Rovaniemi: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ

Planning a trip to Lapland and dreaming of catching a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights? This Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour with BBQ is a popular choice for travelers eager to experience this natural wonder. With a decent rating of 3.9/5 based on over 1,390 reviews, it’s clear that many find it worthwhile—though, like any aurora hunt, there’s an element of luck involved.

What really draws us to this tour are the professional guides who make the experience informative and engaging, and the authentic Lappish BBQ that promises a cozy, delicious meal in the wilderness. It’s a great way to combine nature, culture, and a bit of adventure—all within a manageable 3-hour window.

However, a key consideration is that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed—cloud cover and solar activity play a big role. If your main goal is to see the Aurora, it’s worth knowing that this tour prioritizes the experience and the setting, not just the spectacle. It’s perfect for those who love a well-rounded outdoor experience and don’t mind the possibility of a cloudy night.

If you’re after a relaxed, guided experience with friendly folks, and you’re okay with some unpredictability, this tour could be just right. It suits travelers who want a taste of Lapland’s stunning landscape, local food, and the thrill of Aurora hunting, all wrapped into one cozy trip.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines aurora hunting with a traditional Lappish barbecue and storytelling.
• Guided Tour: Led by knowledgeable guides who share insights about the Northern Lights and local culture.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel easily if plans change.
• Weather Dependent: Aurora sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity—no guarantees.
• Group Size: Usually larger groups, especially during peak season, which may affect the intimacy of the experience.
• Practical Gear: Includes winter clothing, overalls, and boots—no need to pack your own for cold nights.
• Food & Drink: Enjoy a hearty campfire meal with salmon soup, pork sausages, and blueberry tea—vegetarian options available.
• Timing & Duration: The tour lasts around 3 hours, with varying start times based on season and availability.
• Family Friendly: Not suitable for wheelchair users, but generally a family-friendly activity with proper clothing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insight. After being picked up from your hotel or accommodation within about 10 km of Rovaniemi, you’ll head into the wilderness, where light pollution is minimal—an ideal spot for Aurora spotting. The drive itself is part of the charm, offering glimpses of dense forests and icy lakes that define Lapland’s landscape.

Once at your designated location—usually a scenic lake or forest—you’ll settle into the outdoor camp area. Here, your guide will ignite a campfire, and you’ll be served a traditional Lappish BBQ featuring salmon soup, pork sausages, and local bread. The food is hearty and warming, perfect for the chilly night air, and the blueberry tea adds a cozy Finnish touch. Many reviews praise the quality of the food, with some mentioning it surpasses expectations.

While waiting, you’ll be encouraged to look up at the sky and listen to your guide’s insights about the Northern Lights—how they form, when they’re most visible, and the best ways to spot them. If the weather is clear, you might find yourself gazing at a dazzling display of dancing green, purple, and red in the night sky. Multiple reviews describe the excitement of finally seeing the Aurora, often after a bit of patience.

However, the unpredictability of the Northern Lights is a common theme. Several reviewers note that weather can be a challenge, and sometimes, the sky remains cloudy or snowy—blocking the view. One reviewer mentioned, “I didn’t expect to see the northern lights because of the cloudy weather, but when I arrived at the campsite, the sky cleared and the lights appeared. That was a wonderful experience.” It’s worth approaching this trip with realistic expectations: seeing the Aurora is a bonus, not a guarantee.

The Experience of the Night

The entire trip is about three hours, which is a comfortable length for most travelers. The journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, which is included if you’re within 10 km of Rovaniemi. The drive through the forested landscape of Lapland is peaceful and scenic, setting the tone for a quiet, contemplative night under the stars.

Once at the campsite, the atmosphere is warm in spirit—even if the weather outside can be quite cold. The guides are praised for their friendliness, professionalism, and multilingual skills, often speaking several languages including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. This international touch adds to the welcoming vibe of the trip, making it accessible for many travelers.

In the camp, the guided cooking of the BBQ is a highlight. Many reviews describe the food as “delicious” and “better than expected,” with choices that cater to vegetarians and vegans upon request. The salmon soup, sausages, and Lappish bread give a taste of local cuisine, while blueberry tea offers warmth and comfort.

As the night unfolds, you’ll listen to your guide’s stories about Finnish traditions and the science behind the Northern Lights. When the sky is clear, you might find yourself mesmerized by the natural light show, which many reviewers describe as truly unforgettable. For those lucky enough to see the lights, it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Reviewers consistently mention how well the guides handle the unpredictability. If the sky is cloudy, guides will check different locations and keep you updated—some even move to different spots to maximize your chances. Even when the lights aren’t visible, many still call the experience “lovely” or “cozy,” thanks to the campfire and warm food.

The Downsides and Considerations

While many reviews are glowing, it’s important to note some limitations. Northern Lights viewing is highly weather-dependent, and cloud cover can thwart even the best efforts. Several travelers mention that they didn’t see the lights, but still enjoyed the experience thanks to the guides’ effort and the food.

The group size can be quite large during peak season, which might reduce the sense of intimacy. If you prefer a more private or small-group adventure, you may want to consider their “small group tour” alternative.

Plus, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, which is worth keeping in mind if accessibility is a concern. The temperature during the trip can drop to -23°C or colder, so proper clothing—like the overalls and boots provided—is essential to stay warm.

The tour’s price point at around $90 per person offers good value considering the included transportation, guide, winter gear, and meal. But if your main goal is to see the Northern Lights, it’s wise to remember that no tour can control the weather, so patience and flexibility are key.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is a good fit for travelers who want a relaxed, guided experience in a stunning natural setting. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in local cuisine, enjoy storytelling, and appreciate the idea of combining food with a light hunt for Aurora. It’s also suitable for those who are okay with the possibility of not seeing the lights but still want a memorable night in Lapland.

If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind the cold temperatures and outdoor setting, but with proper clothing, it can be a fun family activity. For travelers seeking a more intimate or smaller group experience, the “small group tour” option might be better.

This experience offers a warm blend of culture, nature, and adventure—an authentic slice of Lapland’s magic, even if the Aurora stays hidden behind clouds.

FAQ

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed on this tour?
No, the lights depend on weather conditions and solar activity. Guides will do their best to find a clear spot, but sightings are not assured.

What is included in the price?
The price covers pickup and drop-off from selected hotels within 10 km of Rovaniemi, a knowledgeable guide, winter clothing including overalls and boots, and a campfire BBQ with local foods and blueberry tea.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours, with start times varying seasonally. Check your booking details for the exact timing.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

What should I wear?
The tour provides winter overalls and boots, but it’s also wise to dress warmly underneath—think thermal layers, hats, gloves, and warm socks.

Is this activity suitable for families?
While generally friendly for those dressed appropriately, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and involves outdoor cold conditions, so plan accordingly.

What happens if it’s cloudy or snowy?
If the weather isn’t suitable for Aurora viewing, guides may move to different locations or keep searching, but no refund is provided if the lights aren’t visible.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan alternatives can be requested for the BBQ meal.

How crowded does it get?
During December and January, groups can be large due to high tourist traffic, which might affect the experience’s intimacy.

In essence, this tour offers a friendly, culturally rich chance to experience Lapland’s natural beauty and its most famous spectacle—the Northern Lights. Even if the sky doesn’t cooperate, many find that the warmth of the guides, the delicious local food, and the chance to explore the Arctic wilderness make this a worthwhile outing. For travelers who love outdoor adventures, engaging guides, and hearty meals in the cold, it’s a solid choice to add to your Arctic itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: