Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Tours

Chase the magical Northern Lights deep into the Arctic wilderness with expert guides, professional photography, and thermal gear included for the ultimate Lapland adventure.

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3-8 hours (varies by tour)
1 Languages
Small groups (max 8) & Private options
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Experience the Magic of the Arctic Night

Witnessing the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi is more than just a sightseeing trip; it is a thrill-seeking hunt through the frozen forests of the Arctic Circle. Expert guides analyze real-time solar activity and cloud cover data to drive you away from city lights, sometimes crossing into Sweden or Norway to find the perfect clear sky. Whether you choose a cozy reindeer sleigh ride, an adrenaline-fueled snowmobile safari, or a dedicated photography workshop, you will be immersed in the silence of the Lappish wilderness, wrapped in professional thermal gear, waiting for the sky to dance.

98%
Success Rate
4.9/5
Guest Rating
4-8 Hrs
Duration
Sep-Apr
Season

Why Book With Us

Verified Operator Partners

We exclusively partner with top-rated local operators like Nordic Unique Travels and Wild About Lapland who adhere to strict safety standards

Real Traveler Reviews

Make informed decisions based on thousands of recent verified reviews from travelers who have actually taken these specific tours

High Success Rates

Our curated selection focuses on 'hunting' tours that actively drive to find clear skies, maximizing your chances of seeing the lights

Small Group Focus

Most of our listings are small group experiences (max 8 people), ensuring personal attention and better photography opportunities

Professional Photography

Many of our partners include high-end DSLR photography services, so you get the perfect shot without fumbling in the dark

Secure & Flexible

Book with confidence using secure payment systems and enjoy free cancellation policies up to 24 hours before your tour

97% success rate
Professional photography included
Cross-border travel if required
4-6 hour hunting duration
Expert photography know-how

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

What to Expect
Late night driving
Very cold temperatures
Waiting in nature
Walking on snow
Logistics
Pickup from Rovaniemi hotels
Duration 3-8 hours
Bathroom breaks limited in wilderness
Requirements
Moderate mobility for snow walking
Not recommended for infants
Warm base layers essential

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 2 weeks in advance for peak season (Dec-Jan)
  • Choose a 'hunting' tour (minivan) for the best success rate
  • Look for tours that include professional photography
  • Book for the first night of your trip so you have chances to rebook

What to Bring

  • Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  • Wool mid-layer
  • Camera and tripod
  • Hand/Toe warmers
  • Good mood and patience

Best Seasons to Visit

Autumn (Sep-Oct)|Winter (Nov-Jan)|Spring (Feb-Mar)

What to Wear

Wool or synthetic base layer (NO COTTON)|Fleece or wool mid-layer|Windproof and waterproof ski jacket/pants|Two pairs of wool socks|Neck warmer and heavy beanie

Planning

Historical Context

Rovaniemi was almost completely destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in the shape of a reindeer head by architect Alvar Aalto.

Photography Tips

  • Use a tripod
  • Set manual focus to infinity
  • ISO 1600-3200
  • Shutter speed 5-15 seconds
  • Aperture f/2.8 or lower
  • Bring spare batteries

Insider Tips

  • Don't look at your phone screen—it ruins your night vision
  • Put your camera batteries in your warm inner pocket
  • Eat a good meal before you go
  • Trust the guide's weather app, not your own

Our Partners

  • In partnership with Nordic Unique Travels, Wild About Lapland, and Beyond Arctic.

Fun Facts

  • The Finnish word for Northern Lights is 'Revontulet', meaning 'Fox Fires'
  • Rovaniemi is the Official Hometown of Santa Claus
  • The Aurora is visible roughly 200 nights a year in Lapland

Cancellation Policy

Most tours offer full refunds if cancelled at least 24 hours before the start time. Check individual tour details for specific terms.

Social Media

Share your experience: #Rovaniemi #VisitRovaniemi #NorthernLights #AuroraBorealis #Lapland #ArcticAdventures

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
UK • 2025-01-15

Magical night with Juho!

We booked the small group hunt and it was incredible. It was cloudy in Rovaniemi but our guide drove us 2 hours north to find clear skies. We saw an amazing display! The thermal suits kept us toasty even at -25C.

W
Wei Chen
Singapore • 2024-12-20

Professional photos were amazing

I was worried about taking photos with my phone, but the guide had a professional camera and took incredible shots of us with the aurora. The BBQ in the Kota was a nice break from the cold. Highly recommended!

M
Marko Rossi
Italy • 2025-02-03

Long drive but worth it

Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the minivan. It's a hunt, not a zoo visit. We drove for 3 hours before we found the lights, but when we did, it was spectacular. The guide was very knowledgeable about the science behind it.

E
Emily & Tom
USA • 2024-11-28

Highlight of our honeymoon

We did the private tour and it was worth every penny. Just us and the guide. He found a secluded spot by a frozen lake with zero light pollution. The silence and the lights were spiritual. Best experience in Finland.

L
Lars Jensen
Denmark • 2025-01-05

Good tour, very cold

The organization was great. Pickup on time, good gear provided. Just be warned, standing on a frozen lake is colder than you imagine! Bring hand warmers. The sausages and hot berry juice were a lifesaver.

H
Hiroki Tanaka
Japan • 2024-12-10

97% Guarantee is real

We didn't see lights the first night due to snow. They rebooked us for the next night for free, and we saw a massive storm! The flexibility of these operators is why you should book with them.

J
Jessica Miller
Australia • 2024-10-15

Nature is unpredictable

The tour itself was good, guide was funny and snacks were nice. Unfortunately, the sky remained cloudy so we didn't see the aurora. That's the risk you take, but the team tried their hardest to find a gap in the clouds.

A
Ahmed Al-Sayed
UAE • 2025-02-14

Ice floating experience

We chose the ice floating aurora tour. Floating in the survival suit looking up at the stars was surreal. We saw faint auroras, but the floating experience itself was the highlight. Very unique!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

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4.9/5
Free Cancellation
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