northern lights tour from rovaniemi

7 of the Best Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi 2024

Have you been wondering about the best northern lights tours in rovaniemi i’ve got you covered.

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Rovaniemi during two different seasons, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it as one of the best places to experience the incredible Northern Lights. When I was in Rovaniemi, I had the pleasure of talking to a number of travellers who were not sure which tour to take when exploring the city. With so many tours available, it can be difficult to know which one will give you the very best experience. After hearing their stories and doing my own research, I have come up with a shortlist of the best Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi that offer a range of experiences from romantic trips for couples, family fun activities and even private tours for those looking for more exclusive access.

All are led by experienced guides who will provide you with all the information you need for an unforgettable night out under the stars.

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Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi

Beautiful picture of massive multicolored green vibrant Aurora Borealis, Aurora Polaris, also know as Northern Lights in the night sky over winter Lapland landscape

Northern Lights Snowmobile Hunt

Winter clothing
Hot snacks and equipment included

Aurora Ice Floating In Rovaniemi

Warm up with a hot drink
Dry-suit included

Aurora borealis (also known like northern or polar lights) beyond the Arctic Circle in winter Lapland.

Hunting Northern Lights With Husky

5-10km sled ride
Lappish barbecue

1. Northern Lights Snowmobile Hunt

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3-4 hours | ✅ Book it!

Experience the ultimate combination of a Northern Lights search and a thrilling snowmobile ride on this all inclusive tour departing from Rovaniemi. Hop aboard a 2 person snowmobile and race across the snowy landscapes to reach a cosy campsite.

With a bit of luck, you will witness the awe inspiring and incredible Northern Lights. All whilst enjoying delicious grilled sausages and drinks around the campfire.

This comprehensive tour package includes convenient hotel transfers and offers an upgrade option for those who want to ride a snowmobile solo.

Tamara says “This experience was incredible for our whole family (2 adults and 2 kids). The kids were on the back of the snowmobile. They ended up picking us up early but it was a huge blessing in the end because it was very cold by home time. We were lucky enough to see some northern lights.”

When it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to witness the wonderful Northern Lights, there are several options at your disposal to choose from.

However, for those with a thirst for adventure and for unforgettable experiences, nothing quite compares to the exhilaration of Nothern Lights hunting during a snowmobile safari. Glide across the pristine, snow covered landscapes in an adventure like no other.

This Aurora Borealis tour provides everything you need for a hassle free adventure, including hotel transfers and the equipment.

Important details

Start time and location: 8:00 pm from Maakuntakatu 29 or designated pick up point.
Duration: approximately 3 to 4 hours
Includes: Guide in English (other languages available on request: German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese). Pick up and drop off at your accommodation within 15km from Rovaniemi city centre. Snowmobile ride approximately 1 hour. Winter clothes: overall, boots, gloves and a helmet. Guided Snowmobile trip to Northern Lights with viewing location. Guided Aurora hunt. Snacks.

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Aurora Ice Floating In Rovaniemi (my personal favourite!)

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

Take part in an amazing ice floating tour where you can witness the breathtaking Northern Lights while gently floating on a frozen lake in the Finnish wilderness. Slip into a provided dry suit for warmth and safety as you float amongst sparkling icebergs.

Key highlights of the Aurora ice floating tour include experiencing the Northern Lights away from the city’s light pollution, staying comfortable in the dry suit that is provided and recharging with a steaming hot berry drink after the experience.

Your adventure also includes a convenient pickup location and ends with a drop off at your Rovaniemi hotel, ensuring a seamless and hassle free experience.

Elise says “It was a unique experience. My mom and I really loved it. It’s so peaceful to just lay in a frozen lake, see almost nothing, besides the hoped for Northern Lights, and to hear nothing as well. It was wonderful. We would definitely do it again. Our guides, their names were Tommy and Mark I think, were very kind and helpful. They really made you feel safe to go into the water.”

Begin your memorable ice floating adventure by either arranging a pickup from your Rovaniemi hotel or meeting at the conveniently located tour office in the town centre.

You will depart from the town towards a frozen lake nestled deep within the serene Finnish wilderness. Upon arrival, you will be given a specialised dry suit designed to keep you comfortably warm even in the near freezing Finnish lake waters.

Embrace the cold as you recline in your buoyant dry suit, effortlessly floating amongst the ice fragments while gazing at the Aurora Borealis overhead. This remote location, far removed from any light pollution, offers the optimum opportunity to witness this natural wonder.

Afterwards, resurface and reinvigorate yourself with a soothing hot drink. Then, rejoin your transportation and make your way back to Rovaniemi, concluding your memorable journey.

Start time and location: 6:30pm from Safartica or your designated hotel pick up.
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Includes: Pickup and drop off at selected Rovaniemi hotels. Guide and transfers. Winter clothing and hot drinks. All taxes, fees and handling charges.

I’ve personally joined this tour and it was an absolute blast, you’ll be super warm and comfortable in the supplied wet suit.

3. Hunting Northern Lights With Husky

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Experience a mystical Northern Lights hunt with huskies on this Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour.

Choose this thrilling adventure where you will be with a team of spirited huskies leading your sledge through the heart of the beautiful Lappish wilderness.

Glide through the snow covered forests on a sled journey that covers approximately 5 to 10 kilometers. You will get to escape far away from the luminous cityscape, ensuring you the best opportunity to witness the dance of the Northern Lights.

After your fun dog sled ride, you will get to enjoy a serving of Lappish barbecue, featuring succulent sausages and hot beverages, offering you a taste of authentic local cuisine.

Claudio says “One of the experiences I will never forget. Riding at night on a dog sledge was… so, so, beautiful!!!!! And after that the bbq and the marshmallows with our wonderful guide. I say to everybody: just do it!”

Meet your guide at your hotel and get ready for your adventure. You will be joined by a friendly team of dogs who will be your companions for the night. These huskies are all set to take you on a 5 to 10 kilometer ride through the forest.

Depending on the snow and location, either the farm staff will drive the sledge for you or you can give it a try and drive it yourself with the dogs.

The sledge ride is a magical experience where you will glide through the snow and the surrounding lush forest. The snowy landscape reflects the light from the moon and stars, making it easy for the huskies to lead the way.

After the ride, enjoy a tasty Lappish barbecue with grilled sausages and hot drinks prepared by your tour guide. Gather around a cosy fire to warm up while you wait for the magical Northern Lights to appear.

Start time and location: 5:30pm from Maakuntakatu 29 or your designated pick up point.
Duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Includes: Guide in English (other languages available on request: French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese) Pick up and drop off to your accommodation within 15km from Rovaniemi city centre. Campfire BBQ that includes chicken sausage, marshmallow and juice (vegetarian/vegan alternative upon request). Husky Sleigh Ride 5-10km. Hunting Northern Lights in the forest. Winter clothes including overalls, boots and gloves.

Tourist with flashlight near yellow tent lighted from the inside against the backdrop of incredible starry sky with Aurora borealis. Amazing night landscape. Northern lights in winter field

4. Northern Lights Photography Hunting Experience In Rovaniemi

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 4.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

This is one of the best Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours for capturing the Aurora Borealis. This adventure is tailored to align with weather forecasts and conditions, ensuring that you travel to the most promising locations.

These will be far removed from the disruptive glow of bustling towns and villages. Your guide is a seasoned aurora hunter and will not only lead you to witness this natural wonder but will also enlighten you about the Arctic ecosystem, local customs and facts about the northern lights.

This northern lights tour Finland delivers a comprehensive Lapland experience that is both educational and thrilling.

A highlight of the tour includes the incredible photos that will be captured by your tour guide on a professional camera. This creates amazing memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Melissa says “This tour was amazing!! The tour guide took exceptional pictures of us under the magnificent Northern Lights! He waited patiently for them to show up and allowed us to determine when to leave. So grateful to have seen the rare phenomenon and mark it off my bucket list!!”

This Lapland northern lights tour draws upon extensive experience and expertise in the realm of the Northern lights. The tour guide will take you away from Rovaniemi to discover the prime locations for observing this celestial phenomenon. Your dedicated aurora guide will also be equipped with a professional camera not only to c

apture memorable images of you alongside the northern lights but also to monitor the sky’s evolving patterns. All photos will be sent via email after the tour.

On the tour, you will also be able to enjoy a pit stop where you will make a fire to warm up. The tour guide will also educate you on essential Arctic survival skills, including fire making techniques, stargazing insights, nocturnal orientation and insights into the folklore associated with the Northern lights and Lapland’s cultural heritage.

Start time and location: At your booked time slot from Jaakonkatu 4-6 or your designated pick up point.
Duration: approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes
Includes: Coffee, tea and snacks. Air conditioned vehicle with a professional Aurora hunter guide. Pictures taken with a professional camera. All Fees and Taxes.

Polar-Northern lights in Lapland, Northern Finland, green night sky

5. Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice Swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 4-5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Discover authentic Lappish traditions hidden away from the usual tourist trails, right on the outskirts of Rovaniemi. Enjoy a slice of Finnish culture with a rejuvenating sauna experience, a refreshing dip in an Arctic lake and a delightful dinner by a crackling open fire in a charming cottage.

Throughout your adventure, your knowledgeable tour guide will reveal the rich cultural significance behind each activity. This small group expedition, limited to just eight participants, offers the perfect blend of adventure and cultural insight.

Alice says “If you’re looking for an authentic Lappish experience, this is it. We loved every second of it. Our group of four – two adults and two children (11 and 8) joined another couple in a group of six. We were taken by Pedro in his van from Santa Claus out to the cabin. It had no running water, which was an experience in itself, and we were given a welcome and introduction to the sauna, main house and the lake. We spent two hours between sauna and lake, which was truly invigorating. The kids did it as well and loved it – they even did snow angels in their swimsuits. We then enjoyed an incredible lunch and a really interesting chat with Pedro about the Finnish sauna lifestyle. Highly recommend.”

This northern lights in Rovaniemi tour paired with a Finnish sauna experience offers an unforgettable trip. Whether it is winter, summer, midnight or evening, sauna bathing is a cherished event in Finland and a great experience for all.

This timeless practice has been passed down through generations, offering a unique sense of relaxation and purification. After your sauna session, you can choose to take a refreshing plunge into ice cold water or snow, invigorating your body and boosting endorphins.

After the sauna experience, you then get to return to a cosy wooden cottage to warm up and sample a delicious salmon dinner by the fireplace.

The tour also includes the opportunity to hunt for the Northern Lights. This is best observed between October and March. While sightings are not guaranteed, the thrill of the chase adds to the adventure.

Start time and location: At your booked time slot from your designated pick up point.
Duration: approximately 4 to 5 hours
Includes: Hotel pickup and drop off. English speaking guide. Traditional Finnish wood burned sauna. Ice swimming/Arctic lake swimming. Dinner cooked on the open fire (smoked salmon). Towels and slippers for the sauna.

The northern lights Aurora Borealis at Kuukiuru village lake in Lapland, Finland.

6. Hunting Northern Lights With Lappish Barbecue From Rovaniemi

Enhance your chances of seeing the Northern Lights during your stay in Finland by joining the best northern lights tour Rovaniemi. This guided Northern Lights hunt from Rovaniemi includes a lakeside viewing spot, a campfire BBQ, a knowledgeable guide and convenient hotel pickup and drop off.

Instead of wandering aimlessly in search of the elusive spectacle, this excursion offers you the expertise of a seasoned guide who can interpret the weather conditions and lead you to the most promising viewing locations.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to hear stories and insights about the Northern Lights, which you might otherwise miss if you were on your own. To make your experience even more authentic, you get to enjoy a traditional Lappish barbecue by a cosy fire.

Aishah says “The overall experience was epic the only disappointment was not seeing the northern lights but like the tour guide explained it depended on the weather and sadly the weather that night made it impossible. They still made the experience as nice as possible the bbq was so cosy and the people so friendly met some very amazing people as well. Would recommend as a experience in Rovaniemi to do.”

This fun tour takes you on a journey to discover the Northern Lights amidst the pristine wilderness of Lapland, far away from the city’s light pollution. You will get to enjoy and sample the flavours of a traditional Lappish barbecue and bask in the warmth of a crackling fire as you await the appearance of the Nothern Lights.

This Northern Lights Rovaniemi tour promises not only an opportunity to witness the Northern Lights but also a journey into the heart of Lapland’s culture and wilderness. It’s an adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish, long after the Northern Lights have faded into the night.

Start time and location: 7 pm from Maakuntakatu 29 or your designated pick up point.
Includes: Guide in English (other languages available on request: German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese). Pick up and drop off to your accommodation within 15km from Rovaniemi city center. Snacks, winter clothes and transport around 20-25 km away from the city lights.

Aurora reflected in water. Northern lights in Lofoten islands, Norway. Blue sky with polar lights. Night landscape with aurora, sea with sky reflection, beach, mountains. Polar lights. Aurora borealis

7. Aurora Borealis Picnic In Rovaniemi

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a memorable adventure to witness the Northern Lights during this nighttime picnic in the Lapland wilderness. Join an expert guide and a group of fellow adventurers as you set out into the frozen tundra after nightfall.

