Overview
The Great Aurora Hunt is a small-group Northern Lights expedition in Swedish Lapland designed for travellers who want to experience and photograph the aurora beneath truly dark Arctic skies.
Taking place during the New Moon period in March, the expedition explores the winter landscapes around Luleå where favourable viewing conditions and minimal light pollution provide excellent opportunities for observing and photographing the Northern Lights.
This small-group expedition is led by professional astrophotographer and veteran aurora chaser Andy Keen, who will guide guests in witnessing and photographing the Northern Lights while exploring the Arctic landscapes around Luleå.
The expedition is designed for photographers of all levels as well as travellers who simply wish to experience the excitement of seeing the Northern Lights beneath truly dark skies.
If you have ever dreamed of standing beneath the aurora in a quiet Arctic landscape far from crowds and city lights, the Great Aurora Hunt expedition offers a rare opportunity to experience the Northern Lights in one of Scandinavia’s less travelled regions.
With only six places available on each departure, early enquiries are recommended.
Northern Lights Tour in Swedish Lapland
The Great Aurora Hunt is a small-group Northern Lights tour based in Luleå in Swedish Lapland. The expedition combines aurora chasing, Arctic landscapes and hands-on photography guidance beneath some of Scandinavia’s darkest winter skies.
Unlike larger tour operations, the expedition operates with a maximum of six participants, allowing flexibility to travel to locations with the best weather and viewing conditions during the week.
Your Expedition Leader
Andy Keen is a professional astrophotographer, educator, and veteran aurora chaser from the UK. He has spent more than 16 years under Arctic skies and over 10,000 hours beneath the Northern Lights, helping thousands of guests from around the world to witness and photograph the aurora with a 95% success rate since 2008.
His photography and insights have appeared in The Guardian, Sky & Telescope, Wanderlust, Daily Mail, and American Express Travel.
Andy also worked on screen and behind the scenes for several documentaries, including The Sun (Die Sonne, dir. Fabian Wolf), produced by Spiegel TV and aired by ARTE France in 2024, with distribution by Curiosity Stream, ZDF, and other international broadcasters. He previously appeared in the BBC’s Little Stargazing (2012), which was nominated for a BAFTA.
In 2025 he founded Keen Astro, expanding his focus from aurora hunting to deep-sky work, astro-landscape imaging, and advanced image processing.
Tour Price
£1,650 per person
Small-group expedition
Maximum 6 participants
The price includes airport transfers, aurora excursions, daytime excursions and photographic guidance throughout the expedition.
Accommodation in Luleå is not included in this price.
Aurora sessions take place on the three most promising nights during the expedition, selected using professional aurora forecasting tools and local weather analysis.
What’s Included
- Return airport transfers from Luleå Airport
- Three guided Northern Lights excursions (20:00–00:00)
- Photographic guidance during aurora sessions
- One introductory aurora photography workshop
- Two daytime excursions
- Visit to Gammelstad Church Town
- Winter landscape exploration around Swedish Lapland
What’s Not Included
- Flights to and from Luleå
- Accommodation in Luleå
- Food & Beverage
- Personal health and travel insurance
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
Tour Itinerary
© Image of the Northern Lights captured in Swedish Lapland in March 2026 by professional photographer and veteran Aurora chaser Andy Keen.
Day 1 – Arrival
Guests arriving on the recommended inbound flight land at Luleå Airport at 16:20 and will be transferred to the hotel.
19:00–20:00 – Welcome meeting and Aurora Photography Guidance
20:00–00:00 – Northern Lights excursion (conditions permitting)
If conditions are favourable the group may head out on the first evening. If not, aurora excursions will take place on nights two, three and four.
Day 2 – Gammelstad Church Town
13:00–15:00 – Daytime excursion
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gammelstad Church Town and the Lapland Gift Shop.
20:00–00:00 – Northern Lights excursion
Day 3 – Swedish Lapland Winter Wilderness
13:00–15:00 – Winter wilderness landscape excursion
A scenic drive through the winter landscapes surrounding Luleå.
20:00–00:00 – Northern Lights excursion
Day 4 – Free Day
Guests may relax, explore Luleå or take part in optional winter activities.
20:00–00:00 – Northern Lights excursion
Day 5 – Departure
Breakfast and transfers to Luleå Airport.
Aurora Viewing
The Great Aurora Hunt expedition includes three guided Northern Lights excursions, each running from 20:00 to 00:00.
The three best nights between Monday and Thursday will be selected according to weather conditions and solar activity forecasts.
Photography and Equipment
This expedition is open to everyone, whether you are a keen photographer or simply wish to experience the adventure of searching for the Northern Lights.
No specialist equipment is required.
Why Luleå?
The region around Luleå remains refreshingly quiet and largely off the beaten track.
Why March is a Good Time for the Northern Lights
Mid-March is widely considered one of the most favourable periods of the year for observing the Northern Lights in northern Scandinavia.
Why March is Excellent for Aurora Photography
By March the region typically has deep snow cover, frozen lakes and coastal ice.
Recommended Accommodation
Elite Stadshotellet Luleå
Accommodation in Luleå is not included in the expedition price, allowing guests the flexibility to choose where they would like to stay during the trip.
For convenience we recommend the Elite Stadshotellet Luleå, a well-reviewed historic hotel located in the centre of town. Its central location makes it an ideal base for the expedition and it is within easy reach of restaurants, cafés and the waterfront.
Luleå has a wide selection of restaurants and cafés to suit every taste and budget, all within a short walk of the town centre.
Guests are free to stay anywhere they wish, but many participants prefer to stay at the same hotel for convenience during the expedition.
View Hotel & Check AvailabilityFlights and Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included for guests travelling on the following Norwegian Airlines flights:
Inbound Flight – Monday
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) 15:00
Luleå Airport (LLA) 16:20
Outbound Flight – Friday
Luleå Airport (LLA) 10:20
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) 11:40
How to Secure Your Place
Step 1 – Check availability
Email: andy@keenastro.com
Step 2 – Deposit
£650 non-refundable deposit
Step 3 – Final balance
Due 90 days before expedition
Check Availability & Reserve Your Place
Each departure is limited to just six participants.
Download expedition details (.pdf)Please use the form below to check availability and reserve your place on the expedition.
Important Information
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
All excursions are subject to local weather and safety conditions.
By booking this expedition you agree to our Cancellations, Refunds & Terms of Participation .
