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Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Finnish Lapland. While it’s possible to spot the lights on your own, joining a Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi significantly increases your chances.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the 5 best Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi, from private experiences to adventurous safaris, so you can choose the perfect one for your trip.
1. Northern Lights Tour with Guaranteed Sightings
If you want the highest chance of seeing the aurora, this Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi is perfect. Unlike standard tours that stick to fixed routes, this tour offers unlimited mileage, meaning your guides will drive as far as necessary to find clear skies, even if its several hours into the wilderness. This flexibility makes it one of the most reliable options for catching the aurora borealis.
Throughout the evening, you’ll have knowledgeable guides who specialise in reading weather patterns and solar activity to locate the lights. They’ll take you to remote spots away from artificial light, giving you the best possible viewing conditions.
The guides monitor aurora forecasts closely and will even contact you the morning of the tour with a weather update; if conditions aren't looking good, you can opt for a full refund!
Keep in mind that the tour can run for up to 8 hours and can continue into the early morning, as the guides go the extra mile, literally, to track down the best viewing conditions and maximize your chances of witnessing the lights.
Things to Know
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Includes Snacks, hot drinks and winter clothing
- Small group size + photographer on board
2. Aurora Hunt with Photos and Money-Back Guarantee
If you’re looking for a Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi that combines expert guidance with a no-risk booking policy, this Aurora Hunting Tour with Photos and Money-Back Guarantee is an excellent choice.
Your evening begins with a hotel pick-up before heading out with experienced aurora hunters who use real-time weather data to choose the best viewing spots.
The guides will capture photos of both the lights and your group, which are sent over digitally after the tour.
The tour can last anywhere between 3-8 hours, depending on weather conditions and how far you have to travel.
The money-back guarantee gives you peace of mind that you’ll receive a refund if the northern lights are not captured in any photos. It’s worth noting, however, that the aurora can sometimes appear faint or not visible to the naked eye yet still be visible through the camera lens.
Things to Know
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Winter clothes and boots (upon request)
- Photos under northern lights
3. Lapland Aurora Hunt with Barbecue
If you're on a tighter budget, this Aurora Hunt with Barbecue Tour is a great option. Offering great value, this tour lasts around 3 hours and still gives you the chance to experience the magic of the northern lights in the beautiful Lapland wilderness.
Instead of hunting for the aurora and driving unlimited miles, the guides take you to several well-chosen locations in the wilderness where the aurora is most likely to appear.
You'll visit two prime locations - the first is a lake in the wilderness to look for aurora activity, and the second is a private secluded lake where you'll enjoy a traditional Lappish barbecue while looking for the lights.
The combination of delicious food and a crackling fire under the starry (and hopefully colourful) sky makes for a cosy and memorable evening, even if the aurora is faint.
Things to Know
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Includes Barbeque and hot drinks
- Bring your own winter clothing
4. Northern Lights Photography Tour
If you're anything like us, then photographing the northern lights will be a priority for you. This Northern Lights Photography Tour is designed to help you capture the aurora at its best.
Led by experienced guides who are also skilled photographers, this tour focuses on teaching you how to photograph the northern lights while also taking professional shots for you to keep.
The adventure starts with a pick-up from your accommodation before heading out to remote locations far from city lights. The guides monitor aurora activity in real time to ensure you’re always in the best spot for viewing, even if its 100 km away.
Throughout the evening, your guide will provide tips on camera settings, composition and techniques to help you take your own incredible photos. If you don't have a camera, they'll make sure to take photos for you.
The tour also focuses on small group sizes of up to 8 people, to ensure a personalized experience and hands-on support from the guides.
Things to Know
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Includes hot drinks and snacks
- Winter clothing, boots & headlamps (if needed)
5. Aurora Borealis Snowmobile Safari with Campfire
If you're seeking a more adventurous way to chase the northern lights, this Aurora Borealis Snowmobile Safari with Campfire combines the thrill of snowmobiling with the magic of the aurora.
This tour is perfect if you want to do more than just wait around for the lights, you’ll be riding through the snowy forests and across frozen lakes under the arctic sky.
After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll set off on a snowmobile ride through the pristine Lapland wilderness. The route takes you far from light pollution, increasing your chances of seeing the northern lights.
Midway through the tour, you’ll stop at a cosy wilderness camp where you can warm up with hot drinks and cookies by an open fire and lookout for the lights.
This tour is best suited to adults and you'll need a valid driving license to be able to drive the snowmobile.
Things to Know
- Transport from Rovaniemi city centre
- Winter clothing provided
- Hot juice and cookies
Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi
While booking a guided tour significantly increases your chances, there are a few extra tips to keep in mind to maximize your odds of witnessing the aurora:
- Stay multiple nights - The northern lights are a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed. Spending several nights in Rovaniemi gives you more opportunities.
- Check the forecast - Aurora activity depends on both solar activity and clear skies. Your guides will do this for tours, but it’s helpful to check apps like Aurora Forecast or local weather updates.
- Get away from light pollution - The darker the skies, the better. This is why tours take you into the wilderness.
- Bring the right camera gear - For the best photos, use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings and a tripod - or a new iphone!
- Dress warmly - You’ll be standing outside for extended periods in freezing temperatures. Layer up with thermal clothing, a good jacket, gloves and boots.
Rory Watson
Can you see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi without a tour?
Yes, it's possible to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi without joining a tour, but you'll need to head away from city lights to areas with minimal light pollution.
Joining a guided tour greatly improves your chances as the guides use real-time data to find the best viewing locations and provide transportation, gear and expert knowledge.
