English
English
Contents
Book tickets to Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours
What to do on Rovaniemi Northern Lights tours
Chase the auroras by land
Venture into Lapland’s snowy wilderness in heated minivans or buses, guided by experts who know where the skies are clearest. Stops often include frozen rivers, forested hills, or open Arctic plains, perfect for photographers and anyone seeking adventure without strenuous effort.
See the lights from a sleigh or snowmobile
Experience the aurora from traditional reindeer sleighs or chase the Northern Lights with snowmobiles gliding through the Arctic night. Enjoy the crisp winter air and peaceful landscapes while your guide navigates the best viewing spots for uninterrupted, magical skies.
Combine with local experiences
Many tours pair aurora chases with unique Lapland activities, like visiting Santa Claus Village, reindeer feeding, meeting huskies, or enjoying a hot drink by a campfire, perfect for families or those seeking a full Arctic adventure.
Capture the perfect photo
Professional guides help with camera settings or take souvenir shots, ensuring you can focus on the experience while getting memorable photos of the shimmering green, pink, and purple lights.
What makes Rovaniemi one of the best places to see the Northern Lights?
Geo-location
The closer you are to the magnetic poles, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Areas like Rovaniemi, within the auroral oval (the ring-like region around the magnetic pole), see auroras more often.
Solar activity
The intensity and frequency of auroras are linked to the 11-year solar cycle. During solar maximum, there are more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, leading to more vibrant auroras, and Rovaniemi is an ideal place to capture that.
Diverse viewing landscapes
Unlike destinations with only one type of vantage point, Rovaniemi offers hills, riverbanks, forests, and open plains. You could watch the auroras shimmer over the Kemijoki River one evening and from Ounasvaara Hill the next.
Year-round Arctic experiences
Even if the aurora is elusive, Rovaniemi has plenty to offer. Daytime adventures include husky and reindeer safaris, Santa Claus Village, snowmobile rides, and local Lappish culture, making it a memorable Arctic base.
Expert-led tours
Local guides combine their knowledge of Lapland’s weather and aurora patterns with a focus on safety, comfort, and storytelling. Many tours include thermal suits, campfires, photography guidance, and hot drinks, turning your aurora chase into a full Arctic experience.
Your guide to planning a Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour
Timings
Best time to visit
Departure points
Duration
- Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi operate seasonally from late August to mid-April, when nights are long and dark enough for aurora viewing.
- Start times typically range from 8pm to 11pm, depending on the month, weather, and tour type. Tours may be rescheduled or cancelled in poor visibility conditions.
- Peak months—September, October, February, and March—combine strong aurora activity with manageable winter weather. Mid-week departures often have smaller groups.
- For the clearest skies, late-evening tours usually offer the brightest and most vivid displays.
- Most tours depart from central Rovaniemi, with convenient hotel pickup options. Routes often lead to remote wilderness areas, Ounasvaara Hill, frozen rivers, or nearby reindeer and husky farms.
- Local transport is limited at night, so guided tours ensure seamless transfers to and from optimal viewing locations.
- Short tours typically last 3–4 hours, focusing on nearby aurora hotspots.
- Full-night or extended tours run 5–7 hours, venturing deeper into Lapland for remote, uninterrupted skies and enhanced photography opportunities.
Frequently asked questions about the Rovaniemi Northern Lights
Is it necessary to book a tour to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
No, it is not necessary to book a tour but it is always recommended as you can experience it in different ways with a local guide who will also take you to prime viewing locations.
How likely is it to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
If statistics are to go by, you can see them every second night. It’s always recommended to check the weather forecast before you plan this escape.
How long do the Northern Lights last?
The Northern Lights are said to last a good 20-30 minutes before disappearing. So be ready with your camera!
What else can I do in Rovaniemi other than seeing the Northern Lights?
You can try out activities like sleigh rides, snowmobiling, husky rides, barbecues, and sauna/jacuzzi.
Are the Northern Lights only visible in December?
No, they are visible all year round but you will see them more during winter months as the nights are longer.
Which time of the night is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The probability of seeing the auroras increases after 11pm due to reduced light pollution.
Are the Northern Lights visible every night in Rovaniemi?
While the lights start appearing from late September to early April, they do not appear every night. The chances of seeing them depend on factors such as light pollution, and weather conditions.