Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Safari on Electric Snowmobile

If you’re dreaming of a winter adventure in Lapland, this Northern Lights safari on an electric snowmobile could be just the ticket. It’s a well-rounded experience, combining the thrill of snowmobiling with the chance to meet reindeer and enjoy a cozy campfire in the wilderness. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer looking for an authentic Arctic experience, this tour offers a lot—at a reasonable price.

What really drew us in were two standout features: the electric snowmobile ride, which promises a quiet, eco-friendly way to explore the snowy trails, and the opportunity to see reindeer up close—a quintessential Lapland highlight. The campfire with sausages and hot drinks sounds delightfully cozy too. A possible downside? The Northern Lights, as spectacular as they can be, are a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed. That said, the experience is designed to maximize your chances by taking you far from light pollution.

If you’re someone who’s eager to combine adventure, wildlife encounters, and a touch of magic, this tour could suit you well. It’s especially good for travelers who want a taste of the Arctic outdoors without the need for strenuous activities or lengthy excursions. However, you should be comfortable driving a snowmobile (with a license) and prepared for cold weather.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly Ride: The electric snowmobile operates quietly and without emissions, making for a peaceful ride through snowy trails.
• Wildlife Encounters: You’ll meet and feed reindeer in their natural habitat, learning about these iconic animals from guides.
• Authentic Arctic Experience: A campfire in the wilderness with sausages and hot drinks offers a cozy break amid Lapland’s stark beauty.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Pickup is included within 10 km of Rovaniemi, and the tour includes all necessary gear and guidance.
• Natural Wonder: Though not guaranteed, there’s a good chance to see the Northern Lights in the remote, dark skies.
• Duration & Price: At about 3 hours for $234 per person, it’s a fairly compact but rich experience offering good value, considering the inclusions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

We found that this tour begins with a pickup from Rovaniemi, which makes logistics pretty straightforward. Once at Porovaara’s private area, you’ll be warmly welcomed and fitted out with thermal clothing, boots, and a helmet—crucial for staying comfortable in the Arctic cold. The guide will give a quick briefing on snowmobile driving, which is helpful even if you’re a first-timer, and then you’ll hop onto an electric snowmobile shared with a companion.

Driving the electric snowmobile is described as “the thrill of driving through snowy trails,” and we can imagine how peaceful and smooth that ride must be. The trails are private, meaning no noisy traffic or crowds—just the quiet crunch of snow under the vehicle. The guide often changes drivers halfway, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the ride.

The stop on a private route lets you take in the serene landscape—think endless snow-covered trees, distant hills, and the silence of winter. It’s a perfect moment to soak in the Arctic calm. We also love that the tour includes a visit to a private reindeer fence, where you can meet and feed reindeer in their natural environment. As guides explain, “you learn about these majestic creatures,” which adds an educational layer that many travelers appreciate.

Following the snowmobile ride and reindeer encounter, you’ll gather around a campfire to grill sausages and sip hot drinks. It’s an unpretentious, authentic way to warm up and chat with fellow travelers. If conditions are clear, there may even be a chance to spot the Northern Lights—though, as the tour notes, these are a natural phenomenon and not guaranteed.

The Value of the Experience

At $234 for roughly three hours, this tour offers a lot. It includes transportation, warm clothing, snowmobile guidance, and all the gear you’ll need—so the price covers quite a bit of the Arctic experience. The fact that it’s a small-group adventure means you’re likely to get personalized attention, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

One noteworthy aspect is the flexibility in booking. You can reserve and pay later, cancelling for free up to 24 hours in advance. This makes it easier to fit into your wider travel plans without stress.

The tour’s focus on sustainability (electric snowmobiles instead of traditional gas-powered ones) might appeal to eco-conscious travelers, though it’s good to remember that the main goal is enjoying Lapland’s natural beauty and wildlife.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup & Warm-up: The tour starts with a pickup from Rovaniemi, often included within 10 km of the city center. Beyond that, there’s an extra fee per kilometer, but most travelers find the included transport sufficient. Once at the private area, you’ll be introduced to the gear—thermal clothes, boots, helmets—and safety instructions.

Snowmobile Ride: The main event is about 50 minutes of driving on electric snowmobiles. Sharing with a partner is common, and the guide is followed by a sleigh for children under 12, making this a family-friendly aspect if you travel with kids. The ride itself is described as “thrilling” but smooth, with a chance to enjoy the winter landscape at your own pace. Many reviews mention how peaceful the ride is, thanks to the electric engines.

Reindeer Encounter: After the snowmobile, you visit a private reindeer fence. Guides explain the animals’ significance and behavior, giving you a chance to feed them. This part of the experience often gets rave reviews—people love the intimacy and authenticity of being close to the reindeer in their natural setting. One reviewer wrote, “The reindeer were majestic and gentle, quite different from the busy tourist spots.”

Campfire & Warmth: The final segment involves gathering around a campfire. You’ll grill sausages, sip hot drinks, and enjoy the scenery. The cozy warmth of the fire contrasts beautifully with the cold outdoors and often leaves guests feeling relaxed and satisfied. If you’re lucky, the Northern Lights might appear during this time, adding a magical glow to the scene.

Post-Experience & Return: The tour wraps up with transport back to your hotel or designated pickup point. All gear is provided, so you won’t need to worry about packing extra clothing—just bring your camera and thermal layers.

Real Feedback from Other Travelers

Many guests have expressed high satisfaction, noting the professionalism of guides and the quality of the experience. One visitor shared, “The snowmobile was fun and easy to drive, even for a beginner. The reindeer feeding was a highlight, and the campfire made it all feel very authentic.” Others appreciated the quiet of the snowmobile ride, describing it as “peaceful and surreal.”

Some minor drawbacks came up, such as the weather’s unpredictability affecting the Northern Lights visibility. Since it’s a natural phenomenon, sightings depend on conditions, so it’s wise to manage expectations. Also, the tour requires participants to have a valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old to operate the snowmobile, which could exclude some travelers.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re eager to experience Lapland’s winter wilderness on an electric snowmobile, this tour hits many marks. It’s suited for those who enjoy wildlife encounters, like reindeer, and want a cozy outdoor break by a campfire. Adventure-seekers will appreciate the relatively quick but memorable snowmobile ride, and eco-conscious travelers will value the electric engine.

It’s an especially good choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, with the flexibility of booking and cancellation that fits into wider plans. Keep in mind, if you’re traveling with children under 12, they can join the sleigh for the ride, but drivers need a valid license and be 18+.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights safari on electric snowmobile offers a genuine taste of Arctic life, combining adventure, wildlife, and serenity. The quiet electric snowmobiles mean you get to enjoy the snow-covered landscape without noise pollution, enhancing the feeling of being immersed in Lapland’s winter wonderland. The reindeer encounter adds an authentic touch, and the campfire experience turns the tour into a warm, social outing.

While the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, the tour’s remote location significantly boosts your chances of catching a glimpse—especially if skies are clear. The overall value, considering the inclusions, guidance, and unique experiences, makes it a worthwhile option for travelers wanting an active yet cozy Arctic adventure.

If you’re comfortable with snow and cold, and you’re looking for a well-rounded, family-friendly activity (especially with the sleigh option for kids), this tour will likely meet your expectations. For those seeking a deep wilderness experience or a longer snowmobile safari, you might want to explore other options. But for a succinct, memorable taste of Lapland’s magic, this safari hits the right notes.

FAQs

Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to operate the snowmobile.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 can join the sleigh behind the guide, but drivers need to be 18+ with a license. The tour is family-friendly if you’re okay with kids riding in the sleigh.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, a camera, and thermal clothing to stay warm during the outdoor segments.

What if there’s no snow?
If there’s not enough snow, the tour will be canceled and you’ll get a full refund.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, since they are a natural phenomenon, their visibility depends on weather and solar activity.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, including transportation to and from the location, with about 50 minutes of snowmobiling.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation, warm clothing, snowmobile guidance, reindeer encounter, campfire experience, and guiding in English or Finnish.

Can I swap drivers during the snowmobile ride?
Yes, the ride is shared, and drivers are typically swapped halfway through.

Will I be cold?
The tour provides thermal gear, but dressing warmly is essential, as you’ll be outdoors in winter conditions.

If you’re after a mix of adventure, wildlife, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights—weather permitting—this safari offers a memorable slice of Lapland’s winter magic. Just remember to set your expectations realistically, stay warm, and enjoy every moment in this extraordinary landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: