Saariselkä/Kakslauttanen: Private Aurora Hunt in Premium Car

Experiencing the northern lights is often considered a bucket-list moment, but doing so with a touch of luxury and exclusivity truly elevates the experience. The Private Aurora Hunt in a Premium Car offered by Arctic Crusade provides just that—an intimate, comfortable, and expertly guided journey through Lapland’s magical night skies. It’s designed for those who want a stress-free, tailored experience with the flexibility to chase the aurora at their own pace.

What we particularly like about this tour is the personalized attention—your own guide, your own vehicle, and a route carefully planned based on weather conditions and cloud forecasts. This means your chances of seeing the northern lights are optimized, without feeling hurried or lost in a crowd. One possible consideration: since the tour is quite tailored and private, it’s naturally a bit pricier than group excursions, but for many, the comfort and exclusivity justify the cost.

This tour is best suited for couples, families, or small groups seeking a premium, intimate experience. If you value comfort, expert guidance, and a flexible schedule, this aurora hunt ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Exclusive Experience: Private, personalized tour for up to 8 people, ensuring dedicated attention.
• Comfort & Convenience: Premium vehicle with comfortable seats, door-to-door pickup, and drop-off.
• Weather-Optimized Routes: Routes based on cloud and weather forecasts to maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable local guides share insights into auroras, local culture, and wildlife.
• Relaxed Pace: 3.5-hour journey with no rush, including warm drinks and a cozy ambiance.
• Cultural Touch: Aurora workshop and stories add a richer context to the experience.

The Experience: What to Expect from Your Private Aurora Hunt

Imagine being comfortably seated inside a luxurious vehicle, the Arctic night unfolding outside your window, while your guide navigates through the darkness, chasing clear skies and aurora activity. Arctic Crusade’s private tour starts with a tailored pickup from your accommodation—whether it’s Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen, Kiilopää, or Ivalo—making it an effortless start to your night.

The Route and Planning

The real magic behind this tour is its weather-optimized route. Your guide, with their knowledge of current cloud cover and aurora forecasts, will select the best possible route, often veering away from cloudy areas and heading toward clearer skies. This means your chances of seeing the northern lights are higher than a standard, fixed-route tour.

You’ll enjoy a relaxed 3.5 hours of quiet, comfortable driving through vast Arctic landscapes—think snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and possibly sightings of local wildlife like reindeer or ptarmigans. The journey is designed not to feel rushed, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery and patiently wait for the lights to dance overhead.

The Cultural & Scientific Insights

Before the lights appear, your guide will host an Aurora workshop, sharing fascinating facts about the science behind the phenomenon and some folklore stories that make the experience even more meaningful. This educational element is a lovely addition, especially for those new to Arctic lore or science buffs eager to understand what makes the aurora so spectacular.

Cozy Comforts & Refreshments

Throughout the tour, you’ll be treated to warm Arctic herbal tea and bottled water, perfect for keeping warm and hydrated during the cold night. Many reviews emphasize how much travelers appreciated the cozy, premium vehicle, which provides a comfortable environment that counters the chill and noise of ordinary transportation.

The View & Potential for Aurora Sightings

Of course, the biggest highlight is catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis. While no tour can guarantee a sighting—nature is unpredictable—the weather-based route planning significantly increases your odds. Travelers have noted that on clear, cold nights, the lights can be awe-inspiring, shimmering in shades of green, pink, and purple, with some describing the experience as “breathtaking” and “peaceful.”

Additional Small Group or Private Options

The tour is designed for small, private groups or families, making it ideal for those who want an intimate experience. The price varies depending on the group size—$600 for up to 2 people, with additional persons costing $120 each. This flexibility allows for a more tailored experience, whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family adventure.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour particularly attractive is the combination of luxury, personalization, and scientific insight. Unlike larger group hunts, this private experience means you won’t be squeezed into a crowded minibus or rushed through a predetermined route. Instead, your guide will prioritize your comfort and chances of seeing the lights.

The weather-forecast-driven route is a game-changer, as cloudy skies are the biggest obstacle to aurora viewing. Being able to adapt in real-time based on forecasts ensures you’re not just hoping for clear skies—you’re actively chasing them.

On top of that, the door-to-door pickup and drop-off make it a hassle-free option—no need to worry about transportation logistics in the cold Arctic night. The vehicle’s comfort seats, combined with warm drinks and the tranquility of a private journey, make this a genuinely relaxing experience.

Considerations & Practical Tips

Since the tour lasts 3.5 hours, dress warmly—think layers, hats, gloves, and thermal underwear. The Arctic nights can be extremely cold, especially in winter, so extra clothing is recommended. The vehicle provides some warmth and comfort, but layers are essential for stepping outside if needed or for waiting in the cold.

Children under 7 are not recommended, and those with mobility issues might find the experience less suitable, mainly due to the cold and the need to be outside during some viewing times.

Booking in advance is wise, especially during peak aurora seasons, and cancelation is flexible up to 24 hours prior, allowing you to adapt if weather conditions change unexpectedly.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour appeals most to travelers craving a luxurious, personalized Arctic adventure. It suits couples celebrating a special occasion, families wanting a cozy experience, or small groups eager to avoid crowds and enjoy the aurora at their own pace. If you’re someone who appreciates comfort and detailed knowledge alongside spectacular scenery, this would be an ideal choice.

It’s less suitable for very young children, larger groups, or those who prefer a more active, outdoor chase rather than a relaxed, vehicle-based experience.

The Sum Up

In summary, the Private Aurora Hunt in a Premium Car by Arctic Crusade offers a memorable, comfortable way to experience the northern lights. Its key strengths are the personalized service, weather-optimized planning, and cozy environment, all designed to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural wonder.

While the price tag is higher than standard tours, the exclusivity, comfort, and expert guidance make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a stress-free, intimate Arctic adventure. It’s perfect for travelers who prioritize quality over quantity and want a tailored experience under the Arctic sky.

If you’re after a relaxed, luxurious, and well-organized aurora hunt that respects your pace and preferences, this tour ticks all the right boxes.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book this tour?
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak northern lights season, to secure your preferred date and group size.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers a private guided car tour, door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, warm drinks, bottled water, and safety and comfort in all weather conditions.

Can I join as a group or family?
Yes. The tour can be booked privately for up to 8 persons or as a shared activity if you prefer a more social experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace and flexibility based on weather conditions.

Is this suitable for children?
Participation is not recommended for children under 7 years or guests with limited mobility, mainly due to the outdoor experiences and cold temperatures.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, including hats and gloves. Don’t forget your camera to capture the lights and a weather-appropriate outfit.

What if the weather forecast is poor?
The guide uses forecast data to plan the route, but if weather conditions are too cloudy, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled with full refund if it cannot be rescheduled.

Will I see the northern lights?
While no one can guarantee sightings, the route planning based on real-time forecasts increases your chances significantly.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are available in Finnish, English, and Swedish, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour begins, offering peace of mind in your planning.

This private, comfort-focused aurora hunt provides an excellent way to experience Lapland’s natural spectacle without the stress or crowds. It’s ideal for those who want to combine luxury with authentic Arctic sights and cultural insights—making your northern lights adventure truly unforgettable.