Northern Lights Chase from Kiruna by Car

The aurora doesn't stay in one place, so neither does the tour.

A three-hour guided Northern Lights tour departing from Kiruna that drives to prime viewing spots across the Arctic landscape in search of the Aurora Borealis. The route changes based on weather, cloud cover and solar activity to maximize your chances of witnessing the lights. A live English-speaking guide shares insights about Lapland's polar night and Arctic life, and warm drinks keep you comfortable throughout the chase.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights Chase from Kiruna

• Depart from Kiruna city
• Drive to prime viewing locations
• Enjoy warm drinks during tour
• Learn about aurora and Arctic life
• Chase and watch Northern Lights
• Receive photography tips

The experience

You'll depart Kiruna in an air-conditioned vehicle and head into the quiet Arctic night, leaving the city lights behind to reach the best possible viewing locations. The guide decides the route on the night itself (driving shorter or longer distances depending on weather conditions, cloud cover and solar activity), so the tour adapts to what the sky is actually doing. This flexibility is what keeps your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis as high as they can be.

Along the drive, your guide shares what makes the aurora happen and what Lapland's unique polar night is like, turning the search itself into the experience rather than just waiting for a show. You'll learn tips for photographing the lights if you want to capture them, and warm drinks are provided to keep you comfortable during the hours outside. Camera rental is available if you didn't bring your own gear.

The tour runs for roughly three and a half hours total. Patience and timing matter here: the Northern Lights depend on solar activity and clear skies, so there's no guarantee on any given night, but the guide knows where conditions are most likely to cooperate.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide in English.
• warm drinks.
• hotel pickup from Kiruna.
• camera rental available for an additional fee.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 20:00

Book up to6h before

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Explore Arctic

Is this one for you?Book this if you're traveling with family or a small group and want a guide who knows where to chase the lights rather than waiting in one spot. The changing route each night means you're following the best conditions, not a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

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.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear during the tour?

The tour still runs as scheduled, and you'll spend the time driving to prime viewing spots while learning about the aurora and Lapland's Arctic environment. Seeing the lights depends on solar activity and weather conditions beyond anyone's control, so the guide focuses on maximizing your chances rather than guaranteeing a sighting.

How far from Kiruna will the car drive to find the lights?

The distance varies each night based on weather, cloud cover and solar activity. The guide decides the route on the night itself, driving shorter or longer distances to reach the clearest skies and best viewing conditions available.

Is this tour suitable for children and families?

Yes, the tour is designed for families and adults alike and is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll spend most of the time in the heated vehicle, so it works for a range of ages and abilities.

What should I bring to photograph the Northern Lights?

Bring your own camera if you have one capable of long exposures. The guide will share photography tips during the tour, and camera rental is available if you need equipment.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup from Kiruna is included in the tour. You'll be collected and returned as part of the three-and-a-half-hour experience.