Auroras Northern Lights in Saariselka

Experiencing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list moment for many travelers heading to Lapland, and this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Led by the knowledgeable Aurora Experts, it combines the chance to see the elusive lights with cultural storytelling, photography tips, and a cozy barbecue in the Arctic wilderness. With a focus on finding the best possible viewing spots, this tour is designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora in all its glory.

What we particularly like about this experience is the combination of expert guidance and authentic local storytelling, which adds depth to the visual spectacle. The tour’s emphasis on absolute darkness and silence offers a peaceful, almost meditative viewing experience—ideal for those seeking both nature and tranquility. However, it’s worth noting that the visibility of the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed, as it depends heavily on weather and solar activity. Still, for anyone eager to spend a thoughtful evening under the Arctic sky, this tour is a solid choice.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate small-group adventures, value cultural insights, and want guidance on capturing the perfect Aurora shot. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, storytelling, and gourmet-style snacks in a scenic, remote setting.

Key Points

• Maximized Aurora Chances: The tour visits the best partly private, dark sites far from city lights, increasing your odds of seeing the Northern Lights.
• Cultural and Mythological Insights: Guides share stories about the Aurora’s myths, local life, and even some Lappish shamanism, enriching your experience.
• Photography Support: Expert advice helps you take better photos, and the guides share pictures from the tour via cloud services.
• Cozy Atmosphere: A traditional tepee and a barbecue setup create a warm, inviting place to relax while waiting for the lights.
• Flexible and Inclusive: The tour includes winter gear, snacks, and a warm hut, but be prepared for long drives and possible changes to pickup times.
• Value for Money: At $169 per person, it offers a comprehensive Arctic experience with a good balance of sightseeing, culture, and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Saariselka Northern Lights Tour

What Is This Tour About?

This 3-hour adventure with Lapland Welcome Saariselka is designed to give travelers the best possible chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s not just about chasing lights but also about understanding Arctic culture, enjoying a traditional barbecue, and capturing memorable photographs. The tour’s emphasis on quality over quantity means you’ll visit carefully selected sites—far from the glare of hotel lights—where the sky is ideally dark and microclimate conditions often favor clear views, even when nearby areas are foggy or cloudy.

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

The journey begins with local pickup from major hotels in the Saariselka area, with flexible timing depending on availability. Once on the road, guides like Franzi—who has received glowing reviews for her warmth and expertise—lead the group to the best viewing spots, often stopping multiple times if the Aurora shows signs of activity. These stops are crucial because the Aurora can appear unexpectedly, and your guides are seasoned at reading the sky and weather patterns.

The site itself is a completely dark location that allows for optimal viewing of the faint Aurora. The microclimate here means that even if the surrounding sky isn’t clear elsewhere, the site might still offer a glimpse of the lights. This is especially valuable since the most active time for Aurora is just before midnight, but the lights can appear anytime during the night.

Once at the site, you’ll find yourself in a comfortable tepee, which provides warmth and shelter. Here, the guides prepare a barbecue—a highlight for many—serving snacks suitable for all diets, and sometimes even sharing stories around a living fire. As the guides engage guests with mythological tales and local lore, you’ll get a richer understanding of the Arctic culture.

The Photography Aspect

One of the tour’s strengths is its focus on helping you capture the Northern Lights. The guides offer tips on taking photos in low-light conditions, and they actively assist in shooting pictures. They also share the images they take via cloud services, which is a thoughtful touch for travelers eager to leave with a souvenir shot. While the quality of photos can vary depending on conditions and individual effort, the guides’ experience ensures you’ll get some great shots, especially if the Aurora puts on a show.

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Highlights and Unique Features

• Secluded, dark sites: The sites are carefully chosen for optimal Aurora viewing, away from city lights, meaning better visibility.
• Cultural storytelling: The guide shares interesting legends about the Aurora, local traditions, and even some shamanistic practices, adding depth to the experience.
• Cozy barbecue setting: The combination of a traditional tepee, warmth, and delicious snacks makes waiting for the lights comfortable and memorable.
• Expert guidance: Guides like Utsav and Linda are praised for their attentiveness and passion, making the experience feel personalized.
• Flexible plan: Stops are made as needed, depending on Aurora activity, weather, and cloud cover—maximizing your chances.

What Could Be Better?

While the experience is well-rounded, some reviewers noted that the weather can impact visibility, which is outside the tour’s control. For instance, during heavy cloud cover, even the best spots might not reveal the Aurora. Plus, the long drives might not suit everyone, especially those sensitive to extended car rides in cold weather.

Some guests mentioned that photo quality isn’t guaranteed—taking good Aurora shots in darkness takes patience and some skill. However, guides are generally helpful, and some reviews highlighted the value of the photos shared afterward.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $169 per person, this tour offers an excellent balance of culture, scenic beauty, and practical support. Compared to more expensive options, it provides a solid experience that includes warm winter gear, a delicious barbecue, and professional guidance. For travelers keen to combine nature, culture, and photography, the value is quite good, especially given the small-group environment that enhances intimacy and attention.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This Northern Lights tour in Saariselka is perfect for travelers who want more than just a quick chase. If you’re eager to learn about Arctic myths, enjoy delicious local snacks, and prefer small, intimate groups with knowledgeable guides, you’ll find this experience rewarding. It’s especially suitable for those who don’t mind some long drives and are prepared for the unpredictability of weather but want the best possible chance of witnessing the Aurora.

The tour’s focus on authentic storytelling, photo sharing, and cultural insight makes it stand out from more generic Aurora hunts. It’s ideal for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who want a thoughtful, immersive Arctic experience.

However, if you’re on a strict schedule or highly sensitive to weather conditions, consider the flexibility of this tour’s approach—while it maximizes opportunities, the Aurora’s appearance can never be guaranteed.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, local transfers from major hotels in Saariselka are included, with stops made at the best viewing sites.

What is the price?
The tour costs $169 per person, which covers guides, winter gear, snacks, the barbecue, and the photography support.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, including layers suitable for Arctic winter, are recommended. The tour provides winter gear, but staying cozy is crucial.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While every effort is made to find clear skies, seeing the Aurora depends on weather and solar activity. It’s not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially since it involves minimal walking and offers a warm, scenic environment. Check with the provider for specific age restrictions.

What is the experience like at the site?
It’s a very dark, quiet place, free from artificial lights, and often features a traditional tepee and a fire, creating a cozy, atmospheric setting.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, snacks and barbecue food suitable for various diets are provided at the site.

Can I take my own photos?
Absolutely. Guides will give tips, and they also share their pictures afterward. Keep in mind that capturing the Aurora can be tricky in low light.

What if the weather is bad?
The guides monitor weather conditions closely. If the sky remains cloudy or foggy, the Aurora may not be visible, but you’ll still enjoy storytelling, food, and Arctic scenery.

In essence, this tour offers a balanced mix of cultural storytelling, scenic locations, and practical support—all aimed at giving you the best chance to enjoy one of nature’s most breathtaking phenomena. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply seeking a magical night under the Arctic sky, this experience is worth considering for your Lapland adventure.

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