Rovaniemi: hunting for the Northern Lights with BBQ

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis in the heart of Arctic Lapland, this tour from Rovaniemi offers a practical option. It combines the excitement of searching for the Northern Lights with the comfort of hotel pickup, a warm outdoor fire, and delicious local food. While it doesn’t promise a guaranteed sighting, it provides a memorable adventure packed with scenic stops and authentic Finnish flavors.

What makes this experience stand out? We appreciate the effort to maximize your chances with multiple viewing spots, the friendly guidance from knowledgeable hosts, and the cozy, social atmosphere around the fire. On the flip side, those seeking a lengthy, guaranteed viewing expedition might feel it’s a bit short or structured. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, well-organized night out in nature without sacrificing comfort or local charm.

Key Points

• Flexible Aurora Hunting: Multiple scenic stops increase your chances of seeing the lights.
• Authentic Arctic Experience: Enjoy the frozen forest and winter landscape in true Lapland style.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Delicious Food & Drink: Finnish sausages, berry juice, cookies, and marshmallows by the fire.
• Photographer-Ready: Guides are happy to take photos, helping you preserve the memories.
• Limited Guarantee: No certainty of Aurora sightings, as nature depends on conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi offers a practical yet charming way to pursue one of nature’s most spellbinding phenomena. Designed to be accessible and relaxed, it provides a good introduction to Arctic Lapland’s landscape and culture, even if the Northern Lights play hard to get.

The tour begins with a hotel pickup around 19:30, making it easy to start without additional hassle. You’ll then be transported in a comfortable vehicle to three different locations beyond the city lights and Arctic Circle, each carefully chosen to improve your chances of Aurora sightings. The journey isn’t overly long—expect about 1.5 to 2 hours of actual hunting, as the rest is travel time.

Throughout the night, the guides will keep an eye on the sky and the weather, adjusting locations based on cloud cover or Aurora activity. Multiple stops mean you’re not stuck in one spot, which can help if clouds obscure the display at one point. This approach is appreciated by travelers like one reviewer who noted that even on a cloudy day, the guide’s expertise and the locations chosen helped them see the Aurora at the end.

The Scenic Stops and What to Expect

Each stop is selected for its scenic beauty and potential for Aurora viewing. Expect to be in areas free from light pollution, with sweeping views of the winter landscape—think snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and starry skies.

While the main event—the Northern Lights—is unpredictable, the atmosphere around the fire is guaranteed. The guides set up a cozy fire in the snow, where you can roast sausages, toast marshmallows, and sip hot berry juice. This social aspect is a highlight, adding warmth both physically and in spirit, especially as you wait in the cold.

One guest described the experience as a blend of adventure and comfort, praising the guides for their warm hospitality and knowledge about local traditions. When the Aurora does appear, even faintly, the guides are ready with their cameras, capturing photos of participants, which they later share. This is especially handy since some reports say the Aurora can be faint to the naked eye but just as captivating in photos.

Food and Drink: Finnish Flavors Around the Fire

The inclusion of food is a strong point for this tour. Expect to enjoy traditional Finnish sausages grilled over an open fire, alongside sweet treats like cookies and a slice of pie. Hot berry juice keeps your hands warm and your spirits high, making the outdoor experience even more enjoyable.

Several reviews mention how satisfying the food was, with one traveler expressing gratitude for the delicious sausages and marshmallows. The communal aspect of sharing food in the Arctic winter adds a layer of authenticity and warmth that many travelers cherish.

Guides and Group Size

The quality of guiding can make or break a Northern Lights tour, and here, the reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides who are eager to help. One reviewer praised their guide Daria, calling her “super expert and helpful,” noting she provided tips on what to look for in the sky.

Group sizes tend to be moderate—enough to foster a social atmosphere but small enough to personalize the experience. Guides also take photos, which adds value, especially for those wanting memories without fuss.

However, some reviews suggest that the limited duration and fixed schedule mean that success depends heavily on Aurora activity and luck. One reviewer pointed out that because the tour is nearly 2 hours of actual hunting with short stops, only very intense Aurora displays might be visible in most cases.

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Timing, Duration, and Price

Starting at 19:30, the tour is designed for those who want an evening adventure. The total duration is around 3 hours, including pickup, travel, and the outdoor experience. For $88 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Arctic nature and the Northern Lights without committing to longer, more expensive tours.

While some travelers might wish for a longer or more flexible experience—like the 7-8 hour guaranteed tours—this option offers a good balance of value, comfort, and adventure for those on a tighter schedule or budget.

Is It Worth It?

For most travelers, this tour offers an excellent introduction to the concept of Aurora hunting with added comfort and local flavor. The combination of scenic stops, the cozy fire, and friendly guides makes it a relaxed yet authentic Arctic experience.

However, if your main goal is to guarantee a sighting or if you’re highly passionate about Aurora photography, you might want to consider more extensive tours with longer durations and personalized itineraries. This tour is more suited for those who want a fun, atmospheric evening out in Lapland with a good chance of seeing the Aurora.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Travelers seeking a budget-friendly, straightforward Aurora experience.
• Visitors who appreciate local food, warmth, and social atmosphere.
• Those staying in Rovaniemi and looking for a convenient, organized tour.
• Anyone open to the uncertainty of Aurora visibility but wanting a memorable, scenic night out.
• People who enjoy a casual, family-friendly environment with knowledgeable guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a guarantee I will see the Northern Lights?
No, since the Aurora Borealis depends on weather conditions and solar activity. The tour maximizes your chances by visiting multiple locations, but sightings are never guaranteed.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and a camera. Since you’ll be outdoors in cold weather, dressing in layers is essential.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a lapland BBQ with sausages, hot drinks, cookies, pie, marshmallows, and a guide to take photos.

How long does the tour last?
Total around 3 hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of actual hunting time spread across three locations.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this suitable for children?
Given the outdoor fire and cold weather, it’s best suited for children who are comfortable in winter conditions. The relaxed pace and social setting make it family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi offers a charming, budget-conscious way to experience the Arctic’s magical nights. It’s perfect for travelers who value authentic scenery, friendly guidance, and the comfort of outdoor fires and local treats. While it doesn’t guarantee a sighting, the multiple stops and knowledgeable guides significantly boost your chances and make the process fun and social.

If you’re in Rovaniemi and looking for a well-organized, reasonably priced Northern Lights adventure that blends nature, culture, and a cozy fire, this tour deserves a spot on your list. Just remember, patience and luck play a role — but even in cloudy conditions, you’ll leave with stories, photos, and a warm glow from the Arctic night.

You can check availability for your dates here: