Head out of Saariselkä by minivan for a guided three‑hour hunt for the Northern Lights. Guides relocate to the darkest ridgelines and frozen lakes, offering photography tips, warm drinks, and local stories to maximize your chances of seeing auroras.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The night opens like a cold, velvet sheet over the fell country and the minivan slips away from Saariselkä's sodium glow. Guides scan the sky and the forecast while tires whisper on frost-hardened gravel; the hunt begins, moving to darker ridgelines and frozen lakes where the northern lights can show their moodiest colors.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, gentle stops and minimal walking from vehicle to viewpoint
Wildlife
History
The area sits within Sápmi, where Sámi reindeer herding and oral traditions have long interpreted the northern lights as culturally significant phenomena.
Conservation
Guides avoid lighting and stay on roads or hardened ground to minimize disturbance; visitors should follow leave-no-trace principles and respect reindeer pastures.
Reserve your spot on the Aurora Photography Tour 3 HOURS today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for arctic nights
Temperatures can drop fast; wear a base layer, insulating mid-layer and a windproof outer shell plus insulated boots and mittens.
Bring a sturdy tripod
Long exposures demand a stable tripod—handheld shots will blur under auroral motion and long shutter speeds.
Use red light only
A red headlamp preserves night vision and prevents ruining long-exposure compositions for others.
Charge batteries and bring spares
Cold drains batteries quickly—keep spares in an inner pocket to preserve charge.
Insulated parka and warm boots
Keeps you comfortable during long stationary photo setups in subzero temperatures.
winter
Tripod
Required for stable long-exposure aurora photos and low-light framing.
winter
Camera with manual controls (DSLR or mirrorless)
Manual ISO, aperture and shutter control let you capture aurora color and motion.
Headlamp with red mode
Preserves night vision and helps adjust camera settings without disrupting others.