Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Photos

Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Photos offers a captivating glimpse of Sweden’s famous auroras, all wrapped up in a 5-hour adventure for about $209 per person. With a small group size, expert guides, and the chance to get professionally photographed under the dancing lights, this tour continues to earn high praise—rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 160 reviews.

We love the personalized touch of having a photographer along to capture your moments, as well as the cozy campfire where you can relax and warm up with hot drinks. The small-group format keeps the experience intimate and flexible, which many reviewers appreciated. On the flip side, the unpredictable weather can mean cloudy skies or even some challenge in spotting the auroras, so patience and a bit of luck play a role.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want more than just a quick look at the lights; it’s designed for those eager for authentic, well-organized experiences with knowledgeable guides. If you’re comfortable waiting outside in cold weather and value having high-quality photos of this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personal attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
• Professional Photography: Photos and videos are included, taken by a skilled guide to help you remember the night.
• Flexible Location and Chase: Guides will drive to find the clearest skies, sometimes hopping between spots—important given the unpredictable weather.
• Comfort and Warmth: Snowsuits, hot drinks, and a campfire make waiting outside bearable, even in freezing temperatures.
• Weather Dependent: Seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed—cloud cover can obstruct the view, but guides do their best.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings and glowing comments about guides, effort, and the quality of photos.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What You’ll Do

Once you’re picked up from your hotel in Kiruna, the adventure begins with a friendly greeting from your guide, who will introduce the plan for the evening. The goal? Find the best spot to see the Northern Lights, which often means traveling away from city lights and into the darker, more open areas of Norrbotten County.

Your guide’s expertise is immediately evident—they’ll assess the weather and sky conditions and tailor the route accordingly. As some reviewers note, guides like Robin and Onur are passionate and well-informed, explaining the science behind the auroras in an accessible way. One reviewer mentions Onur’s fascinating explanations, which added a layer of depth to the experience.

The journey usually involves hopping in a comfortable minibus—many praise the spaciousness and comfort of the transport—driving to locations with clear, dark skies. Some guests have seen the lights after traveling just a few kilometers, while others chase the auroras across different spots in hopes of better visibility.

The Campfire and Hot Drinks

Once settled in a good viewing spot, you’ll break out into a cozy campfire setup. Many reviews highlight the warmth and ambiance created by the crackling fire, which is not just for comfort but also for adding to the magical atmosphere. Hot drinks and snacks—often cookies and warm juice—are served, providing a delightful contrast to the icy outdoors.

The campfire is also a perfect place to chat about the lights, take photos, or simply marvel at the sky. The combination of warmth, good company, and the anticipation of seeing the auroras creates a memorable setting.

Photographing the Aurora

One of the biggest perks here is the inclusion of photos and videos taken by your guide, a professional photographer. Several guests mention how their guide, Iris or Cristina, went above and beyond to make sure they got good shots. As one reviewer notes, the guides actively take photos of everyone, so you leave with lasting images of your night.

This added value is significant—professional-quality photos are often the highlight for travelers, giving you a beautiful way to remember your trip without the hassle of trying to capture the lights yourself in freezing conditions.

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The Chance of Sightings

While the guides do their best to locate the auroras—sometimes driving multiple times, as one review recounts—the reality is that seeing the Northern Lights depends heavily on weather conditions. Cloud cover, fog, or a lack of solar activity can mean nights without a visible display.

Several guests mention how guides like Robin or Dimitri kept pushing to find clearer skies, sometimes hopping in and out of the bus multiple times. Even under less-than-ideal conditions, many still report a positive experience, thanks to the effort, good company, and the chance to see the lights dance above in some form.

Reflection and Return

After hours of waiting, photographing, and chatting, the group heads back to Kiruna, often around 1 am. Many reviews praise how guides keep the mood light and friendly, making the late-night outing feel more like a fun adventure than a cold, long wait. The journey back is often filled with chatter about the night’s highlights, and some lucky guests even see additional lights en route.

The Value and What It Means for You

At $209, this tour isn’t the cheapest option, but it offers good value considering the inclusive photos, hot drinks, and small-group intimacy. You won’t just get driven around; you’ll experience the effort of guides who genuinely want you to see the auroras, plus the comfort of warm clothing and the chance to relax by a fire.

Many reviews confirm that this is a well-organized and caring operation. Guests consistently mention how guides like Cristina, Onur, Robin, and Iris make the experience special, sharing their knowledge and making sure everyone feels comfortable—even when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Practical Considerations

• Weather and Visibility: Always remember, seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed. Cloudy nights or poor solar activity can mean missed sightings, but guides will do their best to chase clear skies.
• Clothing: Warm, layered clothing is essential; the tour does provide snowsuits, but comfortable, waterproof shoes are recommended.
• Timing: The tour lasts about 5 hours, so be prepared for a late night—many guests find the experience well worth the effort.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 people, which allows for more personalized attention and moves away from the crowded feel of larger tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after high-quality photos of the Northern Lights, enjoy cozy outdoor settings with a campfire, and appreciate guides who are genuinely passionate, this tour is a great pick. It’s particularly suited for those who don’t mind the cold and are happy to wait in the dark for a chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sights.

Travelers who value small groups and personalized service will feel well cared for here. However, if you’re traveling with younger children, pregnant women, or folks with mobility issues, it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

FAQ

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, seeing the auroras depends on weather and solar activity. Guides do their best to find clear skies, but there’s no 100% guarantee.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, with comfortable shoes. The tour provides snowsuits, but waterproof hiking shoes are recommended for outdoor comfort.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 5 hours, with pick-up times varying. Be prepared for a late night, often returning around 1 am.

Are photos included?
Yes, a professional photographer takes photos and videos during the tour, which are shared afterward—saving you the hassle of capturing them yourself.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The guides will also contact you if they need to reschedule due to weather.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 10 years old, and it’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the cold and late hours.

What happens if I don’t see the lights?
While guides diligently chase clear skies, there’s no guarantee. Many guests still praise the effort and enjoy the experience regardless, especially the warmth and camaraderie.

To sum it up, the Kiruna Northern Lights Tour with Photos offers a well-rounded, authentic Arctic experience. It’s great for those who want guided expertise, the comfort of a small group, and high-quality photographs to remember their night. The effort the guides put into chasing the auroras and making sure everyone stays warm and entertained earns this tour high marks from past travelers. If you’re prepared for a late night in the cold and are eager for a chance to see the sky’s most amazing light show with professional photos in hand, this adventure is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: