From Saariselkä: Aurora Hunting Tour with Campfire & Snacks

Hunting the Northern Lights is often described as a bucket-list experience for travelers visiting Lapland, and this Aurora Hunting Tour from Saariselkä offers an inviting way to try your luck. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, based on detailed descriptions and reviews, it seems like a well-balanced blend of comfort, adventure, and authentic local charm. It’s perfect for those who want a chance to see the auroras without sacrificing cozy amenities or valuable insights from an experienced guide.

What we like most about this tour are its flexible approach, the intimate group size, and the chance to enjoy Finnish traditions amid spectacular winter scenery. The comfort of traveling in a modern, hybrid Multivan makes a big difference, especially after hours of chilly waiting. Plus, since the guide can take photos of you under the Northern Lights, you’re guaranteed to come away with memories, not just blurry shots.

The only potential drawback? Since Northern Lights are naturally unpredictable, there’s no 100% guarantee of sighting them. Still, the professional weather assessments and rescheduling options help mitigate that uncertainty. This tour appeals to travelers who value comfort, local authenticity, and a small-group experience that’s both informative and relaxed. If you’re hoping for a memorable, well-organized evening chasing the auroras, this could be just the right choice.

Contents show

Key Points

Comfortable transportation: Travel in a modern, quiet Multivan Hybrid designed for a cozy night journey.
Authentic Finnish experience: Enjoy sausages cooked over an open fire, along with warm juice, buns, and cookies.
Expert guidance: A local guide provides insights, takes photos, and helps interpret the sky’s displays.
Small group size: Limited to six participants, offering a more personalized experience.
Flexible scheduling: Check availability for different start times and reschedule if weather doesn’t cooperate.
Scenic route: Travel through villages, along the border with Russia, ending at the Paatsjoki River Bridge for prime viewing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Aurora Hunting Tour

Looking for more options in Saariselka? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Cozy Transport in a Modern Multivan Hybrid

One of the standout features is the comfortable Multivan Hybrid used for the journey. Reviewers highlight how this vehicle offers a peaceful, warm environment, making the drive through Lapland’s snowy landscape more of a relaxing exploration than a chilly trek. The vehicle provides large windows for better viewing and photography, which is perfect for catching glimpses of the night sky.

Travel begins with a hotel pickup—either from your accommodation or the designated parking lot at Saariselkä. The guide, who speaks English, picks you up about 15 minutes before departure, allowing ample time to settle in and get ready for the adventure. Because the group size is limited to six, you’ll enjoy a more personal, less rushed experience, and your guide can tailor conversations or tips based on your interests.

Scenic Drive through Ivalo, Nellim, and Beyond

The trip takes you through the peaceful villages of Ivalo and Nellim, with the driver expertly navigating winding roads and snow-covered forests. The route is carefully chosen to maximize chances of viewing the auroras, often taking you near the Russian border for a more remote and less light-polluted setting.

One frequently mentioned highlight is arriving at the Paatsjoki River Bridge, where the rushing river and snow-covered trees set an almost magical scene. This spot is ideal for sky gazing, as the open views give a clear line of sight for the Northern Lights. The reflections on the snow and river add to the visual feast, making it a photographer’s dream.

The Aurora Hunt and Campfire Experience

Once at the viewing spot, the guide will help you set up a campfire—an authentic Finnish tradition. You’ll be able to light sausages over the open flame, giving you a chance to enjoy a traditional snack that warms you from the inside out. Reviewers note that the sausages are cooked to perfection and add a real local flavor to the evening.

Meanwhile, you can sip warm juice, buns, and cookies around the fire, which makes the experience cozy even if the sky remains stubbornly grey. The campfire also offers a great spot to chat, relax, and soak in the tranquil winter landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Northern Lights and Photography

While the unpredictability of the auroras remains a factor, many guests have been fortunate enough to witness vivid displays of green and red lights dancing across the sky. The guide can assist with photography, often offering to take pictures of you and the Northern Lights—saving you the effort of trying to capture the perfect shot yourself.

Reviewers mention that the guide’s professional opinion on weather conditions helps set realistic expectations. If the sky remains cloudy or the auroras stay subdued, the tour allows rescheduling at no extra cost, which offers peace of mind.

There's plenty more to explore in Saariselka

Duration, Cost, and Overall Value

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that balances adventure and comfort. The price includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, the campfire snacks, and the expert guidance—making it quite good value considering the small group size and the personalized experience.

Why This Tour Works Well

This Aurora Hunting Tour is well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience chasing the Northern Lights. Its small group setting means you’ll have more attention from your guide, and the comfortable vehicle ensures you can focus on the scenery rather than battling the cold. The traditional Finnish snack and campfire bring a genuine local touch, elevating the experience beyond just standing outside in the cold.

The flexibility to reschedule if the weather isn’t cooperating is a thoughtful touch that adds value. Plus, the scenic route, passing through villages and along the border with Russia, offers more than just aurora viewing—a glimpse into the region’s quieter, rural life.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a good balance between comfort, authenticity, and adventure. If you’re looking for a way to chase the Northern Lights without sacrificing warmth or intimacy, it offers a compelling option. The small group size, professional guidance, and scenic drive make it particularly appealing for travelers who appreciate personalized experiences and picturesque surroundings.

While seeing the auroras isn’t guaranteed—an inherent part of nature’s unpredictability—the thoughtful planning, flexible scheduling, and warm atmosphere mean you’ll likely come away with a memorable story, beautiful photos, and perhaps a brush with one of the most stunning natural displays on Earth.

For those who value local traditions, scenic drives, and small-group intimacy, this tour offers a genuine Northern Lights experience that’s more about making memories than just ticking boxes.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a local guide, transportation in a Multivan Hybrid, hotel pickup and drop-off, traditional Finnish sausage cooked over an open fire, warm juice, buns, cookies, and the chance to take photos with the guide’s help.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it an efficient evening activity suitable for those with limited time or who prefer shorter excursions.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s designed for small groups (up to 6 participants) and not suitable for wheelchair users. Dress warmly in winter clothes, as the outdoor viewing involves standing outside for periods.

Can I reschedule if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Yes, if weather conditions aren’t favorable, the professional opinion on the aurora forecast is provided a day in advance. You can reschedule your tour at no extra cost.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential. While the tour provides comfort in the vehicle and at the fire, outdoor temperatures in Lapland can be very cold, especially at night.

How is the transportation?
Travel is in a new, comfortable Multivan Hybrid, which provides a peaceful environment with large windows for better viewing and photography.

Do I need to know anything beforehand?
No special knowledge is required, just be ready to dress warmly and bring your phone or camera for capturing the spectacular sky.

Will I get good photos of the Northern Lights?
The guide can assist with taking photos, and the vehicle’s large windows help with framing shots. However, aurora visibility depends on weather conditions.

Is this activity suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, the outdoor waiting periods and cold weather mean it’s best suited for children who can handle chilly outdoor conditions comfortably.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its combination of scenic route, authentic Finnish campfire experience, small-group intimacy, and the chance to enjoy the region’s tranquil winter landscape makes it a memorable, cozy way to chase the auroras.

This detailed review should help you decide whether this Aurora Hunting Tour from Saariselkä fits your travel style and expectations. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or simply seeking a peaceful night under the northern skies, it offers a thoughtful way to experience Lapland’s most iconic natural wonder.