What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Saariselkä?

The Aurora is most visible between late September and early April, especially December to March when nights are longest and darkest.

Is the Northern Lights sighting guaranteed on the tour?

No. The aurora is a natural phenomenon and its appearance depends on solar activity and weather. Guides choose optimal spots to maximize chances.

Do I need previous snowmobile experience to join?

No previous experience is required. A briefing and hands-on instructions are provided before the ride.

Can children participate in the snowmobile ride?

Participants must be at least 12 years old. Children under 140 cm tall must ride in a sleigh pulled by a guide's snowmobile.

What happens if I’m unable to drive the snowmobile?

If you cannot drive due to injury or other reasons, inform the operator in advance. A driver can join for an additional fee if available.

Are transfers available to and from the tour?

Yes. Transfers can be arranged from pre-agreed locations to Star Arctic Hotel for your convenience.

Chasing the Northern Lights: Aurora Hunting Adventure by Snowmobile in Saariselkä, Finland | Air Activities | Guided Tour

Set amid the sweeping Arctic fells and pristine forests of Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland, the Aurora Hunting Adventure by Snowmobile delivers a pulse-pounding blend of winter exploration and celestial wonder. Saariselkä, renowned for its vast wilderness and clear, dark skies, offers a prime arena for spotting the elusive Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. This three-hour guided tour is designed for thrill seekers age 12 and up, providing a rare chance to race across frozen trails beneath the polar night’s glow.

Your journey begins at Star Arctic Hotel, a gateway to Lapland’s distinctive winter landscape on Ylämajantie 1. Once suited up in thermal outerwear—boots, gloves, and insulated overalls—the adventure shifts into gear with a briefing on snowmobile operation and safety. Partnered in teams of two, riders take turns maneuvering across gently rolling fells and through dense Arctic forests carpeted in snow. Each twist and turn reveals dramatic scenes of frost-laden pine and birch trees, their branches sparkling under moonlight and stars.

The guides, steeped in local tradition and ecology, punctuate the ride with stories of Lapland’s heritage, offering insights into Sámi culture and the natural environment. Midway, the group pauses for a warm drink, an invitation to soak in the stillness of this remote winter wonderland. What makes this trip extraordinary is the prospect of encountering the Northern Lights, a phenomenon shaped by solar wind particles colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. Your guide will stop the snowmobiles at optimal viewing points when the aurora appears, allowing for careful photography and quiet admiration of this surreal green and purple light dance.

Saariselkä's unique setting amplifies this experience — with low light pollution and sweeping horizons, aurora sightings here are amongst the best in Europe, though naturally unpredictable. This snowmobile tour combines accessibility with an authentic Arctic encounter, suitable for moderately fit participants with no technical skills required, though a driver's license and minimum age of 18 are mandatory to pilot a snowmobile.

Star Arctic Hotel's operation ensures guest comfort and safety, providing all necessary gear and expert guidance. Transfers can be arranged, and the option to ride in a sleigh for younger guests under 140 cm guarantees family-friendly accessibility.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious traveler, this expedition connects you to Lapland’s winter pulse and its spectacular night sky in a way few other experiences can. For those ready to embrace the Arctic’s hush and thrill, the Aurora Hunting Adventure by Snowmobile is an electrifying passage into one of nature’s grandest shows.

About Star Arctic Hotel

Star Arctic Hotel is a full-service Arctic hotel and activity provider based in Saariselkä, Lapland, served via Ivalo airport. The hotel organizes guided winter experiences that highlight Lapland’s natural beauty and cultural traditions. Offerings include Siberian husky sledding with farm visits, long sled expeditions, aurora hunting by sled, snowshoeing, snowmobiling adventures, reindeer farm visits, ice fishing with sleigh rides, wilderness dinners, and transfers to and from Ivalo airport. Trips vary from short family-friendly options like a 5 km husky sled ride to longer experiences such as 10 km expeditions and multi-hour snowmobile tours.

Experienced local guides and professional mushers lead activities, provide safety briefings, and deliver warm beverages and traditional refreshments during breaks. Several programs include hands-on moments — switching drivers on the sled, meeting husky teams, feeding reindeer, and learning ice-fishing techniques. Seasonal highlights include aurora hunting excursions by husky, snowmobile, car, heated sleigh, and on foot, offering multiple ways to seek the Northern Lights. The hotel also facilitates cultural visits such as the Siida Museum day trip and the Tankavaara Gold Museum tour with lunch.

Star Arctic Hotel lists transfers to and from Ivalo airport and accommodates families, beginners, and experienced adventurers. Booking options include short discoveries, half-day outings, and longer tours. The business emphasizes animal care, local knowledge, clear safety procedures, and memorable Arctic experiences that showcase Lapland’s winter landscapes and traditions. Guests can combine activities into tailored itineraries, book seasonal special programs, and receive practical advice for Arctic clothing and arrival logistics, and local transport options.