Dress in layers
Bring a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell—temperatures and wind chill can change quickly while moving.
Riding the Sky: Hunting Northern Lights by Snowmobiles in Saariselkä
A midnight motor through Lapland’s open fells to chase the aurora—speed, skill, and the sky.
Continue ReadingThe engine growls like a distant animal, low and patient, while the tundra around us exhales steam into the polar night. Snow arcs from under tracked runners, ghosting away in silver filaments as our group threads between low birch and lichen-bare ridges. Above, the sky is a black bowl waiting to be stirred. When the first green sash unfurls—thin, wavering, then suddenly thick and alive—it feels less like seeing a phenomenon and more like being invited into a conversation the Arctic’s held for millennia.
DurationApproximately 5 hours
Group Size1–10 Guests
LanguagesEnglish
Rating4.3 (24 reviews)
Trail Wisdom
Trail Wisdom
Protect camera batteries
Keep spares in an inside jacket pocket; cold drains batteries fast during long-exposure aurora shots.
Follow the guide’s line
Guides choose routes to avoid thin ice and sensitive reindeer grounds—stay in formation and obey instructions.
Hydrate and snack
Cold can blunt thirst—carry an insulated water bottle and high-energy snacks to maintain warmth and focus.
Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- Kakslauttanen’s glass igloos for a warm aurora-watching alternative
- Short snowshoe loops near Saariselkä offering quiet daytime exploration
Wildlife
Reindeer, Ptarmigan
Conservation Note
Respect marked routes to avoid damaging fragile tundra and lichen; operators minimize disturbance by using established tracks and advising on wildlife etiquette.
Lapland has a long Sámi heritage; reindeer herding shaped migratory routes and local place names still used today.
Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for:Longer nights early in season, Stable cold spells, Good snowpack late March
Challenges:Variable melt in late spring, Shortening aurora windows
Early spring (late February–March) often provides stable cold nights and deep snow—great for riding and photography; late spring sees shorter aurora hours.
summer
Best for:Midnight sun experiences, Hiking alternative activities, Boat and fishing trips in the region
Challenges:No aurora due to midnight sun, Limited snow for snowmobiles
Summer rules out aurora hunting due to continuous daylight; operators may offer ATV or different seasonal activities instead.
fall
Best for:Onset of darkness for aurora season, Fewer tourists, Crisp, clear nights
Challenges:Unreliable snow cover in November, Cold snaps and wet conditions
Autumn brings darkness back to Lapland—good aurora potential—but early season trips may switch to ATVs if snow is sparse.
winter
Best for:Peak aurora viewing, Snowmobile access, Classic Lapland scenery
Challenges:Extreme cold nights, Short daylight hours
Winter offers the most reliable conditions for snowmobiling and aurora hunting; dress for prolonged cold and watch for wind chill.
Photographer's Notes
Photographer's Notes
Use a wide-angle lens, set manual focus to infinity, start at 8–15s exposure and ISO 800–1600, and keep spare batteries inside your jacket; a compact tripod and remote shutter greatly improve aurora shots.
What to Bring
What to Bring
Insulated boots
EssentialWarm, waterproof boots keep feet protected when standing in snow for long exposures.
Balaclava and insulating gloves
EssentialProtects face and fingers from wind chill while riding at speed.
Camera with tripod
Manual controls and stable support are essential for aurora long exposures.
Spare camera batteries and headlamp
EssentialCold reduces battery life; a headlamp helps during brief stops and gear checks.
Common Questions
Common Questions
What to Pack
What to Pack
Insulated boots (warmth and traction); warm gloves and balaclava (protect from wind chill); camera + tripod (capture aurora); insulated water bottle and snacks (maintain energy and warmth)
Did You Know
Did You Know
Saariselkä lies within the auroral oval—the area with the highest probability of seeing the Northern Lights—making it one of Europe’s most reliable aurora-viewing regions.
Quick Travel Tips
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL) and transfer to Saariselkä (approx 30–40 min); check with the operator about snow vs. ATV alternatives in November; expect limited cell coverage in remote viewing sites; book evening tours 48–72 hours in advance during peak season
Local Flavor
Local Flavor
After a night of snowmobile hunting, warm up with traditional Sámi fare—reindeer stew (poronkäristys) and crisp bread—at a local lodge, then try a wood-fired sauna to restore circulation; several small cafés and hotel restaurants in Saariselkä serve locally brewed beers and baked goods.
Logistics Snapshot
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airportIvalo (IVL) ~35–40 km; Driving distance from Saariselkä village: typically 0–20 minutes to meeting point; Cell service: good near town, spotty in remote clearings; Permits: none for guided tours, but respect private reindeer fence lines.
Sustainability Note
Sustainability Note
Operators use established trails to minimize tundra damage; travelers should avoid leaving tracks off-route, pack out all waste, and follow guide instructions to protect reindeer grazing areas.
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