Snowmobile Safari to Search for the Northern Lights

Snowmobile Safari to Search for the Northern Lights: An Honest Look

If you’re thinking about chasing the aurora borealis on a snowmobile in Rovaniemi, Finland, you’ll find that tours like this one from Wild Nordic are popular for a reason. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it offers a compelling mix of adventure, scenery, and the chance to see one of nature’s most incredible displays.

What we really like about this experience is that it combines the thrill of snowmobiling with the magic of hunting for the Northern Lights—an iconic winter activity in Lapland. Plus, the inclusion of thermal clothing and a warm drink makes it feel well-thought-out for the cold, dark nights.

Of course, there’s a hitch. The best part—seeing the Northern Lights—depends on natural conditions. If the skies stay cloudy, you’re still in for a fun ride, but the main star might not show up. This tour suits travelers who want a mix of adventure and chance, and who are okay with the unpredictability of nature’s light show.

If you’re after a lively, scenic, and well-supported night out in snowy wilderness, this could be a great pick. But if your priority is guaranteed auroras, you might want to consider additional options or flexible plans. Now, let’s unpack the details.

Key Points

• Experience the thrill of snowmobiling through snowy forests in pursuit of the Northern Lights.
• Guided tours include expert advice and storytelling about the auroras, making the experience educational and engaging.
• All necessary thermal gear is provided, so you stay warm without packing bulky clothes.
• Photo stops and the chance to set up tripods give you the opportunity to capture the night sky.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off streamline the logistics, making it easier to enjoy the adventure.
• Weather-dependent experience — the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed, but the overall ride is worth it.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This evening snowmobile safari starts at 9:00 pm from the Wild Nordic Safari Center in Rovaniemi. The process is straightforward: your guide will meet you at the office, provide safety instructions, and help you suit up in thermal clothing including an overall, boots, gloves, a scarf, and a helmet. Once geared up, you’ll hop onto the snowmobiles—two adults per vehicle, with options for single riders at an extra cost—and head out into the vast, snowy wilderness.

Driving through the dark woods, you’ll feel the cold air and the thrill of racing across icy trails. The guide will tell stories about the Northern Lights as you pause at scenic spots. These stops are particularly valuable for photo opportunities—bring a tripod if you want to get those stunning night sky shots. One of the reviews mentions that the guides are knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort.

Throughout the ride, there are short breaks for photos and warm drinks—berry juice or similar—that help keep you cozy. The tour lasts around two hours, a good length for a winter evening without feeling rushed or exhausted. Once the ride wraps up, you’ll return to the starting point, completing a memorable Arctic adventure.

The Experience: The Details That Matter

The tour’s inclusion of thermal gear is a significant plus, especially given the often freezing temperatures of Finnish winter nights. Having a thermal overall, boots, and gloves means you can focus on the scenery rather than shivering—something that can ruin less well-prepared trips.

Group size is capped at 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate without feeling crowded. The fact that the snowmobiles seat two adults each is convenient, but keep in mind that unless you book as a single driver, you’ll be sharing. If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, you can split the ride, but solo travelers might pay extra to be a single rider.

The guided component is another highlight. The reviews praise guides for their friendliness and expertise, which adds a lot to the authenticity of the experience. You’re not just riding around aimlessly; you’re learning about the Northern Lights and the Arctic environment from someone who knows the terrain and the lore.

Pricing at around $193.74 per person is not cheap, but considering the gear, guidance, logistics, and the chance to experience Lapland’s wilderness at night, it’s a fair value—especially if the auroras appear. Remember, this experience is weather-dependent. If the skies stay cloudy, the tour can be moved once at no extra charge, which gives some peace of mind.

The Flipside: Things to Keep in Mind

While this is a well-organized and enjoyable tour, it’s not without drawbacks. The most significant is the dependence on weather conditions. As one reviewer noted, a cloudy night meant missing out on a spectacular aurora display, which can be disappointing. It’s also worth noting that the actual riding can be bumpy in certain areas, making it less comfortable for some passengers, especially if the trail gets rough.

Another consideration: the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and snowmobile drivers must be at least 18 with a valid EU driving license. If you have underlying health issues or mobility concerns, it’s best to consult your doctor beforehand.

Plus, missing your pickup or arriving late can lead to no refund, as the tour relies on strict schedules. You’ll want to be punctual and prepared, especially since the activity starts at 9:00 pm.

Lastly, keep in mind that valuables are not the responsibility of the operator—so don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want to lose in the cold or snow.

Breaking Down the Experience: Who Is It For?

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want a night-time Arctic experience that combines adrenaline with scenery. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on a snowmobile and looking for a guided, safe outing that offers stunning wilderness views.

Travelers who enjoy photography will appreciate the stops designed for capturing the Northern Lights, especially with a tripod. Nature lovers who want a taste of Lapland’s pristine environment, paired with local storytelling, will find this engaging.

On the flip side, if your main goal is to guarantee seeing the Northern Lights, this might not be the best choice. Since auroras are a natural phenomenon, there’s always a chance of cloudy skies. But if you’re flexible and open to the unpredictability, you’ll find that the ride itself is memorable.

For families or those with young children, note that the experience involves riding snowmobiles that may not be suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues. Children are kept on a pulled sleigh, so this might be more suitable for slightly older kids or teenagers.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this snowmobile safari in Rovaniemi offers a thrilling way to explore the Arctic night and hunt for the Northern Lights with the help of knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of thermal clothing and warm drinks makes it accessible and comfortable despite the cold.

It’s a good choice for those who want a balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and education. The experience’s main risk—the weather—remains out of everyone’s control, but the overall ride and the chance to see Lapland’s night sky are genuinely worth the price.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, snowmobiling, and the possibility of catching the aurora, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. Just keep your expectations flexible and embrace the adventure, whatever the sky delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What time does the tour start? The tour begins at 9:00 pm, giving you plenty of darkness for optimal Northern Lights viewing.

• Is pickup included? Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Rovaniemi city center hotels. Specific times are communicated after booking.

• What should I wear? Thermal clothing, including a thermal overall, boots, gloves, woolen socks, and a scarf, are provided. Still, dress warmly as it can get very cold.

• Can I drive the snowmobile alone? No, drivers must be at least 18 and hold a valid EU driving license. Most travelers will share a snowmobile with a companion unless booking as single riders.

• Will I see the Northern Lights? The tour doesn’t guarantee auroras since they are a natural phenomenon. If the weather is cloudy, the tour can be rescheduled once free of charge.

• Is this suitable for children? Children sit on a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. The tour is generally geared toward older kids and teenagers, and the activity involves riding motorized vehicles, which may not be suitable for very young children.

If you’re after a memorable Arctic adventure that blends excitement, scenery, and the chance to see the Northern Lights, this snowmobile safari from Wild Nordic offers a solid option. Just come prepared for the cold, keep your expectations flexible, and enjoy the ride.