Aurora Hunt with Professional Photographer from Alta

Alta, Norway is renowned for its spectacular Northern Lights sightings, and this Aurora Hunt with a Professional Photographer offers a chance to see them in a rugged, authentic environment. For about $1,145, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours chasing the auroras, with the flexibility to adapt your location based on the weather, and the added bonus of professional guidance on capturing perfect night shots.

What we love about this tour is the commitment to authenticity—leaving behind hotel comforts for a more genuine Arctic experience—and the expertise of the guides who know just when and where the Lights might appear. Plus, the inclusion of thermal suits and a bonfire means you’ll stay warm and cozy while waiting under the starry sky.

One potential consideration is the unpredictability of the auroras themselves – sometimes you’ll catch them immediately, other times it’s a bit of a chase that might involve hours of driving. But that’s also part of the adventure, and it keeps the experience lively and full of surprises.

This tour suits travelers who are eager for an authentic Arctic outing, willing to embrace the cold, and interested in photography or learning about the Northern Lights from seasoned experts. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, adventurous, and educational experience with chances to take stunning photos, this could be just right for you.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: No resort comforts here—you’re in the wild, close to nature.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, professional guides help maximize your chances of seeing and photographing the Aurora.
• Flexible Location: The tour adapts based on weather conditions, ensuring the best possible viewing spots.
• All Essentials Included: Thermal suits, bonfire setup, hot drinks, and snacks make the cold nights more bearable.
• Photography Focus: Learn to shoot the Lights professionally, with guidance on camera settings.
• Challenging Weather Expectations: Aurora sightings depend on Mother Nature; patience and flexibility are key.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at Løkkeveien 51, 9510 Alta, where you’ll meet your guides and fellow travelers. From here, the adventure can be as quick or as long as the night demands—it all depends on weather and aurora activity. Having a small group—limited to 8 travelers—means you’ll get personalized attention, especially if you’re keen to learn night photography.

The Search for the Aurora

The core of the tour is the hunt for the Northern Lights, which is anything but predictable. Guides like Mirko and Milvia have years of experience in spotting auroras, even on nights with minimal activity. They’ll make real-time decisions about where to go, and this flexibility is what we love about this tour.

Some nights, you might be greeted with a vivid, dancing display right from the start. Other times, you’ll spend hours driving through the Arctic landscape—an occasional thrill in itself—until the conditions are right. As one reviewer put it, “It’s a true chase, and that’s what makes it exciting.” Patience and a sense of adventure are important here.

The Perfect Viewing Spot

Once the guides find a promising spot, they’ll set up a cozy base with a bonfire, offering warmth and a place to relax while waiting for the Lights. They also provide thermal suits—a crucial touch for staying comfortable in sub-zero temperatures. As one traveler mentioned, “They bring the right gear, so you don’t have to worry about the cold.”

The guides are attentive to weather conditions, and they keep an eye on Aurora forecasts, maximizing your chances of a sighting. When the Lights appear, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle and capture photos, thanks to the guidance of professionals.

The Photography Workshop

A standout feature is the night photography workshop. Guides like Mirko, a professional photographer, will help you set up your camera to capture the stunning auroras. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated this guidance—”He helped me with my camera settings to take incredible photos.”

Even if you’re not a seasoned photographer, you’ll walk away with some beautiful images and a better understanding of how to photograph night skies. For those with smartphones or simple cameras, guides often share tips to improve your shots.

Food, Warmth, and Comforts

While the Arctic environment is inherently cold, the tour crew takes steps to keep everyone comfortable. They provide hot drinks, snacks, and warm packed meals—a real blessing during a chilly night. The bonfire and thermal suits also add to the cozy atmosphere.

Final Moments and Return

Once the Lights fade or the tour time ends, you’ll head back to Alta, usually feeling exhilarated regardless of whether you saw the auroras or not. Many reviews emphasize how guides go out of their way to ensure everyone is comfortable and well-informed, making the whole experience rewarding.

The Value of This Tour

This Northern Lights tour balances adventure, education, and a touch of luxury with the included gear and photography tips. Compared to other options that may rely heavily on hotel accommodations or fixed locations, this outing’s dynamic approach increases your chances of witnessing the auroras in their full glory.

While the price might seem high, it covers the expertise of guides, thermal suits, bonfire setup, hot drinks, and professional photography support—all contributing to a memorable, stress-free experience. The small group size ensures personalized guidance, which many travelers find invaluable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who value authenticity and are willing to embrace the Arctic cold for a chance at witnessing the Northern Lights in a natural setting. It’s especially ideal if you’re interested in photography or eager to learn more about this natural phenomenon from knowledgeable guides.

Travelers looking for a flexible, adaptive experience—where the guides will chase the best viewing spot—will appreciate the approach. Those with some basic winter clothing or plan to rent gear will find this tour well-organized. However, if you have mobility issues or are uncomfortable in extreme cold, it’s worth considering your comfort level before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from the designated meeting point in Alta, making it convenient to start your adventure.

What should I bring with me?
While thermal suits are provided, you should bring your own warm winter clothing, such as hats, gloves, and layered clothing. The tour organizers request you inform them of any allergies or intolerances beforehand.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, although the actual time spent hunting for the auroras can vary based on weather and activity levels.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 14 years old, and the experience is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues due to the cold and potentially uneven terrain.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?
Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, which are unpredictable. The guides are experienced in maximizing your chances, but a sighting cannot be guaranteed. However, you’ll still enjoy the Arctic environment, the company, and the photography tips.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers thermal suits, hot drinks, snacks, a warm packed meal, bonfire setup, and professional guidance on photography. It does not include basic winter clothing, which you should bring along.

To sum it up, this tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, expert knowledge, and authentic Arctic surroundings. If you’re eager to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights and want to learn how to photograph them beautifully, it’s a solid choice. The personalized touches, such as thermal suits and a bonfire, make it both comfortable and memorable. Perfect for adventurous souls, photography buffs, or anyone curious about this natural wonder, this tour provides excellent value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Alta.