Auroras Northern Lights in Saariselka

Review of Aurora Northern Lights in Saariselka

If you’re dreaming of catching the Aurora Borealis in a setting that combines expert guidance, cozy atmospheres, and genuine Arctic adventure, the Northern Lights tour in Saariselka might just be what you’re after. This experience, offered by Lapland Welcome Saariselka, promises an opportunity to see one of nature’s most stunning spectacles, with the added perks of top-notch storytelling, a warm barbecue, and professional photography tips.

Two things I really appreciate about this tour are the small, partly private sites carefully chosen for optimal Northern Lights viewing—far from the glow of village lights—and the authentic, immersive atmosphere created by stories of local mythology and a touch of Lappish shamanism. The guide’s knowledge and passion shine through, making each stop feel personal and meaningful.

A single possible concern is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights themselves. Since they depend on weather and solar activity, there’s no 100% guarantee of seeing the lights. But this tour maximizes your chances by heading to the best locations, often in absolute darkness, which is crucial for seeing those faint, elusive colors. It’s worth being aware that if weather conditions aren’t cooperative, the experience shifts from a guaranteed spectacle to a hopeful hunt.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Best Northern Lights Viewing Sites: Carefully selected, dark, microclimate-rich locations far from city lights maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Authentic Arctic Atmosphere: The tour includes stories about local life, mythology, and some Lappish shamanism, enriching the experience beyond just chasing lights.
• Expert Guidance and Photography Tips: Guides like Franzi are knowledgeable, sharing tips on capturing the Aurora and sharing your photos afterwards.
• Cozy Social Setting: The barbeque in a traditional tepee creates a warm, communal atmosphere—perfect after a cold night of waiting.
• Flexible and Relaxed Experience: The longer duration (around 3 hours) allows for multiple stops, increasing your odds of a sighting, even as the weather shifts.
• Value for Price: At $169, this experience covers transportation, winter gear, food, and photography, making it a solid value considering the personalized attention.

Experiencing Saariselka’s Northern Lights: A Detailed Look

Starting the Night: Pickup and Journey

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup, typically from major accommodations in Saariselka or nearby. The pickup times can vary, and the tour provider reserves the right to adjust schedules, so planning ahead and confirming details is wise. The journey itself is part of the thrill—your guides will navigate to the best possible locations to see the Aurora, often stopping multiple times to check the skies.

As someone who loves small group tours, I appreciate that this isn’t a massive busload of travelers. Many reviews mention the friendly guides like Franzi and Linda, who are not only knowledgeable but also attentive to individual needs, making the experience comfortable and engaging.

Reaching the Dark Sites: Why It Matters

Once at the dark site—a location far from the village lights—you’ll immediately notice the quiet and darkness. This is crucial because most auroras are faint and require absolute darkness to be fully appreciated. The microclimate makes this spot a reliable choice, sometimes even when nearby areas are foggy or cloudy.

The tour spends enough time here to give everyone a fair shot at seeing the lights. The longer you stay, the better your chances, and guides are flexible about lingering if the Aurora appears or if the weather suddenly clears.

The Atmosphere: Stories, Shamanism, and Fire

What makes this trip stand out for many is the cultural element. Guides often share local folklore, myths, and tales about the Northern Lights, connecting you to the Sami culture and the landscape. The experience of sitting around a living fire, hearing stories, and engaging with the Arctic wilderness elevates the tour from a simple light chase to a memorable cultural event.

Some reviews mention experiencing Lappish shamanism and even peering into the future with the Aurora guides—a playful but meaningful addition that deepens your Arctic immersion.

The Cozy BBQ and Tips for Photography

When the sky turns active, everyone gathers in a traditional tepee or warm hut, where a barbecue awaits. The snacks, including sausages and pancakes, cater to various tastes and diets, which is a thoughtful touch. Guides like Utsav and Linda are praised for their attentiveness to dietary needs, making the experience inclusive.

Photographing the Aurora is tricky—it’s faint, fast-moving, and unpredictable. Guides provide helpful tips on how to shoot the lights, and some reviews mention sharing photos afterward via cloud services. Keep in mind that the quality and number of pictures are not guaranteed, but the effort and personalized guidance are there to help you get some memorable shots.

Weather and Aurora Visibility: The Real Challenge

Despite the careful planning, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon beyond anyone’s control. Heavy clouds or low solar activity can dim or hide the lights, as noted in reviews where clouds only afforded a glimpse or no sighting at all. But even in those moments, the experience of being in absolute darkness, listening to stories, and enjoying the Arctic silence is rewarding.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value authenticity and cultural context. It’s perfect if you’re willing to be patient and flexible, understanding that Mother Nature controls the show. The tour’s longer duration and the cozy setup in the Arctic wilderness make it suitable for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, meaningful stories, and excellent guides.

Price, Logistics, and Overall Value

At $169 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive Arctic experience—transportation, winter gear, a warm shelter, tasty snacks, and photography support. Compared to other activities in Lapland, it’s quite reasonable, especially considering the personalized service and the focus on quality and atmosphere.

Small-group tours, knowledgeable guides, and the emphasis on dark, quiet locations all highlight good value. The flexibility in scheduling and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds a layer of convenience for travelers with fluid plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager for a genuine Arctic adventure that combines cultural storytelling with the hope of witnessing the Northern Lights, this is a strong choice. It suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, are open to the unpredictability of nature, and want a behind-the-scenes look at local traditions. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling in winter and want a cozy, memorable night out in the snow.

However, if your main priority is guaranteed aurora sightings or a more fast-paced, high-energy experience, you might want to explore other options. This tour emphasizes patience and atmosphere over instant gratification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with flexibility based on weather and Aurora activity. Check the schedule when booking to find a suitable starting time.

Is transportation included?
Yes, local transfers from major hotels in Saariselka are included, making logistics simple and stress-free.

What should I wear?
You’ll be provided with winter gear, but it’s wise to dress warmly in layers, including thermal underwear, a good insulated jacket, gloves, hat, and boots.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to take photos?
Absolutely. Guides offer tips on photographing the Northern Lights, and they share pictures afterward. You don’t need advanced skills—just patience and a camera or smartphone.

What if I don’t see the Aurora?
Mother Nature controls the show, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. Even if the lights are faint or absent, you’ll enjoy the Arctic silence, storytelling, and the warm ambiance of the barbecue.

Is this a private tour?
No, it’s a group experience, but the small group size helps keep it personal and engaging.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Franzi, Linda, and Utsav for their passion, expertise, and attentiveness. They make the experience both educational and fun.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transfers, winter gear, a cozy shelter, barbeque snacks, and assistance with photography. Photos taken by guides are shared afterward.

In Summary

This Northern Lights tour in Saariselka offers more than just a chance to see the Aurora Borealis. It’s a well-rounded Arctic experience that combines expert guiding, cultural storytelling, cozy dining, and beautiful dark skies—perfect for those who want to connect with Lapland’s wild beauty and local traditions. The focus on small sites, flexible stops, and personalized guidance makes it stand out.

While the Aurora’s appearance depends on weather and solar activity, the journey itself—marked by warm camaraderie, storytelling, and serene Arctic silence—is worth every penny. If you’re patient, open-minded, and eager to learn, this tour will leave you with lasting memories of Lapland’s night sky.

Note: This experience is best suited for travelers who value authenticity, cultural depth, and a relaxed pace. It’s not ideal if you’re only interested in guaranteed Aurora sightings, but it’s a wonderful choice for those who want a genuine Arctic adventure wrapped in stories and songs under the stars.