Saariselkä: Northern Lights Hunting Snowshoe Trip

Imagine standing under a vast, star-filled sky, wrapped in warm clothes, as the silence of snowy Lapland surrounds you. For those seeking an authentic Arctic adventure, the Northern Lights Hunting Snowshoe Trip in Saariselkä offers a charming mix of outdoor activity, natural beauty, and a touch of magic. At $108 per person and lasting around 2.5 hours, this tour is accessible and engaging—perfect for travelers eager to connect with the wilderness without needing advanced skills.

What really makes this experience special are the chance to learn how to snowshoe in deep snow and the possibility of witnessing the elusive Northern Lights. The guide’s patience and friendliness make learning snowshoes feel easy, even for complete beginners. Plus, the mid-journey hot chocolate under the starry sky is a delightful way to warm up and soak in the atmosphere.

One small consideration is that auroras are weather-dependent, so sightings can never be guaranteed. If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights, it’s worth having flexible expectations and a bit of luck on your side. This tour suits those who enjoy quiet, natural settings, and who are comfortable spending time outside in winter conditions—so it’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Arctic experience rather than a luxury or high-adrenaline adventure.

If you’re eager to enjoy Lapland’s pristine nature, learn snowshoeing, and maybe catch the aurora borealis, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who appreciate small group sizes, genuine outdoor experiences, and warm camaraderie below a spectacular night sky.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Snowshoeing through Lapland’s snow-covered landscape offers a peaceful, immersive connection with nature.
• Northern Lights Opportunity: With clear skies, you might witness the aurora borealis—a rare, beautiful spectacle worth the wait.
• Educational Element: The guide teaches you how to walk in snowshoes, making it accessible even if you’ve never tried before.
• Inclusive Comfort: Warm clothes, snowshoes, and hot drinks are provided, ensuring comfort despite the cold.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve without immediate payment.
• Limited Age Range: Not suitable for children under 12, so ideal for older kids and adults.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Saariselkä Northern Lights Snowshoe Trip

Setting the Scene: Saariselkä and Arctic Wilderness

Saariselkä is a well-known hub in Finnish Lapland, famous for its winter wonderland scenery and opportunities for Arctic adventures. The snow-covered landscape in winter is a quiet, pristine environment that feels worlds away from everyday life. During this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll explore this serene landscape on snowshoes, which are provided for all participants.

The tour starts with a pickup and a quick briefing from your guide, who might be called out as “Anna” or “Jari” (the actual guide names aren’t specified). From there, you’re driven to a dark spot in the wilderness, away from city lights, where the atmosphere truly feels untouched. The journey itself is part of the charm, setting the stage for the outdoor experience.

Learning Snowshoeing: A Simple, Fun Skill

One of the standout aspects of this tour is how accessible it is. The guide will show you how to walk in snowshoes—an activity that’s surprisingly easy and intuitive. We loved the way the instructor explained the technique in a relaxed manner, making us feel confident in our new skills. Even if you’ve never snowshoed before, the learning curve is gentle, and the experience quickly becomes enjoyable.

The snowshoeing takes you across the frozen landscape, testing your balance and stamina in deep snow. The silence of the snow-covered forest, interrupted only by your footsteps and occasional bird calls, makes for a peaceful, almost meditative experience. As one reviewer noted, “Breathing the pure air and marveling at the starry sky was unforgettable.”

The Search for the Northern Lights

The main highlight—of course—is the chance to see the Northern Lights. Your guide will lead you to a dark, open spot where the sky is clear and the lights may appear. It’s important to remember that aurora sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity, so they’re not guaranteed. As one traveler said, “With a bit of luck, we saw the auroras dancing above us—truly a magical moment.”

Even if the lights don’t appear, the experience of being under the vast, star-studded sky is still extraordinary. We loved the way the landscape, the stars, and the quiet darkness combined to create a sense of wilderness and wonder. The guide may offer hot chocolate midway—possibly under the northern lights if they’re visible—adding warmth and comfort to the chilly evening.

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Warmth and Comfort

All necessary winter clothing and gear are included, so you don’t need to worry about packing thermal suits or winter boots. The warm clothes—thermal overalls, boots, woollen socks, scarf, beanie, and gloves—are well-fitting and designed for Arctic conditions. The hot drinks also serve as a much-needed warm-up and social moment.

Transportation and Group Size

The pickup and drop-off service makes the experience convenient, especially for those staying at accommodations in Saariselkä. The small group size (not explicitly stated but implied to be intimate) enhances the personal touch and makes it easier to ask questions or share the experience.

Price and Value

At $108, this tour offers a fair value for the experience. It includes snowshoes, warm clothing, hot drinks, and transportation—components that might otherwise add up if you arranged them independently. Given the quality of the guide, the authentic outdoor experience, and the chance to see the auroras, most travelers find it worthwhile.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, natural beauty, and quiet reflection. It’s especially suitable for those who want a genuine Arctic adventure without demanding physical skills or extensive equipment. Since children under 12 are not recommended, it’s more geared toward older kids, teens, and adults. It’s perfect for anyone curious about the Arctic environment, eager for a memorable night under the stars, and patient enough to wait for a potential aurora.

The Sum Up

The Northern Lights Snowshoe Trip in Saariselkä offers an authentic taste of Lapland’s winter wilderness. You’ll learn a simple skill—snowshoeing—that opens up a new way to explore snowy landscapes, all while enjoying the crisp Arctic air and the possibility of witnessing the elusive auroras. The experience strikes a fine balance between adventure, education, and comfort.

While the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the journey itself—surrounded by starry skies, silent forests, and pristine snow—is worth the price. It’s a genuine, peaceful encounter that leaves you with memories of a rare and beautiful landscape. If you’re looking for an activity that combines outdoor skill-building with a touch of natural wonder, this tour should be high on your list.

For those who crave quiet, authentic experiences and want to connect with Lapland’s natural beauty, the Saariselkä Northern Lights Snowshoe Trip delivers. Just remember to keep your expectations flexible regarding aurora sightings, and you’ll find yourself richly rewarded by the scenery and the experience of being in the Arctic wilderness.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off services are included, making it easy to reach the starting point from your accommodation.

What should I wear?
Warm winter clothing is provided, including thermal overalls, winter boots, woollen socks, scarf, beanie, and gloves. You should dress in layers underneath for maximum warmth.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While there’s a good chance of spotting them, auroras depend on weather and solar activity, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

How difficult is snowshoeing?
It’s quite accessible—your guide will teach you the basics, and most people find it easy to pick up even if they’ve never tried before.

What is included in the price?
Snowshoes, warm clothes, hot drinks, and transportation are included. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 12 years old, as the activity involves outdoor winter conditions that may be too cold or challenging for younger kids.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Check availability, but generally, winter months with clear skies give the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

In the end, this snowshoe tour is a fantastic way to experience Lapland’s quiet beauty and perhaps catch a glimpse of the Aurora. It’s a memorable, authentic Arctic outing that balances fun, education, and awe-inspiring scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: