Kiruna: Northern Lights Minivan Chase with Warm Drink

Experience the Northern Lights from Kiruna in Comfort and Style

If you’re dreaming of a night under the Arctic sky watching the elusive Northern Lights, this Kiruna Northern Lights Minivan Chase offers a practical and cozy way to do it. For around $198 per person, you get a 4-hour journey led by expert guides, who know how to read the skies and pick the best spots to witness this natural wonder. Departing from the heart of Kiruna, your adventure takes you out of the city’s glow, into the quiet darkness of the Arctic wilderness where the auroras dance most vividly.

What we love about this tour is the personalized attention and the warmth of Lapland delicacies served during the wait — a stark contrast to the cold night outside. Plus, there’s a real educational element; guides share insights about the aurora borealis that deepen your appreciation of this stunning phenomenon. On the flip side, the main consideration is that it’s not a dedicated photography tour, so if your main goal is to get perfect pictures, you might need to prepare accordingly.

This experience suits those who prefer a comfortable, guided outing over more intense or remote adventures. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed, informative, and cozy night chasing the lights without the hassle of self-driving or long hikes.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation: A minivan takes you out of the city in comfort, with space for warmth and relaxation.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides increase your chances of seeing the auroras and share fascinating insights.
• Warm refreshments: Lapland delicacies and hot drinks make waiting less chilly and more enjoyable.
• Flexible experience: No strict photography instructions, making it ideal for casual viewers.
• Limited duration: At 4 hours, it’s a manageable evening activity without long commitments.
• No hotel transfer: You need to meet at the starting point, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey to the Lights

The tour begins in Kiruna’s new city center, behind the Scandic Hotel, making it easy to access whether you’re staying locally or arriving by other means. Once you meet your guide, you’ll hop into a cozy minivan, which is ideal for navigating the Arctic terrain. The vehicle is designed for comfort and warmth, crucial elements given the often chilly night air.

The guides, who are well-versed and enthusiastic, will drive toward locations around Kiruna with the best chance of aurora sightings. They use their expertise to read weather patterns and aurora forecasts, optimizing your chances of witnessing the dancing lights. Unlike more remote or lengthy tours, this chase is designed to give you a good shot at seeing the aurora while keeping the experience manageable and enjoyable.

The Drive and the Stops

During the approximately 4-hour tour, your guide will take you to a few carefully selected spots away from city lights. While the exact locations may vary depending on weather and aurora activity, the goal is to find clear, dark skies with minimal light pollution. You might find yourself in quiet, snowy landscapes, surrounded by Arctic silence—a setting that amplifies the magic of the lights.

The Waiting Game with Lapland Delights

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to relax and wait comfortably for the auroras to appear. As you settle into your seat, you’ll be served hot drinks and treats typical of Lapland—a thoughtful touch that makes the cold nights more bearable. Whether it’s a warm coffee, tea, or local delicacies, these comforts help extend your patience and heighten anticipation.

The guides are happy to share their insights about the aurora borealis, explaining the science and folklore behind this natural display. If you’re lucky, the lights will start to shimmer above you, creating a spectacle of greens, pinks, and purples. The tour isn’t a dedicated photography session, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos if you bring your own camera.

Authentic, Guided Experience

Unlike self-guided options, this tour offers the benefit of local expertise, which can be the difference between a missed sighting and a memorable night. The guides’ knowledge of the skies and weather conditions increases your chances of witnessing the auroras during your limited window.

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What Travelers Say

With a rating of 4.8 from four reviews, this tour has impressed many. One reviewer appreciated the knowledgable guides who made the experience both educational and fun. They noted how the guides’ tips and insights helped them understand what they were seeing. Others highlighted the warm drinks and Lapland snacks as a thoughtful touch that made the chilly wait more pleasant.

However, a few mentioned that since it’s not a photography-focused tour, if your priority is capturing the perfect shot, you’ll want to bring extra gear or prepare to do some post-processing. Still, many found the tour’s relaxed pace and cozy setting ideal for those wanting a comfortable, guided outing.

Analyzing the Value

The price of $198 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering what is included—guide-led journey, local knowledge, and warm refreshments—it’s quite reasonable for a highly personalized Arctic adventure. It’s also about the experience; you’re not just waiting outside in the cold but in a warm vehicle, with experts guiding you toward the most promising sightings. For many travelers, this combination of comfort and authenticity justifies the cost.

On top of that, since the tour is flexible and doesn’t include hotel transfers, it’s best suited for those staying in the area or able to meet at the designated starting point. It grants a balanced mix of adventure, education, and comfort—perfect for those who want to experience the Northern Lights with a good chance of success without sacrificing ease.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you prefer a relaxed, guided experience that maximizes comfort and knowledge, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good for travelers who want to learn about the aurora borealis while staying warm and enjoying local treats. It’s suitable for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate expert insights.

However, if your main goal is photography or a more remote wilderness experience, you might find this tour’s approach a bit tame or too reliant on vehicle stops. Still, for those seeking a hassle-free, informative night out with a high likelihood of seeing the lights, it hits the mark.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old, likely due to the cold and the need for patience during the wait.

Do I need to bring my own camera?
While it’s not a photography tour, you’re welcome to bring your camera if you want to try capturing the lights yourself.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is a must, as you’ll be outside in chilly Arctic conditions. Layer up, and don’t forget gloves and a hat.

Are hotel transfers included?
No, you need to meet at the designated starting point in Kiruna, behind the Scandic Hotel.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 4 hours, making it an evening activity that fits well into a broader itinerary.

What if the weather isn’t clear?
Guides use their expertise to pick the best locations, but since the auroras depend on clear skies, sightings can’t be guaranteed. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this Northern Lights minivan chase offers a balanced combination of comfort, expertise, and local flavor. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a guided, relaxed experience with warm drinks and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis without braving the cold alone. If you’re in Kiruna and want a practical, well-organized way to catch this spectacular natural show, this tour makes a lot of sense. Just remember to dress warmly, bring your curiosity, and enjoy the Arctic magic that Sweden’s far north has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: