Northern Lights Tours

Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi

Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi: Your Gateway to Witnessing the Aurora Borealis

Filter by season: 
Sort by :  
Adventures found : 
33
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Understanding the Northern Lights: Your Arctic Spectacle

The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a unique and powerful natural phenomenon that has captivated humanity for centuries. These mesmerizing light displays in the polar skies are created when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gaseous particles in Earth's atmosphere.

What Makes the Aurora Appear?

The vibrant colors and dancing patterns of the Northern Lights are a result of these collisions. Oxygen atoms typically emit green or reddish light, while nitrogen atoms produce blue or purplish light. The specific color depends on the type of gas, the altitude of the collision, and the energy of the particles.

Rovaniemi: A Prime Location for Aurora Viewing

Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland, is an excellent base for Northern Lights tours due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle and its vast, unpolluted wilderness areas. The region offers ideal conditions: dark skies, typically clear weather during peak season, and accessible viewing spots away from city lights.

Best Times and Ways to Witness the Aurora

The Northern Lights are most commonly seen during the darkest months of the year, typically from late August/early September until early April. Visibility is highest during clear, cloudless nights.

Several methods maximize your chances of a sighting:

  • Expert-Guided Expeditions: Our tours are led by professional guides who possess extensive knowledge of local weather patterns, solar activity forecasts, and optimal viewing locations away from light pollution.
  • Diverse Tour Options: We offer a variety of tours designed for Aurora viewing, including:

The Lore of the Aurora: Myths and Legends

According to some ancient Greeks, Aurora was a goddess and the sister of Helios and Selene which is the sun and the moon respectively. It is believed that she would ride across the sky in her glorious chariot to alert her siblings that the dawn is coming.

According to the Viking legends, the ethereal lights are the reflections from the shields of the Valkyrie which is the female helping spirits of the god Odin. The Valkyrie would ride across the sky before battles as they decide who would win and those that would lose. The warriors that are dead will then ride to Valhalla by making use of the light reflecting from the armor of the Valkyrie as a bridge to the heavens.

Throughout history, the Northern Lights have inspired countless myths and legends among Arctic cultures. They have been interpreted as spirits, celestial fires, or messages from ancient gods. Our guides often share these stories, enriching your understanding of the Aurora's profound impact on local traditions.

Preparing for Your Northern Lights Hunt

  • Patience is Key: The Aurora is a natural phenomenon, and its appearance cannot be guaranteed. Be prepared for patience, as nature is unpredictable.
  • Dress Warmly: Lapland's nights are cold. Dress in layers, even if thermal clothing is provided.
  • Camera Ready: Bring a camera with extra batteries. Your guide can offer photography tips to help you capture the elusive lights.

Our guaranteed nightly Northern Lights hunting departures are from late September to April, ensuring the highest chances during the Aurora season.

Frequently asked questions 

A:

Since Northern Lights tours usually take place in remote nature locations, toilet access may be limited. We recommend using the restroom before departure. Some tours include stops at warm huts or lean-to shelters where basic facilities may be available.

A:

Many modern smartphones can capture the Northern Lights using night mode or a long exposure setting. Our guides will help you adjust your phone or camera settings for the best possible shot. For stunning photos, we recommend bringing a tripod and using manual settings.

A:

Absolutely, bringing your own food or drinks on the tour is no problem at all! Many guests like to bring snacks or special items for their personal needs. We kindly ask that you avoid eating during transfers to keep vehicles clean and comfortable for everyone, and to be tidy and considerate when consuming food during the tour. Please note that alcoholic beverages are generally not included and may be subject to specific tour rules.

A:

Yes, we do our best to accommodate special dietary requirements. Please inform us about any allergies or dietary preferences at the time of booking so we can prepare suitable meals or snacks.

A:

Most of our tours require a minimum of two paying adults to operate. However, there are some exceptions, so please always check the specific tour description for details. Solo travelers are welcome to book; if the minimum group size is not yet met, we will confirm your tour closer to the date, suggest alternatives, or offer a private tour option.

A:

Consumption of alcohol is not allowed before or during any activities on our tours for safety reasons. If a participant is suspected to be intoxicated, they may be refused participation in the tour. However, once the day’s activities are completed, you are welcome to relax and enjoy a drink.

For tours that include a sauna experience, we are absolutely fine if guests want to bring a small bottle of beer or similar to enjoy during the sauna. Please note that alcohol is not sold at our sauna venues, so you will need to bring your own.

A:

We provide booster seats for older children upon request to help ensure a safe and comfortable ride. However, we do not offer infant or toddler car seats, as these require specific sizing based on the child’s age, weight, and height - and must often be secured using the IsoFix system, which is not available in all of our vehicles.

If your child requires a rear-facing or toddler car seat, we kindly ask you to bring your own. Please also note this in your booking and contact us in advance by email if you have specific safety seat requirements, so we can confirm whether the assigned vehicle is compatible.

Letting us know your children's ages, sizes, and needs ahead of time helps us provide the safest and most suitable arrangements possible.

A:

In most cases, regular strollers are not practical in Lapland’s snowy terrain - especially on forest trails or unpaved areas. We recommend using a baby carrier or a lightweight plastic sled (pulled by a rope), which many families find more convenient in the snow.

However, keep in mind that young children sitting still on a sled for long periods can get cold quickly. For this reason, it’s often more comfortable to keep moving or carry your child close to your body to retain warmth. If you need recommendations on what to bring or how to prepare, feel free to reach out - we’re happy to help make your family adventure enjoyable and safe!

A:

All our tours in Lapland are designed to operate in a wide range of Arctic weather conditions - snow, wind, and cold are part of the adventure! However, your safety and comfort always come first. Our guides continuously monitor weather and trail conditions. In the event of extreme weather (e.g., temperatures below -30°C, blizzards, poor visibility), we may adjust the itinerary, shorten the tour, or replace certain elements for safety reasons.

We will always do our best to ensure you still have an enjoyable and memorable experience - even if the Northern Lights hide or the snow gets too deep!

A:

Yes, most of our tours can be booked as private experiences upon request. Private tours offer greater flexibility, personalized attention from your guide, and a more intimate atmosphere — perfect for families, couples, or small groups. If you're interested in a private version of any tour, just let us know during the booking process, and we’ll be happy to arrange it.

A:

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and unfortunately, their appearance can never be guaranteed. Our guides do everything possible to maximize your chances, including checking forecasts, choosing the best locations, and sharing their expertise about the Aurora.

However, the cost of the tour covers much more than just the chance to see the lights - it includes professional guiding, transportation, hot drinks, campfire experiences, storytelling, and the unique atmosphere of being in the Arctic wilderness at night. For this reason, refunds are not provided if the Northern Lights do not appear.

We truly appreciate your understanding and hope the overall experience will still be a magical and memorable part of your Lapland adventure.

A:

If you’re looking for an active experience, we recommend tours like Arctic lake floating, snowmobile safaris, or reindeer sleigh rides combined with Northern Lights hunting. These tours offer exciting physical activity and a chance to explore Lapland’s wilderness actively.

For those seeking a more relaxing and peaceful experience, consider our traditional sauna with dinner and Northern Lights viewing, guided Northern Lights searches by comfortable transport, or visits to unique places like the Snow Hotel and Ice Restaurant. These options focus on unwinding while still enjoying the magical Arctic atmosphere.

Whether you want to get your heart pumping or simply relax and soak in the serene surroundings, we have the perfect tour to match your style.

A:

We recommend dressing in multiple warm layers to stay comfortable and protected from Arctic weather conditions. Start with a good quality thermal base layer (thermo underwear) that wicks moisture away from your skin and keeps you dry. Next, add an insulating mid-layer such as fleece or wool, which traps heat and provides warmth without bulk. On top, wear a waterproof and windproof outer layer (jacket and pants) to shield you from snow, wind, and moisture.

Don’t forget warm accessories: insulated gloves or mittens, a hat that covers your ears, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect your face and neck. Sturdy, insulated, waterproof boots with good grip are essential to keep your feet warm and dry during outdoor activities.

For winter tours, we usually provide specialized winter gear such as outer jackets, snow pants, boots, gloves, and helmets when needed. However, bringing your own comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing underneath the provided gear will ensure the best overall experience.

Layering allows you to adjust your clothing as you move between outdoor activities and warmer indoor or heated areas, helping you stay comfortable throughout the day.

A:

Please be on time! Our tours follow a strict schedule, and if you miss the hotel pick-up, you will not be able to join later. Arriving separately by taxi or private car is usually not possible, as it may disrupt the program and group safety. Plan ahead — we appreciate your understanding.

Preferences

Privacy is important to us, so you have the option of disabling certain types of storage that may not be necessary for the basic functioning of the website. Blocking categories may impact your experience on the website. Privacy Policy

Accept all cookies
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.