Join us for a four-hour Northern Lights experience in Northern Lapland, combining a hands-on introduction to the Aurora Borealis with a guided aurora hunt.
The evening begins at Xwander Basecamp in Ivalo with a Northern Lights workshop. Your guide will walk you through the science behind the auroras, their cultural meaning, and how forecasts are used to plan a successful hunt. You’ll also get practical tips for photographing the Northern Lights.
After the workshop, we head out into the Arctic night. We keep a close eye on the latest aurora and cloud forecasts and adjust our route as needed, aiming for the locations with the best conditions that evening. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a warm drink and a small snack to keep you comfortable in the Arctic night.
Using our local knowledge and network of routes, we explore the wilderness of the Inari area, far from light pollution. Each stop is chosen with care, giving you the best possible setting to experience the Northern Lights if they appear.
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FAQ
What if the Northern Lights don’t show up?
Why choose the Northern Lights Workshop & Hunt?
What do I need to bring?
- Warm clothing: Dress in weather-appropriate layers, including a warm hat, scarf, and good socks.
- Phone or camera (and a power bank if needed) – Our guides are happy to share tips for capturing the Northern Lights.
- Headlamp: If you have one, feel free to bring it along.
- Snacks and water: Snacks are provided, but you’re welcome to pack your own favourites too.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or less before the event.
Please note
- Please arrive at Xwander Basecamp 15 minutes before the start time.
- Weather Dependency: The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The tour is highly dependent on weather conditions, especially cloud coverage.
- Physical Requirements: The tour involves being outdoors in cold weather, so participants should be prepared for low temperatures.
- Age Restrictions: The tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the cold and the duration of the activity. For families and children we recommend our Aurora Camp product which is family friendly with activities like Stargazing with Telescope and Tobogganing in the camp.
- Accessibility: The experience is not fully accessible by wheelchair due to the nature of the terrain and activities. Contact us for accessible options of this tour.
- Clothing and Gear: Warm clothing and suitable winter gear are essential. If needed, we can provide winter overalls, warm boots, and gloves for an extra fee.
- Cold weather policy (-25°C and below or challenging conditions): In very cold or demanding weather, we will contact you to assess the situation together before the activity. There is no additional fee if the activity is cancelled by Xwander.
- We will call you at 3 pm on the day of the activity for a weather update. Xwander offers free rescheduling and an option to switch to another activity if the conditions are not optimal for the Auroras.
- Minimum age of the passengers is 4 years.
Find full FAQ from here
Book with Confidence
- Local family owned business
- Personalized service
- Flexible itineraries
- Small group sizes
Price Includes
- Guide services
- All activities listed in the tour description
- All snacks listed in the tour description
- Transfers to the tour locations and back, with departure and return at Xwander Basecamp in Ivalo center.
- Pick-up from selected locations in the area (select your nearest location at checkout).
Price Excludes
- Optional winter gear rental: overalls, boots & gloves (extra fee).
- Extra transfers for example from Inari, Nellim, Kakslauttanen, Kiilopää or Saariselkä (on request / extra fee).
- Optional add-ons (extra fee): extend the adventure – pair this tour with winter sports, classic Arctic experiences, or another Northern Lights excursion.
- Personal travel insurance (required).
