Experiencing the dancing Northern Lights in Lapland sounds magical—and this tour from Safartica aims to make that magic accessible and memorable. For $135 per person, you get a comfortable 4-hour excursion that takes you to multiple prime viewing spots, with an experienced guide handling the photography and storytelling. The idea is simple: drive through the wintry landscape, chase the auroras, and improve your night photography skills—plus, enjoy hot drinks and cookies along the way.
What I particularly like is the combination of professional guidance and the chance to see different locations. Your guide isn’t just a driver; they’re also your personal photographer, sharing pro tips for capturing those elusive dark sky images, which can be tricky even for seasoned shutterbugs. The experience is designed to be both fun and educational, with stories about the legends surrounding the Northern Lights.
One point to consider is that seeing the auroras is never guaranteed—a fact that’s transparently acknowledged in the description. If the sky remains overcast, you’re left with the chance of some good photos and stories, rather than a guaranteed show. For travelers on a tight schedule or those expecting a spectacle every night, this might be a little disappointing. Still, even if the lights don’t appear, you’ll have some memorable photos and a sense of the wilderness.
Key points / Takeaways
- Guided photography tips boost your chances of capturing the Northern Lights in dark conditions.
- Multiple stops maximize your chances of seeing the auroras, with about 200 km of travel through scenic Lapland.
- Comfort and warmth are prioritized with hot drinks, cookies, and cozy transportation during your four-hour adventure.
- Experienced guides like those from Safartica are knowledgeable storytellers who share legends and tips, adding depth to your experience.
- Photos are included: you’ll receive a link to all the pictures taken during the tour, ensuring you leave with keepsakes.
- No hotel pickup: you’ll need to meet at the designated location, which could be a consideration if you prefer door-to-door service.
Experiencing Ylläs: What the Tour Looks Like in Practice
This Northern Lights photo tour focuses on giving you the best chance to see and photograph the auroras while enjoying the winter scenery that Lapland is famous for. The tour lasts roughly four hours, with availability depending on the night and weather. When you book, you’ll receive a specific meeting time, and it’s crucial to arrive promptly since missing the meeting means missing the excursion—something reviewers emphasized.
The transportation involves traveling in a bus that covers about 200 km across the snowy landscape, stopping at different sites chosen for their potential to reveal the auroras. The guides are well-versed in the area’s best spots, which might include open fields, forest edges, or other dark, unobstructed locations. This variety helps improve your chances of actually witnessing the lights, especially if one spot remains overcast.
Your guide will be your photographer for the evening—often a professional or someone with solid experience—who will take photos of you against the winter backdrop, experiment with fun light effects, and hopefully catch the Aurora Borealis. They also share useful tips for photographing in low light, such as adjusting shutter speed and ISO, which can be quite helpful if you’re keen on capturing your own images.
The experience isn’t just about photos. The guides tell stories and legends about the Northern Lights, adding a cultural dimension that enriches the evening. If the sky cooperates, you’ll have the chance to see the auroras dance overhead, but as the experience notes, seeing the lights cannot be guaranteed. This is an important point for anyone expecting a guaranteed show—nature’s entertainment remains unpredictable.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Yllas.
The Value of Comfort and Authenticity
One of the highlights is how comfortably you’re made to feel during the tour. Hot drinks from a thermos and gingerbread cookies help keep the chill at bay, and the small group size (usually around 15 people) fosters a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The included photographs are a nice bonus, giving you something tangible to remember the evening by—especially crucial if the auroras stay hidden.
Who Will Appreciate This Tour?
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, guided opportunity to see the Northern Lights without the hassle of driving or organizing their own chase. It’s particularly valuable for those new to night photography, as the guides offer hands-on tips and take the bulk of the photos for you. Because it’s a group tour, it’s less suitable for those seeking complete privacy or a highly personalized experience.
Price and Practical Considerations
At $135 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: transport, hot drinks, cookies, a guide, and the photos. Compared to booking a private driver or a more bespoke tour, this is a budget-friendly way to enjoy the Arctic night. However, hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point—something to plan for if you’re staying outside Ylläs.
Who Should Avoid This Tour?
If you’re a die-hard Aurora chaser with a specific date in mind, and you’re hoping for a guaranteed sighting, this might not be the best choice. As some reviews point out, if the sky is completely overcast, your chances of seeing the lights are slim. Also, travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer private, customizable experiences might find the group setting and fixed schedule limiting.
FAQs
Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to meet at the designated location and time provided after booking.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, but check the availability for starting times on your booking date.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and sightings can’t be guaranteed. The tour maximizes chances with multiple stops, but weather plays a big role.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation (about 200 km of driving), hot drinks and gingerbread cookies, photographs with a link to access your images, and an English-speaking guide.
What should I bring?
Warm clothing, a camera if you want to take your own shots (the guide’s photos are included), and a sense of adventure.
Are there age or group size restrictions?
The activity requires at least two adults to proceed. Group sizes are typically small, around 15 people, to maintain a friendly atmosphere.
Can the tour be rescheduled if the weather is poor?
Yes, the tour can be rescheduled for a suitable later date if contacted by 16:00 on the day of the activity.
Final Thoughts
For those eager to combine scenic winter drives with the chance to capture the Northern Lights, this tour offers a practical, enjoyable option. The guides’ knowledgeable storytelling and photography tips add educational value, making it more than a simple chase. The cozy touches, like hot drinks and cookies, make the outing feel warm and welcoming, even in the cold.
However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic—the auroras remain a natural, unpredictable phenomenon. If you’re prepared for that, you’ll likely find this experience rewarding, especially with the photos and stories you’ll take home. This tour suits travelers looking for a comfortable, guided experience with a good chance of seeing the lights, rather than those wanting a private or guaranteed sighting.
If you’re visiting Lapland in winter and want a well-organized, friendly introduction to the Northern Lights, this tour from Safartica can be a solid choice—just be sure to dress warmly, be patient, and keep an open mind.