From Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Chase with BBQ and Photos

When it comes to chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, there’s a lot of options out there. We’ve looked into one popular tour that promises a memorable 3-hour experience from Rovaniemi, complete with storytelling, a cozy campfire, and chances to capture the aurora on camera. It’s a tempting way to add that extra sparkle to your Arctic adventure, especially if you’re new to the area or want a guided, social outing.

What stands out about this tour? First, the small group setting makes it feel more personal, and the blend of storytelling and outdoor fun offers more than just the chase. Second, the included hot sausages by the fire give it a warm, authentic touch that feels very Lapland. That said, a key thing to keep in mind is Northern Lights visibility isn’t guaranteed—nature can be unpredictable, and weather conditions play a big role.

This tour seems well-suited for travelers who want an engaging, relaxed evening with a good chance of seeing the Lights, especially if they enjoy stories, local ambiance, and a cozy campfire. If you’re hoping for a highly private or luxury experience, or you’re traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options. But overall, it’s a solid choice for those who want a friendly, cultural, and hopeful northern lights hunt.

Key Points

• Small group size provides a more intimate experience and plenty of opportunities for photos and interaction.
• Transportation and pickup are included from multiple convenient locations in Rovaniemi.
• The experience combines storytelling, outdoor warmth, and a good chance to see the aurora, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• The campfire snacks, especially the grilled sausages, add a cozy touch that enhances the Arctic vibe.
• Weather and sky conditions heavily influence the success, so patience and luck are part of the journey.
• Cancellation is flexible, allowing you to book with confidence even if your plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The 3-hour Northern Lights chase from Rovaniemi offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and local storytelling. The experience begins with a pickup from one of six central locations, such as the Santa Claus Holiday Village or Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Once you’re on the bus or vehicle, the guides will take you away from the city’s lights to a quiet countryside spot—an environment more conducive to spotting the Aurora Borealis.

The Itinerary and Experience

Your journey will include a few stops along the way, with a focus on maximizing your chances of seeing the Lights. The actual chase involves moving to various locations, often dictated by weather and sky conditions. This flexibility is good, as it shows the guides’ commitment to finding the best viewing spots, but it also means the experience can vary from night to night.

A highlight is the storytelling aspect. Guides will share local legends and insights about the Aurora, which helps deepen the experience beyond just watching the sky. The atmosphere around the campfire, with hot sausages grilling and the warmth of the flames, makes the outdoor adventure cozy and inviting—something many reviews praise.

The Campfire and Snacking

Expect to be invited to toast sausages over the fire, a classic Lapland activity that adds a rustic charm. The fire also acts as a gathering point, making it easier to relax while waiting for the Lights to appear—or not. The warmth and smell of food, combined with the dark, starry sky, create a memorable scene.

The Photos and Viewing Tips

Participants often want to capture the Lights. The guides sometimes offer photography tips, but the real magic depends on your camera gear and patience. One review mentions the photographers take pictures during the tour, but some guests note that they never received their photos, so don’t rely solely on this for memories. Instead, bring your own camera and be prepared for some trial and error.

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The Weather Factor

Weather plays a big role here. As one reviewer pointed out, “the nature… didn’t want to gift us the Northern Lights,” citing cloudiness and a snowstorm. This honesty is important because chasing the Lights is inherently unpredictable. You might get lucky and witness a stunning display, or you might see a mostly cloudy sky. The guides make every effort to find clear spots, but weather conditions are beyond their control.

Group Size, Duration, and Comfort

This is a relatively short tour—about 3 hours—which makes it accessible even if you have a busy schedule. The small group setup (which typically involves a few dozen people at most) means you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed. Pickup and drop-off are included within 5 km of Rovaniemi’s center, which is convenient and hassle-free.

The tour is conducted in English, making communication easy for most travelers. The guides are generally well-rated for their friendliness and storytelling, helping create a relaxed, friendly environment.

Is It Worth the Price?

At its core, this tour offers a mix of culture, outdoor adventure, and the slim chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. The value depends on your expectations: If you’re looking for a cozy, guided experience with good chances of a sighting and enjoy storytelling around the fire, it’s a good pick. The included transportation, snacks, and friendly guides pack a lot into just three hours.

However, it’s important to understand that seeing the Aurora is not guaranteed, and some reviews indicate weather can spoil the experience. If you’re traveling during a season with frequent cloud cover or storms, be prepared for disappointment—and don’t expect a full refund if the Lights don’t cooperate.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, social, and culturally rich evening. It’s ideal if you’re okay with some uncertainty and want to blend storytelling, local food, and a hopeful Aurora chase in one package. It’s also suitable if you prefer small groups and personalized attention, rather than large bus tours.

If you’re traveling with children who can safely enjoy cold outdoor weather, and who will appreciate a campfire and stories, this could be a fun family outing. But if you’re after a private or luxury experience, or you’re more focused on guaranteed sightings, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi offers a warm, friendly introduction to Lapland’s winter magic. The combination of storytelling, campfire treats, and the hope of catching the aurora makes for an authentic Arctic evening. It’s not a foolproof way to see the Lights—nature has the final say—but it’s a charming, well-organized outing that emphasizes the experience over perfect results.

For those who enjoy outdoor adventures with a cultural twist, and who are prepared for some luck, this tour provides a genuine taste of Lapland’s wilderness and folklore. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value good storytelling, cozy settings, and social atmospheres. Just keep in mind the weather can be unpredictable, and sightings are never guaranteed.

If you’re visiting Rovaniemi and want to add a touch of local tradition and hope to your winter holiday, this could be just the right choice. For a more private or guaranteed experience, consider exploring other options, but for many, this tour hits the right balance of fun, tradition, and natural wonder.

FAQ

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed with this tour?
No, sightings depend heavily on weather and atmospheric conditions. While guides do their best to find clear spots, nature’s unpredictability means it’s not guaranteed.

What is included in the tour?
Transportation from multiple pickup locations, storytelling, a campfire with grilled sausages, and the chance to photograph the aurora are included. Drop-off is also provided within 5 km of Rovaniemi.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity without taking up your entire night.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather looks bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility if weather conditions seem unfavorable.

Is this experience suitable for families?
While not explicitly advertised as family-focused, the outdoor campfire and storytelling can appeal to older children. Always check if the weather suits younger kids, as it involves outdoor exposure.

What if I don’t get good photos of the Lights?
Guides sometimes offer photography assistance, but many guests find they need to bring their own gear and patience. Remember, capturing the Aurora is challenging and not guaranteed.

If you’re eager to try your luck while enjoying a cozy, guided Arctic evening, this tour offers a warm way to spend those long winter nights in Lapland. Just pack your patience and your camera, and hope the sky cooperates.

You can check availability for your dates here: