, increasing your chances of seeing the lights.
• Expert Guidance: Guided by a professional aurora hunter who uses weather and aurora forecasts to choose the best spots.
• Comfort & Warmth: Thermal clothing, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks are provided to keep you comfortable during outdoor waiting.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Warm Breaks: Enjoy hot drinks and sausages around a campfire, adding a cozy touch to the chilly night.
• Timing & Duration: Starts around 8:00 pm, lasting approximately 4.5 hours, including transfer and dressing time.
• Pickup Included: If your accommodation is within 8 km of the meeting point, pickup is included, making logistics easier.
• Weather Dependency: The tour operates from November 16 to April 12, weather permitting; no sightings are guaranteed due to the natural nature of the phenomenon.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, providing some peace of mind if plans change.

An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Hunting Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour kicks off at Sunny Safari’s meeting point in Rovaniemi around 8:00 pm, although the exact start time can shift depending on the sunset and weather conditions. The actual tour involves actively searching for the Northern Lights, with your guide making real-time decisions on where to go. Based on reviews, the guidance provided by professionals like the guides from Sunny Safari is generally well-regarded—one reviewer noted the guide’s professionalism, even amid the unpredictability of aurora sightings.

The highlight of the trip is the up to three different locations visited within roughly 2.5 hours of outdoor searching. These locations are chosen dynamically, with the guide assessing the recent weather and aurora forecasts. The goal is to find the best possible viewing spot, avoiding cloudy or light-polluted areas to maximize visibility.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Each location offers a different landscape, often scenic and remote, away from city lights—ideal for aurora viewing. The guides’ experience comes in handy here, as they read the weather patterns, cloud cover, and aurora activity, shifting between spots as needed. Travelers reported that the guides are knowledgeable about aurora activity and weather forecasts, increasing confidence in the effort.

Staying Warm and Comfortable

One common concern with aurora trips is how cold it can get. Luckily, the tour provides thermal clothing, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks, which is a big plus. During the waiting periods, which can last up to two hours or more, guests can wear thermal overalls—offered at no extra charge—and sit around a campfire. The experience of warming up with hot drinks and sausages, as described by one reviewer, adds a cozy touch to what could otherwise be a very chilly night.

The Campfire Break

The break around the campfire is often highlighted as a charming and comforting feature, providing warmth and a chance to chat with fellow travelers or reflect in silence under the stars. Expect hot drinks and sausages to be served, making the outdoor wait more bearable—and even enjoyable—especially if the aurora is not immediately visible.

The Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

While the guides are generally praised for their professionalism, some travelers expressed frustration when no auroras appeared. One reviewer mentioned, “the guide doesn’t have fault, but the auroras hadn’t been visible for 15 days,” which reminds us that no guide or forecast can promise a sighting. Another reviewer, Jvaquema, was quite disappointed, criticizing Viator’s policy that prevented changing the date when no auroras were visible.

It’s also worth noting that the cost—around $157—reflects the small-group experience, expert guidance, transportation, and warm clothing. Some may feel it’s a bit steep, especially if they’ve paid nearly 300 euros and still didn’t see the lights. However, the value is in the guided effort, comfort, and flexibility in location choices.

Transportation & Group Size

The minibus used for this tour ensures relatively quick and comfortable transfers between locations, with a maximum of 8 travelers. The small-group size means fewer crowds and more personalized attention from your guide, which is appreciated when waiting patiently outdoors in cold weather. Pickup is included if you’re staying within 8 km of the meeting point, simplifying logistics.

Timing & Operating Season

The tour runs from November 16 through April 12, aligning with the prime Northern Lights season in Rovaniemi. The start time is usually between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, depending on sunset and weather conditions. The duration, roughly 4.5 hours, makes it manageable for most travelers without feeling too long or rushed.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This aurora hunting experience is ideal for travelers who are comfortable outdoors in winter, value guided expertise, and want a personalized small-group atmosphere. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a combination of adventure, comfort, and flexibility—and if you understand that aurora sightings are never guaranteed.

It’s particularly suitable for those who prioritize warm clothing and outdoor comfort and want to learn more about the natural phenomenon from seasoned guides. If you’re traveling with kids or pets, the fact that animals are allowed could be a bonus, but ensure everyone is prepared for cold weather.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a well-rounded way to chase the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, especially if you prefer a small-group experience with personalized attention. The flexibility to visit multiple locations based on real-time weather assessments enhances your chances of seeing the aurora, making it more than just a standard tour. The inclusion of thermal gear and the cozy campfire experience adds value, turning a potentially chilly night into a memorable adventure.

However, it’s essential to set realistic expectations—aurora sightings are weather-dependent, and no guide can guarantee a show. The reviews reflect that, with some guests leaving disappointed when the lights don’t appear, but many appreciating the professionalism and effort put into the search.

If you’re seeking a comfortable, guided, and dynamic aurora hunt that prioritizes quality and authenticity, this tour may be a good fit. It’s best for travelers who are flexible, patient, and eager to learn about the phenomenon from knowledgeable locals. For those with strict expectations of guaranteed sightings, it might be worth considering other options or accepting the inherent unpredictability of nature.

FAQ

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts around 4 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, outdoor searching, and the campfire break.

Does the tour include pickup?
Yes, pickup is offered if your accommodation is within 8 km of the Sunny Safari meeting point in Rovaniemi.

What should I wear?
Thermal clothing, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks are provided. It’s recommended to wear enough warm layers underneath and be prepared for outdoor waiting.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, the natural phenomenon is unpredictable. The guide uses forecasts and experience to select locations, but sightings depend on weather and aurora activity.

How many people are in the group?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a small, intimate experience with personalized guidance.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

What happens if I miss the tour?
If you miss the appointment due to late arrival or missed pickup, no refund will be issued, so punctuality is important.

Is food included?
Yes, hot drinks and sausages are served around the campfire, adding a cozy element to the outing.

When does the tour operate?
It runs annually from November 16 through April 12, weather permitting, during the prime Northern Lights season.

Overall, this small-group aurora hunt offers a combination of flexibility, guidance, and comfort that can make your Arctic night in Rovaniemi truly special—so long as you’re prepared for the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights.