Kiruna Northern Lights Minivan Chase: A Detailed Review
Alright, so you are looking at chasing the Northern Lights in Kiruna, Sweden, that’s pretty neat. Maybe a Minivan tour sounds just perfect, like a comfortable and convenient way to possibly spot this incredible natural phenomenon, right? Well, I had the chance to check out the ‘Kiruna Northern Lights Minivan Chase with Warm Drink,’ and I thought I would provide you with my thoughts. This will give you a sense of what the experience offers, potentially pointing out some things you may wish you would have considered ahead of time, to better set your expectations.
What To Expect From The Chase
The main thing, is that this tour basically promises a guided hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Now, they’re pretty up front that seeing the lights isn’t a guarantee, after all, it’s kinda Mother Nature that’s in control here. Still, the tour is geared to boost your chances. The small group size of the tour creates a more personalized feel. This, for many, is preferable to a huge busload of tourists.
Usually, the guide knows some decent viewing spots outside Kiruna, avoiding as much light pollution as possible. Spotting them in person really is pretty impressive! Oh, and the ‘warm drink’ part? Hot chocolate or coffee typically is what they offer. It’s a simple, warm touch that really helps take the edge off those super cold Arctic nights.
The Pros: Small Group, Expert Guide, Cozy Vibes
One of the big wins with this tour, very much for me anyway, was the smaller group. Sharing the experience with a handful of people made it way more intimate. You sort of avoid the feeling of being herded around.
Another thing, I found the guide to be experienced, offering info on the lights themselves. You’re getting updates, understanding how the lights occur, and learning a little bit about the local area, you know? The warm drink bit, admittedly, sounds trivial, but out there in the freezing dark, it truly made a difference. A lot of us brought snacks but really enjoyed that touch from the tour company.
The minivan aspect means that moving from location to location becomes pretty flexible, pretty quick. If one spot wasn’t working, it seems that we could relocate with little fuss. Compared to waiting on a full-sized coach, you know? So, that was actually pretty convenient.
The Cons: No Guarantees, Weather Dependent, Could Be Crowded
Okay, now it is crucial to talk about the not-so-perfect aspects. Look, the Northern Lights are pretty whimsical, I mean, you aren’t buying a show ticket; you’re more like hoping to catch a glimpse of something natural, yet incredible. The tour, naturally, cannot make promises.
Yep, sometimes the weather really just doesn’t play along. Full cloud cover? Well, the greatest guide and fanciest minivan still can’t magically make the aurora shine through. A reminder too is that despite being a “small” group, other tours could be out at some popular spots. You’re very well likely not going to be the only people hoping to catch those lights!
Ultimately, while the tour focuses on minimizing light pollution, Kiruna is very well a town. This isn’t some totally secluded Arctic wilderness experience, more like venturing just outside town for a better view. So it will be better, still nothing like the middle of nowhere.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Chase
Okay, if you want to get the most from your Kiruna Northern Lights minivan adventure, a few things are truly important to consider. Primarily, keep in mind to dress properly. I really mean it when I suggest layering up like an onion. Base layers, fleeces, and then a really, really good coat, I mean! Don’t forget the hat, gloves (maybe two pairs!), and scarf. Cold toes, they ruin everything.
It’s also very useful to charge up your camera or phone ahead. Taking fantastic photos of the lights may very well be a big part of the experience. Have an extra power bank. A tripod, by the way, also proves valuable for capturing great photos with little or no motion blur. Most important is to keep those expectations grounded. Going into the tour with the attitude that you’ll definitely see the lights? You’ll just get upset if they are a no-show.
Finally, chat to your guide, I am pretty serious! These folks typically know their stuff about aurora forecasting. Plus, they’ll be able to share stories and give advice about other great activities in Kiruna and the surrounding area.