Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour

Planning a trip to Rovaniemi and eager to see the Northern Lights? This Aurora Hunting Tour by Sunsuni Safari offers an immersive, small-group journey designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the Aurora borealis, along with some genuine Lapland charm. With a 5-star rating based on five reviews, it’s clear that many travelers found this experience both memorable and well-run.

One thing we love about this tour is the personalized approach—small groups (up to five people) mean you won’t be just another face in a crowd. Plus, the combination of scenic spots, expert guidance, and cozy food makes for a well-rounded Arctic adventure. However, keep in mind that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, as they depend on weather and solar activity. This tour is best suited for those who appreciate a genuine, flexible experience with knowledgeable guides and a taste of Lapland’s wilderness.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances the experience and offers personalized attention.
• You’ll visit various vantage points around Rovaniemi, chosen to optimize your chances of seeing the Aurora.
• The tour includes professional photography services to help capture your Northern Lights moments.
• A traditional Lappish barbecue adds warmth and flavor to your night, weather permitting.
• The tour is cost-effective, providing transportation, snacks, and a guided experience at a fair price.
• Flexibility in the itinerary, with departure times adjusted based on sunset, ensures you’re out during optimal Aurora viewing hours.

An In-Depth Review of the Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour

First Impressions and Booking

Starting at $130 per person, this tour offers a good balance of value and authenticity. The booking process is straightforward, and the tour is operated by Sunsuni Safari, a reputable local provider. Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation along with details about pickup times and what to expect.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins promptly at 8:00 pm, with pickup offered from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point. Travelers rave about the private transportation, which keeps the group intimate and comfortable, especially given the cold temperatures. The mini-van or small cars used mean you’ll avoid the chaos of large buses, allowing guides to customize the route based on weather and Aurora forecasts.

The Itinerary: What Makes It Special

Stop 1: Rovaniemi

Your guides pick you up around sunset, with departure times varying from 8 pm to 10 pm depending on the month—generally aligning with the sunset and Aurora activity peaks. The guides are experienced, and some (like Pekka and Amanda, according to reviews) are noted for their kindness, professionalism, and dedication to making sure everyone has a good chance to see the lights.

The drive takes you into the Arctic wilderness, often into forests or open areas where light pollution is minimal. What we find appealing here is the thoughtfulness behind selecting vantage points—guides do their best to adapt to weather conditions, which can change rapidly in Lapland.

Vantage Points and Aurora Viewing

The locations vary depending on weather and aurora situtation, but the focus remains on finding clear, dark skies for optimal viewing. Travelers have reported seeing the Aurora borealis after patience and some luck, with guides sometimes taking extra time even if the weather isn’t perfect, as Pekka did for guests who wanted more chances to catch the lights.

Photography and Personal Guidance

One standout feature is the professional photography offered by the guides. They take photos of guests with the Aurora, ensuring you leave with memorable shots—something many travelers cherish. As one reviewer mentioned, Pekka managed to capture beautiful Aurora images, which adds a layer of value for those wanting tangible memories.

The Cozy Lappish BBQ

After watching the skies, the tour includes a traditional outdoor barbecue around an open fire. You’ll enjoy sausages (pork or vegetarian options), cookies, marshmallows, and berry juice. Soup is available if requested, and the food’s simplicity creates a warm, communal atmosphere.

It’s weather-dependent, so if the conditions are too harsh, the guides might adjust or postpone the barbecue, but this flexibility ensures safety and comfort. Reviewers have described the experience as “entertaining and delicious”, emphasizing that the guides do their best to create a cozy, authentic environment.

Return and Overall Experience

The tour wraps up around midnight or slightly later, with the guides returning you safely to your accommodation. Many travelers leave with not just photographs but stories of a truly Arctic adventure.

Authentic, small-group experiences like this often receive praise for their personalized touch. Reviewers highlighted the dedication of guides Pekka and Amanda, noting their efforts to entertain, inform, and ensure everyone saw the Aurora—even if the weather was challenging.

Analyzing the Value

At $130, this tour provides quite a lot: transportation, expert guidance, photography, and a warm meal—all in a small-group setting. Compared to larger, bus-based tours, the intimacy offers more flexibility and a better chance to ask questions, catch fleeting Aurora moments, and enjoy genuine Arctic hospitality.

Though the chance of a clear Aurora sighting isn’t guaranteed, the reviews show that guides do their utmost to maximize your odds, often taking extra time or adjusting locations to find clear skies. Plus, the included photos mean you’ll have lasting memories regardless of whether the lights appear.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed experience with knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about making your Aurora hunt special. It suits those who appreciate small-group intimacy, authentic Lapland food, and the flexibility to adapt to weather conditions.

It’s also ideal if you value professional photography included in the package, ensuring you leave with quality images of your Arctic adventure. This experience is suited for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a memorable, well-rounded night under the Northern Lights.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For anyone visiting Rovaniemi with a desire to see the Northern Lights in an authentic, cozy setting, this Aurora Hunting Tour offers a compelling choice. The combination of expert guidance, scenic spots, warm local food, and personalized attention makes it stand out from larger, less flexible tours.

While nature’s unpredictability means there’s no 100% guarantee of the Aurora, the guides’ efforts, the small-group atmosphere, and the included photography make this a memorable Arctic experience. Expect to gain not just a fleeting glimpse of the lights but an engaging evening filled with local charm, genuine hospitality, and beautiful scenery.

If you’re after a relaxed, intimate, and well-organized Northern Lights adventure, this tour is well worth considering—especially if you appreciate guides who go the extra mile.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, starting around 8 pm, depending on the sunset time and aurora activity.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your accommodation or nearby location is offered as part of the experience.

What should I bring?
Warm clothes are not included, so dress in layers suitable for Arctic winter weather. The tour does not supply warm clothing, but it does provide transportation and some snacks.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour aims to maximize your chances, seeing the Aurora is not guaranteed due to its natural nature. Guides will do their best to find clear skies.

What food options are available?
The barbecue includes sausages (pork or vegetarian), cookies, marshmallows, and berry juice. Soup can be requested in advance if preferred.

Are children under 5 allowed?
Yes, but please inform the operator if there are children under 5 or under 145cm so they can prepare child safety seats.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled due to weather.

Is photography included?
Yes, guides provide photography services to capture your experience, ensuring you have photos of the Northern Lights and your time in Lapland.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is five travelers, which allows for a more intimate and flexible experience.

What makes this tour different from larger Aurora excursions?
The small group size, personalized guiding, flexible vantage points, and included photos make this tour feel more tailored and immersive compared to larger bus tours.

This Rovaniemi Aurora Hunting Tour combines the adventure of Arctic wilderness, cultural authenticity, and modern convenience—all aimed at helping you make the most of your Northern Lights experience. If you’re looking for a balanced, well-organized, and genuine Lapland night out, it’s a choice worth considering.