Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis and Picnic

Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis and Picnic – A Genuine Look at a Northern Lights Adventure

Travelers craving a taste of Arctic magic will find this Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis and Picnic tour from Safartica offers a balanced mix of hope, comfort, and authentic Lapland scenery. While the thrill of possibly catching the elusive Northern Lights is the main draw, the experience also delivers engaging stories, cozy outdoor food, and the chance to enjoy Lapland’s starry sky in a laid-back atmosphere.

What really wins us over is how this tour combines the excitement of aurora hunting with the warmth of a traditional Finnish picnic — all within a manageable three-hour window. But, of course, with natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, there’s always a hint of unpredictability, so it’s worth understanding what to expect and what not to expect.

This experience is perfect for those who want a genuine outdoor adventure with knowledgeable guides and a cozy touch — ideal for travelers who appreciate flexible plans, small group vibes, and a chance to learn about Lapland’s stories and folklore. If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized trip with high chances of aurora sightings when conditions are right, this tour might be just right.

• Chance to see the Northern Lights: The tour maximizes your odds during favorable forecasts, but sightings are not guaranteed due to the unpredictable nature of the auroras.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Raul, Ramon, Isabel, and Marlene are praised for their friendliness, humor, and insights about the auroras and Lapland.
• Authentic experience: From storytelling to outdoor food by an open fire, this tour provides a genuinely Lapland flavor with a focus on comfort and atmosphere.
• Value for money: At $104 per person, the experience offers a good balance of transportation, winter clothing, hot drinks, and a traditional Finnish picnic, making it a worthwhile choice.
• Flexible scheduling: The tour allows rescheduling if weather conditions are poor, and booking options are flexible with a “reserve now, pay later” policy.
• Group size and timing: Expect a larger group, with outdoor activities lasting about two hours, which might be important for small children or those sensitive to cold or late hours.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

The journey begins at the Safartica Office in Rovaniemi, where you’ll meet your guide at least 25 minutes before departure. From there, a comfortable vehicle or bus takes you out of the city into the open landscapes of Lapland, away from city lights and away from light pollution, which is crucial for maximizing aurora visibility.

Once out in the quiet wilderness, your guide will steer the group to a spot with the best possible open-sky views. Some reviewers mention that guides like Raul, Ramon, Isabel, and Marlene go above and beyond—they’re known for their friendly, approachable manner, sharing fascinating stories about the Northern Lights and Lapland’s traditions. One reviewer even called the guides “fun, educational, and interactive.”

The core of the experience lies in the outdoor time—about two hours of waiting under the night sky, bundled up in the provided winter clothing. You can expect to hear tales of the aurora and Lapland folklore, making the wait more engaging. The guides are also well-prepared to keep everyone comfortable and entertained.

The Outdoor Picnic and Fire

One of the standout features, appreciated by many, is the option to enjoy a Finnish picnic around a crackling open fire. This includes sausages and pastries that are grilled on-site, accompanied by hot drinks. The fire not only provides warmth but also creates a convivial, cozy atmosphere that elevates the outdoor experience.

Multiple reviews highlight how much travelers enjoy this part of the tour. For example, one guest described it as a “great experience” with “delicious food,” and another mentioned that sitting by the fire “felt romantic,” even without a guaranteed sighting of the Aurora.

Aurora Hunting and Visibility

The main aim is to catch the Northern Lights, but as many reviews point out, this is a natural phenomenon that can’t be guaranteed. On some nights, the skies clear, and the lights dance beautifully across the horizon—like the traveler who was fortunate enough to see the Aurora “for a few minutes” or another who enjoyed seeing the “amazing polar lights.”

Others have had the experience of no auroras but still speak highly of the evening. One reviewer said, “even without seeing the northern lights, the atmosphere and starry sky made it a wonderful tour.” Guides like Raul and Ramon are praised for their efforts to stay longer or reschedule if the forecast isn’t promising, emphasizing that this is about maximizing your chances while embracing the unpredictability.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Expect to be part of a relatively large group, which some travelers find fun and social, while others may prefer a more private experience. The tour’s focus on shared storytelling and outdoor camaraderie creates a lively, friendly vibe. If you’re traveling with small children, keep in mind that outdoor exposure for around two hours at night might be a consideration, as some reviews mention.

The Value and Practicalities

At $104 per person, this tour offers a fair price considering what’s included: return transfers, winter clothing, a traditional picnic, and hot drinks. The equipment and clothing provided are praised for keeping guests warm, which is crucial in the Arctic cold.

Flexibility is another plus. You can reschedule if weather conditions are poor—something many travelers appreciate, especially given how unpredictable aurora sightings can be. Plus, the booking system allows you to reserve now with the option to pay later, making planning easier in case of changing plans.

The tour duration of three hours makes it accessible for most travelers, especially those with limited time or who want a quick but meaningful Arctic experience. The meeting point at Safartica’s office is central and easy to find; punctuality is essential, as missing the departure means missing out, with no refunds.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a well-organized, authentic outdoor adventure with a moderate price tag. If you’re interested in stories about Lapland, enjoy cozy outdoor food, and are willing to embrace the chance of an aurora appearance—this will be a hit. It’s also ideal for those who don’t mind waiting in cold conditions for a couple of hours and are happy to share the experience with others.

It’s particularly well-suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who appreciate a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The flexible rescheduling policy makes it a good choice for uncertain weather nights. However, those seeking a more private, intimate experience might want to explore other options with smaller group sizes.

FAQ

How likely is it to see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour offers the best chance when conditions are favorable, sightings depend on natural factors like weather and solar activity. Guides do their best to maximize your odds, but no sighting can be guaranteed.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers return transfers from the meeting point, winter clothing to keep warm, hot drinks, and a sausage and pastry picnic grilled by the fire.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Parents should consider the outdoor duration of around two hours and the late timing. If your children are comfortable with cold outdoor conditions and late nights, they can enjoy the experience.

Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can reschedule the tour for the next day, provided you do so before 4 PM. This flexibility helps if weather forecasts look unfavorable.

What should I wear?
The tour provides winter clothing, but we recommend layered, thermal attire underneath to stay warm during outdoor waiting. Comfortable, waterproof shoes are advisable.

How big are the groups?
The tour can accommodate a relatively large group, which creates a lively atmosphere. Some reviews mention that travelers enjoyed the camaraderie and shared stories.

What happens if I miss the meeting point?
Missing the departure time or location means you won’t be able to join the tour, and refunds are not provided. Punctuality is key.

Final Thoughts

This Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis and Picnic tour from Safartica offers a genuine Arctic experience that balances the hope of seeing the Northern Lights with cozy storytelling and outdoor fun. The guides’ warmth and expertise, combined with the traditional Finnish picnic, make for a memorable evening — even if the auroras decide to hide behind clouds.

It’s an experience that emphasizes flexibility, authentic outdoor ambiance, and a bit of luck, making it ideal for travelers who want to keep their expectations realistic but still hope for that magical dance of lights. Whether you’re chasing the auroras or simply enjoying the starry Lapland sky, this tour provides a solid, well-rounded adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, friendly, and well-organized Northern Lights experience with a taste of Lapland, this tour is a great pick. Its combination of storytelling, outdoor warmth, and natural beauty will leave you with stories to tell — whether or not the skies deliver a spectacular show.