Northern Lights Hunting Adventure in Lapland

Travelers dreaming of witnessing the elusive Northern Lights often find themselves wondering whether a tour can truly deliver on this spectacular natural display. This Northern Lights Hunting Adventure in Lapland, offered by Wild about Lapland, promises to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis through a carefully planned, long-duration expedition. With a focus on flexibility, authentic Arctic scenery, and a small-group setting, it’s designed for those eager to experience the magic of the night sky in a genuine Lappish environment.

What sets this experience apart is its willingness to go the extra mile—literally—to find clear skies. The guides don’t just stick to a set route; they analyze weather forecasts, solar activity, and adapt their plans accordingly. Plus, the opportunity to explore different locations during the night, combined with professional photography and eco-conscious practices like tree planting, makes this a compelling choice for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

That said, one thing to consider is the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights—they are a natural phenomenon, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. The tour’s success depends heavily on weather conditions and solar activity, which can sometimes be less than cooperative. Also, the tour demands some patience and willingness to endure cold temperatures, sometimes as low as -30°C.

All in all, this tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who value expert guidance, flexible planning, and authentic Arctic experiences. It’s suitable for small groups (up to 8 people), making it more personalized than a mass tour, but it does require participants to be prepared for the Arctic cold and a fair bit of sitting in a vehicle or standing outdoors at night.

Key Points

• Maximized Chances to See the Aurora: The guides use weather and solar forecasts to optimize locations and timing.
• Long-Distance Explorations: Up to 400 km from Rovaniemi, seeking clear skies and fewer light pollution issues.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 people, allowing for personalized attention and better interaction.
• Professional Photography: Photos are taken during the tour and sent afterward, capturing the elusive Northern Lights.
• Eco-Conscious: The tour offsets emissions by planting trees, aligning with sustainable travel values.
• Flexible and Adaptive: The itinerary is sensitive to weather shifts, with options to change locations or start times.

An In-Depth Look at the Northern Lights Hunting Adventure

Starting Out: Preparing for the Arctic Night

The experience kicks off with guests being properly dressed in professional winter overalls and boots—a necessity when temperatures can plunge to -30°C. The guides understand how crucial warmth and comfort are for an enjoyable experience, especially given the long hours outdoors. The small group size, capped at eight, ensures that no one is lost in the crowd, and guides like Matus, mentioned in reviews, go above and beyond to make the night memorable—even if the skies are cloudy.

The Drive and Location Hopping

What makes this tour stand out is the driving component—your guide will take you far from the city, sometimes up to 400 kilometers away from Rovaniemi. This is a significant feature because light pollution from the town can diminish the Aurora’s visibility. By venturing into the wilderness, you’ll have a better shot at seeing the dancing lights, especially on clear, dark nights.

Based on weather forecasts and solar activity reports, guides can choose promising spots like lakes, open hilltops, or snow-covered forests. As one reviewer noted, the guide “drove us until the Russian border to see [the Aurora]”—showing how far they’re willing to go for a good sighting. This is not just a scenic tour but a dedicated Aurora hunt, where each location provides a different backdrop for one of nature’s most striking shows.

The Experience at Each Location

During the night, you might find yourself on a frozen lake, enjoying the silence and stillness that only the Arctic can offer. The tour may bring you to a variety of spots: lakesides, forest clearings, or hilltops—each offering a “frame” for the Northern Lights. The focus is on quality views over quantity; the guide’s experience helps pick locations with the best chances, rather than random stops.

Food, Comfort, and Warmth

Throughout the tour, you’ll receive light refreshments and hot drinks—a small but thoughtful touch that helps keep spirits high and hands warm. Given the extensive outdoor hours, these sustenance breaks are appreciated, especially since you won’t be spending much time around fire pits or heaters, but rather braving the cold in pursuit of the Aurora.

Photography and Memories

A key perk is the inclusion of professional photography. The guide, equipped with a high-quality camera, captures your moments under the Aurora, which are then sent to you the following day. This service is especially valuable because capturing the lights is tricky—long exposures and steady hands are needed, and not everyone has professional camera gear on hand. Those photos become treasured keepsakes, often more vivid and memorable than what smartphone snapshots can offer.

Success Rate and Realistic Expectations

While the tour is designed to maximize your chances, it’s important to remember that Northern Lights are unpredictable. A reviewer shared that even when it was cloudy, the guide “did his best so we could still see the Northern Lights” by driving to the Russian border. This flexibility is a major advantage. Conversely, some guests felt the fixed timing of the trip wasn’t ideal if weather conditions weren’t prime, but overall, the approach of adaptive planning is appreciated.

The Downside: Unpredictability and Timing

One common critique is that the trip starts at a fixed time regardless of the weather forecast, which can sometimes mean waiting around in a hut or vehicle until a window opens. For instance, some guests felt they could have benefited from a later start during less favorable conditions, but the fixed schedule meant waiting in cold conditions for a better moment. However, given the long duration—up to 7 hours—the tour generally provides multiple opportunities to catch the lights if conditions turn favorable.

The Group and Personal Attention

With a small group limit of 8, guides can tailor the experience and focus on individual needs. This is a big plus for photographers or anyone seeking a more intimate experience. The personal interaction, combined with the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm, helps elevate what could otherwise feel like a generic outing.

Environmental Responsibility

The tour’s commitment to sustainable practices—offsetting emissions by planting trees—adds to its appeal for eco-conscious travelers. It’s a small gesture, but very meaningful in a fragile Arctic environment.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for adventurous, curious travelers who don’t mind cold nights and are eager to chase the Aurora across the wilderness. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group tours and want to avoid large, impersonal excursions. Photographers, nature lovers, and anyone keen to experience the Arctic’s silence and beauty will find much to enjoy here.

However, it’s less suitable for travelers with heart conditions or medical issues that could be aggravated by extreme cold, as well as families with very young children (under 8 years), given the late hours and temperature. Patience and flexibility are key—if you’re prepared for the unpredictability of nature and the chilly atmosphere, this tour can be a highlight of your Lapland trip.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Hunting Adventure by Wild about Lapland offers a well-thought-out, flexible approach to experiencing the Aurora Borealis. The combination of long-distance drives, multiple locations, and expert guidance increases your odds of a sighting, even in less-than-ideal weather. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the professional photos help immortalize the experience.

The tour’s emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices enhances its appeal for environmentally conscious travelers. The price, around $226 per person, offers good value considering the length, tailored approach, and extra services like photos and winter clothing.

While the inherent unpredictability of nature means sightings can’t be guaranteed, this tour maximizes your chances through strategy and experience. If you’re patient, prepared for cold, and eager to explore the Arctic’s night sky with knowledgeable guides, this adventure will likely be a memorable highlight of your Lapland visit.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guided Northern Lights hunt, professional winter clothing and boots, light refreshments, a professional guide with a camera, photos sent afterward, and all taxes and fees.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, with the start time depending on availability. Check specific start times when booking.

Where does the tour start?
If your accommodation is outside Rovaniemi city center, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Guests staying within the city are asked to meet at the Wild about Lapland office at Rovakatu 24.

Is hotel pickup available for all locations?
Pickup is included for accommodations outside the city center; there may be an extra surcharge for stays 10 km or more from Rovaniemi.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old, mainly because of the late hours and cold conditions.

What if the weather isn’t clear?
Guides monitor weather closely and adapt plans accordingly. Even if clouds are present, they’ll try their best to find openings or move to better locations.

Do I need special clothing?
Winter clothing and boots are provided, but you should also bring warm layers, water, and be prepared for potentially harsh cold.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since Aurora sightings depend on natural factors, there’s no guarantee. The tour is designed to increase your odds, but patience is key.

What makes this tour different from other Northern Lights trips?
Its focus on flexible, strategic location changes, long duration, small group size, and professional photography make it stand out.

To sum it up, this Northern Lights hunt in Lapland offers a blend of adventure, expert planning, and genuine Arctic scenery. It’s especially suited for those who want more than a quick snapshot and are willing to venture into the wilderness for a shot at witnessing one of nature’s most mesmerizing light shows. If you’re okay with the unpredictability and love the idea of a personalized, environmentally conscious tour, this could be a highlight of your Lapland journey.