If your bucket list includes seeing the spectacular Northern Lights, then a tour to Rovaniemi in Lapland should be at the top of your list.

The Northern Lights — also known as the Aurora Borealis — is a natural phenomenon that can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter months and washes the night skies in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi enable you to experience the magic of this natural wonder amidst snow-covered pines and frozen lakes. Book an excursion to gain unforgettable memories that you’ll treasure forever.

Here's all yo need to know about Northern Lights, one of the best options for oudoor activities in Rovaniemi.

What are the best Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi?

Northern Lights photography hunting experience in Rovaniemi

If you wish to have proof of your experience to show your loved ones back home, book this photographic Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi.

Itinerary

Driving away from Rovaniemi, you’ll reach the most promising spot for seeing the Aurora Borealis come to life. Your guide will be an expert at reading the skies to determine where and when the waves of light will dance across the skies.

As you wait for the Northern Lights to appear, you’ll learn about life in the Arctic Circle and how to survive the harsh conditions. Participate in a short lesson on navigating the stars and building a fire.

Enjoy the warming sensations from the flames as you hear tales about the Northern Lights and how other cultures interpret them.

As the night skies illuminate with flashes of green and purple, your guide will get to work, capturing photos of you underneath the natural phenomenon.

Soak in the moment, knowing that you’ll have a brilliant set of photos waiting for you on your arrival back in Rovaniemi.

Northern Lights snowmobile safari and campfire barbecue tour in Rovaniemi

Hop onto a snowmobile and soar through the Lappish landscape to find the Northern Lights on this excursion.

Itinerary

One of the best ways to chase the Northern Lights across Lapland is on the back of a snowmobile. Cozy up next to your loved one as you set off on a thrilling adventure, through pine forests and blankets of snow to the ideal viewing spot.

Driving the snowmobile yourself, you’ll head deep into the wilderness, away from the light pollution of the city, and set up camp with a fire.

Here, you can bond with other members of your group as you enjoy barbecue snacks and wait for the aurora to appear. Feel sensations like no other as you watch this graceful display of lights cover the skies in assorted fluorescent tones.

Northern Lights wilderness small-group tour in Rovaniemi

If you’re seeking a more personalized experience, check out this Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi with a limited number of participants.

Itinerary

With no more than 8 guests in your group, you’ll travel in search of the Northern Lights.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit three different spots in the Lappish countryside to admire the stars and wait for the aurora to make an appearance.

You may be waiting a while, but you won’t have to worry about being bored as your knowledgeable guide will have plenty to keep you busy.

You’ll learn how to make a fire using just the natural elements around you. You’ll also hear about the flora and fauna that are native to this area of Lapland, as well as the folklore, and legends that surround the Northern Lights.

Get ready to pose under the Aurora Borealis as your guide snaps magnificent photos of you surrounded by the natural spectacle, to share with friends once you return home.

Northern Lights husky dog sledding adventure in Rovaniemi

There are few animals more closely associated with the Arctic Circle than huskies, and on this dog sledding tour, you can live a local experience, pulled through the snow by these handsome creatures.

Itinerary

Meet your furry friends and set off on a whirlwind tour of Lapland by night. As you journey through the snow, you’ll be impressed by the weight these dogs can pull with ease.

Feel like you’re part of a movie as the Northern Lights fill the sky overhead, interrupted only by the occasional sound of a husky.

Stop off at a local Lappish hut to warm yourself from the frosty night air and enjoy traditional snacks, such as Lappish sausages.

Northern Lights ice floating tour in Rovaniemi

For a unique way to view the Northern Lights, you should consider trying ice floating while in Rovaniemi.

Itinerary

At a quiet spot far from the noise and lights of Rovaniemi awaits a tranquil lagoon for you to dip into.

While the temperature of the water is far below what is comfortable for human skin, you’ll be bundled up in an insulated suit to enjoy the experience thoroughly.

As you descend into the pool, you’ll witness an underwater music show that will keep you occupied as you await the appearance of the Aurora Borealis.

Lie back and admire the vibrant colors that light the sky as you float gently in this chilly pool.

Reindeer Sami Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi

Get close to Santa’s budding pals on this magical reindeer-led sleigh ride through Lapland.

Itinerary

Before you set off in search of the Northern Lights, you’ll visit a reindeer farm, where you’ll find these adorable beings to be both friendly and inquisitive.

Snap a selfie with Rudolph and stroke the reindeer’s soft fur before enjoying traditional Sami snacks, which include artisanal bread.

Buckle up and prepare yourself for a sleigh ride, guided through the snowy landscape by several reindeer.

