Rovaniemi: hunting for the Northern Lights with BBQ

Planning a trip to Lapland and eager to catch the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis? This Northern Lights hunt from Rovaniemi offers a cozy, affordable option to chase the skies, enjoy traditional Finnish food, and experience Arctic nature firsthand. With a 3-hour adventure that includes hotel pickup, scenic stops, and a warm BBQ around a campfire, it’s designed to maximize your chances of seeing the lights while providing a taste of local culture.

What we really like about this tour is the combination of relaxed, scenic locations and intimate outdoor experiences—no long drives or crowded bus rides here. Plus, the chance for professional photos makes it perfect for capturing memories. However, since the Northern Lights are a natural, unpredictable phenomenon, be prepared for some variability, which could mean a faint show or a clear sighting. This tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a genuine Arctic experience without the hefty price tag.

Key Points

• Affordable Northern Lights Experience: At $89, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend an evening in Lapland.
• Multiple Scenic Stops: Visiting three carefully chosen locations increases your chances of Aurora sightings.
• Authentic Arctic Atmosphere: Enjoy Finnish snacks, marshmallows, and hot berry juice around a campfire.
• Guided and Photographed: Guides are knowledgeable, and photos are included, helping you preserve your memories.
• Limited Duration: A 3-hour trip suits those with tight schedules but may limit the time for Aurora viewing.
• Variable Success: Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity, so expectations should be realistic.

The Experience: What to Expect on the Tour

This tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Rovaniemi around 19:30, making it easy to relax without worrying about transportation. From there, your driver, likely a friendly local guide, will take you out of the city, beyond the light pollution, into the darker, more promising Arctic skies.

Scenic Drives and Stops

The journey includes two significant scenic stops. The first stop, about 20 minutes into the drive, offers beautiful views along the way, setting the Arctic mood. This is a good time to get your camera ready for potential Northern Lights or just enjoy the snowy landscape.

Next, you’ll arrive at a “secret” stop—a well-chosen location for Aurora viewing, usually in a quiet, picturesque spot away from any artificial lights. Here, you’ll spend around an hour, which is ample time to hunt for the Aurora, take photos, and soak in the peaceful Arctic surroundings.

Another 20-minute stop provides a final chance for photos and a quick look at the star-studded sky. This allows flexibility—if the Aurora appears or if a clear sky dazzles you, you can linger a little longer.

The Cozy Fire and Finnish Food

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviews, is the warmth and conviviality around the fire. You’ll roast marshmallows, enjoy Finnish pies, sausages, cookies, and hot berry juice—perfect comfort foods after braving the cold. The guides, often described as friendly and professional, tend to make this part of the experience memorable; one reviewer even appreciated their cultural insights.

Aurora Hunting and Photography

Since the Aurora Borealis is highly unpredictable, the tour doesn’t guarantee a sighting. However, many guests have found that moving between different locations enhances their chances. One traveler from Japan mentioned that despite initial worries, they managed to see the Aurora at the final stop, although it was faint in person but more vivid in photos.

Guides often take photos for you, which is a valuable perk—particularly because Northern Lights photos can be tricky to capture without a proper camera or settings. As one reviewer noted, the guide “taught us right away what and how to look in the sky,” making the experience less stressful and more enjoyable.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup in Rovaniemi begins the adventure, with the driver alerting you of the pick-up time and location. Expect to be ready around 19:30, as pickups start then, and the driver will wait only five minutes before moving on.

The first scenic stop (about 20 minutes) sets the tone. It’s a quick, picturesque peek at the Arctic landscape and gives you a chance to get your camera prepared. You might see the snow-covered forest, frozen lakes, or starry skies, all great for atmospheric shots.

Next, the “secret” stop lasts around an hour. This strategic location is chosen for its dark skies and minimal light pollution, key for Aurora spotting. The guide will likely share interesting facts about the Northern Lights, Arctic flora, or local Sami traditions, adding cultural value to the trip.

Following that, a final 20-minute stop provides a relaxed environment to enjoy the night sky, take last-minute photos, or simply marvel at the vast, quiet wilderness.

Finally, the group is returned to Rovaniemi, typically arriving around 22:30, completing the roughly three-hour experience.

What’s Included and What to Bring

For the price, the tour offers good value: hotel pickup and drop-off, a Lapland BBQ, hot drinks, sausages, cookies, pie, marshmallows, and photos taken by guides. These inclusions mean you won’t need to worry about extra costs for food or capturing memories.

What to bring:
– Warm clothing (layers, thermal wear, hat, gloves) because Arctic nights can be icy even in spring.
– A camera for capturing the Northern Lights and stunning scenery—preferably with a tripod.
– Warm shoes to stay comfortable while waiting around fire pits in the snow.

The Reality of Aurora Hunting

While the tour’s structure is well-organized, some reviews highlight that Aurora sightings are not guaranteed. The natural phenomenon depends on weather conditions, solar activity, and luck. One traveler from Belgium noted that despite good weather and KP index, they only managed faint photos, which is a reminder of the unpredictability.

Others mentioned that the fixed schedule and limited time at each stop mean you’re only “on the doorstep” of a potential Aurora. For those with a keen desire for a guaranteed experience, longer or more specialized tours might be worth considering, though at a higher cost.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Budget-friendly price point.
– Scenic locations for optimal Aurora viewing.
– Warm, hearty Finnish food around a fire.
– Knowledgeable guides who help with photography and cultural insights.
– Easy hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying logistics.

Cons:
– No guarantee of Aurora sighting; heavily dependent on weather and solar activity.
– The fixed schedule might feel rushed, especially if the Aurora appears late or faint.
– The tour duration limits the time spent in each location, possibly reducing chances for a spectacular show.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers on a budget who want a genuine Arctic night out without breaking the bank. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy cozy outdoor settings—fires, marshmallows, and hearty food—and don’t mind a bit of luck when it comes to Aurora visibility.

If your main goal is to maximize chances of seeing the Northern Lights, or if you’re after a more immersive, longer experience, you might prefer a more extensive tour. Nevertheless, for a short, scenic, and culturally engaging evening, this tour packs in quite a lot for the price.

The Sum Up

This Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi offers a practical balance of scenic drives, cultural tidbits, cozy food, and Aurora hunting. It’s well-suited for travelers looking for an affordable, no-fuss Arctic adventure with the chance to see the Aurora in a relaxed setting. The inclusion of professional photos and friendly guides makes it a memorable experience, even if the Northern Lights decide to be shy that night.

While it doesn’t promise a guaranteed Aurora, many guests have enjoyed beautiful views and memorable moments. It’s an excellent choice for budget travelers, families, or anyone seeking an authentic Finnish experience under the Arctic sky.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Pickup begins around 19:30, with timing confirmed the day before.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, as Aurora activity depends on weather and solar conditions; sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing, layered thermal wear, warm shoes, hat, and gloves are recommended.

Can I take photos?
Yes, guides can take photos for you, and you should bring your own camera for best results.

Does the tour include food?
Yes, it features Finnish BBQ, sausages, cookies, hot berry juice, and marshmallows around the fire.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Rovaniemi hotels are included.

What locations are visited?
You’ll visit three scenic spots, including a secret Arctic location optimized for Aurora viewing.

What do reviews say about guides?
Reviewers praise guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness, especially in photography tips.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and enjoyed by travelers of all ages, especially those who appreciate a relaxed outdoor experience.

This tour balances practicality with adventure, offering a cozy, scenic, and culturally rich Arctic night out—perfect for those wanting a memorable, yet budget-conscious, Northern Lights experience.