Finland’s unique geographical location, vast open skies and minimal light pollution provide the perfect backdrop to witness the Northern Lights in all their glory.

Relax and absorb yourself in the magical atmosphere as you savour a traditional Lappish picnic, complete with hot drinks to keep you warm.

This unforgettable experience includes extra warm clothing to ensure your comfort in the chilly environment and convenient transportation by car from central Rovaniemi.

Jamie says “It was an amazing experience. While we were fortunate enough to see the Northern Lights with great clearness, our guide was also fantastic. Vera really made the experience enjoyable; would definitely recommend!”

Begin your journey by meeting your guide and fellow travellers. You will be equipped with extra warm clothing as you settle into your tour vehicle, ready to venture into the frozen tundra.

Your knowledgeable guide possesses the expertise to lead you to the perfect vantage points for witnessing the ultimate light show: the Aurora Borealis. Finland’s Lapland region boasts an exceptional geographical location, making it the perfect spot to observe the natural phenomenon.

During the tour, you will indulge in a traditional Lappish picnic, complete with comforting hot beverages to warm you up.

You will be able to sample traditional Finnish cuisine with the ultimate outdoors backdrop. Your guide will also provide insightful commentary on the origins and appearance of the Northern Lights.

Start time and location: Your booked time slot from Safartica or your designated pick up point.
Includes: Winter clothing, car transfer with hotel pickup and drop off (selected hotels only). Lappish picnic, hot drinks and a tour guide.

FAQs About best northern lights tour rovaniemi

What is the best time to see the northern lights in rovaniemi.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is during late August through April. The best months for viewing are generally September, October, and March.

This is because during these months, the nights are longer and the temperatures are colder which makes it easier to spot the lights in the night sky. For optimal viewing, look for clear skies with little or no moonlight.

is it worth it to book a northern lights tour?

Booking a Northern Lights tour comes with many benefits, one of the most valuable of which is the breathtaking sight of the Aurora Borealis.If you’ve never seen this stunning display of nature’s power, a Northern Lights tour can be truly awe-inspiring.

Furthermore, when booking via a reliable tour company, you’ll gain access to special locations that may not be easily accessible otherwise.

These are locations where the light show may be experienced at its best and you’ll also have guides to help you understand all there is to learn about this natural phenomenon. In short, a Northern Lights tour can be worth it for those seeking a unique experience and who appreciate nature’s beauty – both of which are sure to leave an indelible impression!

is rovaniemi good for northern lights

Rovaniemi is an excellent spot to witness the magical northern lights. Located in Lapland, Finland above the Arctic Circle it has some of the best conditions for viewing this natural phenomenon.

During winter months, when darkness is more prevalent, Rovaniemi provides a perfect setting to observe the colourful aurora borealis in all its glory.

Tour operators offer organised tours that include guided hikes and snowmobile rides to get you close to nature and capture stunning images of this spectacular show while you can also join various events held at night when Aurora season is in full swing.

where to stay in rovaniemi to see northern lights

Rovaniemi is one of the best places to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis. During winter season, there is a high chance to witness the spectacular show of lights in the night sky.

To stay in Rovaniemi and maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights, it’s recommended to book a hotel or hostel that is located away from all light sources and also far away from major cities like Rovaniemi.

Polar arctic Northern lights Aurora Borealis activity over the wooden cabin in winter Finland, Lapland

Final Thoughts: rovaniemi northern lights tours

With so many options to choose from, the best way to experience the captivating Northern Lights is with a tour. Make sure you pick a reliable and knowledgeable guide for your journey and take advantage of all the extras offered by your tour provider.

Whether it’s a comfortable night’s stay in an igloo hotel or hearty dinner around the campfire, these are unforgettable experiences that will leave you with incredible memories. So why wait? Book one of these amazing Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours today and have your breath taken away!

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Meet Alice, a seasoned traveler and marketing consultant from Derbyshire. Her adventures stretch from Singapore to Bulgaria, uncovering unique destinations. Despite her busy marketing career, she indulges in luxurious trips with her partner, offering insightful and engaging travel perspectives through her writing | | Specializing in luxury travel, couples' retreats, crafting detailed itineraries, and offering expert advice on select tour experiences and beach destinations, Alice brings a wealth of expertise to the table.