Rovaniemi: Arctic Ice Floating and Northern Lights Tour

Rovaniemi: Arctic Ice Floating and Northern Lights Tour

If you’re dreaming of a unique Arctic adventure, this Ice Floating and Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi is worth considering. Designed to let you float in an icy lake while bundled in a thermal protective suit, it offers a blend of thrill, serenity, and natural beauty. While the main draw is the chance to possibly see the Northern Lights dancing overhead, the experience of being in the Arctic wilderness with expert guidance makes it stand out.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines adventure with comfort, thanks to the well-thought-out protective suits and warm drinks afterward. Another highlight is the chance to witness the Northern Lights—a bucket-list moment when the sky cooperates. However, one potential consideration is the unpredictability of this natural display; there’s no guarantee you’ll see them on your night.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor adventures and are comfortable in cold weather, but it might not be suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues. Still, for travelers craving a memorable Arctic experience in Rovaniemi, this one ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Warm and safe experience: You’ll be in a thermal, waterproof suit that keeps you dry and warm while floating on ice.
• Stunning Arctic scenery: Surrounded by snow-covered trees, you’ll enjoy the peaceful beauty of Lapland’s wilderness.
• Opportunity to see the Northern Lights: With luck, the sky will put on a show, making it a memorable night.
• Comfort after the cold: Hot drinks, cookies, and an open fire help warm you up and add to the cozy factor.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and help you get the most from this unique experience.
• Limited age and health requirements: Not suitable for children under 14, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What’s the Tour All About?

This 3-hour experience offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, set in the quiet, snowy wilderness of Lapland. The tour begins with a safety briefing from your guide, who will explain how to wear your thermal suit and what to expect. Once suited up, you’ll head to the ice lake, where you’ll feel the thrill of being in the midst of the Arctic landscape.

Floating in an icy lake might sound intimidating, but the specially designed waterproof suits are game-changers. These suits are built to keep you warm and dry, so the focus can shift to the awe of the surroundings. As you lie back on the surface of the cold water, you’ll get a sense of how peaceful this moment truly is.

The highlight, of course, is looking up at the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. You might find that the sky occasionally reveals a vibrant display, but since this phenomenon is natural, there’s no guarantee of a spectacular show every night. Still, the likelihood of seeing the Aurora borealis during a clear winter night is quite high in Lapland.

After floating and stargazing, you’ll head over to a warm wooden cottage to enjoy hot drinks and cookies next to a crackling open fire. This cozy end to the experience offers a welcome change from the icy outdoors, giving you a chance to warm up and reflect on what you’ve just done.

The Itinerary: How Does the Tour Unfold?

The tour is structured around a simple yet engaging flow, all within a 3-hour window.

Pickup and Meeting Point:
Most tours include pickup from centrally located Rovaniemi hotels or Santa’s Village. This helps streamline your experience and eliminate the stress of finding the starting point. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early, as the schedule is fixed, and missing the pickup could mean missing your spot.

Safety Briefing:
Once at the site, your knowledgeable guide provides instructions on how to wear your protective suits, safety tips, and what to expect during the floating. This ensures everyone feels comfortable and prepared for the icy plunge.

Suit Up and Head to the Lake:
You’ll don a thermal protective suit, including waterproof layers, which are essential for staying warm and dry. The suits are designed to fit a range of sizes, but if you have special requirements, contacting the provider ahead of time is recommended. The minimum height is 150 cm, and the maximum weight is 110 kg. You don’t need to know how to swim, but being comfortable in water definitely helps.

Ice Floating:
The core of the experience involves lying back and floating on the surface of an icy lake, surrounded by snow-dusted trees. The sensation of cold water contrasted with the warmth of your suit is invigorating. According to reviews, this activity offers a strange combination of relaxation and adrenaline. As one traveler from Malta put it: “Floating on ice-cold lake water while the northern lights glow above you feels almost unreal.”

Northern Lights Viewing:
During the float, you’ll look up into the night sky, with the chance to see the Aurora Borealis. While sightings depend on weather and solar activity, many guests report seeing impressive displays. As one reviewer from Portugal noted, “Even though we didn’t see the lights, the activity itself was incredible.”

Warm Snacks and Fire:
After the float, you’ll move to a cozy wooden cottage, where hot drinks and cookies are served. The open fire adds to the atmosphere, making it a perfect place to warm up and share stories about the experience.

Return to Hotel:
Following this, you’ll be transported back to your accommodation, feeling both refreshed and exhilarated.

What’s the Experience Like?

From start to finish, this tour is focused on delivering a balanced mix of adventure and comfort. The guides are praised for their knowledge and attentiveness. One reviewer even mentioned how clear and helpful the instructions were, which is important when participating in such an activity in cold and unfamiliar surroundings.

The floating itself is described as both relaxing and exciting. Lying back on icy water, with snow-covered trees all around, creates a surreal atmosphere. Several reviews mention how beautiful the scenery is, especially if the Northern Lights make an appearance. Even if the sky stays dark, the quiet, wintry landscape makes for a memorable scene.

A key element that adds value is the hot drinks and snacks afterward. It’s not just about the activity but also about the experience of unwinding and sharing a warm moment after braving the cold. As one guest from France remarked, “It’s relaxing, and Luis, the guide, made the whole night even more special.”

Weather Conditions
The tour operates in all weather, which means you might find yourself in snowy, cold, or even slightly icy conditions. This is part of the Arctic charm, but be prepared for the weather to be a factor in your experience. The unpredictability of the Northern Lights also means patience is key—sometimes, you might need a bit of luck to see a spectacular display.

Price and Value
While the tour isn’t the cheapest activity in Rovaniemi, it offers good value if you’re into outdoor adventures and want a truly different Arctic experience. The inclusion of safety gear, expert guidance, and the cozy after-activity treats make it well worth the price for many travelers.

Group Size and Accessibility
The experience is typically done in groups, which can be social and fun, but it’s also intimate enough to feel special. It’s designed for those aged 14 and above, with certain height and weight restrictions, but this helps ensure everyone can enjoy the activity safely.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to try something out of the ordinary. If you love outdoor activities, enjoy stunning nighttime scenery, and are comfortable with cold temperatures, this is a great fit. It’s especially suited to those who are interested in the Northern Lights but understand that nature’s display can never be guaranteed.

However, if you have mobility issues, are pregnant, or have health concerns that make cold exposure or water activities risky, this tour might not be suitable. It’s also probably not ideal for very young children, as the minimum age is 14.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

The Rovaniemi Arctic Ice Floating and Northern Lights Tour offers a one-of-a-kind Arctic experience that balances adventure, comfort, and natural beauty. The combination of floating in icy waters, hopeful Aurora sightings, and warming drinks creates a memorable night in Lapland. The guides’ professionalism and the beautiful scenery elevate the experience, making it a worthwhile activity for those seeking something truly different during their Arctic trip.

While seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed, many guests walk away feeling that the thrill of floating on ice and the quiet beauty of the landscape more than make up for the unpredictability. If you’re prepared for cold weather and eager to embrace the wilderness of Lapland, this tour could become one of your favorite Arctic moments.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the minimum age is 14 years old, and participants need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Do I need to know how to swim?
No, swimming skills are not necessary. The thermal protective suits help you stay afloat comfortably.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes underneath the suit are recommended. The suit itself provides the necessary protection from the cold.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
There’s no guarantee, as Aurora displays depend on weather and solar activity, but the chances are good in Lapland during winter.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes the protective suits, guidance, hot drinks, cookies, and access to the fire and cozy cottage afterward.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience is about 3 hours, including pickup, activity, and return.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, participants should be in good health, able to follow safety instructions, and meet the minimum height and weight requirements.

This tour is a fantastic way to add a touch of Arctic magic to your Rovaniemi trip. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or simply seeking a memorable outdoor adventure, it’s worth considering if you’re ready for a bit of cold and a whole lot of stunning scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: