Hunting Northern Lights by Snowmobiles

Hunting Northern Lights by Snowmobiles: An Arctic Adventure in Saariselkä

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the elusive aurora borealis, this snowmobile tour in Saariselkä offers a hands-on way to chase the lights. For around $200 per person, you’ll spend about five hours exploring the wilderness, learning to drive snowmobiles, and cozying up by fires with hot drinks and snacks. Led by knowledgeable guides, this small-group experience (max. 10 participants) attempts to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights—something about the remote, clear skies and expert local tips making all the difference.

What we love about this tour is how it combines adventure with education—your guide will share stories about the Northern Lights and local mythology, enriching the experience beyond just a visual spectacle. Also, the personalized attention in such a small group means you’ll get plenty of guidance on photography and a chance to ask questions. The other standout? The setting itself — an undisturbed viewing spot with minimal light pollution, often clear even when nearby areas are foggy or cloudy.

A possible drawback is the unpredictability of Aurora sightings. Despite a 90% chance of seeing the Lights in good conditions, nature doesn’t always cooperate. Plus, if you’re not comfortable driving a snowmobile or prefer a more relaxed viewing experience, this might not be your best fit. However, if you’re an active traveler eager for an outdoor adventure that combines motorized fun with Arctic scenery, this tour hits just the right notes.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to actively participate and are excited by the idea of exploring on snowmobiles. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate learning about local culture and want a chance to capture excellent photos of the Aurora Borealis in a pristine, dark sky setting.

Key Points

• Small-Group Experience: Max. 10 travelers for personalized guidance.
• Active Outdoor Adventure: Snowmobiling through remote Finnish landscapes.
• High Aurora Odds: About 90% chance of seeing the Northern Lights if the sky is clear.
• Professional Guides: Share local mythology and photography tips.
• Comfort & Warmth: Hot drinks, snacks, and a fire keep you cozy.
• Unpredictable Nature: Aurora sightings depend on weather and luck.

A Detailed Look at the Snowmobile Northern Lights Tour

Starting Point & Transportation

Your journey begins at Lapland Welcome in Saariselkä, Finland. The convenient pickup service means you don’t have to worry about getting there — just be prepared for a departure into the Arctic wilderness. The tour includes transportation, guiding services, snacks, and insurance, making it a well-organized package aimed at providing comfort alongside adventure. The meeting point is straightforward, and the entire trip is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with the exception of those who might not enjoy snowmobiling or have mobility issues.

The Snowmobile Ride & Wilderness Exploration

Once suited up, you’ll get a lesson on how to operate the snowmobiles. For many, this is part of the fun — a chance to learn something new and feel the thrill of driving through snow-covered forests and across icy fells. The route takes you along scenic paths, where peaceful silence and snowy vistas create a magical atmosphere.

Reviews highlight how much fun travelers have during this part of the trip. Jennie_F mentions, “The snowmobiles were a lot of fun,” emphasizing how engaging the ride can be. Others, like Moritz_B, appreciated the experience even if the auroras didn’t make an appearance, saying, “We still had an incredible experience.”

The Fire, Snacks, and Cultural Stories

A key feature of this tour is the stop at a tepee or hut for a break. Here, a fire crackles, and you can sip warm coffee or tea, enjoy barbecue snacks, and listen to stories about the Northern Lights and Sami mythology. The guide’s storytelling adds a layer of cultural depth, connecting you to the local traditions and legends.

Multiple reviews praise how well-organized and professional the guides are. Susanna_L notes, “Everything was well organized… and our guide was very pro.” This attention to detail enhances the overall experience, ensuring you feel safe, comfortable, and engaged.

Aurora Viewing & Photography

The main goal — spotting the Aurora Borealis — is not guaranteed but highly probable. The tour’s location is chosen specifically for its dark, open skies free from light pollution, making it an ideal spot for aurora hunting. The best viewing hours are considered to be between 11 PM and 12 AM, according to the operator’s experience.

Photographers will find this tour appealing because of the opportunity to capture the Northern Lights against a pristine Arctic backdrop. Even if the skies stay silent, the starry night sky, with constellations like the Big Bear and Polar Star, offers a stunning spectacle. As Jennie_F says, “We got to see the northern lights and wild reindeer,” indicating that even without the aurora, the scenery alone is worth it.

The Unpredictable Nature of Aurora Sightings

While the tour boasts a 90% chance of Aurora sightings, the reality is that nature can be unpredictable. Cloud cover, weather conditions, and solar activity all influence whether you’ll see the lights. However, the tour’s remote location, clear skies, and the experience of guides significantly improve your odds.

Review Highlights & Authentic Perspectives

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with stories and photography tips. Liam_H recounts, “Our guide was brilliant and really informative,” and Penny_H mentions, “The guides were such fun.” Even those who didn’t see the aurora appreciated the overall organization, comfort, and authenticity of the experience.

A traveler who faced a cancellation (chaitali_M) reflects on the challenges of Arctic tourism, explaining that last-minute cancellations can happen, especially during flu season. It’s a reminder that nature and health can influence your plans, so flexibility and patience are helpful virtues.

Practical Details & Value

At just over $200, this tour offers a comprehensive Arctic experience: snowmobiling, cultural storytelling, snacks, and a good chance of witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Compared to other Arctic safaris, the focus on small-group intimacy and expert guidance make this a valuable choice for active travelers interested in a genuine outdoor adventure.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits energetic travelers eager to explore the Arctic landscape on a snowmobile, with a willingness to accept the element of luck involved in Aurora viewing. It’s ideal if you enjoy learning about local culture, photography, and outdoor pursuits. Those seeking a more relaxed, less active experience might prefer a different type of aurora tour, perhaps one with less driving and more waiting.

The Sum Up

This snowmobile Northern Lights tour in Saariselkä offers a well-rounded Arctic adventure. You’ll get to drive through snowy forests, enjoy authentic Sami storytelling, and potentially witness the elusive Aurora Borealis under the dark, star-filled sky. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides make the experience personal and engaging, while the scenic stops and fire-side snacks create a warm, inviting atmosphere in the cold.

While the aurora’s appearance remains somewhat dependent on luck, the tour’s strategic location and professional guiding team significantly boost your chances. It’s a fantastic choice for active, curious travelers who want to make the most of their Arctic trip and embrace the outdoor thrill of snowmobiling under the northern sky.

If you love an authentic, active experience with a good shot at witnessing one of the most beautiful natural phenomena, this tour is a rewarding option. Just remember, even if the Northern Lights don’t dance for you, Saariselkä’s winter wilderness offers plenty of breathtaking moments to cherish.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided as part of the tour, making it easy to reach the remote viewing spot without hassle.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about five hours, including snowmobiling, the fire-side break, and Aurora hunting.

What is the group size?
This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized guidance and a more intimate experience.

What should I wear?
While not explicitly stated, expect to be outside in cold weather. Layered clothing, warm boots, and gloves are advisable.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to drive a snowmobile?
Yes, guides provide instructions on how to operate the snowmobiles, and the experience is designed to be accessible for beginners.

What’s the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The ideal viewing window is around 11-12 PM, although the chance of seeing the aurora is high in clear, dark skies during the winter months.

What is included in the price?
Guidance, transportation, snacks, hot drinks, and insurance are included. The tour also provides a fire and storytelling session.

What happens if I don’t see the Aurora?
Even with a high probability, sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity. Many reviews mention the experience was still worthwhile even without seeing the Lights.

Can I request a guide in another language?
Yes, the operator can arrange guides in other languages upon request—just check in advance.

Ready for a unique Arctic adventure that combines motorized fun, cultural storytelling, and hopefully a spectacular night sky? This snowmobile Aurora hunt in Saariselkä combines all those elements for an experience you’ll never forget.