Levi: Northern Lights Hunting – Photography Tour

Levi: Northern Lights Hunting – Photography Tour offers a unique chance to chase the Arctic’s most iconic spectacle—the Northern Lights—in the stunning landscape of Lapland, Finland. Priced at $165 per person and lasting approximately 4.5 hours, this small-group adventure takes you into the wilderness with expert guides and professional photography tips. Your journey will include visits to 2-3 carefully chosen locations, tailored to maximize your chances of witnessing and capturing the aurora.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on personalized photography guidance—perfect for those eager to learn or improve their night photography skills—and the dedication of the guides who go beyond the usual to find the best viewing spots. The second highlight is the small group size, limited to just 8 participants, which ensures a more intimate experience and plenty of individual attention.

One possible consideration is that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed—they depend heavily on weather conditions, cloud cover, and solar activity. Still, the guides’ thorough research, live weather updates, and willingness to travel far increase your odds significantly.

This tour suits adventurous travelers with a camera, especially those interested in photography and willing to stay out late in cold, dark conditions. It’s also ideal if you want a more personal experience with knowledgeable guides who truly care about your chances of catching the aurora.

Key Points

• Expert guides with local knowledge and professional photography skills
• Custom locations chosen nightly based on weather and aurora forecasts
• Small group size enhances personal guidance and flexible planning
• Inclusion of photography gear—tripods, headlamps, and photo editing—amps up the experience
• Cost includes hot drinks and a collection of edited photos after the tour
• Weather-dependent—Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed but optimized for success

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Levi Northern Lights Photography Tour

If you’re setting out to see the Northern Lights in Lapland, this tour offers a practical blend of adventure, education, and chance. For just $165, you’re getting more than a simple sightseeing trip—you’re joining a dedicated team of “aurora hunters” led by a professional photography guide who’s passionate about capturing the natural light show.

The tour’s itinerary begins with a convenient pickup from Sirkka or your accommodation within 10 km of Levi, making logistics straightforward. Once assembled, the group heads out in a cozy minivan, guided by real-time weather and aurora forecasts that help locate the best viewing spots. These locations are not randomly chosen but are carefully selected based on current conditions for the best photographic results and aurora visibility.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the best aspects is the focus on photography. Unlike casual aurora chases, this tour explicitly aims to improve your night photography skills. The guide, a professional photographer, provides a short briefing on camera setup—crucial in the Arctic’s cold and dark—and offers hands-on tips to help you capture stunning images. Whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone with a mount, the guide’s advice helps elevate your photos from mere snapshots to memorable keepsakes.

Another highlight is the location flexibility. The guides are not tied to a single spot; instead, they’re committed to finding clear skies and optimal views. Reviews mention drives to places like Pallas National Park, which is about 40 minutes from Levi, to escape cloud cover and light pollution. This willingness to go the extra mile means your chances of witnessing the aurora are significantly increased, though, of course, no one can guarantee a sighting.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: The meeting point at Beyond Arctic Levi’s office in Sirkka is a convenient starting point, especially for those staying within central Levi. The tour begins with a briefing on weather and aurora forecasts, setting expectations and preparing you for what’s ahead.

Stop 2: The first secret location is a short walk or drive away. Here, the guide helps you set up your camera, and you have a chance to take some initial shots of the Arctic scenery under the starry sky. This stop is typically around 45 minutes, enough to get comfortable with your gear and soak in the atmosphere.

Stop 3: The main part of the tour involves another secret spot, often in an area with minimal light pollution and ideally suited for aurora viewing. This stop lasts about 1.5 hours and includes a mix of photo opportunities, camp activities like warming up with hot drinks, and a chance to just enjoy the natural beauty.

Return: The trip winds down with a drive back to Sirkka, with the possibility of one more quick stop if conditions are promising.

Throughout the night, the guides will change locations as needed, ensuring you’re in the best possible position to witness and photograph the Northern Lights.

The Experience

From personal accounts, the knowledge and friendliness of the guides are a real plus. One reviewer raved about guide Heidi, who not only was “fantastic” at helping with photography but also went “the extra mile” to make the experience meaningful—helping with personal matters and sharing warm drinks like juice, cookies, and marshmallows around a campfire.

Another reviewer highlighted the preparation and expertise as making the entire trip worth every euro—especially when the Aurora made a rare appearance after a long night of chasing. Even if the Lights don’t appear, the night photography in Arctic conditions alone can be rewarding, offering stunning landscapes under starry skies, complemented by the guides’ tips.

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Transportation, Group Size, and Value

Transportation is by minivan, which allows flexibility and comfort, especially in cold conditions. The small group size—limited to 8 participants—means fewer crowds and more personalized guidance. This is especially valuable because aurora photography can be tricky, and having an expert guide makes all the difference.

The price of $165 includes not only the transportation and guidance but also hot drinks, gear like tripods, and a collection of edited photos—a nice bonus that ensures you leave with professional-quality images of your Arctic adventure.

While you pay a premium compared to just standing outside with a camera, the value lies in the guided expertise and the chance to see the Lights in a well-curated, safe environment, with all gear and tips included.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to learn night photography and willing to stay out late in cold temperatures. It’s perfect if you want a personalized experience with guides who are passionate about maximizing your chances of Aurora sightings. If you’re traveling with children under 10, this might not be suitable due to the demanding nature of the photography focus.

If your goal is simply to see the Northern Lights, and you’re less interested in photography, you might prefer a more casual Aurora chase. But for those who want to capture the Lights on camera and get expert advice, this tour offers excellent value.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights photography tour from Levi offers more than just a chance to see the Aurora—it’s about learning how to photograph it and understanding the Arctic’s natural beauty. The guides’ enthusiasm, local knowledge, and commitment to finding the best spots make it stand out from more generic tours.

Although Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the combination of expert guidance, flexible locations, and small group intimacy greatly increases your chances. Plus, the included photos give you a lasting memory of your Arctic adventure.

If you’re someone who enjoys photography, adventure, and authentic Arctic experiences, this tour will suit you well. It’s a good investment for those wanting to maximize their chances of witnessing the Lights and capturing stunning images, all while enjoying the unique, rugged beauty of Lapland.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 10 years old because the tour is photography-based and can be physically demanding in cold conditions.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?
If heavy clouds or snow prevent the Lights from appearing, you will still have the opportunity to focus on night photography in the Arctic, capturing beautiful landscapes and starry skies.

Can I bring my own camera?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own DSLR camera for the best results. The guide will assist with camera setup, but note that compact cameras or phones might find it harder to capture the aurora effectively.

What is included in the price?
The tour cost covers transportation, a wilderness/photography guide, hot drinks, gear like tripods and headlamps, and a collection of edited photos.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with flexibility depending on weather conditions and aurora activity.

Where does the tour start?
Meetings are at the Beyond Arctic Levi office in Sirkka or your accommodation within 10 km of Levi, with pickup times notified in advance.

Is the tour available year-round?
The tour’s main focus is on Aurora hunting, which is seasonal—best from late September to early April.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and flexible experience.

Are meals provided?
Hot drinks, cookies, and marshmallows are included, but no full meals are served during the tour.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including thermal clothing, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy boots, as you’ll be outside for extended periods.

To sum it up, this Northern Lights Photography Tour in Levi offers a compelling blend of adventure, education, and Arctic beauty. It’s particularly suited for those eager to capture the Lights on camera with expert assistance, and for anyone wanting a more personalized, small-group experience in pursuit of one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays.

You can check availability for your dates here: