Leave city lights behind and hunt the aurora by minivan from Rovaniemi. This small-group tour blends mobile access to dark skies with hands-on photography instruction and local aurora expertise.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The minivan eases away from Rovaniemi under a hard, cold sky and the world tightens to the beam of the headlights and the hush of the forest. Guides scan the horizon and consult aurora indices while the road unfurls across open tundra and birch scrub. When the lights arrive they don't ask permission — curtains and waves of green and purple pushing across the sky like an ocean that breathes. Photographers set tripods; novices learn to hold the shutter open and trust the dark.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Light — tour involves short standing and walking breaks; comfortable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Rovaniemi was rebuilt after World War II and developed as the administrative center of Finnish Lapland, blending Sámi heritage with post-war modern architecture.
Conservation
Respect dark-sky etiquette by avoiding local light pollution; stick to marked roads and parking areas to minimize disturbance to wildlife and vegetation.
Reserve your spot on the Go on a Northern Lights Photography Tour - Small Group by minivan today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a sturdy tripod
Long exposures require a stable tripod; even small shakes blur starfields and aurora ribbons.
Layer for extreme cold
Temperatures can plunge—use insulating base and mid-layers plus a windproof outer shell and warm boots.
Charge spare batteries
Cold depletes batteries quickly—carry spares in an inner pocket to keep them warm.
Download aurora and weather apps
Track Kp-index and cloud cover to set expectations and maximize chances of clear sky stops.
Camera with manual controls
Allows control of shutter, aperture, and ISO for clear aurora images.
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Sturdy tripod
Keeps the camera steady during long exposures required for aurora photography.
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Insulated boots and thermal layers
Protects against prolonged exposure to cold during standing shoots at night.
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Headlamp with red light
Hands-free illumination that preserves night vision while changing camera settings.
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