Saariselkä,Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour.

Experience the Northern Lights with Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour

Planning a trip to Lapland isn’t complete without experiencing the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenon — the Northern Lights. This Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience in the Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen area. For about 3 to 3.5 hours, you’ll be driven by professional Aurora guides in a luxurious Mercedes Benz minibus, exploring the best spots for a potential sighting. The tour starts with free pickup from central Saariselkä or Kakslauttanen, making it straightforward to fit into your Arctic adventure.

What we love about this tour is the expertise of the guides — they know exactly where to look and how to maximize your chances of seeing the lights, plus they’re friendly and enthusiastic without being overbearing. Another highlight is the comfortable transportation; traveling in a small, climate-controlled vehicle means you can warm up when needed and stay cozy during the long, chilly hours outdoors.

A possible consideration is that seeing the Aurora is never guaranteed — it’s a natural phenomenon after all — so patience and a bit of luck are involved. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a professional, small-group experience with plenty of opportunities for photography and learning. If you’re eager to chase the lights with expert guidance, this trip could be your highlight of Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides do their best to find the Northern Lights, making your chances higher.
Comfortable Transportation: Traveling in a Mercedes Benz minibus allows for warmth and flexibility.
Flexible Locations: Guides can move the search beyond Saariselkä’s light pollution to find clearer skies.
Ideal for Photography: The tour emphasizes capturing memorable photos of the Aurora.
Small Group Size: The use of luxury, small-group vehicles enhances comfort and personal attention.
Weather Dependent: The trip’s success depends on cloud cover and solar activity, so some unpredictability remains.

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An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour

Location and Duration

This 3-hour tour takes you into the heart of the Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen area in Lapland, where the Arctic night offers prime conditions for Aurora viewing. The tour operates in the evening, with start times that vary depending on availability, so early booking is advised to secure a spot during your stay.

Picking the Right Spot: Why It Matters

The tour’s main goal is to escape the light pollution of the villages and find the best clear sky spots. If the weather in Saariselkä turns cloudy, guides are quick to pivot and explore other nearby locations, significantly increasing your odds of spotting the Aurora. This flexibility is a major perk, as local weather can be unpredictable, and staying in one fixed spot could mean missing out.

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Transportation and Convenience

Traveling in a Mercedes Benz minibus, the tour keeps groups small — usually around 3-4 people — which translates to more personalized attention and a more intimate experience. The vehicle is climate-controlled, ensuring you’re warm and comfortable, even if temperatures outside plummet. You’ll appreciate that the guide can move the vehicle as needed, unlike snowmobiles, which are limited to a smaller area and can be less comfortable if you’re not used to riding in the cold.

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The Guide’s Role: Knowledge & Photography

The guides are described as professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. One review mentions a guide named Henry who “tried his best to find a good location,” which underscores their commitment. Many travelers find this helpful, especially since the guides can also assist with photography tips — crucial for capturing those fleeting Aurora moments.

The Search for the Aurora

The guides do their best to chase clear skies and maximize your Aurora viewing. If the Aurora is active and visible for a long stretch, the vehicle can move multiple times to different locations, providing fresh backgrounds for photos or just different vantage points. This mobility often results in more rewarding sightings.

The Experience of the Night

While some might worry about waiting outdoors in cold weather, the comfort of the vehicle allows you to rest, warm up, or even nap between sightings. Several reviews mention how guides are attentive and do their best to make the experience enjoyable. One reviewer stated, “He brought us to a hidden spot, explained the lights, and took lots of photos — it was simply magical.”

Cost and Value

Pricing is not explicitly stated here, but considering the small group size, luxury transportation, and expert guidance, this tour offers great value for travelers serious about Aurora photography and authentic experiences. The fact that photos taken during the tour are shared publicly adds a nice touch, allowing you to relive the moment or share it with friends.

Who’s This Tour For?

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers who want a professional, guided experience with a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s especially suitable for photographers or those wanting to learn more about Aurora science. Families with older children might also enjoy this, although young children should be prepared for late outdoor hours and cold temperatures.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a well-organized, expert-led Aurora hunt in Lapland, this tour hits the mark. Its small-group approach ensures personal attention, while the flexible, mobile vehicle maximizes your chances of catching the Northern Lights. The guides’ local knowledge and enthusiasm make the experience both educational and magical.

However, keep in mind that Auroras are unpredictable, and weather can interfere. Still, the combination of professional guidance, comfortable transport, and spectacular scenery means that even if the lights don’t appear, you’ll have enjoyed a genuine Arctic adventure.

This tour is perfect for photographers, light-seekers, and anyone eager to experience Lapland’s wilderness with the best chance of an unforgettable sky show. Just bring warm clothes, patience, and a sense of wonder — the Northern Lights are worth every effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the tour last?
The Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour lasts approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on conditions and how long the Aurora remains visible.

Where do the pickups happen?
Pickup is free within a 20 km radius of Saariselkä or Kakslauttanen. Specific pickup times depend on your location, with Kakslauttanen and Saariselkä village being the closest points.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a Mercedes Benz minibus, which is climate-controlled and small, allowing for more personal attention and shared warmth.

What should I bring?
Prepare for cold Arctic nights with warm clothing and proper winter shoes. The guides recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable during outdoor periods.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Guides are experienced at finding clear skies elsewhere if Saariselkä is cloudy — this flexibility significantly improves your chances of seeing the Aurora.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It can be, but since it runs in the evening and involves outdoor exposure in cold weather, parents should evaluate if their children can handle late hours and chilly conditions comfortably.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The guides often assist with photography tips and share photos taken during the trip, which are posted publicly.

What happens if I don’t see the Aurora?
Since Aurora sightings depend on natural factors, a sighting cannot be guaranteed. The tour is designed to maximize your chances, but patience and luck play roles.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot now with a flexible “Pay Later” option, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers an excellent blend of professional guidance, comfort, and adventure, making it a strong choice for travelers eager to chase the Northern Lights in Lapland.