There are many (cheap) options in Rovaniemi that are operated with a large bus carrying dozens of travellers, while others, like Beyond Arctic, use small minivans with just a handful of guests – usually up to just 8 persons. Here’s why you should always choose a small-group tour over a large bus – and get the best value for your money.

While both options may visit similar destinations, the journey itself can be very different.

At Beyond Arctic, we believe that exploring Lapland in a small group creates a more enjoyable and meaningful travel experience. It's not just about the size of the vehicle—it's about having the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions, spending more time outdoors, and discovering places that larger busses can't reach.  When you join one of our Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours in search of the Aurora Borealis, you will be travelling with a maximum of eight guests. This guarantees a more personal, relaxed and flexible experience.

More Time Enjoying the Destination

A large bus is an efficient way to move many people at once, but it also comes with practical challenges. For one, boarding takes longer, then everyone needs to be accounted for, and each stop made along the way requires even more time for people to get on and off the bus.

With a small minivan, the evening and night flows more naturally. Our small groups (when everyone is dressed in the included winter clothing) can pack up and leave in just a few minutes, which means more time can be spent where it matters. That means more time walking through a snowy forest, photographing landscapes, or simply enjoying the night sky instead of waiting in a parking area.

Over the course of a full evening chasing the Northern Lights, those minutes add up and can be the difference between being in the right place at the right time – or missing out on seeing the lights!

We Have Access to Places Large Busses Can't Reach

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a Beyond Arctic Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi and travelling by minivan is the flexibility.

Many of Lapland's most beautiful locations are found along small forest roads or in areas with limited parking. A large bus often must stay on the main roads, while a minivan can comfortably reach quieter trailheads, scenic viewpoints, and lesser-visited nature areas. Instead of sharing a viewpoint with several busloads of visitors, you often will find yourself enjoying the landscape with only your small group. That, combined with our knowledge of the local area and our many private locations means more opportunities to visit places that remain peaceful even during the busiest parts of the winter season.  

Small-Group Tours in Lapland Offer More Flexibility

Searching for the Aurora Borealis is one of the highlights of visiting Finnish Lapland, but seeing the Northern Lights depends on several factors, including cloud cover, solar activity, and finding dark skies.

The weather changes throughout the day, wildlife moves freely, and the best photography conditions can appear unexpectedly. One of the biggest advantages of Beyond Arctic’s small-group tours in Lapland is that we can respond to the changing conditions.

Unlike large busses, Northern Lights tours in a minivan can quickly relocate if weather conditions change or another viewing location offers clearer skies. Beyond Arctic’s guides can choose smaller lakeshores, forest clearings, or riversides that provide excellent visibility and minimal light pollution while avoiding busier viewing spots.

Our guides and support team continuously monitor forecasts and conditions before and during every tour. Having a smaller group allows them to make decisions based on what's happening in nature rather than following a rigid timetable. 

Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tours with a Personal Touch

Another point for small-group tours is the more personal approach. With a maximum of eight guests, our guides can get to know everyone, answer individual questions, and adapt conversations to the group's interests. Some travellers are curious about Arctic wildlife, while others want to learn about local history, Finnish traditions, or the ecosystems that make Lapland unique. Instead of listening from the back of a bus, our guides can create a more interactive experience where everyone feels involved.

Why You Should Go for a Small-Group Tour

At Beyond Arctic, our small-group tours in Lapland are designed around the conditions, the season, and the people joining each excursion—not around filling every seat on a big bus. 

After all, some of the best travel experiences aren't measured by how many places you visit in a day, but by how connected you feel to the destination along the way.

Do you have more questions? Contact us! Our team of Arctic experts are here to help tailor a plan for your visit by phone or WhatsApp (+358 50 323 1090) or email (contact@beyondarctic.com) 

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