Frequently asked questions
How far from Rovaniemi can we actually go?
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The longer the tour, the further we can explore. Our 8-hour tour typically operates within a 100-150 km radius, allowing us to reach fantastic destinations like Korouoma Canyon. The 12-hour Expedition removes these limits, giving us the freedom to travel to even more remote areas like Riisitunturi National Park or the Kuusamo region for a truly exclusive experience.

What languages do you offer tours in?
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To ensure the highest quality of service and storytelling, all our tours are fluently guided in both English and Finnish. At this time, we are unfortunately not able to offer tours in other languages.

What is the maximum group size? Can I book a tour if I'm traveling solo?
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Our modern minibus is perfectly suited for private groups of up to 7 people. We absolutely welcome solo adventurers as well; the tour will be completely tailored to your personal interests!

How far in advance do I need to book?
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Our online booking closes 14-16 hours before the tour starts, depending on the tour length. However, as a private service with very limited availability (only one tour at a time), we highly recommend booking well in advance, especially during the peak winter season (December-March), to secure your preferred date.

What is your cancellation policy?
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Due to the private and highly customized nature of our tours, we reserve your guide and vehicle exclusively for your group for the chosen date. Because of this, all bookings are final and non-refundable. We recommend having travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from travelling.

I don't have proper winter clothes. Can you help?
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While we provide very warm outer jackets for the tour, we do recommend having your own thermal layers, winter trousers, and boots. If you don't have these, don't worry. Rovaniemi has several excellent gear rental shops. We are happy to recommend our trusted partners and can even incorporate a quick stop to pick up gear at the beginning of your tour.

What kind of clothing should I wear for a winter tour?
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The key to staying warm is layers! We recommend a thermal base layer (wool is best), a fleece mid-layer, and your own warm winter jacket and trousers. For your comfort, we provide an extremely warm 'Aurora hunting' jacket to wear as an extra outer shell, but having good personal layers underneath is still very important.

Is seeing the Northern Lights guaranteed?
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The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so unfortunately, no one can guarantee a sighting. However, we can guarantee that we will use our local knowledge and the latest space weather data to take you to the best possible locations with the highest probability of seeing them. We promise a wonderful, private evening adventure under the Arctic stars, and if the Aurora decides to dance, we'll be in the perfect spot to witness it.

Where do you pick us up from?
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It's simple: we provide door-to-door service. We will pick you up and drop you off directly at any hotel, apartment, or accommodation within the Rovaniemi area in 4-hour tours. In longer ones, the pick-up range is greater.

What is included in the 'Professional Photography' service?
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This is the heart of what we do. Included in your tour price is a comprehensive photography service. Throughout the adventure, I will be taking a mix of beautiful landscape shots and candid & posed portraits of you and your group. After the tour, I professionally edit the best images and deliver them to you as a high-resolution digital gallery.

What is always included in the price?
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Everything needed for a perfect, stress-free experience: private door-to-door transportation in our new minibus, your personal local guide and photographer, a full gallery of digital photos, warm Aurora jackets, any activity-specific gear (like snowshoes), and a cozy campfire with snacks and hot drinks.

Can I get printed photos in addition to the digital gallery?
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Yes, absolutely. In addition to the extensive digital gallery that is always included in your tour, we also offer high-quality prints s as a beautiful physical souvenir.

Should I still bring my own camera or phone for photos?
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Of course! We encourage you to take your own photos. If you have a camera and want some tips on how to best capture the scenery or the Northern Lights, we are always happy to help you with settings and composition.

I'm not a photographer. Is this tour still for me?
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Absolutely! This tour is designed for everyone. In fact, most of our guests are not photographers. The whole point of our service is that I am your personal photographer. Your only job is to relax, enjoy the moments, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Lapland. I'll take care of capturing the memories for you.

Are your tours suitable for young children? Do you provide child seats?
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Yes, we warmly welcome families and the private nature of our tours is perfect for them! We can completely tailor the pace and activities to keep your little ones engaged and comfortable. We provide certified child seats free of charge for our younger adventurers; just let us know the age/weight of your child when booking.

How do the optional extras like the Reindeer Farm or Sauna experience work?
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We make it seamless. Simply book your main private tour (4h, 8h, or 12h) first. Then, just send us a message to let us know you'd like to add an experience. We will handle all the logistics and arrangements to integrate it perfectly into your itinerary. Please note that the entrance fees or usage fees for these partner locations are not included in our price and are paid by you directly on-site.

Are full meals included on the longer 8-hour or 12-hour tours?
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We always provide a traditional and fun campfire experience with grilled sausages (vegetarian options available), snacks, and a selection of warm and cold drinks. This is more of a hearty snack or light meal than a full restaurant lunch or dinner. On our longer tours, you are very welcome to bring your own favourite treats. Alternatively, we can incorporate a stop at a charming loca restaurant into your custom itinerary (cost of the meal would be extra).

The 12-hour tour is very long. How much of the day is spent driving?
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A 12-hour expedition is a true immersion, and reaching the most remote and pristine locations does involve more driving (typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way). We see this travel time as a core part of the adventure its a chance to witness the landscape change, spot wildlife, and share stories about Lapland. The day is a comfortable blend of scenic driving, several hours of outdoor activity, a relaxing campfire, and the flexibility that a long day provides. Driving is more than just the travel from point A to B,

How physically fit do I need to be for the 12-hour tour?
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The activities themselves, like snowshoeing or hiking, are always tailored to your group's pace and are generally rated as 'Easy'. The main consideration for the 12-hour tour is stamina. It is a long but incredibly rewarding day spent mostly outdoors in an Arctic environment. A basic level of fitness and, most importantly, a readiness for a full day's adventure are all that's required.

How physically demanding are your tours? Are they suitable for children or elderly people?
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All our tours are rated as Easy. Because every experience is 100% private, we move at your pace. Whether you're an active adventurer or a family with young children, we tailor the physical activity level to be comfortable and enjoyable for everyone in your group.

How does the 'fully tailored itinerary' work in practice?
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It starts with a conversation! When doing reservation, we ask some clarifiying questions, and when we pick you up, we'll chat about your wishes for the day. We'll suggest a plan based on the weather and your interests, but we remain completely flexible. If you're loving a particular spot and want to stay longer, we stay longer. If we hear of a better chance for auroras on the other side of a fell, we can change plans on the fly.

Let's plan together

Don't See the Perfect Fit?
Let's Create It!

Our passion is crafting one-of-a-kind experiences. The given examples are just the beginning. If you have a special request or a unique idea, we would love to build a custom itinerary just for you.

You can contact us multiple ways, use chat button in the corner to contact us directly, or call/whatsapp +358 40 538 0000 or timo@thelaplandstandard.com

A picture of Timo Autto, one of the founders