Aurora Borealis Picnic in Rovaniemi

Aurora Borealis Picnic in Rovaniemi: A Practical Guide to a Night of Nature’s Light Show

Imagine setting out into the frozen wilderness of Lapland, wrapped in warm clothing, with a small group of fellow adventurers, all eagerly hoping to witness the elusive Aurora Borealis. This tour, offered at around $109.56 per person, lasts about three hours and departs from downtown Rovaniemi, Finland, with transportation arranged to take you into the Arctic heartland. The experience includes guided transportation, warm gear, a traditional Lappish picnic with hot drinks, and the thrill of waiting under the open sky for a dance of green, purple, and pink lights.

We love how this tour combines nature, culture, and comfort—you get the chance to witness one of Earth’s most mesmerizing phenomena while enjoying a wholesome outdoor meal. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, know exactly where to find the best spots for viewing and how to make your night as cozy as possible. Plus, they provide extra-warm clothing, which is essential given the chilly Arctic evenings.

A key consideration? The Northern Lights are a natural display, so sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Cloud cover or poor weather can mean no show from the Aurora, which has been noted as a drawback in some reviews. That said, even if the lights don’t make an appearance, many guests enjoy the peaceful wilderness, starry sky, and social atmosphere.

This experience suits travelers who love authentic outdoor adventures, appreciate guided expertise, and want a comfortable, well-organized way to chase the Northern Lights. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a high-quality, memorable Arctic outing will find it especially appealing.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides know the best spots and share insightful commentary on the Aurora Borealis.
• Comfort & Safety: Warm clothing, hot drinks, and a cozy atmosphere make the experience enjoyable even in cold weather.
• Authentic Experience: Traditional Lappish picnic and wilderness setting provide genuine Arctic charm.
• Flexibility: Tours can be rescheduled for better weather; cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.
• Small Group Feel: Max group size of about 50 ensures a more intimate and personalized outing.
• Variable Sightings: Aurora sightings depend on weather conditions; some guests see no lights but still enjoy the ambiance.

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Meeting and Departure

Your adventure begins at Safartica’s office in downtown Rovaniemi or at designated hotels—depending on your booking. Early booking, often about 23 days in advance, is recommended to secure your spot. Once you gather with your group, your guides, typically friendly and well-informed, outfit everyone with extra-warm thermal clothing—a vital component of comfort in the Arctic cold.

Transportation into the Wilderness

Next, you’ll hop into a comfortable tour vehicle—a crucial step since the best Aurora viewing sites are miles from city lights. Your guides, who are often praised for their local knowledge and warmth, drive you out into the frozen tundra, where open skies and minimal light pollution set the perfect scene for the Northern Lights.

The Viewing Spots

Once arrived, most guests settle into a quiet, snowy landscape, waiting patiently for the Aurora Borealis. The clarity and openness of the Finnish sky are ideal for spotting this natural spectacle. Some guests mention the guides’ expertise in choosing the right spots—places with clear views and little disturbance.

The Picnic and Atmosphere

While waiting, guests are invited to enjoy a traditional Lappish picnic, which includes hot beverages such as tea, hot chocolate, and juice. Many reviewers praise the quality of the food and the warmth it provides, especially when paired with the fire often lit in the wilderness. In addition, guides often serve sausages, marshmallows, pastries, and other treats, making the experience both festive and cozy.

Aurora Viewing and Commentary

The guides generally provide interesting commentary about the science and folklore behind the Aurora Borealis, making the experience both educational and magical. Guests frequently mention that even if the lights are elusive, the starry sky, silence, and camaraderie make the trip worthwhile.

Return Journey

After spending approximately two hours at the viewing site, you’ll be driven back to Rovaniemi. Many guests leave with amazing photos, stories, and a sense of having experienced the Arctic’s quiet majesty.

The Itinerary Breakdown: Expectation vs. Reality

• Start at Safartica’s office in Rovaniemi, where guides gear you up and brief you on the night’s plan.
• Transfer into the Arctic wilderness—a scenic drive that is part of the adventure, with guides sharing insights about local culture and landscape.
• Arrive at the viewing spot, typically in open, snowy areas perfect for Aurora spotting.
• Enjoy the traditional Lappish picnic, hot drinks, and a chance to relax in the wilderness.
• Listen to guides’ commentary on the Northern Lights’ science, folklore, and tips for photography.
• Wait patiently for the Aurora—often the highlight, but weather-dependent.
• Return to Rovaniemi after about 2-3 hours, with memories and hopefully some spectacular photos.

What Guests Love

Reviews often highlight the guides’ friendly professionalism and knowledge—many mention guides like Yasmin, Noah, Vera, or Edvard as being especially helpful and engaging. Guests frequently remark on the high quality of clothing provided, noting that staying warm makes a huge difference in enjoying the experience.

Many guests also mention the quality of the food during the picnic as a real plus, with some describing it as “great company” and “hot drinks,” which help stave off the cold and add to the convivial atmosphere.

What Could Be Better

The main downside, noted in some reviews, is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights. If weather conditions are unfavorable—clouds, snow, or high winds—sightings can be disappointing or nonexistent. Nonetheless, many guests appreciate that if the Aurora doesn’t appear, the guides do their best to ensure a memorable night with storytelling, food, and star gazing.

The Value of This Tour

At about $109.56, this tour offers decent value considering the included warm clothing, transportation, hot drinks, and guiding expertise. The fact that it’s a small group or at least a guided experience with expert insight means you’re gaining more than just a chance to see lights—you’re enjoying the Arctic environment safely and comfortably.

Compared to other Northern Lights tours that might be more expensive and less inclusive, this one strikes a good balance—especially if you’re looking for a well-organized, authentic experience that emphasizes local culture and natural beauty.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This outing is perfect for adventurers who value comfort and want someone experienced to take them out into the wilderness. It suits families with children, as long as they’re comfortable in cold weather, and couples or solo travelers eager for a genuine Arctic experience. If seeing the Aurora is your priority, this tour’s guides are known for their local knowledge and strategic spot choices.

However, if you’re highly dependent on guaranteed Aurora sightings, remember that nature doesn’t always cooperate. Still, even without a sighting, many guests find that the quiet, starry night and warm company make for an unforgettable experience.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book this tour?
Most travelers book about 23 days ahead, especially during peak seasons, to secure their spot.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as well as transfer from Safartica’s office to the wilderness.

What should I wear?
The tour provides extra-warm clothing, but it’s wise to dress in layers, including thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and sturdy waterproof boots.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance, and the tour can be rescheduled for a better day if weather conditions are poor.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Even if the Aurora doesn’t appear, many guests enjoy the peaceful wilderness, star viewing, and social atmosphere. Guides often do their best to find a good spot, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately three hours—including transportation, waiting, and the picnic.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcomed, but they must be accompanied by an adult. It’s best if they are comfortable in cold weather and prepared for an outdoor night.

Final Thoughts

Booking a Northern Lights picnic in Rovaniemi offers a combination of adventure, comfort, and culture. The guides’ local expertise and the stunning Arctic scenery make it a memorable way to chase the Aurora. The inclusion of warm clothing and a traditional picnic helps keep the experience authentic and enjoyable, even in chilly conditions.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a well-organized outdoor adventure with knowledgeable guides, and who understand that natural phenomena can be unpredictable. If you’re looking for a balanced experience with a good chance of seeing the Aurora, along with delicious food and warm company, this trip is worth considering.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Arctic explorer, you’ll find that the quiet beauty of Lapland and the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular light shows makes the effort worthwhile. Just remember to pack your patience and a good attitude—nature, after all, has the final say.