A Night Under the Northern Skies: A Review of the Unlimited Time & Mileage – Aurora Hunting Pro Tour in Rovaniemi
When you think about chasing the Northern Lights, it’s easy to imagine long, cold bus rides with dozens of strangers, hoping for a glimpse of that elusive dance in the sky. But this tour, offered by Book Lapland, breaks the mold. For $218.97 per person, you get a truly personalized experience with unlimited time and mileage, small groups of no more than 8 travelers, and the expertise of guides who know where and when to look. It’s a serious effort to give you the best chance of witnessing the Aurora Borealis in all its glory — and they succeed with a 95% success rate.
Two things we love about this tour? First, the flexibility — no fixed time limits, meaning your guide (like Elias or Paul) will keep searching until the lights appear or the weather turns impossible. Second, the personalized photography service — you get unlimited professional shots, ensuring you leave with stunning memories. The only catch? The tour involves a fair bit of driving, sometimes quite far, which could be a downside for those with limited patience or mobility. But if you’re after an authentic, high-success Aurora experience with a personal touch, this tour is a top choice for any adventure seeker or photography enthusiast.
Key Points
- Flexible scheduling means your guide will reschedule if the weather looks poor, maximizing your chances of seeing the Aurora.
- Small groups of just 8 travelers ensure a more intimate and comfortable experience.
- Multiple locations across Finland, Sweden, and local secret spots increase the likelihood of a sighting.
- Unlimited photography gives you professional photos without restrictions, ideal for creating lasting memories.
- Hassle-free transfers from your hotel in Rovaniemi make the experience seamless.
- Weather-dependent tours mean patience is key, and dressing warmly is a must.
An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Hunting Pro Tour
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What Sets This Tour Apart
Most Aurora tours promise a shot at seeing the Northern Lights, but few offer the unlimited time and mileage that this one does. It’s designed for those who aren’t satisfied with just a quick peek but want the best shot at seeing this natural wonder, regardless of how long it takes. The tour’s flexibility means that if the forecast is poor on your first booked night, your guide will push the reservation to the next suitable evening. This commitment to maximizing your chances is a standout feature, especially when the Aurora is so unpredictable.
The small group size of 8 maximizes your comfort and allows guides to give personalized attention — which reviews repeatedly praise. Guides like Elias and Paul are described as patient, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, ensuring you not only see the lights but also understand what you’re witnessing. Their local expertise shines through, as they often venture across borders into Sweden and secret spots to find clear skies and better viewing conditions.
The Itinerary and Locations
The tour is centered on solar wind monitoring, allowing guides to choose the best night and location for Aurora viewing. You start from Rovaniemi at 7:00 pm, with pickups in the city. The journey involves driving in air-conditioned minivans to carefully selected spots, sometimes as far as Lapland in Sweden or the local secret sites, which are chosen nightly based on weather and solar activity.
- Stop 1: Lapland Sweden — You could find yourself in neighboring Sweden, about 2 hours away, on a night with clear skies. The reviews mention these border-crossing trips as exciting and rewarding.
- Stop 2: Levi — Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, near popular ski areas, Levi offers diverse, less crowded spots for Aurora viewing.
- Stop 3: Local secret spots — Carefully picked based on weather conditions, these spots often provide the clearest skies for viewing the Aurora, sometimes just for an hour.
Each stop is designed to maximize viewing potential and provide a different backdrop for your photos. The guides are flexible, often making multiple stops, and the driving is part of the adventure — taking you across borders and into remote areas for the best chance at the lights.
What You Can Expect During the Tour
You’ll be picked up around 7:00 pm in Rovaniemi, with transfers included if you’re within 10 km of the city center. The tour lasts anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on weather and Aurora activity. Guides continuously monitor solar wind and weather forecasts, adjusting plans accordingly — a key to the high success rate.
The tour includes hot drinks and cookies, which are very welcome in the cold, and professional photography at no extra cost. These photos are a highlight — captured by experienced guides, they often show the Aurora vividly, even if it’s faint to the naked eye. Several reviews highlight how these photos become treasured keepsakes, with some guests noting they received their images within 2 business days.
As for clothing, winter gear is available for rent at 10 euros per person, but most guests bring their own warm layers. Remember, dress in multiple layers — thermal underwear, insulated jackets, hats, and gloves are essential, especially late into the night when the cold can be intense.
Guides: Local, Knowledgeable, and Enthusiastic
Many reviewers praise the guides, describing them as passionate, patient, and eager to go the extra mile. Guides like Elias or Paul are locals who know the best spots and how to interpret weather patterns, making each trip feel personalized. One reviewer mentioned that Elias was willing to drive wherever necessary and was committed to getting perfect photos.
Several reviews emphasize the patience of guides like Paul, who did not give up until guests saw the lights. One guest shared that their guide made all the difference by actively seeking the best spots — sometimes even making multiple trips in a single night.
Opportunities and Challenges
While the unlimited time aspect is a huge draw, it also requires patience. Aurora hunting involves waiting in cold conditions, sometimes for hours, and the lights are never guaranteed — even with the best guides. Weather can change quickly, and cloudy nights can thwart even the most prepared. However, the flexibility of this tour means you’re not just stuck with a fixed schedule, and the guides will do their best to find clear skies.
Pricing is competitive considering the personalized service, small groups, and professional photos. Many reviews note the high value especially when compared to larger, less flexible tours. The hot drinks and snacks add comfort, though guests are advised to bring extra warm clothing for long waits.
Authenticity and Customer Opinions
The reviews tell a clear story: most guests walk away with breathtaking photos and lasting memories. Guests appreciate guides’ local knowledge and their dedication, with many calling the experience “magical,” “unforgettable,” and “well-organized.” A few negative reviews mention delays, communication issues, or unmet expectations, but these are outweighed by the overall positive feedback.
One reviewer pointed out that seeing the Aurora through a camera lens still produces a sense of wonder, even if the naked eye isn’t dazzled. Another highlighted how guides went above and beyond to find the lights and take stunning photos, making the experience special despite challenging weather.
Final Considerations: Is This Tour Right for You?
This Aurora Hunting Tour is perfect for adventurers, photography lovers, and anyone eager to chase the Northern Lights without feeling rushed or cramped. The small group size and personalized approach make it ideal for travelers who value comfort and quality over quantity. If you’re willing to dress warmly, be patient, and drive into the remote wilderness, you’ll appreciate how this tour maximizes your chances of witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
However, if you’re not comfortable with long hours outside in cold weather or prefer a more structured, fixed schedule, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind that weather is unpredictable, and despite the best efforts, seeing the Aurora can never be guaranteed. But with the flexibility, local expertise, and professional photography included, this tour offers some of the best odds and most memorable experiences in Rovaniemi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $218.97 per person, which includes transfers, hot drinks, snacks, and unlimited professional photographs.
How long does the tour last?
It generally runs from 4 to 12 hours, depending on Aurora activity and weather. It starts at 7:00 pm and may go late into the night.
Are there any restrictions on group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 8 travelers maximum for a more intimate and personalized experience.
What locations do the guides visit?
Stops include Lapland in Sweden, Levi in Finland, and various local secret spots. The exact itinerary is flexible and based on weather conditions.
What should I bring?
Warm clothing is highly recommended, and optional winter gear can be rented for 10 euros. Pack extra layers, hats, gloves, and perhaps a thermos with a hot drink.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the cold and driving might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Will I get photos from the tour?
Yes, professional photos are included and will be sent to your email within 2 business days. Make sure to provide your email address when booking.
To sum it up, the Unlimited Time & Mileage – Aurora Hunting Pro Tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and expert guidance. It’s perfect for travelers who want the best shot at seeing the Northern Lights without feeling rushed, and for those who value professional photos to remember their journey. The tour’s flexibility, small group size, and local knowledge elevate it above many standard Aurora excursions — making it an excellent choice for an authentic Arctic experience.