Saariselkä,Kakslauttanen: Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour.

Introducing the Saariselkä Kakslauttanen Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Lapland, this Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers a well-structured, professional approach. Organized by ArcticTours, it’s a 3 to 3.5-hour adventure that combines expert guidance with the comfort of a Mercedes Benz minibus, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet effective way to chase the Aurora Borealis. The tour includes free pickups within a 20 km radius of Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen, with a focus on finding clear skies—an essential detail in this unpredictable part of the world.

What I especially like about this experience is the emphasis on small-group comfort and professional guides. From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Henry and Jen bring a genuine passion that makes the hunt more engaging and less like a generic tour. The fact that they actively chase clear skies, sometimes even going outside Saariselkä if clouds loom, shows a commitment to giving you the best possible chance to see those shimmering green curtains. Plus, the option to take memorable photos with their guidance is a huge plus for anyone wanting more than just a fleeting glimpse.

A possible consideration is that this activity requires at least three participants to run, so if you’re traveling solo or as a small couple outside peak times, check availability upfront. Also, given the unpredictable nature of the Aurora, there’s no guarantee of seeing the lights—so a sense of patience and flexibility is key. But with dedicated guides and the wide area they explore by car, your odds are definitely better than staying in one spot.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Expert guides actively chase clear skies for the best Aurora viewing chances
• Small group size (Mercedes Benz minibus) enhances comfort and flexibility
• Photo opportunities are built into the trip, guided by professionals
• The car allows access to a wider area than snowmobiles, increasing the likelihood of sightings
• Weather and Aurora activity are unpredictable, so patience is essential
• Pickup times are punctual, and guides are known for their professionalism and friendliness

How to Experience the Best of Lapland’s Aurora Borealis

Celebrating the stark beauty of Lapland’s winter nights, this Aurora Hunt offers a practical, comfortable way to see one of nature’s most captivating displays. Instead of risking a long wait outside in cold temperatures, you’ll settle into a warmly heated Mercedes Benz minibus that’s perfect for both adults and children.

The guides—often praised as knowledgeable and enthusiastic—know the best spots for Aurora viewing. As one reviewer noted, “Henry tried his best to find a good location,” which speaks volumes about their dedication. They also explain the science behind the lights, helping you understand what you’re witnessing. Plus, the guides take care of photos, so you can focus on the beauty overhead instead of fumbling with your camera.

Why You’ll Love the Guided Aurora Chase

One of the best aspects is the flexibility the vehicle provides. Unlike snowmobiling, which is limited to a narrow trail and can be noisy or tiring, traveling by mini bus allows the group to hop from one promising spot to another easily. If the Aurora decides to hang around for a while, you can move to multiple locations, increasing the chance of a long, uninterrupted show.

The small group size (often fewer than 10 people) also means you’re not part of a large crowd, which makes the experience more intimate and relaxing. A few reviewers have highlighted guides who are not only friendly but highly professional—making the hunt feel more like a shared adventure than just a tour.

Practicalities and Comfort

You’ll want to be prepared with warm clothing and sturdy winter shoes—Lapland’s temperatures can be very cold, and the outside waiting time might be lengthy. The tour’s timing roughly coincides with sunset and nightfall, when Aurora activity is highest. Remember, late arrivals may result in missed opportunities, so punctuality is essential.

Pickup times are set in advance, with guides arriving within about 10 to 35 minutes depending on your location. The tour runs only if at least three people are booked, which means that during quieter times, you might need to be flexible or consider booking with others.

Photographic Opportunities

Many travelers find that the guides’ expertise in Northern Lights photography makes a real difference. One review mentioned that they “took lots of photos,” and the guides explained the lights and how to capture them. Since the Aurora is unpredictable, having someone who knows how to manage camera settings or suggest compositions can turn a fleeting moment into a cherished photo.

Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup: Based on your location, whether it’s Saariselkä village, Kakslauttanen, Kiilopää, or Laanila, guides will arrive early enough to ensure everyone is ready for departure. This punctuality is appreciated, especially in winter conditions when delays can happen.

Journey: The core of the experience lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, during which your guides will drive through the polar night, stopping at various spots based on weather conditions and Aurora activity. The flexibility of traveling by minibus is key—if clouds cover Saariselkä, they’ll search for clear skies elsewhere, often succeeding.

Stops & Sightseeing: The tour includes at least one photo stop, where guides help you understand and capture the Northern Lights. If the activity is high and the Aurora stays in the sky for a long time, you can visit multiple locations, increasing the likelihood of a spectacular display and memorable photographs.

Drop-off: After the hunt, you’ll be returned to your original pickup point, with the whole experience wrapped up within the allocated timeframe.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Aurora hunting tour is perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort, expert guidance, and a higher chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s suited for families with children (though note the recommendation to consider if your children can stay outside late in cold weather), couples, and solo travelers wanting a small-group experience.

If you value photography, the guide’s assistance in capturing the Aurora is a notable advantage. For those who prefer a flexible, vehicle-based search rather than snowmobiling or reindeer sledding, this tour stands out.

Price and Value

While the tour’s cost isn’t explicitly stated here, it’s worth noting that the experience includes free pickup and drop-off, guided photography, and the comfort of a Mercedes Benz vehicle—all ingredients for value, especially considering the professional guides and the small-group setting. Considering the unpredictability of Aurora sightings, having experts actively searching and moving to better locations adds significant value over self-guided attempts.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights in a setting that’s comfortable and guided by real professionals, this Aurora Hunt is a wise choice. The combination of expert guides like Henry and Jen, the ability to move freely in a small vehicle, and the focus on photography make this a compelling option.

It’s especially suited for travelers who don’t want to sit outside in the cold waiting for a random moment, but instead prefer a proactive, flexible approach to one of nature’s most beautiful phenomena. Just remember to dress warmly, be punctual, and pack a camera—your chance to capture the Northern Lights might just happen on this trip.

FAQ

Do I need to bring extra clothing?
Yes, it’s important to wear warm clothing and sturdy winter shoes to stay comfortable during the outside stops, especially since you may be outside for extended periods.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes free pickup and drop-off within a 20 km radius, guided Aurora hunting by minibus, and public Aurora photos taken by the guides.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It can be, but consider whether your young children can stay outside in the cold and remain patient during the late-night hours. The tour is primarily designed for those comfortable with being outside in winter conditions.

How reliable is the Aurora sighting?
While guides actively search for clear skies and move locations accordingly, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never guaranteed. Your guides aim to maximize your chances, but patience is key.

What if the weather is cloudy?
If the weather is clouded over in Saariselkä, guides often search for clearer skies elsewhere, increasing your chances of seeing the Aurora.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on conditions and how long the Aurora stays visible.

Are the pickups punctual?
Yes, guides arrive within specific timeframes based on your pickup location, and punctuality is essential because delays could mean missing part of the experience.

Can I book without paying upfront?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, allowing flexibility in your travel planning.

In essence, this Aurora Hunting & Photography Tour offers a well-balanced mix of professionalism, comfort, and adventure—perfect for travelers eager to chase the Northern Lights with expert help in Lapland.