Rovaniemi: Search for Northern Lights Snowmobiling Trip

If you’re dreaming of chasing the Northern Lights in the snowy wilderness of Lapland, this snowmobile safari from Rovaniemi might catch your eye. While we haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, we’ve looked into the details and reviews to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your Arctic adventure.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines the thrill of snowmobiling with the chance to see the Northern Lights—a rare, natural spectacle that’s high on many travelers’ bucket lists. Also, the fact that the guides seem knowledgeable and helpful really stands out, making the whole journey feel safe and enjoyable.

On the flip side, there’s the unpredictability of the Northern Lights; they’re a natural phenomenon that can’t be guaranteed. If you’re hoping for a guaranteed sighting, this might be a bit of a gamble.

This tour seems best suited for adventurers who are comfortable in winter conditions and eager for a snow-filled, starry night out. It’s not ideal for very young children or pregnant women, but if you’re up for a snowy ride and hope to catch the Aurora, it could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic experience: Snowmobiling through Lapland’s forests at night offers stunning scenery and a true sense of remote wilderness.
• Potential Aurora sighting: Although unpredictable, the tour takes you to the best vantage points for spotting the Northern Lights.
• Guides make a difference: Knowledgeable guides help ensure safety and add to the experience, as highlighted by multiple reviews.
• Flexible scheduling and small groups: With a 2-hour duration and small group sizes, you’ll get a personalized adventure.
• Includes gear and transport: Thermal overalls, boots, gloves, and helmets are provided, making it easier to pack light.
• Consider clothing layers and warmers: Reviewers recommend extra layers and hand/foot warmers for comfort, especially for passengers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

This snowmobile tour offers a good mix of adventure and scenic beauty, making it appealing for those who want to enjoy Lapland’s winter magic without a long, drawn-out commitment. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, with approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of actual snowmobiling. The tour starts with pickup from several convenient locations in Rovaniemi, including popular hotels and landmarks, making it straightforward to join regardless of where you’re staying.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey begins with pickup from one of six designated locations, such as Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets or Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. The ride to the safari center takes about 50 minutes in a comfortable van, giving you a chance to start soaking in the snowy landscape right away.

Once at the Wild Nordic Finland Safari Center, you’ll go through a safety briefing that lasts roughly 20 minutes. This step is crucial and well-appreciated, as many reviewers noted how helpful the guides are in making sure everyone feels confident around the snowmobiles, even if it’s their first time.

After the briefing, it’s time for the real fun: the snowmobile ride. You’ll get to operate your own snowmobile or ride as a passenger—something to consider if you’re traveling with someone who prefers a more relaxed experience. The route takes you through Lapland’s snowy forests outside Rovaniemi, with stops at scenic spots for photos and to enjoy the tranquility of the winter night.

What Makes the Ride Special

The highlight here is being out in the dark, surrounded by silence and snow-covered trees, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing overhead. While the lights are a natural occurrence and can’t be guaranteed, the guides will take you to vantage points that maximize your chances. Several reviews mention how even without lights, the starry sky and the peaceful atmosphere make up for it.

The Guides and Group Size

Multiple reviews praise the guides for their helpfulness, professionalism, and ability to keep everyone feeling safe. One person mentioned feeling well looked after, even with no prior snowmobile experience. The group size is limited to six snowmobiles, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable, especially in winter conditions.

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What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour price of around $192 per person includes all necessary gear: thermal overalls, boots, gloves, woolen socks, balaclava masks, and helmets. This is quite convenient, reducing the stress of packing heavy winter clothing. Round-trip transportation from the meeting points is also included, which is a big plus in cold weather.

However, reviewers recommend bringing extra layers, especially for passengers, and using hand and foot warmers. Even with provided gear, extremities tend to get cold, especially if the weather is drizzly or windy, which it might be during winter nights.

Real Experiences from Travelers

Reviewers consistently mention the helpfulness and professionalism of the guides. For example, one reviewer said, “The guides were extremely helpful…we felt safe and well looked after throughout the trip.” Another commented on the guide Ruben, saying, “He was an amazing guide! We had a great time!” These points underscore how a good guide can really enhance an adventure like this.

Many also mention the stunning starry skies and the peacefulness of the forest at night, which makes the ride feel even more magical. One guest noted, “The stars were spellbinding all the same,” even if the northern lights didn’t appear that night.

In terms of practical tips, seasoned snowmobilers or those comfortable with speed will appreciate that the ride can be quite fast, but safety is prioritized, especially since only two guides follow the group. Some reviews mention the route could be a bit crowded or inconsistent, especially when larger groups are involved, but overall, the experience remains enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This snowmobile adventure is best suited for adventurers who enjoy outdoor winter activities and are comfortable in cold weather gear. If you’re searching for a memorable way to see Lapland’s wilderness and are keen to try snowmobiling even if it’s your first time, you’ll likely find this experience rewarding.

It’s not recommended for children under 14, pregnant women, or anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If your goal is to see the Northern Lights, this tour offers a good chance, but patience and luck are needed since aurora activity is unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

This Rovaniemi snowmobile trip offers a practical yet exhilarating way to experience the Arctic night. From the safety-focused guides to the scenic stops and potential Aurora sightings, it ticks many boxes for winter travelers seeking adventure. The included gear and transportation remove some of the logistical headaches, making it easier to focus on the ride and the scenery.

While the Northern Lights can’t be guaranteed, the chance to snowmobile through pristine forests at night, under a sky full of stars, makes this a worthwhile experience for most winter trip planners. It’s especially suited for those who want a balance of thrill, comfort, and natural beauty.

For anyone looking to combine a bit of adrenaline with the magic of Lapland’s winter, this tour could be just the right choice. Just remember to dress warmly, manage expectations about the lights, and enjoy every snowy, starry moment.

FAQs

Can I operate the snowmobile myself?
Yes, you can choose to drive your own snowmobile, provided you are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, passenger options are available, though they might cost extra.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the snowmobile experience, all necessary gear including thermal overalls, boots, gloves, woolen socks, masks, helmets, and round-trip transport from designated pickup points.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, since the Aurora is a natural event, its activity and vibrancy cannot be guaranteed. The guides will take you to the best spots to increase your chances, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity.

How long is the snowmobile ride?
The actual snowmobiling lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes, within a total experience of about 2 hours, including pickups, safety briefing, and stops.

Is this suitable for families?
This tour is not suitable for children under 14 or pregnant women, mainly because of safety and the physical demands of the ride.

What should I wear?
Bring plenty of warm layers, especially if you’re a passenger, and consider heating hand and foot warmers for extra comfort. The provided gear helps, but staying warm depends on your own clothing too.

If you’re after an active, scenic, and potentially aurora-filled night in Lapland, this snowmobile tour offers a solid, well-reviewed option. Just remember, it’s about enjoying the ride and the scenery—you might get lucky with the lights, but the experience itself is quite memorable regardless.

You can check availability for your dates here: