Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Hunters. Aurora + BBQ

When you’re dreaming of witnessing the stunning dance of the Northern Lights, tours like this generally promise a memorable experience. This particular one, offered by LumiLena in Rovaniemi, Finland, is billed as a 3-hour adventure that combines the thrill of aurora hunting with the comfort of a warm fire, delicious BBQ, and cozy atmospheres.

What immediately stands out is the emphasis on personalized attention—visiting two carefully chosen locations with minimal light pollution, increasing your chances of seeing the aurora, weather permitting. I also love the way it balances natural beauty with relaxing, social moments around a fire, making it appealing whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group.

One thing to consider is the dependence on weather and aurora activity—like many Northern Lights tours, seeing the lights isn’t guaranteed. Still, the way the experience is structured ensures that even if the sky stays quiet, you’ll enjoy fantastic scenery, good food, and a warm, genuine atmosphere.

This tour is best suited for anyone wanting a personal, intimate experience with nature, combining the magic of Lapland’s landscapes with good company and authentic local flavors. It’s especially appealing if you want a cozy, less crowded alternative to large group excursions.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small group size and attentive guides make this a more intimate outing.
• Two Prime Locations: Visits to a snow-covered lake and a cozy grill spot maximize scenery and aurora chances.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Fire, BBQ, hot drinks, and sweets create a warm, inviting setting.
• Authentic Finnish Flavors: Sausages, rice cakes, homemade berry drinks, and roasted marshmallows add to the charm.
• Good for Weather Flexibility: Even if the aurora doesn’t appear, the atmosphere and scenery still shine.
• Family-Friendly? Not specifically, and the tour notes limited mobility, but adults and older children will likely enjoy the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Setup: A Small, Warm Group Tour

The tour is designed to be personal and flexible, with live guides speaking English, picking you up from Rovaniemi in a hybrid vehicle, and taking you to carefully selected spots. The group size isn’t specified explicitly but is implied to be small enough to offer a personal touch, as several reviews mention a cozy, family-like atmosphere. This makes it perfect for travelers who prefer quality over quantity, and who want to feel cared for throughout.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a pickup in Rovaniemi, setting the tone for a stress-free evening. The first stop is a photo-worthy, scenic spot lasting about 25 minutes. This is likely a quick chance to stretch, snap some photos, and get a first glimpse of the landscape.

Next comes the main part of the experience: visiting two key locations — a snow-covered lake and a cozy grill spot. The total time at these stops is about 80 minutes. Here, you’ll walk out onto the ice of the lake, which is an incredible setting for both aurora viewing and photos. The lake’s vast, frozen surface provides an unobstructed view of the sky, and the snow-covered surroundings add a magical winter vibe.

On the way, you might see local fauna like reindeer and hares, adding a touch of nature’s quiet inhabitants to the evening. These moments are more than just scenery—they remind you that you’re in Lapland, a wild and beautiful place.

The Cozy Fire and Food

Once at the second location, the atmosphere shifts to something more intimate and warm. You’ll gather around a fire where the guide expertly cooks aromatic sausages, a Finnish staple, on the grill. The smell alone is inviting, and the act of roasting sausages under the Arctic sky makes for a truly authentic experience.

Along With sausages, some reviews mention Finnish rice cakes and homemade berry drinks—a lovely touch that adds local flavor to the evening. The guide picks berries in the summer—talk about fresh ingredients—then uses them to craft hot drinks that keep you warm in the winter chill. Roasting marshmallows is also part of the fun, giving everyone a chance to indulge in a sweet treat while gazing up at the sky.

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Aurora Watching: The Main Event

This tour’s main goal is to see the Northern Lights, and many reviews emphasize how this is a prime spot for aurora viewing. The two locations have minimal light pollution, making the sky above darker and more likely to showcase the dancing colors.

While the aurora isn’t guaranteed—weather and solar activity are beyond anyone’s control—the tour maximizes chances by selecting the best spots and timing your visit for optimal darkness. Several travelers have shared that although they didn’t see the lights on one night, the stunning scenery and cozy atmosphere more than made up for it. Others were lucky enough to witness the aurora’s vivid display, which is truly unforgettable.

Santa Claus Village: Optional & Quieter

At your request, the guide might take you to Santa Claus Village for some quiet photo opportunities without the usual crowds. This is a bonus for those wanting a quick, magical shot with Santa, especially since daytime visits tend to be crowded, and the night experience offers a more peaceful, authentic vibe.

Timing & Group Size

The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity. Pickup and drop-off are included, and the vehicle used is a Kia Niro hybrid, aligning with eco-conscious travel. The tour is flexible with reserving now and paying later, which helps if your plans change.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Based on reviews, the guides stand out as a major highlight. Several mention Lena and her husband as being warm, professional, and genuinely enthusiastic. Their attention to detail—helping with photos, sharing local snacks, and creating a cozy environment—makes the experience feel special.

The food is another big plus. From sausages to rice cakes and berry drinks, the food adds a hearty, authentic touch. The fire-side atmosphere is praised repeatedly, with many reviewers describing it as “lovely,” “cozy,” and “intimate.” It’s not just about spotting the aurora; it’s about enjoying the entire moment—warmth, good company, and beautiful scenery.

Many travelers have expressed that even if the Northern Lights don’t make an appearance, the overall experience remains worth it. The scenery, the fire, the food, and especially the guides’ efforts to make everyone comfortable—all these contribute to a memorable night.

The Downside

The main consideration is dependence on nature. The aurora is unpredictable, so there’s always a chance you won’t see it. However, the tour’s structure ensures you’ll still walk away with beautiful photos and a cozy, fun experience. Also, it’s not tailored for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as the terrain and walking might pose challenges.

Value for Money

At an affordable price point, this tour offers a personal experience that feels more intimate and authentic than larger group outings. The combination of scenic stops, food, and the chance to see the Northern Lights makes it feel like good value, especially considering the warmth and attention you receive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic Arctic adventure with a chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, and solo travelers who value personal attention and local flavors. While not specifically advertised as family-focused, older children who appreciate nature and are comfortable in cold conditions will enjoy it too.

It’s especially suited for those who prefer a cozy, less crowded experience over large bus tours or crowded daytime Santa visits. Also, if you love food and fire-side chats, this experience hits those marks beautifully.

FAQs

Do I need to bring warm clothing?
Yes. The experience takes place outdoors in winter, so dress in warm, layered clothing suitable for cold weather to stay comfortable while outdoors.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour maximizes your chances by visiting two good locations with minimal light pollution, seeing the aurora depends on weather and solar activity, so it’s not guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour notes limited mobility and doesn’t specify suitability for young children. It’s best for older children or teenagers comfortable in cold outdoor conditions.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including pickup, sightseeing stops, and the main aurora hunting activity.

What kind of food is included?
The guide cooks aromatic sausages, and there are traditional Finnish rice cakes, hot berry drinks, and roasted marshmallows—adding authentic flavor to the evening.

Can I visit Santa Claus Village on this tour?
Yes, upon request, the guide can stop by Santa Claus Village for some quiet, queue-free photos, especially at night, avoiding daytime crowds.

What is the group size?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is described as intimate, suggesting smaller groups that allow for personalized attention.

What should I do if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The experience is based on natural phenomena, so if the sky stays cloudy or no aurora appears, you still get a scenic, cozy night with great food and friendly guides.

Is transportation included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included, with a hybrid vehicle used for eco-friendliness and comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi offers more than just a chance to see the aurora. It’s an evening crafted around authenticity, comfort, and local charm. The careful selection of locations, the warmth of the fire, and the genuine care of guides like Lena turn a simple aurora hunt into a memorable Arctic adventure.

It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate a personal touch and want to enjoy Lapland’s scenery without the crowds. While the aurora’s appearance isn’t guaranteed, the experience itself—beautiful landscapes, delicious local food, and warm company—will leave anyone with a sense of the magic of Lapland.

If you’re after a relaxed, heartfelt journey into the Arctic night, this tour might just be your perfect match.

Note: Always check the weather forecast and aurora activity forecast before booking, and dress appropriately for winter conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: