Rovaniemi: Night Tour in Search of the Aurora with BBQ

Traveling to Lapland and trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights? This night tour in Rovaniemi offers a chance to see the aurora in a laid-back, friendly setting, with the added bonus of a traditional Finnish BBQ. While this isn’t a high-end luxury experience, it’s a solid option for anyone wanting to blend aurora chasing with a taste of Arctic hospitality.

What we love about this tour is how it combines multiple stops for better chances of seeing the lights and the warm, communal atmosphere created by the BBQ around a campfire. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem genuinely invested in making sure everyone has a good time. On the flip side, one possible downside is that aurora sightings are never guaranteed, which is true of most guided northern lights tours. Still, if you’re chasing the aurora and appreciate a friendly, no-frills approach, this trip is worth considering.

This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience rather than a highly curated or exclusive outing. It also appeals to travelers who enjoy scenic stops, local food, and photography, with the flexibility of hotel pickup and drop-off making logistics easier. If you’re okay with the unpredictability of nature and are looking for a budget-friendly option, keep reading — I think you’ll find it gives you a genuine taste of Arctic adventure.

Key Points

• Multiple viewing stops increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
• The BBQ meal around the fire creates a cozy, social atmosphere.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off make it convenient, especially in cold weather.
• Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to help with photos.
• The tour’s price point ($89) offers good value, considering the experience.
• Aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, so don’t rely solely on this for a perfect show.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Look at the Aurora Night Tour in Rovaniemi

If you’re heading to Lapland and want to chase the Northern Lights, this tour is a friendly, straightforward way to give it a go. Here’s how it all unfolds and what you can expect.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Rovaniemi around 19:30, which is super convenient. From there, the journey takes you beyond the city lights, into the Arctic wilderness, where the chances of spotting the aurora are better.

The first stop is relatively close to the city and offers a brief photo opportunity. This is a good warm-up, especially if you’re eager to start snapping pictures early on. From there, the tour visits three different locations—each with its own charm and landscape.

The second stop is dubbed a “secret stop,” which adds an element of surprise. Here, you’ll have about 80 minutes to walk, relax, and enjoy a BBQ. This is the highlight for many, as sitting around a campfire, grilling sausages, and tasting Finnish pastries in the cold night air is both authentic and memorable. The guides often help with phone settings to improve your photos, as some reviews mention.

The final stops are shorter, meant for free time and quick photos, giving you opportunities to take in the Arctic scenery and possibly catch another glimpse of the lights if they appear. The tour wraps up with return to Rovaniemi around 22:30-23:00.

What’s Included and How It Affects Your Experience

For $89, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, which spares you the hassle of finding meeting points in freezing weather. It also includes the BBQ by the fireplace, a key element that makes this experience warm and engaging.

Having a knowledgeable guide is a big plus. As some reviews say, guides like Daria go beyond just taking you around—they help with photo tips and making sure everyone’s comfortable. This personal touch matters a lot in an experience that relies heavily on weather and luck.

The Experience of the Arctic Night

The tour emphasizes seeking the Northern Lights, but as with all aurora excursions, there’s an inherent element of unpredictability. Several reviews highlight that seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed, especially if the sky is cloudy or the aurora is faint. One reviewer even said, “We only saw a small glimpse of the Northern Lights,” but still found the trip enjoyable because of the landscape and atmosphere.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic stops, social dining, and the chance to take well-photographed images. Many guests appreciated that guides helped with camera settings, which is essential given the low-light conditions.

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The Atmosphere and Social Element

The cozy campfire and warm drinks foster a sense of camaraderie. This isn’t a high-pressure, high-adrenaline hunt; it’s more about soaking in the moment, enjoying the Arctic environment, and making the most of the clear winter night.

From reviews, you can expect sausages grilled over the fire, traditional Finnish pastries, and marshmallows toasted under the starry sky. Some guests mention that the guide’s friendliness and helpfulness made the experience memorable, especially for those new to northern lights hunting.

Transport and Group Size

The transportation is reliable; the vehicle looks comfortable, and the group size is manageable. The drive into the Arctic wilderness makes a difference—being away from city lights enhances your chances of a good sighting. The timing is well-placed, starting after sunset, with enough darkness for the aurora to show.

Price and Value

At $89 per person, this tour offers decent value for an Arctic adventure. It’s not the cheapest option, but considering the multiple stops, hotel pickup, and included BBQ, it’s a fair deal. If you’re on a budget and want a relaxed, friendly experience without luxury expectations, it’s worth considering.

What Could Be Better?

While the tour is solid, it’s worth noting that aurora sightings can vary. Some reviews mention cloudy or cloudy weather obscuring the lights, which is out of the guide’s control. Also, the duration is just three hours, so if you’re looking for a longer or more immersive experience, you might want to explore other options.

Who is This Tour For?

This tour best suits travelers who:

• Want a relaxed, social experience with a focus on enjoying the Arctic environment.
• Are okay with the uncertainty of seeing the Aurora but appreciate scenic stops and good storytelling.
• Value good food and cozy atmospheres over high-end exclusivity.
• Are travelers who prefer hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience.
• Are looking for affordable options that still deliver a memorable Arctic night.

It’s less suitable for those expecting a guaranteed aurora or a luxury adventure. If you’re strict about seeing the Northern Lights, consider tours with a money-back guarantee or unlimited mileage options.

Final Thoughts

This Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour strikes a practical balance between adventure, comfort, and affordability. The multiple scenic stops combined with the warm Finnish BBQ make it a friendly, approachable way to experience the Arctic night. Guides like Daria seem genuinely committed to making it special, helping with photos and sharing local stories.

While the unpredictable nature of the Aurora means no guarantees, the experience of being out in the snowy wilderness, grilling sausages under the stars, and hopefully catching a glimpse of the Lights is something many travelers rave about. If you’re after a laid-back, authentic, and well-organized evening, this tour will serve you well.

For those seeking a fun, social outing with good chances of seeing the Aurora, this tour could become one of your favorite memories from Lapland. Just remember, patience and luck play their part in catching the Northern Lights.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi, making logistics easier, especially in cold weather.

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for about 3 hours, starting around 19:30 and returning around 22:30-23:00.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing and warm shoes are essential to stay comfortable during the outdoor stops.

Are the stops scenic?
Absolutely. The tour visits three different locations, each offering unique Arctic landscapes and photo opportunities.

What is included in the price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off, three scenic stops, the BBQ by the fireplace, and some guidance on taking photos.

Can I take photos of the Northern Lights?
Guides help with phone settings to improve your photos, but the success depends on the Aurora activity and weather.

Is there a chance I won’t see the Aurora?
Yes. Aurora Borealis is unpredictable, and cloudy or bad weather can prevent sightings.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as family-oriented, the relaxed style and scenery make it suitable for most travelers. Keep in mind the cold if bringing young children.

What’s the food like?
Expect grilled sausages, Finnish pastries, cookies, and marshmallows. The atmosphere is cozy and communal.

How do reviews describe the experience?
Guests praise guides’ friendliness and the beauty of the stops, but note that seeing the Lights is never guaranteed. Overall, it’s considered a good value and a memorable Arctic outing.

If you’re planning your trip to Lapland and want a friendly, scenic way to hunt for the Northern Lights, this tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable experience. Just remember to stay patient, dress warmly, and enjoy the magic of the Arctic night.

You can check availability for your dates here: