Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari from Rovaniemi with Campfire Picnic

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi and dreaming of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights while riding through snowy forests, this snowmobile safari is a popular pick. It offers a blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cozy moments by the fire—all wrapped up in about three hours of Arctic magic. We’ve looked into what this tour offers and gathered insights to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it makes snowmobiling and aurora hunting, especially with all the gear and instructions included. The chance to explore Lapland’s winter landscape in a manageable, guided way is a big plus. Plus, the campfire picnic with sausages and hot drinks adds a warm, social vibe that many travelers enjoy.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings aren’t guaranteed. Some reviews mention limited stops or short viewing times, which might feel a bit rushed if you’re eager to see the aurora in all its glory. This tour is perfect for those who appreciate scenic snowmobiling and cozy campfire moments but may not solely be focused on aurora chasing.

In the end, this tour feels suited to travelers who want a taste of Arctic adventure, enjoy guided experiences, and appreciate the comfort of included gear and transportation. If you’re after a fun, memorable night with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Accessible snowmobiling experience suitable for beginners, thanks to clear instructions and safety briefings
• Includes all necessary gear, so you don’t have to worry about dressing for the cold
• A scenic ride through snowy forests and along a frozen river, ideal for nature lovers
• Campfire with sausages and hot drinks creates a warm, social atmosphere to relax and chat
• Aurora sightings are not guaranteed — weather and solar activity play a large role
• Flexible options to ride with a partner or upgrade for your own snowmobile

What to Expect on the Tour

The adventure kicks off with a pickup from your hotel if you’re staying outside the city center, or you can meet directly at Pekankatu 3 in Rovaniemi. The tour starts around 7:00 pm, and the first step is changing into the provided thermal gear—think overall suits, boots, gloves, and helmets—to make sure you stay warm and safe during your ride. The guides are friendly, clear, and eager to ensure everyone is comfortable before heading out.

Once suited up, the group is briefed on safety and driving instructions. For those new to snowmobiling, don’t worry—the guides are experienced and will teach you how to operate the machines confidently. The snowmobiles are two-seaters, so you can ride with a partner, or you can opt for a single-rider snowmobile if you prefer more independence. All equipment is included, so you won’t need to bring your own gear.

The actual ride covers approximately 20-30 km, taking you through the wintry woods and along frozen waterways. The landscape is what you’d expect in Lapland—snow-covered trees, quiet forests, and a serene, icy river. The scenery alone is worth the trip and offers plenty of chances for photos or simply soaking in the peaceful winter vibes.

The highlight of the tour is stopping at a dark, open spot away from city lights, where you’ll get a chance to look for the Northern Lights. As one reviewer noted, “We stopped in 2 spots that’s it to see, but we were unlucky,” which underscores how unpredictable aurora sightings can be. Still, the experience of being out under the starry sky on a snowmobile trail is quite special regardless of whether the aurora makes an appearance.

After a bit of Aurora hunting, you’ll gather around a campfire. The guides will cook traditional sausages (makkara) over the open flames, and hot drinks are provided. It’s a simple but charming way to warm up, share stories, and enjoy the rustic atmosphere. Several reviews mention the quality of the guide service, with comments like “the guide was great, giving us time and being very friendly,” highlighting how much a knowledgeable guide can enhance the experience.

The Food and Atmosphere

The campfire picnic is a highlight for many. The sausages are grilled right in front of you, offering a taste of local tradition, and the hot drinks help fight off the cold after being out on the snow. It’s a cozy, social moment that feels authentic and relaxed. Reviewers mention the “excellent service,” “kind guides,” and “great company,” making it clear that the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.

Group Size and Flexibility

This tour is capped at 20 travelers, which keeps the group manageable and means you’ll likely get personalized attention from your guide. If you’re traveling with someone else, riding together on the two-seater snowmobiles is a nice way to share the experience without feeling rushed. Upgrading to a single-rider snowmobile is also available for those who prefer total control and independence.

Price and Value

At around $236 per person, this experience isn’t cheap, but it’s fairly typical for Arctic snowmobile tours that include gear, transportation, guiding, and food. The value really hinges on how much you enjoy snowmobiling, the scenery, and the chance to hunt for the Northern Lights. Many travelers find it’s a good balance, especially considering the included equipment and the convenience of hotel pickup if you’re staying outside the city.

Reviewers like Chris and Ambrose highlight that the guides go above and beyond, making sure everyone is comfortable and having fun—even when weather conditions don’t cooperate. The fact that hot drinks, sausages, and photos are included adds to the overall experience, making it more than just a snowmobile ride.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance—most travelers book about 29 days ahead, which is recommended for securing a spot.
• Dress warmly—the provided gear is quite comprehensive, but layering is always smart.
• Bring your camera or phone—the scenery is photogenic, and guides are happy to help with shots.
• Be prepared for weather variability—cloud cover or snow might obscure the Northern Lights, so keep expectations flexible.
• Children: kids over 140cm tall can ride as a passenger on a snowmobile if booked at the adult price; younger children will ride on a sled behind the guide.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, scenic winter landscapes, and don’t mind a bit of cold. It’s especially well-suited for those new to snowmobiling because the instructions are clear, and safety is prioritized. If your main goal is to see the Northern Lights, remember that this is more of a scenic ride with a brief Aurora stop—so don’t rely solely on it for a guaranteed sighting.

Families with older children (over 15 and tall enough) will find it manageable and fun, but younger children will be passengers on sleds. The cozy campfire aspect makes it appealing for groups looking for a relaxed, social evening.

FAQ

Do I need a driving license to participate?
Yes, you need a car or motorcycle driving license to operate a snowmobile. If you’re a passenger, no license is required.

What is included in the tour?
All necessary winter clothing, helmets, snowmobile instructions, approximately 20-30 km ride, grilled sausages over a campfire, hot drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off if your hotel is outside the city center.

What should I wear?
While the tour provides thermal overall suits, boots, gloves, and scarves, layering your own warm clothes underneath is smart, especially for the campfire and breaks.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guides provide safety briefings and instructions, making it friendly for first-timers.

Are children allowed?
Children over 140cm can ride as passengers on a snowmobile if booked at the adult price; children under that will ride on a sled pulled by the guide.

How long is the snowmobile ride?
The ride covers about 20-30 km, offering scenic views and a peaceful winter atmosphere.

What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
It’s unpredictable; weather and solar activity influence the likelihood. Some reviews mention disappointment, but many appreciate the overall experience regardless.

Can I upgrade the snowmobile?
Yes, you can choose to ride alone instead of with a partner, depending on availability.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This snowmobile safari from Rovaniemi offers a solid mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cozy moments by the fire. It’s a good choice if you want a guided outdoor experience that’s not overly complicated and includes all the essentials—gear, transportation, food, and a friendly guide. While the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the chance to explore Lapland’s snow-covered wilderness and enjoy traditional sausages makes it memorable.

If you’re after a straightforward, well-organized Arctic adventure with the possibility of seeing the Aurora, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who value guided comfort, scenic rides, and the warmth of a campfire after a night in the cold.

Note: Always check weather conditions and aurora forecasts closer to your trip, and remember that natural phenomena like the Northern Lights can be elusive. But with or without a sighting, this snowmobile experience is a fun slice of Lapland life.