Rovaniemi: hunting for the Northern Lights with BBQ

Traveling to Rovaniemi often means dreaming of seeing the Aurora Borealis dance across the Arctic sky. This tour promises an exciting hunt for the Northern Lights with the added bonus of a cozy BBQ experience in the Finnish wilderness. For those who want a taste of Arctic nature, combined with a warm meal and photo opportunities, this could be a solid pick.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances adventure and comfort. The fact that they include hotel pickup and drop-off makes it super convenient, especially after a long day of sightseeing or travel. Plus, the option for the guides to help capture photos of your Northern Lights experience adds a nice touch of personalization.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s structure is quite fixed — with predetermined stops and limited time at each location. Since Aurora hunting is highly unpredictable, this setup might not satisfy those obsessively chasing a guaranteed sighting.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a structured, social experience with good food and scenic views, and who are okay with the possibility of not seeing the lights every night. It’s ideal if you’re on a budget but still want a memorable Arctic adventure.

Key Points

• Convenience matters: Hotel pickup and drop-off save you the hassle of organizing transport.
• Multiple stops increase chances: Visiting 3 scenic locations helps improve your odds of catching the Aurora.
• Food is included: Finnish BBQ, hot drinks, and treats add warmth and flavor to the experience.
• Guides make a difference: Knowledgeable guides can enhance your understanding and help with photos.
• Unpredictable nature: The Aurora is never guaranteed, but the scenery and experience are worthwhile.
• Tour duration: A compact 3-hour trip, so it fits into shorter travel plans but can feel rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect during the Tour

Starting in Rovaniemi, you’ll be picked up from your hotel around 19:30, making it an evening dedicated to Arctic adventure. From there, the journey begins with a scenic drive that lasts roughly 20 minutes, offering glimpses of the Finnish landscape as you head beyond the city lights.

The first stop is a “secret” scenic location, where you’ll spend about an hour. This spot is carefully chosen to offer good chances for Aurora viewing, away from artificial light pollution. Here, you’ll soak in the quiet beauty of the Arctic wilderness, with the guides providing insights into the local culture and environment.

Next, there’s a second viewpoint for around 20 minutes, allowing you to relax and snap more photos. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the open sky and maybe catch a glimpse of the Aurora if it’s dancing overhead. Guides are happy to take photos of you if you wish, which is a thoughtful touch since Northern Lights photography can be tricky without guidance.

The journey concludes with a cozy fire where you’ll enjoy Finnish sausages, marshmallows roasted over the flames, and warm berry juice, along with a slice of traditional pie and cookies. This outdoor feast not only keeps you warm but creates a convivial atmosphere that many reviews appreciate.

The entire trip wraps up with a return to Rovaniemi, usually within 3 hours, making it a quick yet charming Arctic experience.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros

Expert Guides
Many travelers, including those who left rave reviews, highlight how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are. One reviewer from Italy mentioned their guide Daria was “super expert and helpful,” giving tips on what to look for in the sky. This kind of guidance can make all the difference, especially if you’re new to Aurora hunting.

Scenic Locations
The stops are carefully selected for their natural beauty and viewing potential. Reviews describe these sites as “picturesque” and “peaceful,” perfect for soaking in the Arctic silence and waiting for the Northern Lights to show up.

Food and Warmth
The included Lapland BBQ is often praised for being tasty and satisfying. Hot berry juice, sausages, cookies, and marshmallows create a warm, comforting experience after braving the cold. Several reviews mention how delicious the food and treats are, elevating the trip beyond just a Sky-watching outing.

Photo Opportunities
Having guides take photos is a real plus, especially since Aurora photography can be challenging without help. Many guests appreciated receiving pictures of their Northern Lights moments, making the experience more memorable.

Cons

Fixed Schedule and Limited Flexibility
Some reviews note that the tour’s structure is quite rigid. The fixed timing and predetermined stops mean you might not have as much flexibility to chase the lights or spend longer at a promising spot. If the Aurora is faint or clouds cover the sky, there’s limited room for improvisation.

No Guarantee of Aurora
As with any Aurora tour, the natural phenomenon is unpredictable. A reviewer from Belgium pointed out that “even with good conditions, we only saw faint Aurora,” and that the trip is more about the experience than a sure sighting. If you’re obsessed with seeing the Northern Lights at all costs, this might not be the best choice.

Short Duration
The 3-hour window is compact, which is great for fitting into a busy schedule. However, some travelers feel it’s a bit rushed, especially considering travel time and stops. If you want a more extended, immersive experience, a longer tour might be preferable.

Price Point
At $89 per person, the tour is reasonably priced, especially considering the included food, transport, and photography. Still, for those seeking a guaranteed Aurora experience or more personalized guidance, more expensive options offer longer and more tailored outings.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Overall Value and Who Should Consider It

This tour offers good value for travelers on a budget or those wanting a quick Arctic adventure with minimal planning. The convenience of hotel pickup, combined with scenic stops and included food, makes it an easy-to-join option. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge are often praised, adding a layer of comfort and insight to the experience.

If you’re a casual Aurora seeker who’s happy with the possibility of not seeing the lights but enjoys a scenic outing and tasty food, this is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over an extended, highly customized Aurora hunt.

However, if your main goal is to guarantee viewing the Northern Lights, or if you’re particularly keen on photography and want more flexibility, you might want to consider longer, more tailored tours. These often take you further away and spend more time chasing the Aurora in hopes of a spectacular display.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Rovaniemi Northern Lights with BBQ tour strikes a nice balance between adventure and comfort. The scenic stops, warm food, and expert guides make it a memorable Arctic outing, even if the Aurora doesn’t put on its full show every night.

This experience is best suited for those who want a relaxed, social atmosphere with a good chance of catching the lights, but without the commitment or expense of longer excursions. It’s equally appealing if you’re happy to enjoy the scenery, food, and company, knowing that Aurora viewing is ultimately a game of chance.

If your trip aligns with your expectations — a short, scenic, and cozy Arctic evening — you’ll likely find this tour to be a worthwhile addition to your Rovaniemi adventure.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a traditional Lapland BBQ, hot berry drinks, sausages, cookies, marshmallows, and photography assistance if you want photos of the Aurora.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 3 hours, starting in the evening around 19:30, making it a quick but enjoyable Arctic outing.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, because the Aurora is a natural phenomenon and unpredictable. The tour increases your chances by visiting multiple locations, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?
Dress warmly in layers, wear warm shoes, and bring a camera if you want to capture the lights yourself.

How do I know when to be ready for pickup?
You’ll get a notification with your pick-up time beforehand. Be prepared to be outside your hotel a few minutes early, as the driver waits for five minutes.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking allows for flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s not specifically marketed as family-oriented, but the outdoor setting and short duration could work for families with older children comfortable in cold weather.

What if the weather is cloudy or snowing?
Cloud cover can obscure the Aurora, which is why multiple stops are made to try to find clear skies. Sometimes, weather conditions might limit visibility, but the scenic experience remains enjoyable.

How good are the guides?
Reviews consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness, especially with photography tips and local insights.

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi and want a straightforward, scenic, and cozy Northern Lights experience, this tour offers a lot of charm for a fair price. Just keep your expectations realistic regarding Aurora sightings, and you’ll have a memorable Arctic evening.

You can check availability for your dates here: