Aurora Hunting Tour

Where and when?

My aurora hunting tour departs from Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. The tours are organised from end-August until early April on nights when seeing auroras is possible.
The groups are very small, up to 8 people.

In Rovaniemi area, the sky is usually clear on only 10–20% of winter nights – the rest is of the time it’s cloudy. This means that going to other areas will greatly increase your chances of seeing the northern lights.

Where exactly? This depends on the night. Before each tour I check different forecast models to determine what area has the best weather conditions. This means that we can travel anywhere from 100 to 500 km away from Rovaniemi to get to clear skies. We often visit the north of Finnish Lapland, or even Swedish Lapland. With this approach we succeed over 90% of the time.

Who is this tour for?

My tour is not for those who seek comfort, or want a fast & easy experience. Rather, it is for those who want to make maximum effort to see the aurora – driving to get to clear skies, getting to the best spot, waiting for the best aurora moment. Not to mention, that it is very cold most of the year (even with gear provided). This is why I do not recommend the tour to families with kids under 18th yo, elderly, people with disabilities, movement restrictions or medical conditions, pregnant, etc.

Timing and duration

The tour can last anywhere between 5 to 14 hours, and the departure is between 15.00–19.00, depending on how far we need to drive to find clear skies. I usually have an estimate of the departure time the day before. You need to arrive to Rovaniemi by 14.00 to be able to join. The finishing time is not set, as it depends on aurora and the weather. Usually we are back between 1.00 and 6.00 but it can be even later. If you have an early flight or excursion in the morning, it is not a good idea to go on the tour.

We usually depart early, and don’t leave until the show is over. We skip the “aurora barbeque” because seeing the Aurora is the main thing! When the auroras come, we take aurora pictures together. I will be happy to teach you how to make beautiful aurora photos with your own camera.

The tour includes all the successful photos without limit, and warm winter clothing – overalls & winter boots.

Aurora guarantee & cancellation

To book a tour, you need to make a booking fee via a payment link. The rest of the payment is done on the spot using a credit card – after a successful tour. See prices at the bottom of this page, and read the Terms & Conditions.

Sometimes, even if we do our part and find clear skies, the aurora does not show up. That’s nature. Also, the weather can be too difficult to depart, and the tour can be cancelled, even at the last minute. If we do not see the aurora on the tour, or the tour is cancelled before departure, your booking fee is returned, and you do not have to pay anything. However, if you cancel the tour (for whatever reason), the booking fee is not refundable.

Pickup

I can pick you up if you are staying in Rovaniemi centre + 10 km area. I do not pick up from Apukka, Lakelodge Kiehinen, Vaattunki, Nova Galaxy, Kakslauttanen, Saariselkä, Levi, or other areas in Lapland. 

Forecast is short

The aurora & weather forecast are very short term. Once your trip to Rovaniemi is near, I will provide you with the latest forecast. Sometimes, the tour is confirmed just a few hours before, or even the last minute. For this reason it is essential that we stay connected. Make sure that you are online, and your Whatsapp notifications are turned ON to receive the latest updates.

Every tour is unique

We do not have a standard departure time or a set location. It all depends on weather & nature. Some nights we can start driving as early as 15.00–16.00 to get to clear skies.
If the weather is good in Rovaniemi area, departure can be later, 17.00–19.00. We can visit one or several spots – it depends on what is necessary for that night. We avoid other groups & mass tourism. 

Night time expedition

Our aurora tour takes at night time, when most of the services in Lapland are closed. For this reason, we usually do not have an opportunity to visit a warm bathroom during the tour. Also, there are no food or drinks included on the tour, however, you can take your own drinks and snacks and enjoy them in the car.

Aurora Activity varies

Aurora activity varies greatly from night to night. It is possible to see the auroras on about 80% of the nights if the sky is clear. Most of the nights it is possible to see only a small aurora. The aurora activity is hard to predict, and it also changes according to the season. Please check my Aurora info to know which months are the best.