Surrounded only by the sound of the sleigh gliding through the snow, you’ll be awed by the Northern Lights in the picture-perfect winter wonderland that is Lapland.

How much do Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi cost?

Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi that include ice floating are the most budget-friendly way to witness the natural phenomenon. For this type of excursion, you’ll pay around €90 each.

Small-group tours cost around €120 per person and on this tour, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience. Private sauna excursions also cost €120 each.

You’ll pay approximately €130 per person for a Northern Lights photography tour. Excursions that take place on a snowmobile also cost the same.

Dog sledding tours cost between €140 and €180 per person. Those on the higher end of this range last an extra hour.

You’ll pay €150 per person for a combined experience that includes a sauna, dinner and ice swimming.

Each person can expect to pay €180 for a Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi that includes a sleigh ride led by reindeer.

What is included?

Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi usually include traditional refreshments in front of a fire to keep you warm throughout your adventure.

You’ll often be provided with a hot beverage, as well as barbecue food, such as expertly grilled pork sausages.

If you participate in an outdoor activity, such as snowmobiling or husky sledding, your tour will normally provide you with outerwear, including boots, gloves and overalls. However, on some trips, there is an additional charge for this.

Some tours include photos taken underneath the Northern Lights, which are sent to your phone after the excursion ends.

On an ice-floating tour, you’ll be provided with an insulated suit to keep you protected from the cold while in the water.

If you participate in a tour that includes a Finnish sauna, you’ll be provided with a towel and slippers.

Where does it start?

Most Aurora Borealis tours in Rovaniemi offer a complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off service. Alternatively, you may meet your tour guide at an easy-to-reach location in the city center.

You can see the meeting point of each excursion and whether they include a hotel pick-up service before booking.

This allows you the time to plan your route and arrange any appropriate transportation before departing for your trip.

How long does it last?

The majority of Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi last between 3 and 4 hours. This gives the Northern Lights plenty of time to appear before you, and you’ll be able to participate in several activities while you await them.

If you’re short on time, you can choose a tour that takes place on a snowmobile, which usually lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours.

When is the best time for a Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi?

The only time to experience the Northern Lights is at night. These tours usually begin in the early evening, around 7 PM and last several hours. The later your excursion starts, the better, as the Aurora Borealis often appears past midnight.

You can see the Northern Lights between September and April.

Book your Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi for the last evening of your Lapland vacation to end your trip on a high and create lasting memories.

Are there any combo tours available?

Northern Lights tour plus dinner, sauna and ice swimming in Rovaniemi

Visit a peaceful lake in the middle of the wilderness, where you’ll enjoy a traditional sauna experience.

As your temperature rises with the hot steam, you may feel inclined to jump into the frigid waters of the surrounding lake for a spot of ice swimming.

Devour a traditional Lappish salmon feast in front of a cozy fire before seeking out the Northern Lights.

Private forest sauna and Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi

On this private forest sauna tour in Rovaniemi, you’ll enjoy the calming steam of a traditional Finnish sauna warming you through. Cleanse yourself of toxins and stress as you rejuvenate deep in the forests of Lapland.

Next, sink into the icy waters of a serene lake to increase blood circulation and instantly boost your mood. Watch the Northern Lights appear before you and dance on the surface of the lake before warming up with a hot drink.

Are children allowed?

Each Northern Lights excursion in Rovaniemi has its own age restrictions, depending on the activities it offers. Many allow children of all ages to participate, while several prohibit those under 12 from joining in.

In some cases, the regulations are height related. Check each individual tour before booking to ensure your children are welcome.

Do I need a driving license?

You need to be in possession of a standard driving license in order to drive a snowmobile. If you do not have this, you can choose a tour of this nature where you are driven through the snow by a guide instead.

What happens in case of bad weather?

While Northern Lights trips happen in most weather conditions, there are certain times when they can’t go ahead.

If poor conditions, such as blizzards, prevent you from participating in your Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi, your excursion will be rebooked for another evening. If this isn’t convenient, you can request a full refund instead.

Travel tips

Wrap up warm for your Aurora Borealis tour in Rovaniemi as temperatures can plummet as low as -16 degrees Celsius during the nighttime in the winter months.
Remember to bring your driving license with you if you’re participating in a snowmobiling excursion.
These tours usually end between 11 PM and midnight. Bear this timing in mind if you’re considering booking with young children.
Most tour operators provide refreshments on Northern Lights excursions in Rovaniemi. If you have dietary requirements, let your provider know upon booking.

Northern Lights Tours in Rovaniemi