Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour with Local Guide & Pickup

Summary

Searching for the aurora near saariselkä with a guide and warm drinks

You’ll ride out from Saariselkä with a local guide in search of clear skies and Northern Lights. Expect warm berry juice by snowy forests, camera tips for aurora photos, and stories from Finnish folklore. With hotel pickup included and small groups, you’ll feel both looked after and quietly awed by Lapland’s winter night—something you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of snow under my boots when we stepped out of the minivan — it’s quieter out there than I expected, almost like the air itself is holding its breath. Our guide, Jari, had this way of scanning the sky every few minutes, as if he could will the Northern Lights to appear just by looking hard enough. He handed us mugs of hot berry juice (tart, sweet, steaming in the cold) while explaining how unpredictable the aurora can be around Saariselkä. I tried to remember his camera settings tip but honestly, my fingers were too cold to fiddle much.

We stopped at three different spots that night — each one felt more remote than the last. At one place, all I could hear was someone quietly zipping up their jacket and a distant owl. Jari told us stories about Finnish legends tied to the lights; apparently foxes are involved somehow? I probably missed half of it because I kept glancing up at the sky, hoping for that green shimmer. The group was small enough that nobody felt awkward asking questions or just standing in silence together. There’s something about waiting for the aurora that makes you pay attention to everything else — your breath, your toes going numb, even how dark real darkness is away from town.

When we finally caught a faint ribbon of color curling above the trees (not as bright as those Instagram shots but real), everyone sort of gasped at once. Jari grinned and said “sometimes you get lucky.” We took some shaky photos and passed around more juice. Even if we hadn’t seen anything, I think just being out there — bundled up with strangers-turned-friends, listening to someone who actually knows these forests — would’ve been worth it. Still can’t pronounce “revontulet” right though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aurora Hunt Around Saariselkä

• Stop at best Northern Lights spots
• Search for Auroras at multiple locations

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights tour in Saariselkä last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included for this aurora hunt?

Yes, hotel pickup is included within 15 km from Saariselkä center.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights on this tour?

No, sightings are not guaranteed but guides do their best to find them.

What kind of vehicle is used during the tour?

A comfortable minivan seating 6-8 people is used for transportation.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, warm berry juice and some snacks are served during stops.

Is this Northern Lights tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infant seats are available.

How many locations do we visit on this day trip from Saariselkä?

You’ll visit at least three locations chosen based on weather forecasts.

Are there tips for photographing the auroras?

The guide provides hints about camera settings for capturing auroras.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup within 15 km of Saariselkä center, transport in a cozy minivan with an experienced local guide who shares stories and camera advice along the way; plus warm berry juice and snacks served during stops as you search for clear skies and glimpses of the Northern Lights before heading back to town.