Enjoy the beautiful nighttime scenery of Nallikari on our Arctic Northern Lights Camp. With a bit of luck, the highlight of the tour will be the dance of the Northern Lights over the dark frozen sea, under the starry sky.
Take your group out onto the frozen sea in Oulu for a private Northern Lights camp. We set up a fire-warmed tent away from the city lights, light the campfire, serve hot drinks, and watch the northern sky together with your own local guide. The camp is yours alone: no other groups, no fixed schedule but your own.
Oulu sits at about 65°N on the Arctic coast, and what makes the setting here unusual is the frozen sea itself. From late December the Gulf of Bothnia freezes into a wide open field of snow and ice, which gives you dark, unobstructed horizons just 15 minutes from the city centre. No long wilderness transfer, no queues.
Season and location
22 December to 31 March: the camp is set up on the frozen sea in front of Nallikari, once the ice is safe.
1 October to 21 December: before the sea freezes we run the same evening on the seashore as Autumn Aurora Stories by the Sea, with the tent pitched on the beach and the same campfire, guide and hot drinks.
We gather around the campfire to enjoy the nocturnal scenery and hot drinks. In the warmth of the fire and the atmosphere it creates, we share stories about the northern winter nature and admire the night sky.
Group size and price
From 8 to 60 people, from €99 per person. Please book at least 14 days in advance so we can reserve the guides and set up the camp for your group size.
Larger groups are welcome, contact info@nallikarisafaris.fi for a quote.
During the peak season, such as on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the price may be higher. You can see the final price in our booking calendar.
Included
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Local guide in English
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Warm thermal clothing: overall, boots, gloves and a hat
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Fire-warmed tent and campfire
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Hot drinks and a snack
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All safety equipment and instructions
We never guarantee the Northern Lights, because nobody can. What we do guarantee is the evening: the fire, the silence of the sea ice, the stories and the sky above you. The camp runs regardless of the aurora forecast and is not cancelled because of clouds.
If the weather forecast predicts cloudy or snowy conditions that make it impossible to see the Northern Lights, we offer the following options:
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We will carry out the experience regardless. The night in Nallikari is still magical — you’ll enjoy the campfire and the frozen winter landscape in the dark. We will tell you about the Northern Lights and gather around the fire to hear stories about the northern winter nature and the aurora borealis.
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You always have the right to cancel your participation, in which case we will refund 50% of the service price.
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You may reschedule your participation to another day, subject to availability. A rescheduling fee of 20€ per person will apply.
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SEE PRIVATE GROUP EXPERIENCES & RATESFAQ
Can you see the Northern Lights in Oulu?
Yes. Oulu lies at about 65°N, where the aurora is a regular winter phenomenon on dark, clear nights. The frozen sea in front of Nallikari gives wide, dark horizons just 15 minutes from the city centre.
Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, and nobody can guarantee them anywhere. That is why we build the whole evening around the frozen sea, the fire-warmed tent and the campfire, so the night is worth it whatever the sky does.
Is the camp cancelled if the forecast is bad?
No. The camp runs regardless of the aurora forecast and is not cancelled because of clouds. We only move it if conditions on the ice are unsafe, and then we agree an alternative with you.
How many people do you need?
The private camp runs for groups of 8 to 60 people. For larger groups, contact us for a quote.
What is the best month for the Northern Lights in Oulu?
Any month from October to March can work. March is often the best, with strong activity and clearer skies.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, from the age of 8. Under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The walk to the camp is short and flat.
Do we need our own winter clothing?
No. Warm thermal clothing, boots, gloves and a hat are included. Bring your own warm layers to wear underneath.
How far is the camp from Oulu city centre?
Nallikari is about 15 minutes from the centre by car or bus number 15. The camp itself is a short guided walk from the Experience Centre.
When should we book?
At least 14 days in advance. Winter dates, especially around Christmas and New Year, sell out early.
