Leave Kiruna’s lights behind and follow a local guide into Lapland’s dark roads to seek the Aurora Borealis. This three-hour car-based chase uses weather-savvy routing, photography tips, and warm drinks to maximize your chance of a sighting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Night opens like a blank page as the van slips away from Kiruna’s sodium streetlights and into a bowl of black. The guide scans the sky, checks aurora forecasts, and navigates quiet gravel roads until a break in the cloud and color appear — then everyone steps out into the cold, hot drinks steaming in gloved hands, eyes lifted to a slow, green ripple across the arctic vault.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required — mainly standing and short walks; accessible to most travelers
Wildlife
History
Kiruna sits on Sámi traditional lands and grew around 20th-century iron mining; both the indigenous culture and mining heritage shape local stories and landscapes.
Conservation
Minimize light pollution and stick to roads and designated pullouts to protect fragile tundra and Sámi grazing areas.
Reserve your spot on the From Kiruna: Northern Lights Chase by Car today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can plummet quickly; thermal base layers, an insulated mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell keep you comfortable during roadside stops.
Keep camera batteries warm
Cold drains batteries fast — store spares inside an inner pocket and swap them quickly while shooting.
Bring a compact tripod
Long exposures are necessary for aurora photography; a small, sturdy tripod improves image sharpness more than a heavier lens.
Expect roadside stops
Guides use pullouts and short walks rather than long hikes; prepare for standing on uneven ground and limited facilities.
Insulated parka
Blocks wind and retains heat during extended roadside stops.
winter
Thermal base layers and insulated gloves
Core warmth and dexterity for handling camera gear in frigid temperatures.
winter
Compact tripod
Necessary for stable long-exposure aurora photos.
Headlamp with red light
Hands-free illumination for adjusting camera settings without ruining night vision.