From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos

REVIEW · ROVANIEMI

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos

  • 5.08 reviews
  • From $136
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Operated by Nordies Tour · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 5.0 (8)Price from$136Operated byNordies TourBook viaGetYourGuide

Chasing the lights feels magical, but it needs strategy. This tour is built around solar wind planning and a professional photographer, so you get both the hunt and the images.

I love the small group size (up to 8), which keeps the experience focused on where to look and how to shoot.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s a long, cold night, and the tour isn’t a fit for everyone with certain health issues or if you’re already not feeling well.

Why This Aurora Hunt Feels Different Than DIY

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - Why This Aurora Hunt Feels Different Than DIY
You’ll see aurora tours everywhere in Lapland, but most stop at: go out, hope for the best, and take whatever you manage on your phone. This one runs like a photo mission with real planning behind it. The organizer uses a long-running database, local know-how, and solar wind data to decide when and where to hunt. That’s the difference between wandering around in the dark and actually working a forecast.

I also like that the promise isn’t just about seeing aurora. The tour is explicitly built around getting sharp, high-quality photos and videos using specialized astro gear. You’re not stuck with blurry “someday I’ll frame this” shots.

The One Drawback to Consider Up Front

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - The One Drawback to Consider Up Front
A key reality in Lapland nights: you can be outside for hours in winter conditions. You’ll need warm clothing and warm shoes, and there may not always be public restrooms available in remote spots. If you’re sensitive to cold or need frequent breaks, you should plan carefully before booking.

Also note the tour isn’t suitable for pets, and it has specific health and mobility limits listed by the operator (including wheelchair use, pregnancy, back problems, heart problems, and people with a cold).

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rovaniemi.

Key Points at a Glance

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - Key Points at a Glance

  • Near-100% success rate over 4 years, with a strong backup plan if the lights don’t cooperate
  • Unlimited hunting range across Finnish and Swedish Lapland, not just one fixed spot
  • Professional photographer Kun plus astro-capable camera gear for photos and videos
  • Small group of up to 8 so your questions and shooting guidance don’t get lost
  • Photo and video delivery next day, so you can enjoy the results right away
  • Pickup and drop-off from Rovaniemi within a 10 km radius, plus warm snacks on the cold run

What You’re Really Buying for $136

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - What You’re Really Buying for $136
At a price of $136 per person for about 6 hours, you’re paying for a bundle that most people would otherwise have to piece together: transport, a hunt strategy, a pro photographer, and the actual output (photos and videos) afterward. You’re not just paying for “going outside.” You’re paying for someone to maximize your odds, then help you capture what you see.

Here’s what makes that value feel real: the tour doesn’t pretend control is total, but it does take probability seriously. The operator highlights a nearly 100% success rate for over 4 years, and if there’s no chance to find aurora and the tour is cancelled, you get a full refund. That reduces the biggest risk for an expensive winter night out.

You also get included “comfort fuel” that you’d likely forget if you DIY it: gingerbread cookies and hot berry juice. Small? Yes. Helpful? Also yes. When you’re standing still in the dark, warm drinks matter.

Setting Out From Rovaniemi: The Pickup Game Plan

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - Setting Out From Rovaniemi: The Pickup Game Plan
The tour starts with free pickup and drop-off within 10 km of the Rovaniemi train station. If you’re staying farther out, pickup might be arranged for an extra fee, but you’ll need to contact the operator to confirm. I like that this is stated clearly, because in winter you don’t want a surprise cost or a last-minute no.

Starting time is flexible between 17:00 and 00:00, depending on the season, the weather, and solar wind activity. You won’t get an exact time weeks ahead. Instead, you’ll receive the precise pickup time on the day of the tour between 16:00 and 20:00. That last-day timing is a smart move for aurora hunting, because solar conditions and cloud cover change fast.

Practical tip: plan to be ready and dressed by mid-afternoon. In Lapland, “I’ll just run upstairs for one more thing” can turn into a cold scramble.

The Hunt in Lapland: Photo Stops, Guidance, and Waiting Smart

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - The Hunt in Lapland: Photo Stops, Guidance, and Waiting Smart
Once you’re picked up, you head out to the aurora hunting area. The core part of the experience is a guided photo stop in Lapland, usually around 6 hours total for the tour. If the hunt needs more distance, the operator says the duration can extend up to 9 hours.

Here’s what you can expect during that time:

  • You’ll get an aurora explanation so you understand what you’re looking for, not just how to photograph it.
  • There’s a photography tutorial, with tips aimed at nighttime and astro-style shooting.
  • You’ll have time to hunt actively, not just pose for a quick minute and move on.

The key detail I’d emphasize is that the hunting range is unlimited across Finnish and Swedish Lapland. That means the guide is not trapped by a “we’re here, deal with it” location. If conditions are better in Sweden, they can travel there. For you, that translates to more shot attempts at the sky doing what you came for.

Reality check: even with strong planning, aurora still depends on the sky. What this tour does well is make sure you’re not standing in one unlucky spot for hours without a plan.

Unlimited Hunting Range Means More Than a Marketing Line

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - Unlimited Hunting Range Means More Than a Marketing Line
“Unlimited hunting range” sounds like a big promise, but it matters because aurora doesn’t always show up the same way everywhere. Weather and cloud cover can be the deal-breaker even when solar activity is favorable. By being willing to move across both Finland and Sweden, the operator increases the number of chances you have during your set time.

This is also where the “expert + data” part shows up. They mention using a collected database, thorough understanding of the region, and solar wind information. In plain terms: you’re following a guide who’s making decisions based on patterns, not vibes.

If you’ve done other tours before, you might notice the usual weakness: a fixed route and a hope you’ll get clear skies where they happen to stop. Here, you’re paying for the ability to shift based on what’s working.

The Photographer Advantage: Kun and Astro-Ready Gear

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - The Photographer Advantage: Kun and Astro-Ready Gear
The tour centers on a professional photographer (named Kun) and emphasizes high quality photos and videos. They also say they use top-notch camera gear specialized in astro and nighttime photography and videography.

So you get two layers of value:

  1. You learn enough to improve your own shots, with guidance tailored to the night’s conditions.
  2. You receive the finished product, shot with specialized equipment, in high quality.

And you’re not waiting weeks. The operator shares the photos and videos the next day. That’s huge for people who want to remember the trip while the details are still fresh.

Kun’s portfolio is promoted via IG @kunbelievable and TikTok @nordiestour, which is a nice way to see the style you’re likely to get.

What I’d do if I booked: use your own phone/camera for quick moments, but trust the included deliverables. It keeps you from spending the whole night fighting settings while your eyes are still trying to catch the aurora.

Small Group Size: How It Changes Your Night

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - Small Group Size: How It Changes Your Night
This is capped at up to 8 participants, which is a big deal in a tour like this. When groups are large, the guide’s attention spreads thin. People shuffle around, people miss cues, and photo guidance turns into generic instructions.

With a small group, you can actually do what the aurora hunt requires: look up, adjust, shoot, and ask questions without feeling rushed. The tour also says the setup is meant to make the photography session more personalized. Private tours can be arranged for an extra fee if you want even more one-on-one attention.

Included Warmth and Snacks (Yes, This Matters)

From Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photos & Videos - Included Warmth and Snacks (Yes, This Matters)
Cold nights are exhausting, and the tour doesn’t ignore that. You’ll get gingerbread cookies and hot berry juice, plus an aurora explanation and photography tutorial.

You’ll also want to know what’s not included for outerwear:

  • The tour does not include a third layer winter jacket and pants for adults.
  • You can rent a set for €10 per set (adult sizes only).
  • Shoes, gloves, and hats/scarves are not included.

My practical take: if you’re coming from warmer climates, plan to buy or rent the right layering, not just pack a winter coat. The goal is staying comfortable enough to keep watching for the long haul.

Timing: Why You Don’t Get a Fixed Start Time

You might see aurora tours with a rigid schedule. This one doesn’t, and that’s on purpose. Starting time can be anywhere from 17:00 to 00:00, and the exact pickup time is confirmed the day of the tour between 16:00 and 20:00.

That might feel inconvenient, but it matches how aurora works in real life. The sky can be ready and clouds can still ruin the show. The operator’s ability to adjust timing means you’re not locked into a plan that ignores the night’s actual conditions.

Tip: keep your evening flexible. If you have a tight dinner reservation right next to your pickup window, you could end up stressed instead of excited.

Comfort and Safety Notes You Should Not Skip

The tour lists some important constraints:

  • Not suitable for children under 6
  • Not suitable for pregnant women
  • Not suitable for people with back problems or heart problems
  • Not suitable for wheelchair users
  • Not suitable for people with a cold
  • No pets

They also note that public restrooms might not be available due to remote locations and the late hour. That’s a common Lapland challenge, and it’s best to plan before you leave your accommodation.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a great match if you want:

  • The best odds with a guided plan using solar and regional knowledge
  • Photos and videos that look like a real aurora portfolio, not just a phone screenshot
  • A small group so you actually get attention and guidance
  • A tour format that includes warmth and snacks, plus a learning component

If your main goal is just to see lights and you don’t care about photography, you might find cheaper options. But if photos/videos matter to you, the included deliverables make this feel more like a complete package than a simple night trip.

Should You Book This Aurora Borealis Hunting Tour?

I’d book if you want to maximize your odds without having to become an astro photographer yourself. The combination of near-100% success rate, unlimited hunting range across Finland and Sweden, and professional photo output (delivered the next day) is exactly what makes this worth your attention.

Don’t book if you’re not comfortable outside for long periods in cold conditions, if you fall into the listed health or mobility limits, or if you strongly need easy restroom access. In that case, a different style of aurora experience might suit you better.

If you’re on the fence, the biggest practical question is simple: do you want the experience only, or do you also want the best chance at getting photos that truly capture what you saw? For most people, the answer is the second part.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Aurora Borealis hunting tour from Rovaniemi?

The tour is usually about 6 hours, and it may last up to 9 hours if a longer distance is required.

What time does the tour start?

Starting time can be anywhere between 17:00 and 00:00, and the exact pickup time is confirmed on the day of the tour between 16:00 and 20:00.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included within a 10 km radius from Rovaniemi train station. Pickup farther away may be arranged for an extra fee—check with the operator.

Do I get photos and videos?

Yes. The tour includes high-quality photos and videos, and they are shared on the next day.

Does the tour stay only in Finland?

No. The aurora hunting range is unlimited across Finnish and Swedish Lapland, and if necessary the tour may travel to Sweden.

What should I bring for the cold?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. The tour does not include shoes, gloves, hats, or scarves.

Can I rent winter outerwear?

Yes. You can rent a set of winter jacket and pants for adults for €10 per set. Adult sizes only.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

The tour is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, people with back problems, heart problems, wheelchair users, people with a cold, and it is not suitable for pets.

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