Saariselkä: Aurora Hunting Tour with Northern Lights Experts

Review of the Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour with Northern Lights Experts

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Lapland, the Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour offers a well-organized, knowledgeable approach to this elusive spectacle. While it’s impossible to guarantee a sighting, this 3-hour journey with Northern Lights specialists promises a personalized experience that’s more than just sitting under cloudy skies. Instead, you get driven to the best spots based on real-time forecasts, with guides who really know their stuff.

What I find especially appealing is the small-group format, which allows for more flexibility and intimacy—perfect for those who dislike feeling like just another face in a crowd. Plus, the expert guidance means you’ll learn not only about the science and folklore of the Aurora but also get useful photography tips. A big plus is the cozy touches: hot drinks and snacks during breaks keep you warm and comfortable, as you wait for the lights to dance overhead.

However, this experience isn’t without its considerations. Since Aurora sightings are a natural phenomenon, there’s always a chance you might see nothing. Also, the tour depends heavily on weather conditions, meaning it can be a bit of a gamble. Still, with guides like Eugene, Ammar, or Zen, who are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge, your chances are much better than if you just wait around on your own.

All in all, this Aurora Hunt is a smart pick if you’re after a thoughtfully planned, interactive, and scenic way to try your luck at witnessing the Northern Lights. Just remember to dress warmly and bring a sense of adventure—and maybe a camera if you want to capture the magic.

Key points / Takeaways

• Expert local guides know exactly where to find clear skies and good views, actively hunting for the Aurora instead of just waiting.
• Small groups (6-8 people) make for a more personal experience, allowing guides to adapt locations based on real-time conditions.
• Flexible itineraries mean you’re not stuck at a single spot and can be driven to multiple prime viewing locations, increasing your chances.
• Warm drinks, snacks, and personalized tips help keep everyone comfortable and prepared for outdoor viewing.
• Photography options are available on request, with guides often happy to help take pictures and provide useful tips.
• Weather and Aurora activity are unpredictable; the tour is tailored daily based on forecasts, but sightings can never be guaranteed.

In-Depth Look at the Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Experience

How the Tour Works: An Inside Look

Starting with the ease of hotel pickup within a 15 km radius of Saariselkä, this tour makes it simple to hop on without fuss. Once aboard one of their three familiar vans — Mercedes, Volkswagen green, or Volkswagen white — you’ll be whisked away into the night with a small group of fellow Aurora enthusiasts.

An experienced guide like Alice, Max, or Zen will lead the way, constantly monitoring weather and Aurora forecasts. They use their local knowledge to select the best possible spots, often driving deeper into the wilderness than you could reach on your own. This approach is a real advantage because, as several reviews note, guides are quick to change locations if clouds or low Aurora activity threaten to spoil the show. One guest praised Walter for taking them to the middle of a frozen lake, which is the kind of off-the-beaten-path view that makes this tour stand out.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Actually Do

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, which is enough time to go on multiple short excursions, view the lights, and enjoy the outdoors without feeling rushed or exhausted.

• Pickup at your accommodation: Relax, knowing your guide will come to you within the designated area.
• Drive to prime spots: Depending on weather, this could mean a secluded lakeside, a snowy forest clearing, or even the edge of a frozen river. Several reviews mention guides like Nico, Amar, and Gabri driving to spots with clear skies and good Aurora visibility.
• Outdoor viewing: Once at your spot, you’ll step out into the crisp Arctic air. Guides often help with camera settings and even offer photography tips if requested — a bonus for capturing that perfect shot.
• Breaks with hot drinks and snacks: During waits, everyone can warm up with hot berry juice or cranberry tea, a delightful touch that makes outdoor waiting much more enjoyable.
• Multiple locations: The flexibility in the itinerary increases your odds of catching the Aurora, especially since weather can shift rapidly. Some guests mention moving several times, which is critical given the unpredictable nature of the phenomenon.

What to Expect Outdoors

You’ll want to dress in layers, with warm clothing, hats, gloves, and sturdy winter boots. The outdoor time can vary, but guides are attentive to keeping guests comfortable. Several reviewers appreciated guides like Ammar, who made sure everyone was warm and cozy, offering extra blankets and hot drinks as needed.

Some reviews highlight the genuine excitement of seeing the Aurora for the first time. One guest described their experience as “magical,” with a display lasting over an hour. Others mention the guides staying past scheduled hours to maximize the chances of sightings — dedication that really raises the experience’s value.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Passionate

Multiple reviews point out the guides’ enthusiasm, local knowledge, and friendliness. Guides like Nico, Zen, and Alice are praised for their explanations about the Aurora’s science, folklore, and even tips on how to photograph it. Some guides speak multiple languages (like Eugene, who can speak Italian, Russian, and English), which can be beneficial for travelers from abroad.

Guests also appreciate how guides like Omar and Ritika mention their guides’ patience and hospitality, making the night not just a chase but an engaging story about Lapland’s culture and environment.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $158 per person, the tour offers a solid value considering it includes transportation, expert planning, and personalized guidance. The small-group size enhances the experience, allowing for quicker location changes and more tailored attention. Since seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, the flexible approach and expert assistance maximize your chances, which many reviews confirm.

The optional photography package ($15 per person), if booked in advance, adds the advantage of professional-quality shots and a chance to relive the night later. This can be particularly worthwhile since many guests comment positively on their guide’s photo-taking skills.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Aurora Hunt is ideal for adventurous travelers who are okay with the unpredictability of the Northern Lights. If you’re interested in learning about the natural phenomenon and want a guided, flexible experience, this tour fits well. It’s also perfect for those who value small groups and expert guides, as reviews consistently praise the personal attention.

Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a bit of outdoor cold-weather fun will find this a memorable way to spend an evening. However, those traveling with very young children or sensitive to cold might need to prepare extra for outdoor waiting.

The Sum Up

The Saariselkä Aurora Hunting Tour provides an engaging, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights with the help of knowledgeable guides. You’ll appreciate the flexibility of multiple stops, the warm drinks and snacks, and the chance to learn about the Aurora from passionate locals. While the natural unpredictability of the lights means no sighting can be guaranteed, the effort, planning, and personal touches make this a worthwhile adventure.

This tour offers great value for the price, especially considering the small groups and expert guidance. It suits travelers who are curious, patient, and eager to maximize their chances of witnessing this incredible natural display. Just remember to dress warmly, stay flexible, and enjoy the journey — the Aurora might just surprise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Aurora Hunting Tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at a time you can check based on availability.

Is pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation within a 15 km radius of Saariselkä.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layered clothing, including a winter jacket, hat, gloves, and winter boots to stay comfortable outdoors.

Can I request a photography package?
Yes, you can request a photography tour in advance for $15 per person, which includes photos taken by the guide.

Is there a chance I won’t see the Northern Lights?
Since the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The guides do everything possible to find clear skies, but weather and solar activity are unpredictable.

What types of vehicles are used?
The tour uses three types of vans, including a Mercedes and Volkswagen models, all designed for comfort and maneuverability in winter conditions.

What is the group size?
Groups are small, typically 6-8 people, allowing for personalized attention and quick location changes.

What does the tour include?
Transport, expert guiding, warm drinks and snacks, and location planning are included. Photography services are optional.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children over 1 year old who can tolerate outdoor cold and long waits outside.

How do I know if the weather will cooperate?
You will be contacted two days before the tour with a professional opinion on weather conditions and Aurora forecasts.

In essence, this Aurora Hunting Tour offers a practical, engaging way to experience the Northern Lights with the help of local experts. It’s perfect for those who want a bit of luck, a lot of knowledge, and the comfort of a guided journey through Lapland’s winter wonderland.