Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis and Picnic

Discovering the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi: An Honest Look at the Safartica Tour

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the Arctic, the Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis and Picnic tour might be just what you need. This experience promises a good chance to see the lights, along with a tasty picnic under the starry sky. We appreciate how it’s designed to maximize your odds, especially given how unpredictable the Aurora can be. Plus, with friendly guides sharing stories and local insights, it feels more like a warm adventure than just a chase.

Two things we love about this tour? First, the emphasis on expert guidance and storytelling—you’ll get a lot of interesting facts about the Aurora and Lapland itself. Second, the cozy outdoor picnic, complete with a fire and warming drinks, makes it feel intimate and authentic. That said, a potential drawback is that your chance of seeing the Northern Lights isn’t guaranteed—it all depends on the weather and sky conditions, which can be frustrating if you’re set on a sighting. This tour suits travelers who are flexible, enjoy outdoor evenings, and are eager for a true Arctic experience, even if the lights choose not to show.

Key Points

• Best chance for Aurora sightings: The tour departs from Rovaniemi in search of clear skies and the Northern Lights, but it’s weather-dependent.
• Rich local storytelling: Guides share stories about the Aurora, Lapland, and local culture, enriching the experience.
• Comfortable outdoor setting: Expect to stay outside for around two hours, enjoying a warm fire and a picnic.
• Value for money: At $104 per person, it offers a well-rounded experience with transportation, winter clothing, and drinks included.
• Flexible planning: Rescheduling options are available if weather conditions aren’t ideal, which is helpful for planning.
• Group size considerations: Expect a relatively large group, which can be fun but might mean less personal space.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Aurora Borealis and Picnic Tour

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for an evening adventure out of Rovaniemi, designed to give you the best shot at witnessing the Northern Lights. The journey starts at the Safartica Office in the city, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a vehicle. From there, it’s about heading out into the wilderness, away from city lights, to find that open sky perfect for Aurora viewing.

Transport and Departure: You’ll be picked up at least 25 minutes before your scheduled start time. The transportation is included, and the guides are prepared to ensure you stay warm with winter clothing—an essential for Arctic nights. Remember, punctuality is key: missing the meeting point means missing the tour, as refunds aren’t available if you’re late.

The Drive Out: The trip into the countryside is part of the fun. It’s a chance to leave behind the warmth of Rovaniemi and get a taste of the Lapland wilderness. The routes taken depend on weather forecasts and sky conditions, as the guides aim to take you to spots with the clearest views.

The Viewing Spot: Once at the site, you’ll be outdoors for approximately two hours. Your guides will set up a campfire, and you’ll enjoy a Finnish picnic—sausages and pastries grilled over the open flame, accompanied by hot drinks. It’s a simple, hearty setup that adds a genuine Lapland feel to the evening.

Aurora Hunting: The core of the experience hinges on nature’s caprice. The guides keep an eye on Aurora forecasts and weather conditions, trying to position you where the lights are most likely to appear. And while seeing the Aurora isn’t guaranteed, many guests have noted that the sky itself, full of stars and snow-covered trees, makes the night special regardless.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Many reviewers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. They not only share stories about the Aurora and Lapland but also give tips on how to maximize your chances of spotting the lights. One reviewer described guides Raul and Ramon as “funny and helpful,” making the experience memorable even when the Aurora was elusive.

The atmosphere around the campfire, with a warm fire, hot drinks, and snacks, creates a cozy feeling amidst the cold. Even if the lights don’t appear, guests have enjoyed the peaceful, snowy surroundings, often mentioning how beautiful the landscape and starry sky are. As one reviewer put it, “sitting in the night snowy forest near the fire was so romantic,” even without an Aurora sighting.

The Food and Comfort Level

The picnic is simple but satisfying—sausages and pastries grilled over the fire, plus hot drinks to keep you warm. Several reviews praise the quality of the food and the effort the guides put into creating a welcoming, authentic experience. It’s a good chance to relax and chat with fellow travelers while waiting for the lights, or just to enjoy the peaceful Arctic evening.

The winter clothing provided is a huge plus, especially if you’re traveling from warmer climates. Staying warm makes the outdoor experience much more enjoyable, so you can focus on the scenery and the night sky without shivering.

The Cost and Value

At $104 per person, this tour is fairly priced considering what’s included: transportation, winter gear, hot drinks, and a guided experience. It’s a good deal if you’re looking for a comprehensive, guided adventure with a decent chance of seeing the Aurora. Many reviews also mention the value of the story-telling and the outdoor ambiance, which add to the overall experience.

Remember, though, that natural phenomena like the Aurora can never be guaranteed. If your main goal is a guaranteed sighting, you might want to explore other options or be prepared for a possibly cloudy night. But if you’re okay with a bit of luck and want a genuine Arctic outing, this tour offers a satisfying mix of adventure and comfort.

More Great Tours Nearby

Weather and Rescheduling

One thing to keep in mind: weather can change quickly in Lapland. If the conditions aren’t right, the tour can be rescheduled to the next day, with a cutoff at 4 PM. This flexibility is helpful, especially since clear skies are the key ingredient for Aurora viewing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who are keen to chase the Northern Lights but understand they’re at the mercy of weather. It’s also suited for those who want more than just a bus ride—they’ll appreciate the outdoor setting, storytelling, and authentic camping vibe. It’s less suited for very young children or those not comfortable staying outside for about two hours in winter conditions, but older kids and teenagers who enjoy nature should be fine.

If you love the idea of a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with a good chance to see the Aurora, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially good if you want the comfort of winter clothing and a cozy fire, combined with the thrill of outdoor Arctic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, return transfers from the Safartica Office are included, which makes planning easier and ensures you’re dropped at a good spot away from city lights.

Can I reschedule if the weather turns bad?
Absolutely. You can reschedule your tour to the next day if weather conditions aren’t suitable, as long as you do so by 4 PM.

What should I wear?
The guides provide winter clothing, but it’s wise to dress warmly in layers, including thermal underwear, warm socks, and waterproof outerwear, especially if you’re sensitive to cold.

How long do we stay outdoors?
Expect to be outside for about two hours, which is enough time to enjoy the sky, fire, and snacks while waiting for the Aurora.

Is the food vegetarian or gluten-free?
You should inform the provider of any dietary restrictions when booking, and they will do their best to accommodate.

What’s the group size like?
While the tour can involve quite a few travelers, reviews suggest guides do a good job of keeping everyone engaged and comfortable.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
Seeing the Aurora depends on weather and sky conditions—many guests do see them, but it’s not guaranteed. The guides monitor forecasts and will do their best to position you for the best chance.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour involves staying outdoors for a couple of hours in winter, so it’s best suited for older children or teens who can handle cold conditions and wait patiently.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis and Picnic tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, storytelling, and Arctic charm. With friendly guides, cozy outdoor settings, and a decent chance of witnessing the Aurora, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to make the most of their Lapland trip without overpaying. Keep in mind the element of luck—nature’s phenomenon isn’t always predictable—and go in with flexible expectations. If you’re after a genuine feel of Lapland’s wild beauty, a good story, and some warm bites under the stars, this tour will likely leave you with lasting memories.

Whether the lights dance across the sky or not, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this stunning region and its natural wonders. Just dress warmly, keep an open mind, and enjoy what could be a truly magical evening.

You can check availability for your dates here: