Northern Lights Hunting of Rovaniemi

Northern Lights Hunting of Rovaniemi offers a chance to witness one of nature’s most captivating displays — the Aurora Borealis — in the icy beauty of Finnish Lapland. For just under $92, you’ll spend around three hours venturing beyond the city lights, visiting several scenic spots in the Arctic wilderness. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises a blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic Arctic experiences.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the flexible itinerary that increases your chances of seeing the Lights, and the warm, communal atmosphere created by grilling sausages and enjoying Finnish treats around a fire. However, expect the experience to be somewhat dependent on weather conditions and aurora activity — after all, nature’s light show isn’t guaranteed. Perfect for adventurers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone eager for a genuine Arctic night out, this tour is a good choice if you’re prepared for a bit of unpredictability.

Key Points

• Flexible Aurora Hunting: Visits multiple spots to improve chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.
• Authentic Arctic Experience: Includes Finnish foods, warm drinks, and a cozy fire.
• Guided Expertise: Led by a licensed guide who helps with photos and sharing local knowledge.
• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with air-conditioned transport.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 16 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.
• Weather Dependency: Aurora sightings depend on clear skies, so flexibility in planning is essential.

What to Expect from the Northern Lights Hunting Tour in Rovaniemi

An Evening Out in Arctic Wilderness

This tour kicks off at 8:00 pm with hotel pickup, a thoughtful touch that spares you the hassle of finding meeting points in the dark. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the transfer, which takes you tens of kilometers away from Rovaniemi’s city lights — a must for good Northern Lights viewing. The goal? To maximize your chances of catching the elusive aurora, which, as many travelers mention, is largely dependent on weather conditions and solar activity.

Multiple Scenic Stops for Better Chances

One of the key features of this tour is visiting several spots. Unlike some tours that stick to a single location, this one takes you to different vantage points with stunning winter landscapes. This approach is especially appreciated because Aurora Borealis is unpredictable, and a change of scenery can sometimes make the difference between a good show and no show at all.

We loved that the guides are flexible and caring, with one reviewer mentioning how the guide (presumably a woman) helped take pictures and promptly sent them back. This personal touch helps travelers feel supported, which is especially important in cold, dark conditions.

Cozy Fires, Finnish Food, and Arctic Atmosphere

Once settled in each location, the ambiance is warm and inviting. Participants gather around a cozy fire, where sausages are grilled over the open flames, reminiscent of traditional Finnish BBQ. Alongside, you get to taste Finnish pie, hot berry juice, cookies, and marshmallows, which make the chilly night much more pleasant. The warmth of the fire combined with these treats creates an authentic Arctic experience that many travelers seem to treasure, as reflected in glowing reviews.

Opportunities for Photography

For those eager to capture the Lights, the guides are helpful with photos, and some travelers note receiving free pictures. The dark skies and spectacular light show provide excellent photo opportunities, making this a worthwhile tour for photographers or anyone wanting memorable snapshots of their Arctic adventure.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 16 travelers, the tour strikes a balance between intimacy and camaraderie. This small-group setting enhances your chances of personalized attention and allows guides to better cater to individual needs — whether that’s helping with camera settings or sharing local insights.

Considerations and Limitations

A notable point is that you’ll need to bring your own warm clothing — the tour does not include special gear. Finnish winters can be brutally cold, especially at night, so layering with thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and boots is advisable.

Another consideration is the weather dependence. If the skies are cloudy or the aurora activity is low, the Lights might not appear, despite the best efforts of your guides. That’s just part of nature’s unpredictability. Some travelers, like Anika, felt the experience wasn’t as fulfilling as expected partly because of limited explanations about the Northern Lights, indicating that if you want a deeper understanding, additional guides or tours might be better suited.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Stop 1: Rovaniemi

The journey begins in the late evening, with the focus on finding clear skies beyond the city glow. The stops are selected for their picturesque winter landscapes, ideal for both aurora viewing and capturing stunning photos. Because the tour visits multiple spots, you might find yourself in different settings, from open fields to wooded areas with icy forests.

The Fire and Food Experience

This part of the tour is particularly immersive. As you gather around the fire, you’ll enjoy grilled sausages, which are a Finnish staple, and warm drinks like hot berry juice. Cookies and marshmallows add a sweet touch, softening the cold night in a cozy setting. The experience isn’t just about the Lights — it’s about feeling part of a traditional Arctic adventure, where warmth and camaraderie matter as much as the celestial show.

Photo Opportunities

The guides are generally helpful, offering some photos for free, which is a significant plus for travelers looking to remember the night. The dark, expansive skies can make for dramatic photos of the Lights if they appear, and guides often assist with camera settings or framing.

The Authentic Arctic Experience

This tour captures more than just the Lights; it’s about embracing the spirit of Lapland. The fire, Finnish snacks, and chilly night provide a sense of place that many travelers find memorable. The guides’ local knowledge, along with the effort to visit several spots, adds to the feeling that you’re truly hunting the Lights rather than just ticking off a box.

Price and Value Analysis

At $91.75 per person, the tour is reasonably priced given the inclusion of hotel pickups, a guided experience, multiple scenic stops, and food. For those seeking a rich, authentic experience with the chance to photograph the Aurora, this price offers good value. Remember, the actual sighting of the Lights isn’t guaranteed, but the overall package—warmth, guidance, and scenic beauty—adds to its worth.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits adventurers and nature lovers eager to experience the Arctic night in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s especially appealing for photographers wanting help capturing the Lights and for travelers who appreciate local food and cozy fires. However, those seeking a highly educational experience or guaranteed Aurora viewing might find this less suitable, as the Lights’ appearance depends on natural factors.

Final Thoughts

The Northern Lights Hunting of Rovaniemi offers a well-rounded Arctic adventure, emphasizing both the natural spectacle and authentic local atmosphere. With a knowledgeable guide, scenic stops, and warm Finnish treats, it creates a memorable way to spend a winter night beneath the aurora. Just remember to bundle up, keep your expectations flexible, and enjoy the camaraderie around the fire.

If you’re looking for a genuinely atmospheric experience with a good chance of seeing the Lights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who value expert guidance, scenic variety, and a taste of Lapland’s hospitality, even if the aurora doesn’t always cooperate.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, some free photos, and Finnish treats like sausages, pie, cookies, and berry juice around a fire.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 3 hours, starting at 8:00 pm, making it a manageable evening activity.

Do I need to bring warm clothing?
Yes, since the tour does not include special gear, it’s recommended to bring layers, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and insulated boots suitable for Arctic cold.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, so there’s no 100% guarantee. Flexibility and patience are key.

Can I take good photos?
Yes, guides help with photos, and the dark skies provide excellent opportunities, especially if the Lights appear brightly.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If weather conditions prevent viewing, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, thanks to the flexible cancellation policy.

In summary, this tour offers a warm, scenic, and interactive Arctic night out focused on the elusive Northern Lights. Suitable for those who enjoy guided adventures, local flavors, and a bit of winter magic, it’s a memorable way to spend an evening in Rovaniemi.