Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis and Picnic

Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis and Picnic – A Scenic Search for the Northern Lights

This 3-hour tour in Lapland, Finland, offers travelers a solid chance to witness the aurora borealis from the Arctic Circle, with the added charm of a cozy picnic under the stars. Priced at $104 per person, it includes return transfers, winter clothing, hot drinks, and a traditional Finnish sausage and pastry grilled over an open fire. While the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, the tour’s location and setup maximize your chances, especially if the forecast is favorable.

The experience is well-suited for those who want a balanced outdoor adventure with expert guidance, engaging stories, and a warm meal amid the winter landscape. Its duration, at just 3 hours, makes it an accessible option for travelers with limited time in Rovaniemi, though some may find the outdoor evening activity long if traveling with small children or during late hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Ideal for aurora enthusiasts seeking a genuine Arctic experience in Lapland.
• Includes warmly dressed winter clothing and hot drinks to keep comfortable outdoors.
• Chance to enjoy a Finnish picnic with sausages and pastries grilled over fire, even if the lights are elusive.
• Led by knowledgeable guides who share stories about the northern lights and Lapland.
• Depart from Rovaniemi’s Safartica Office, with an easy pickup arrangement.
• Weather rescheduling available up to 4 PM if skies are cloudy.

Starting Out: Departing from Rovaniemi’s Safartica Office

The tour begins at Koskikatu 9, the Safartica Office, with pickup 25 minutes before the scheduled departure. This location is central and convenient, making it easy to join the adventure without complex arrangements. Travelers are advised to arrive on time, as missing the start results in no refund.

Transport is by car or bus, heading out of the city towards the best open-sky spots for aurora viewing. The group size can be relatively large, and the guides are known to be friendly and knowledgeable, ready to share insights about Lapland and the northern lights.

The Journey to the Arctic Sky

Once outside Rovaniemi, the journey takes you into the Arctic wilderness, where open landscapes and dark skies increase the adventure’s chance of viewing the aurora borealis. The guides identify the best spots based on weather conditions, aiming for clear views beneath the starry sky.

Because the aurora is unpredictable, the trip focuses on providing the best possible conditions for sighting, with patience and flexible rescheduling options if the weather turns bad. The emphasis remains on making the experience memorable, whether or not the lights appear.

The Outdoor Atmosphere and Scenic Surroundings

Travelers can expect to stay outdoors for approximately two hours, wrapped in winter clothing provided by the tour. The landscape features snow-covered trees, a cozy tent, and a bonfire that adds warmth and ambiance. The environment becomes a perfect setting for storytelling, stargazing, and relaxation in the crisp Arctic air.

The guides excel at creating a welcoming atmosphere, with some reviews highlighting their funny and caring personalities. They also share practical tips for spotting the aurora and surviving the cold outside, making this a comfortable and informative experience.

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The Finnish Picnic: Sausages, Pastries, and Hot Drinks

One of the tour’s highlights is the optional outdoor picnic, where sausages and pastries are grilled over an open fire. The hot drinks add extra warmth as participants settle around the fire, creating a relaxing and social moment amid the winter scenery.

Even if the northern lights are not visible, the atmosphere of the outdoor fire, combined with delicious food, makes the tour worthwhile. Several reviews mention that the food quality and friendly service enhance the experience, providing comfort and taste alongside the natural beauty.

Guides and Stories from Lapland

The guides lead with a friendly and knowledgeable approach, sharing stories about the northern lights and Lapland in an engaging way. They offer tips and tricks for aurora hunting and survival in the cold, which visitors find helpful especially during late-night hours.

Some reviews mention specific guides—Raul, Ramon, Isabel, and Marlene—whose fun personalities and warm hospitality leave a lasting impression. Their interaction helps turn the tour into a relaxed, educational, and enjoyable outing, even if the auroras stay hidden.

The Challenges of Aurora Sightings

Because the northern lights are a natural, unpredictable phenomenon, not everyone will see them during the tour. The sky needs to be clear, and solar activity plays a big role in visibility.

Tour operators offer rescheduling options up to 4 PM the day before if weather forecasts predict poor conditions. Several reviews recount near-misses with the aurora due to clouds or moonlight but also celebrate the beautiful starry sky and snowy surroundings that make the experience worthwhile regardless.

The Experience for Families and Night Owls

The outdoor nature of the tour, combined with the late start and outdoor stay of around two hours, makes it more suitable for teenagers and adults. Parents should consider whether young children will enjoy the outdoor cold and late hours.

However, the warm clothing, fire, and food create a cozy environment conducive to relaxation and storytelling, making it a memorable family outing for those prepared for the cold.

Rescheduling and Cancellation Policies

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If weather conditions are unfavorable, it’s possible to reschedule for the next day, provided the request is made by 4 PM. This flexibility helps manage expectations around the unpredictability of the northern lights, ensuring that participants can try again or plan alternative activities.

The Overall Value and Suitability

Priced at $104, this tour offers a well-rounded Arctic experience with return transfers, winter gear, hot drinks, and a picnic included. It balances adventure, relaxation, and education, making it a popular choice for those wanting a meaningful glimpse of Lapland’s natural wonders.

While the possibility of not seeing the aurora exists, the guides’ efforts, scenic location, and cozy setup make this tour a good value for anyone eager to explore the Arctic night sky in a relaxed environment.

Final Thoughts on Rovaniemi’s Aurora Borealis and Picnic Tour

The Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis and Picnic tour provides a practical and enjoyable way to experience the Northern Lights, with the certainty of warm gear, good food, and friendly guides. The outdoor setting adds authenticity, and the rescheduling options offer reassurance in case of cloudy skies.

This tour best suits adventurers and families seeking a relaxed outdoor activity with a high chance for aurora sightings when conditions are right. Its short duration makes it accessible, but travelers should be prepared for cold weather and outdoor night-time hours.

This experience delivers a memorable slice of Lapland’s winter magic, whether or not the elusive northern lights make an appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is included in the tour price?
  Return transfers, winter clothing, hot drinks, sausages, and pastries grilled over the fire.

• Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
  Yes, rescheduling is possible up to 4 PM the day before if weather forecasts are unfavorable.

• How long does the outdoor part last?
  Expect to stay outside for approximately two hours.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  Yes, but parents should consider if children are comfortable outdoors for that duration and in late hours.

• What should I wear?
  The tour provides winter clothing, but wearing warm layers, hats, and gloves is recommended.

• Is the northern lights guaranteed?
  No, as aurora visibility depends on weather and solar activity. The tour aims to maximize chances but does not promise sightings.

• Where does the tour depart from?
  From the Safartica Office at Koskikatu 9, with pickup 25 minutes before departure.

• What happens if I miss the meeting time?
  Missing the scheduled start results in no refund, so arriving on time is important.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
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