Northern Lights Chase in Kiruna

This chase runs from September through March, when Arctic nights are long enough and dark enough for aurora viewing. Exact departure dates appear on the calendar for each month. Early and late season can still produce strong displays, though peak winter from November to February often brings the longest hours of darkness.

Weather varies across the season, and your guide adapts each outing accordingly. September and March may feel milder than midwinter, but warm clothing is still essential whenever you step outside. Check the calendar for available dates in your preferred month.

No aurora experience can guarantee a sighting. The northern lights depend on solar activity and clear skies, both of which change from night to night. This outing is designed as a chase: your guide uses live weather and aurora forecasts to drive toward the clearest skies within roughly 200 km of Kiruna rather than waiting at a single spot.

Many guests do see the aurora on clear, active nights, but some evenings may bring clouds or quiet solar conditions despite everyone's best efforts. Even when the lights stay hidden, the polar night, starry skies and Arctic landscape make the trip worthwhile for many visitors.

Hotel pickup in Kiruna and Jukkasjärvi typically begins around 17:30, with the main activity running from roughly 18:00 to 23:00. The total duration is around 5 hours, though exact return times depend on road conditions and how far the chase travels in search of clear skies.

Your guide may extend or shorten stops based on aurora activity on the night. Allow a little flexibility in your evening plans and dress as though you will be out until late, even if you hope to be back earlier.

Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Kiruna and Jukkasjärvi. This covers the main accommodation areas used by visitors to the region, including properties near the town centre and the ice hotel village. Confirm your hotel address when arranging your visit if you are unsure whether it falls within the zone.

If you are staying outside Kiruna or Jukkasjärvi, you will need to make your own way to a hotel within the pickup area or arrange alternative transport. The operator may be able to advise on the nearest suitable pickup point if you ask in advance.

The chase may cover up to 400 km of driving in total over the evening, searching within roughly 200 km of Kiruna for the best combination of clear skies and aurora activity. The route is never fixed in advance because cloud cover and solar conditions change hour by hour.

This flexibility is the point of a chase rather than a static viewpoint tour. Your guide chooses direction based on the latest data and local knowledge, which sometimes means a longer drive but often means better chances when breaks in the cloud appear elsewhere.

Dress for standing outside in Arctic winter temperatures, even though you can warm up in the minibus between stops. Layer thermal base layers under a warm insulated jacket, and wear sturdy winter boots, a hat, mittens and a scarf or buff to protect your face from cold wind.

Standing still while watching the sky cools you quickly, so it is better to bring more layers than you think you need. The operator recommends multiple warm layers rather than a single heavy coat alone, so you can adjust as you move between the bus and outdoor viewing spots.

Yes, children aged 7 and over are welcome when accompanied by a responsible adult. The activity is rated very easy and mostly involves sitting in the minibus with short outdoor stops, making it suitable for families who are prepared for a late evening and cold conditions.

Younger children may find the long duration and late hours tiring, and they must stay warm throughout. There is no special children's rate on this listing; all participants are charged the same price shown.

Tours may be cancelled on the day if a snowstorm or other severe weather makes driving unsafe, or if too few participants have signed up to meet the minimum group size of 4. Your guide stays in contact so you receive updates before departure whenever possible.

Because conditions can change quickly in the Arctic, final decisions are sometimes made close to pickup time. If an outing is cancelled for weather or low numbers, refer to the strict cancellation policy for your options.

A camera or smartphone is recommended if you want to capture the aurora when it appears. Many phones perform well in low light with a steady hand, but a tripod helps for longer exposures and sharper results when the lights are faint or moving quickly across the sky.

Your guide can offer practical photography tips during the outing when conditions allow. Tripods are not provided, so bring your own if you plan to shoot longer exposures. Even without a camera, watching the aurora with the naked eye is the highlight for many guests.

Each outing takes a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants, keeping the group small enough for a personal experience and flexible routing in the minibus. Smaller groups mean quicker decisions on where to drive and more space to spread out at viewing stops.

If fewer than 4 people are signed up, the tour may not run and you will be notified on the day. This minimum helps cover the costs of a dedicated vehicle and guide for the full evening chase.