Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi with Pickup

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi, Finland, and dreaming of catching the Aurora Borealis, this 4-hour Aurora Hunting Photo Tour offers an engaging way to chase the lights. For around $145 per person, you get a comfortable bus ride through Lapland’s wild landscape, multiple stops for the best viewing chances, and the chance for professional photos with help from your guides. Plus, hotel pickup makes it convenient, and hot drinks with gingerbread cookies keep your spirits warm, both literally and figuratively.

One of the things we love about this tour is the personalized photo service—your guides will snap some memorable shots of you playing with light, which is especially handy if your own camera isn’t quite up to the task. We also appreciate the small group size—max 15 travelers—meaning you’re likely to get more attention and a less crowded experience.

However, a potential consideration is the natural unpredictability of the Aurora Borealis. If the skies stay stubbornly clouded, the lights might not dance for you. While the guides do their best to find clear spots, seeing the Aurora depends on weather and solar activity, so patience is key.

This tour suits anyone eager for a robust, guided experience—especially those wanting tips on night photography or seeking a comfortable, well-organized adventure in the Arctic night. It’s particularly appealing if you’re traveling with family or friends who value good photography and cozy comfort amidst Lapland’s chilly winter.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Skilled guides help you find the best viewing spots and assist with camera settings.
• Multiple Stops: The tour visits several locations, increasing your chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Photo Opportunities: Guides will take professional photos and give tips for your own camera.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes hotel pickup, winter clothing, hot drinks, and cookies.
• Weather Dependent: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed due to natural factors.
• Small Group: Max 15 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

In-Depth Review of the Aurora Hunting Photo Tour

Location and Duration: This tour explores the scenic surroundings of Rovaniemi and Lapland, traveling up to 200 km across the snowy landscape. While it only lasts about 4 hours, it packs in plenty of opportunities to see the lights, visit different spots, and capture those magical moments.

Transportation: Comfort is a priority here. The tour uses a large, cozy bus to shuttle you from one promising location to another, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The bus’s size helps stabilize the group and provides room for those camera tripods or extra layers of clothing.

Guides and Personal Service: The guides are a big highlight. Several reviews rave about their helpfulness and friendliness. For example, Valentina, Elise, Antoine, and Tiina are mentioned as guides who were not only professional but also engaging, joking, and eager to help with photography tips. One reviewer even called them the “best guides” who made their trip truly special.

Spotting the Aurora: The main goal of the tour is to chase the Northern Lights—a natural phenomenon that can be elusive. Guides do their utmost to locate clear skies and choose the best vantage points, often stopping at 4 locations where they’ve seen auroras before. Several reviewers report success, with sightings varying from faint glows to “dancing” lights. Others, acknowledging the unpredictability, appreciated the effort even if the Aurora stayed hidden behind clouds.

Photography and Tips: If you’re into night photography, this tour is particularly appealing. Guides will help you set your camera for capturing the Aurora, which can be tricky without proper settings. A recurring praise from guests is the professional photos taken during the tour, often with creative light effects. Even if your camera isn’t high-end, you’ll walk away with memorable images thanks to your guide’s expertise.

Additional Comforts: Included are hot drinks and gingerbread cookies, which are especially appreciated in the cold Arctic night. The tour also provides winter clothing—a vital perk since temperatures can plummet, and even the most seasoned travelers appreciate not having to lug bulky gear.

Group Size and Atmosphere: With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience keeps a friendly, intimate feel. Several reviews emphasize how guides made everyone feel comfortable and engaged, whether by sharing stories or helping with photographs.

Weather and Aurora Dependence: As several reviews mention, seeing the Aurora is never guaranteed. Cloud cover, solar activity, and weather conditions ultimately dictate whether the lights will appear. The tour offers full refunds or rescheduling if weather cancels the event, which adds peace of mind.

Price and Value: At around $145, the tour offers a decent value, especially considering the inclusion of transportation, professional photos, winter clothing, and snacks. It’s not the cheapest option but provides a smoother, more personalized experience than self-guided wandering in the cold.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Safartica Office: The tour begins at the office in Rovaniemi, where you check in and get fitted with winter gear. Here, the guides brief you on what to expect and share tips on night photography. Several reviewers mention that the guides try hard to find the Aurora, and even when they don’t succeed, they make the experience fun and engaging.

Multiple Scenic Stops: The bus travels across the Arctic landscape, reaching different spots that are away from light pollution. These stops are key because light pollution can ruin the view of the Northern Lights, so the guides select locations with the best chance of a clear sky.

Campfire and Refreshments: Some reviews describe a cozy stop where guests can enjoy a small campfire, snacks, and hot drinks. This creates a warm social atmosphere even in the cold.

Photography Sessions: At each stop, guides will help you set your camera, and they often take professional photos of the group with the Aurora or playful light effects. Several guests say these photos are a highlight, providing tangible memories of a fleeting natural wonder.

Return to Rovaniemi: After about four hours of chasing the lights and exploring, you’re driven back comfortably to your hotel, often with a camera full of photos and a heart full of memories.

What the Reviews Reveal

High Praise for Guides: Many reviews mention guides like Valentina, Tiina, or Martin as being enthusiastic, patient, and professional. Guests appreciate their efforts to find the Aurora, help with camera settings, and make the experience fun and memorable. One reviewer called their guides “fantastic”, highlighting the positive impact of knowledgeable, friendly staff.

Mixed Aurora Sightings: While some travelers rave about seeing dancing, colorful lights, others mention only faint glows or even missing the Aurora altogether. This variability is expected due to the natural unpredictability of the phenomenon, but guides often make the best of the situation.

Photo Quality: The ability to get professional-looking photographs is a major plus. Several reviews note that the guides were great photographers, capturing moments that guests cherish long after the tour ends.

Weather and Timing: Reviews highlight that timing and weather play a crucial role. Good weather and clear skies lead to spectacular displays, while clouds can obscure the lights. The flexible cancellation policy is a reassurance for travelers worried about weather.

Value and Experience: For many, the tour offers good value, especially considering the included gear, snacks, and the chance to see the Aurora—something many travelers rate as a top highlight of their trip to Lapland.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi is best suited for adventurers who love photography, enjoy small-group settings, and want a guided, comfortable way to chase the Northern Lights. If you’re looking for a well-organized experience with knowledgeable guides and value having a professional photo record of your Arctic night, this tour delivers.

It’s also perfect if you prefer to leave the logistics to experts, rather than wandering around in the cold trying to find the best spot yourself. The inclusion of warm clothing and hot drinks adds comfort, making it more enjoyable even if the Aurora stays shy or the weather is less cooperative.

However, keep in mind that the Aurora is a nature’s show—its appearance is never guaranteed, and patience is part of the experience. If you’re flexible and eager to maximize your chances with guided stops and expert assistance, you’ll likely find this tour worthwhile.

This tour balances adventure, comfort, and photographic opportunity, making it a solid choice for those visiting Rovaniemi who want to make the most of their Arctic night.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from selected hotels in Rovaniemi, which makes the experience more convenient and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, stops, and time spent searching for the Aurora.

What should I wear?
The tour provides winter clothing, but it’s wise to wear warm layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable in the Arctic cold.

Can I get my photos taken during the tour?
Absolutely. Guides will take professional photos of you during the stops, and they also offer help with your own camera settings.

What happens if we don’t see the Aurora?
While guides will do their best to locate the lights, their appearance depends on weather and solar conditions. The tour offers full refunds or rescheduling if the Aurora doesn’t appear due to weather cancellations.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The small group size and cozy environment make it suitable for families.

This Aurora Hunting Photo Tour from Rovaniemi offers a blend of expert guidance, comfort, and authentic Arctic adventure—perfect for those eager to chase the Northern Lights with a knowledgeable team by your side.