Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis and Picnic

Exploring Lapland’s frozen wilderness with a chance to glimpse the legendary Northern Lights is a quintessential Arctic experience. For $104 per person, this 3-hour guided tour offers a balanced mix of excitement, storytelling, and comfort just outside Rovaniemi. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll venture into the darkness of the open sky, hoping for a glimpse of the elusive auroras, and enjoy a warm, traditional Finnish picnic around an open fire.

What we love about this tour is the personal touch—friendly guides like Raul and Ramon make the experience both educational and fun, sharing stories of Lapland and the science behind the auroras. Plus, the chance to sit around a crackling fire with hot drinks and grilled sausages gives it a cozy, authentic edge that many Northern Lights tours lack.

A key consideration is the unpredictability of the aurora borealis. The tour’s success depends heavily on weather conditions and solar activity, so while the experience is designed to maximize your chances, seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed. Still, the overall atmosphere, the starry skies, and the outdoor camaraderie make this a worthwhile adventure—especially for travelers who enjoy outdoor experiences in stunning natural settings.

This tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed, authentic Arctic outing with knowledgeable guides and a chance to enjoy Lapland’s storytelling and cuisine. If you’re comfortable spending time outdoors at night and are eager to learn while waiting for a natural spectacle, you’ll find this a memorable addition to your Rovaniemi itinerary.

Key Points

• Excellent chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are favorable
• Knowledgeable guides share stories about the aurora and Lapland’s traditions
• Comfortable outdoor experience with winter clothing and a warm fire
• Authentic Finnish picnic with sausages, pastries, and hot drinks
• Flexible rescheduling if weather conditions aren’t suitable
• Group size can be large, so patience and flexibility are key

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical, Authentic Northern Lights Experience

When you sign up for the Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis and Picnic tour, you’re choosing a carefully designed experience that balances chance and comfort. The tour begins at the Safartica Office, about 25 minutes before departure, where your guides will gather the group and prepare for the outdoor adventure. Depending on the weather, the tour may be rescheduled for the next day if conditions look unfavorable—something to keep in mind if you’re planning multiple nights in the Arctic.

Transport from Rovaniemi is included, usually by bus or car, and the guides provide winter clothing to keep you warm—no need to pack bulky gear from home. The journey out of the city takes you to open scenic spots with minimal light pollution, maximizing your chance to see the auroras dance across the sky. This aspect is especially appreciated, as some reviews point out that the key to success is a clear, dark sky.

Once at the viewing spot, you’ll settle in for about two hours of patience, stargazing, and storytelling. The guides are well-versed in explaining what causes the auroras, sharing Lapland legends, and offering tips for photographing this natural phenomenon. Even if the lights don’t appear, many reviewers praise the experience for its stunning backdrop of stars, snow-covered trees, and the warmth of camaraderie around the fire.

The Picnic and Fire Experience

One of the tour’s highlights is the Finnish picnic—sausage and pastry grilled on an open fire, complemented by hot drinks. As one reviewer put it, “The picnic was fun! Food was great, and luckily there was a good, fun group.” Sitting around a fire in the Arctic night, with the cold air replaced by the warmth of the flames and hearty food, creates a uniquely immersive experience.

Several travelers appreciated the personal care from guides who went out of their way to ensure everyone was comfortable and engaged, even offering tips on how to survive in such cold environments. Guides like Raul, Ramon, Isabel, and Marlene earned praise for their friendly demeanor and knowledge—factors that turn a simple sky-gazing trip into a genuine cultural experience.

Seeing the Northern Lights: Luck and Conditions

The most obvious draw is the chance to see the aurora borealis. Reviews highlight how unpredictable this phenomenon can be, but many felt fortunate. “We were lucky to almost see the northern lights but anyway the guide, the atmosphere, and the beautiful sky full of stars made it a wonderful tour even without seeing the northern lights,” remarked one traveler.

Others, like Anika, celebrated their brief glimpse: “We even got to see the lights for a few minutes.” But several reviews also emphasize that weather plays a significant role—cloud cover, moonlight, or low solar activity can all impact the chances of a sighting. Still, the guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling help create a memorable experience regardless of whether the lights make an appearance.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour includes return transfers, winter clothing, sausage and pastry, and hot drinks, making it a value-friendly option in a region where outdoor experiences often come with hefty price tags. The small group sizes and the option to reschedule add flexibility, especially in the unpredictable Arctic winter.

The 3-hour duration is just right—long enough to enjoy the atmosphere and the sky, but not so long as to tire out younger children or overextend your night. Because of the outdoor setting and late hours, this tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable outside at night and prepared for cold weather.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a genuine Lapland experience—storytelling, outdoor camaraderie, local food, and a shot at the Northern Lights—this tour hits the mark. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate authenticity over luxury. Families with older children, groups of friends, and couples who want to blend nature with culture will find it particularly rewarding.

However, if your main goal is a guaranteed sighting of the auroras, remember that this isn’t a sit-and-wait guarantee. It’s about maximizing your odds and enjoying the ambiance, stories, and local flavor along the way.

Final Thoughts

This Aurora Borealis and Picnic tour from Rovaniemi offers a warm, friendly, and authentic way to experience the Arctic night sky. It’s a thoughtfully arranged outing that combines nature, culture, and cozy outdoor dining, all led by guides who genuinely care about your experience. While the Northern Lights remain a natural phenomenon beyond anyone’s control, many travelers leave with memories of starry skies, crackling fires, and the thrill of possibly catching a glimpse of the world’s most magical light display.

If you’re someone who enjoys outdoor adventures with a cultural twist, and you’re flexible with weather-dependent sightings, this tour is a solid choice. It provides good value for money, knowledgeable guides, and a chance to connect with Lapland’s wilderness in a relaxed setting.

FAQ

Can I reschedule the tour if the weather isn’t good?
Yes. You can reschedule for the next day by 4 PM if the weather forecast suggests poor conditions.

What’s included in the price?
Return transfers from the meeting point, winter clothing, a sausage and pastry, and hot drinks are included.

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary; check availability and your confirmation email for the exact departure time.

Where do I meet the guide?
At the Safartica Office (Koskikatu 9), about 25 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Is it suitable for children?
It’s suitable for older children who are comfortable outdoors at night; keep in mind the outdoor duration is roughly two hours.

What happens if I miss the scheduled departure?
Missing the start time means missing the tour, and unfortunately, it’s non-refundable.

How long does the outdoor experience last?
Approximately two hours, giving plenty of time for sky-watching and storytelling.

What should I wear?
The tour provides winter clothing, but dress in warm layers, including thermal underwear, gloves, and a hat.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights?
Seeing the auroras depends on weather, solar activity, and sky conditions. It’s not guaranteed but the guides do their best to find good viewing spots.

Is the group large?
The tour can involve quite a few people, so patience and a sense of adventure are helpful.

To sum it up, this tour offers a cozy, cultural, and scenic way to experience Lapland’s night sky. It’s ideal for those who love outdoor adventures, storytelling, and local cuisine, even if the elusive auroras don’t make an appearance. With friendly guides, a warm fire, and an authentic setting, it’s a memorable way to spend an Arctic evening.

You can check availability for your dates here: