Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Hunt with Pro Photos & Pickup

Chase aurora in Lapland with expert guide and pro photos

You’ll ride out from Rovaniemi with a small group and local guide hunting for the Northern Lights across Finnish or Swedish Lapland. Warm up with hot berry juice and gingerbread cookies as you wait for Aurora to appear, and get unlimited professional photos sent to you after. The real magic is standing together under those silent skies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights hunting and photography

• Pick up from accommodation
• Explain Aurora Borealis and solar wind
• Drive to best Aurora viewing spots
• Stop car to check conditions
• Set up camera and start photography
• Change viewing spots if needed
• Drive back and drop off at accommodation
• Receive photos and videos link next day

The experience

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it felt outside my hotel in Rovaniemi: like the snow itself was holding its breath. Our guide, Sami, showed up right on time (pickup included, which honestly saved me from figuring out Finnish taxis). He greeted us with this soft accent and a thermos of hot berry juice that smelled sweet and a bit wild. There were only six of us in the van, swapping nervous glances: no big crowds or buses, just people hoping for something we’d maybe only see once.

Sami explained the whole Aurora thing while we drove: solar wind data, magnetic fields. I didn’t expect to care about science at 10pm but his excitement was kind of contagious. We stopped a couple times so he could check the sky (“Not yet,” he’d say, squinting up). The road felt endless and dark, headlights bouncing off snowbanks. Someone asked if we’d cross into Sweden tonight. Sami just grinned and said it depends on where the lights dance.

When we finally pulled over for real, it was colder than I thought possible: my eyelashes stuck together. Sami set up his camera gear (he’s got all this fancy astro stuff) and handed out gingerbread cookies that tasted spicy and somehow comforting. Then there was this hush as green ribbons started curling overhead. I tried to take a photo with my phone but gave up. Sami laughed and promised we’d get proper pictures later. He even showed us how to pose without looking like frozen mannequins: still not sure I nailed it.

I still think about that silence under the sky: the way everyone just stared upward, not really talking. It’s weird how something so huge can feel private. Next morning I got a link to all our photos and videos (unlimited, which is wild), proof that it wasn’t just a dream or some story you tell after too much wine. If you’re thinking about a Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi, well… sometimes you just have to trust someone who knows these roads better than Google Maps ever will.

What’s included

Your night includes free pickup and drop-off within 10 km of Rovaniemi train station, all transportation across Finnish or Swedish Lapland as needed, unlimited professional-grade photos and videos taken by your guide using top astro gear, an explanation of Aurora Borealis science plus basic photography tips, warming gingerbread cookies and hot berry juice while you wait beneath Arctic skies, and your digital memories delivered next day before you’ve even unpacked your boots.

Options for this experience

2 options

Photo Tour Hunting the AuroraGuide in English or Korean · 17:00 and 18:00A favourite among our guests: ♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎ Best suited to those who value seeing the aurora more than receiving a large number of photos. • Length: 4 to 6 hours (capped at 6 hours), aiming to catch peak aurora activity. • Photos: up to 10 of the best photos and videos, edited and delivered the following day. • Full refund or rescheduling if aurora sightings are not possible and the tour is cancelled. • Hunting area: Finnish and Swedish Lapland. • Pickup and drop-off within a 10 km radius of Rovaniemi train station. • Small group of up to 8 guests. • Warm drink and sweets. Pickup is included.

Aurora Photo Tour, Signature EditionGuide in English or Korean · 17:00 and 18:00Our most popular tour: ★★★★★ Ideal for those who want to get the most out of the experience with no limitations. • Length: 6 to 10 hours, aiming to catch peak aurora activity. • Photos: all photos and videos are edited and delivered the following day. • Full refund or rescheduling if aurora sightings are not possible and the tour is cancelled. • Hunting area: Finnish and Swedish Lapland. • Pickup and drop-off within a 10 km radius of Rovaniemi train station. • Small group of up to 8 guests. • Warm drink and sweets. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:00 and 18:00Last departure this season: 5 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Korean

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 34 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Nordies Tour

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Korean.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the Northern Lights hunting tour last?

The tour usually lasts around 6 hours but can vary between 4-10 hours depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off are included within a 10 km radius from Rovaniemi train station.

Will I get professional photos during the Aurora tour?

Yes, unlimited high-quality photos and videos are taken during the tour and sent to you afterward.

What if there is no chance to see the Northern Lights?

If there’s no chance of seeing Aurora Borealis and the tour is canceled, you’ll receive a full refund or can reschedule for free if available.

Are food or drinks provided during the trip?

You’ll get hot berry juice and gingerbread cookies included during your hunt for the lights.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is kept small: up to 8 guests per tour (no buses or crowds).

Does this day trip cover both Finland & Sweden?

The hunting range includes both Finnish and Swedish Lapland depending on where conditions are best that night.