Aurora Hunting — Local services in Oulu sub-region

One memory that will last a life time!

Alex is simply the best Aurora tour operator. We had an incredible experience with Alex during our Aurora Tour on December 2nd, 2024.

We were booked for December 1st and 2nd but the weather did not want to cooperate on the first day so Alex canceled. Odds were not in our favor on the second day. Alex kept pushing the departure time. Later, we understood, that this was actually so nice because we were able to sit indoors and have access to heat and utilities instead of just being out in the cold. As an example, on a later tour in Norway, we started at 7 PM knowing almost no activity is expected until 11 PM. Timing is important.

Alex picked up the group promptly, had no issues finding us or communicating. On the drive, he explained the science around the Auroras, the process and he was very detailed and thorough. We drove not too far, 1.5 hours, and crossed the border into a dark place further north in Swedish Lapland where it was clear and we were able to see the Aurora. She started in a shy manner. But Alex did not take us back right away, and we kept waiting and we our patience was rewarded with so much beauty: green and purple visible to the naked eye, everywhere around us, it was a magical and incredible experience. We saw the aurora crown, a little angel above our heads and it was incredible. It was our first tour and first Aurora.

It was hard to beat. Alex is clear in his communication, no hidden fees and very kind! He sent us beautiful pictures and a beautiful video a few days after. No issues with pick-up or drop-off, clear communication, very helpful with camera settings, he never over stated the chances of seeing the Aurora.

We went on an another tour in Rovaniemi the next day, and two more tours in Tromsø for days 3 and 4, all with Aurora displays. But none of the tour operators could come close to Alex. It was impossible not to compare every other tour to Alex’s, and it’s hard when you start out with the best! Many tours try to cram more people, or choose poor spots with traffic, cables, lights or spots where 5 more vans from the company show up. Some charge extra for full size pictures, others don’t communicate pick-ups, or just adhere to a set time which could leave you either waiting too long in the cold or starting after “the good stuff”.

In conclusion, book as many days you can with Alex to maximize your chances! Even though sightings of Aurora can happen next to accommodations, “chasing” optimal conditions increases your chances, especially when dealing with short timelines. Just be prepared to be out and about for many hours and enjoy the process! Attached pictures are taken by Alex!

Thank you, Alex, for a memory that we will...

Here are 3 things you need to see the Northern Lights: Patience & Flexibility: Like all natural phenomena, it’s unpredictable. You need to build in buffer days and stay flexible with your plans. Control the Controllable: You can improve your chances by managing certain factors, like tracking the weather forecast, being willing to travel further, and choosing the right time of year. But before I get to the third thing, let me explain how to really maximize your odds: ALEX.

I was in Finland for five nights, and the weather wasn’t on my side for four of them. Other tour operators advised me to take a chance anyway, but Alex was different. He was upfront about my odds. Throughout the week leading up to my tour, Alex kept me updated on the weather conditions and my probabilities.

On the night of the tour, it was clear he knew exactly what he was doing. He explained his thought process, showing us how he analyzed data and weather patterns. He also quizzed us at times, making it interactive. We witnessed the sky literally dance, and it was mesmerising. Honestly, it felt like the best the night could offer, and I was ready to go home. But, at 2:30 a.m., after seeing the sky dance multiple times for about four hours, Alex decided to switch locations again and remained confident the sky would put on another show. He kept insisting on one dormant part of the lights to ignite. So, I sat in the van warming up, waiting for him to say “WOW” repeatedly, which was his sign that the dance has started. After about 10 min, after the city slept, the best show of the night unfolded and it did not stop!! I turned 28 that night and I saw MAGIC!! I truly believe the universe gave me the best birthday gift I could ever ask for.

Luck: As Alex reminded us, sometimes you need a bit of luck on your side. We did everything possible to be in the right place at the right time. We were patient, moved when we needed to, and luck finally smiled on us. The forecast had shifted from positive to negative, the clouds cleared up and we even saw rare red Northern Lights with the naked eye—something most people only dream of.

While you can track and control many factors, I believe the most important choice I made during my trip was Alex. You might give up, but he won’t!

Thank you,...

We (family of 4) join a hunt with Alex on the 4th October 2024 and Arctic GM Experience OY on the 5th Oct 2024. Alex is a very experienced hunter with 4 professional cameras with him to capture the time lapsed video and photos of his clients. His in-depth knowledge of the Rovaniemi and Swedish landscape allow us to capture beautiful photos of aurora with beautiful reflections upon the lake. Photos are only beautiful with a proper foreground and Alex knows that so well. As much as the weather and location allows, you can see he likes to capture beautiful Aurora pictures with reflection upon the waters. Aurora was amazing on the 4th but not so good on the 5th. However, Alex still managed to find a location with waters and made the sub-par aurora much nicer upon reflecting on the water. We didn’t join Alex on the 5th as he was full. Arctic GM Experiences guide on the other hand was not as experienced as Alex… he brought us to Swedish boarder which just has a forest backdrop. Everything was pitch black, no reflection upon water and the guide only had one camera with him. The guide couldn’t shoot time lapsed videos with his gear and his photos were super exposed. This is when you see the difference in experience and professionalism between the 2 operators and hence the price of the tour. Alex also personally took special care of my 72 year old mom during the tour…. Helping her and us 3 ladies to put on warm clothings and boots. Thank you for the Amazing night on the 4th Oct 2024!

Btw, nobody cares about hot soup 🤪 we just want to see amazing auroras … so continue do to what...