From Rovaniemi: Lapland Aurora Hunt with Barbeque

If you’re thinking about chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, this tour from Rovaniemi offers a practical, friendly option. It’s not just about the lights; it’s about the full experience — the wintery landscapes, cozy campfire vibes, and warm Finnish food. We love how flexible the route is, changing based on the weather forecast, giving you the best chance to see those elusive auroras. Plus, the included barbeque and hot drinks make the cold nights a lot more comfortable.

On the other hand, it’s worth noting that seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed—these are natural phenomena, after all. So if your main goal is to witness a guaranteed show, this might not be the perfect fit. Still, if you’re after an authentic Arctic experience with knowledgeable guides and a friendly atmosphere, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and cultural charm.

Key Points

• Flexible routes based on weather increase your chances of seeing the aurora.
• Includes a traditional Lappish barbecue and hot glögi, perfect for warming up.
• Scenic stops at lakes and private spots, ideal for photos and enjoying the silence of nature.
• Expert guides with high praise, dedicated to making your experience memorable—even if the lights stay hidden.
• Duration of about 3 hours makes it a focused, manageable outing.
• Pickup and drop-off included, so you don’t need to worry about logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect on the Aurora Hunt

We’ll start with the convenience of pickup right from your accommodation or a central location in Rovaniemi. This means no hassle trying to find your way out into the Arctic darkness, which is a major plus. Once you’re settled in the van, your guide — often highly praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude — will drive you into the countryside, away from light pollution, where the real magic begins.

Routes Adapted to Weather

One of the best parts? Routes vary depending on the weather forecast. This flexibility is key because clear skies are essential for a good aurora sighting. If the forecast looks promising, your guide might take you to a lake where you can check the sky for activity before settling into a cozy spot. Or, you may visit a secluded private lake, which offers a quieter, more intimate setting for watching the sky. The guides are attentive, making sure you’re in the best location possible for the conditions.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

The tour includes two main stops, each lasting about 10 minutes for quick photo ops — perfect if you’re eager to capture that once-in-a-lifetime moment. One stop at a tranquil lake lets you enjoy the serenity and possibly catch the first glimpses of the lights. The other, a more private setting, is ideal for setting up your camera and waiting for the spectacle.

The Highlight: The Barbecue and Warm Drinks

At the second stop, you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Lapland barbecue, cooked over an open fire. Depending on your dietary needs, vegetarian, gluten-free, or lactose-free options are available, which adds to the value. Many reviews mention the delicious sausages and tasty glögi, a traditional Finnish hot drink that’s perfect for cold nights. Sitting around the fire with a hot drink and some grilled food makes the waiting much more bearable, and the warmth adds to the cozy vibe.

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The Aurora: An Unpredictable Wonder

The biggest variable? Whether you’ll see the Northern Lights. As one reviewer said, “The tour cannot guarantee that the aurora will appear,” which is fair. The lights are a natural phenomenon, and even in winter, they can be shy or faint. But many travelers have been lucky, with guides doing everything possible to maximize the chances. Several reviews highlight how dedicated the guides are, often taking multiple stops and even staying longer when the aurora begins to dance in the sky — sometimes extending the tour beyond planned time.

Value for Money

With a duration of around 3 hours, the cost seems reasonable considering the included transport, the expertise of the guides, the scenic stops, and the food. Compared to other options, this tour generally offers good value, especially given the personalized touches like free professional photos of you under the lights. Many travelers mention the “professional pictures” and “friendly guides,” which add to the overall experience.

The Real-World Feedback: What Travelers Say

What’s especially interesting are the consistent rave reviews about the guides. Multiple reviews praise guides like Alex, Vlad, Anton, and Mikhel for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication. One traveler shared, “Anton was very nice, gave us information about the Aurora, and took us to three different spots.” Another noted, “Michael was the best — he kept searching until they appeared.” The guides’ attitude makes a big difference, especially if luck isn’t on your side.

Food is also a recurring highlight. “The barbecue was fantastic,” says one review, with marshmallows and Finnish sausages enjoyed around the fire. Many mention how the food and drinks, including glögi, add warmth and comfort to the cold night.

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that the group size can be a little big, which might affect the coziness around the fire or photo opportunities. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re after a more intimate experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and initial stop

Your adventure begins with pickup from Rovaniemi, usually around 8:00 PM, although times may vary slightly depending on the season. The convenience of being picked up from your accommodation means you start relaxed, without worries about transportation.

Scenic photo stop

The first stop is at a peaceful location, often a lake, perfect for checking the sky and snapping a few photos. Many reviewers enjoyed this quiet moment, as one said, “The starry sky was extraordinary, and we got some beautiful pictures.” It’s a good chance to breathe in the crisp winter air and enjoy the silence of the Arctic night.

Main barbecue stop

After about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive at a secluded private lake where the real fun begins. Here, a campfire awaits, and you’ll get to enjoy a warm barbecue (sausages, marshmallows, or vegetarian options). The fire’s glow creates a cozy atmosphere, and many travelers rave about the food quality. One reviewer said, “The sausages were fantastic, and sitting by the fire in the snow is such a unique experience.”

Final Aurora check and photo

Depending on the conditions, the guide may take you to a second location, especially if the auroras are shy or faint at the first spot. If the weather clears and the lights come out, it’s a sight to remember, with many sharing photos of vibrant green dancing across the sky. Some mention that the tour was extended when the auroras appeared later than expected, showing the guides’ commitment.

Return to Rovaniemi

After the experience, you’ll be driven back to your accommodation, usually around 11:00 PM or midnight, with many feeling satisfied whether or not the lights appeared that night.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This aurora hunt is well-suited for travelers who want a genuine Arctic experience without spending hours out in the cold. The combination of scenic stops, cozy fire, and delicious food makes it appealing to those who value comfort and atmosphere. The guides’ dedication and ability to adapt based on weather are big pluses, especially for those who want an honest chance to see the lights with knowledgeable support.

It’s not a tour for anyone expecting a guaranteed show — patience is key. But with the flexibility and personal touches, many have said it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to try catching the Northern Lights in Lapland.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your location in Rovaniemi are included, making the experience hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 3 hours, usually starting around 8:00 PM, but times can vary with the season.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers. Expect cold nights, especially if you’re outside for extended periods.

Can I get vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Absolutely. The tour offers vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options to accommodate dietary needs.

Is it guaranteed to see the Northern Lights?
No, because the aurora is a natural phenomenon. The tour cannot guarantee sightings, but guides do their best to find good spots.

What’s included in the price?
Transport, a traditional barbecue, hot drinks like glögi, and the expertise of your guide are all included. Free professional photos are often provided.

How are the guides rated?
Visitors consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and dedication — many mention guides like Alex and Anton by name.

Is this suitable for families?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the experience is generally suitable for travelers who enjoy outdoor winter activities, given they dress warmly.

What if the weather is bad?
The route and stops are flexible, and guides will adapt based on weather conditions to give you the best possible chance of seeing the aurora.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility should plans change.

This Lapland Aurora Hunt with Barbeque from Rovaniemi offers a practical, friendly way to experience the Arctic night. The combination of scenic stops, a cozy campfire, and expert guides makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights while enjoying a taste of local culture. While the unpredictability of nature means no guarantees, many travelers leave feeling they’ve had a memorable, authentic Arctic adventure — with plenty of good stories and photos to prove it.

If you’re after a tour that balances effort with comfort, and appreciates the personal touch of dedicated guides, this experience is worth considering. Just remember: patience and a sense of adventure are your best companions when hunting the Northern Lights.

You can check availability for your dates here: