Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Aurora Borealis during your trip to Finland, the Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour offers a compelling option. We’ve looked into this experience to give you the honest scoop—whether it’s worth your time and money, and what you can realistically expect.

What caught our eye first? The small-group setting, which promises a more personalized experience, and the fact that expert guides will take you to the best viewing spots based on weather conditions. These aspects make it stand out from larger, less intimate tours.

However, a key consideration is that this tour does not guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights—nature is unpredictable. That said, the tour’s flexibility, the focus on photography, and the cozy Lappish barbecue help make it a memorable Arctic adventure. It’s best suited for travelers who are genuinely excited about the Aurora, appreciate expert guidance, and want a more tailored, less crowded experience.

Key Points

• Small-group approach offers a more personalized experience and better chances for quality viewing.
• Expert guides work hard to find the best vantage points and ensure you get plenty of photo opportunities.
• Weather-dependent activities mean barbecue conditions can vary, but the experience remains warm and immersive.
• Flexible departure times align with sunset and Aurora forecasts for optimal chances.
• Price point of $130 provides access to transportation, guidance, snacks, and photography, which can be a good value.
• No guarantee of Aurora viewing—but effort is made to maximize your chances.
• Consider bringing your own warm clothes, as these are not included.
• Reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides, with many stating it was their best Aurora experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour

What’s Included and What’s Not

Starting with the basics, this tour costs around $130 per person, and what you get for that is quite a bit. Included are private transportation, guiding services, snacks like sausages (vegetarian options available), berry juice, marshmallows, and cookies, plus professional photography services to capture your Northern Lights moments.

What it doesn’t include is warm clothing—a crucial point for Arctic night trips. You’ll want to layer up, as the tour doesn’t provide gear. Also, since the barbecue depends on weather, the experience can vary slightly from night to night, but the guides do their best to keep the experience cozy and fun.

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour begins at 8:00 pm with pickup from your accommodation, which is nice because it takes the hassle out of arranging transport. The actual departure time fluctuates throughout the year—ranging from 8 pm in winter months to around 9-10 pm in September and March/April—so you’ll get a heads-up two days in advance.

The main focus is Northern Lights spotting, which involves traveling to the best vantage points around Rovaniemi. The guides have a good knack for assessing weather conditions and Aurora siting to optimize your chances. Many reviews note that the guides work tirelessly to find clear skies, even in less-than-ideal weather.

Once at the viewing spots, you’ll get to capture photos with guidance—which is a big plus if you’re into photography or just want some good memories. The guides also walk you through the landscape, sharing insights about the Arctic environment and the Northern Lights, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Scenic Vantage Points and Nature

The tour takes you away from city lights, into the forests and wilderness of Lapland. The experience of walking through snow-covered woods under the Arctic sky is something truly special. The guide’s local knowledge means you’ll visit spots with a good chance of clear views, perhaps a frozen lake or a dark forest clearing—perfect settings for that magical Aurora display.

The Food and Fire

One aspect travelers love is the Lappish barbecue by open fire. This isn’t just about filling your belly—it’s about experiencing local traditions. Many mention the sausages (pork or vegetarian) and warming drinks, with some reviewers noting the soup option is available upon request.

Keep in mind that this part is weather-dependent, which means if it’s extremely cold or stormy, the barbecue might be limited or altered. The guides do their best to keep everyone comfortable and offer a cozy environment around the fire.

The Experience of Seeing the Aurora

While no one can guarantee sighting the Northern Lights—they are a natural phenomenon subject to weather, solar activity, and atmospheric conditions—the guides try their hardest to take you to the right spots and times. Many guests have raved about their success, with comments highlighting that even under less-than-ideal conditions, the experience was still magical.

One reviewer shared, “Pekka and Amanda worked hard all night to give us the best experience and record a wonderful aurora for 2 hours,” capturing the dedication of the guides. Others appreciated that the guides stayed extra time, making sure everyone had a good shot at witnessing the Lights.

Small Group Experience

With a maximum of 5 travelers, this tour offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere compared to larger bus tours. This small size means more personalized attention and a better chance to ask questions or get one-on-one photography tips. Many reviews mention how friendly and professional the guides are, which helps set a comfortable tone for the late-night outing.

Transport and Timing

The transportation is private, which means a comfortable minivan picks you up and drops you off. The timing is carefully aligned with sunset and Aurora forecasts, maximizing your chances. The flexibility of start times—from 8 pm to 10 pm—also adapts to the changing Arctic sunset schedule.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value expert guidance, want a small, personalized group, and are okay with the possibility that they might not see the Lights. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the guided photo tips are a real bonus. It’s also perfect if you want to combine Northern Lights hunting with a taste of traditional Lapland cuisine in a warm, wilderness setting.

Final Thoughts

The Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour stands out because of its small-group intimacy, dedicated guides, and the effort put into finding the best viewing spots. It’s a well-organized, culturally rich way to chase the Northern Lights while enjoying the warmth of a traditional fire and snacks.

While the experience doesn’t promise a sighting—and that’s always a gamble with nature—it offers a genuine chance, especially with guides who are passionate about their work. The inclusion of photography services makes it easier to bring home some memorable images, which can be a real plus.

If you’re after a more personal, guided adventure and are prepared to keep your fingers crossed for the Aurora, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your Arctic trip. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate local traditions, small-group vibes, and honest effort from their guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I guarantee I will see the Northern Lights?
No, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon, so sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides do their best to find the best spots and conditions, but success is never guaranteed.

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary between 8 pm and 10 pm, depending on the month and sunset schedule. You’ll be informed two days before your tour date.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation is part of the package, taking you from your accommodation to the best viewing spots.

What do I need to bring?
Warm clothes are not included, so dressing in layers, including thermal wear, is highly recommended for comfort in the Arctic night.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, giving ample time to find the Aurora, enjoy the scenery, and have some warm food.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks like sausages, berry juice, marshmallows, cookies, plus professional photography services and transportation.

Are children allowed?
Yes, but if you have children under 5 years old or under 145 cm, contact the provider to arrange child safety seats.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if conditions are unsafe or unfavorable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. Full refunds are available if canceled due to weather.

Is this a family-friendly experience?
While the tour is suitable for most travelers, it’s best suited for those comfortable with cold outdoor conditions and late-night outings. It’s not specifically marketed as family-focused but can work for families with older children who enjoy nature and adventure.

The Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour offers a sincere and well-organized attempt to catch the Northern Lights in a personal, cozy setting. It’s an experience that, even if it doesn’t produce an Aurora sighting, leaves you with beautiful memories and new friends in the Arctic wilderness.