Aurora Ice Floating in Rovaniemi

Discover Aurora Ice Floating in Rovaniemi for a Unique Arctic Adventure

The Aurora Ice Floating in Rovaniemi offers a one-of-a-kind chance to witness the Northern Lights from a peaceful, icy landscape. Priced at $160.43 per person, this 3-hour tour takes place in the Finnish wilderness, with pickup and drop-off at Rovaniemi hotels included. The tour is well-recommended, boasting a 4.5 out of 5 rating from 55 reviews, and is booked an average of 161 days in advance—a clear sign of its popularity.

This experience suits those seeking a tranquil way to see the Aurora Borealis, away from city light pollution, while enjoying the quiet of a frozen lake. The tour’s highlights include ice-floating in a dry suit, warm drinks, and the chance to relax under the starry sky. While weather conditions can influence the Aurora sighting, the overall experience offers stunning scenery and a peaceful connection with nature.

Key Points

• Price: $160.43 per person for a 3-hour experience
• Duration: About 3 hours, including transfers
• Location: Rovaniemi, Finland, with pickup at local hotels
• Main activity: Floating in a frozen lake while watching for the Northern Lights
• Special features: Dry-suits included for warmth, hot drinks served after floating
• Group size: Limited to 50 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience

Starting Point and Transportation Logistics

The tour begins at Safartica, located at Koskikatu 9, Rovaniemi. Travelers are picked up directly at their Rovaniemi hotel or can meet at the centrally-located tour office. The transport takes guests out of town, into the Finnish wilderness, to a secret location where the ice-floating happens. The group size is capped at 50, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for all participants.

This organized transfer ensures a smooth journey from the city to the remote lake, saving guests the hassle of navigating on their own. The transportation is included in the ticket price, and the entire process is designed for convenience, enabling travelers to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

The Unique Ice-Floating Experience in the Finnish Wilderness

The core activity involves donning a provided dry suit designed to keep you warm in the near-freezing lake water. Once suited up, guests lie back and float among icebergs, gazing up at the Northern Lights flickering overhead. The absence of light pollution in this remote location offers optimal conditions for Aurora viewing, increasing the chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon.

The floating experience is peaceful and slow-paced, allowing participants to relax fully as they float on the icy surface. The buoyant dry suit keeps water out and warmth in, making the activity accessible even in cold temperatures. Floating in the silence of the frozen lake under the Aurora is described as both surreal and calming.

What to Expect During the Ice-Floating Tour

The tour typically lasts approximately 3 hours, including pickup, transit, floating, and warm-up time. After arriving at the secret location, guests are fitted with winter clothing and dry suits. The guides are known for their helpfulness and friendly approach, assisting with gear and ensuring safety.

Once in the water, guests lie back and relax, floating calmly among the ice chunks while waiting or watching for the Aurora Borealis. After the floating session, everyone returns to shore for a hot drink to warm up. The tour concludes with a transfer back to Rovaniemi, completing a serene Arctic adventure.

Visiting the Secret Location in the Finnish Countryside

The hidden lake used for ice-floating is situated far from city lights, in a quiet area of the Finnish landscape. This remote setting is a significant advantage because it maximizes the chances of clear Aurora viewing. The guides lead travelers to this special spot, carefully selecting the night based on weather conditions and Aurora forecasts.

Despite its secluded nature, the location is accessible via organized transportation, and the entire experience is designed to be safe and comfortable. This peaceful environment allows for a full immersion in the Arctic surroundings, creating a memorable contrast to the busy city life.

Guides and Service Quality

The guides leading this tour receive high praise, especially for their helpfulness and friendliness. They assist with gear, answer questions, and provide safety instructions, making the experience accessible even for first-timers. Some reviews mention the guides’ knowledge and their effort to ensure guests get the best possible view of the Aurora.

While some guests note that photography isn’t the tour’s focus, guides like Andrew are acknowledged for their helpfulness in supporting guests during their floating experience. The guides contribute significantly to the overall positive atmosphere, making the activity safe, enjoyable, and relaxed.

Cultural and Additional Activities

Apart from floating, the tour includes the chance to warm up with hot drinks after the activity, enhancing comfort in the cold. Some guests mention additional experiences like roasting marshmallows or enjoying the peaceful night sky after the float, although these are not explicitly listed as part of the standard itinerary.

The main focus remains on the floating in the icy lake and the Aurora sighting, making it a straightforward yet unforgettable Arctic adventure. The tour’s small group size ensures a personal touch, complemented by all taxes, fees, and handling charges included in the price.

Weather and Aurora Viewing Considerations

The success of spotting the Northern Lights depends heavily on weather conditions. Some guests mention that overcast skies or cloudy nights can prevent Aurora visibility, which is outside the control of the guides. However, the remote location and clear night skies offer the best chance for a spectacular display when conditions permit.

Guests should be aware that the experience is weather-dependent, but the overall journey remains special even if the Aurora isn’t visible—lying in a frozen lake under the stars is an experience in itself.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Participants must be at least 120 cm tall to participate in the floating activity, making it suitable for older children and adults. The activity is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with guides providing support and winter clothing. The activity does involve lying in cold water, so guests should be comfortable with cold temperatures and floating outdoors.

While the tour is accessible to most, those with mobility issues or specific health concerns should review their suitability, as the activity takes place on a frozen lake in cold conditions.

Comparing This Tour with Similar Experiences

This ice-floating tour stands out because of its focus on floating in a remote, light-pollution-free location. Unlike other Aurora tours that may involve snowmobiles or reindeer safaris, this activity emphasizes peace and tranquility under the Northern Lights, with a minimalistic approach.

Some reviews compare this experience favorably to more active or crowded tours, citing the serenity of floating and the helpfulness of guides. However, it’s worth noting that weather can impact Aurora sightings, and the location is more secluded than some other tours that might use more accessible or popular sites.

Pricing and Value for Money

At $160.43 per person, the tour offers a succinct yet memorable 3-hour adventure that combines nature, tranquility, and potential Aurora sightings. The inclusion of dry suits, winter gear, hot drinks, and transportation contributes to its perceived value. The small group size and high guide-to-guest ratio enhance the experience, making it well worth the price for those seeking a peaceful Arctic activity.

While weather-dependent, the overall package provides a high-quality experience that balances comfort with the thrill of Arctic wilderness.

Cancellation and Booking Flexibility

Booking can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for weather or other plans. The tour requires a minimum number of travelers, but if canceled, guests are offered alternative dates or full refunds. This straightforward policy adds confidence to booking, especially during unpredictable winter weather.

Final Thoughts on Aurora Ice Floating in Rovaniemi

The Aurora Ice Floating tour provides a peaceful and visually stunning way to experience the Arctic wilderness and the Northern Lights. It appeals most to those wanting a calm, contemplative activity that connects them with nature in its quietest moments. The dry suits and hot drinks help make the cold enjoyable, while the remote location maximizes Aurora viewing potential.

While weather can influence the Northern Lights experience, the overall journey is memorable regardless. This tour is especially suitable for travelers who appreciate tranquility and natural beauty, and who are comfortable lying in cold water in a suit designed for warmth. The friendly guides and inclusive amenities further enhance this Arctic adventure, making it a worthwhile choice for a serene, unique experience in Rovaniemi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children taller than 120 cm can participate, but they should be comfortable in cold water and outdoor cold conditions.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at Rovaniemi hotels, transfers, guide, winter clothing, dry suits, hot drinks, and all taxes and fees.

Do I always see the Northern Lights?
Aurora visibility depends on weather conditions and solar activity. Overcast or cloudy nights may prevent sighting, but the experience remains peaceful and scenic.

How long does the floating activity last?
The floating in the frozen lake lasts approximately 2 hours during the overall 3-hour tour, including prep, transit, and warming.

What should I wear?
Guests are provided with dry suits and winter clothing, but it’s advisable to dress warmly underneath, with insulated layers suitable for Arctic temperatures.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Refunds are issued if canceled within this window.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Safartica, located at Koskikatu 9, Rovaniemi, or via hotel pickup.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, ensuring a relaxed and personal experience.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Floating in a frozen lake under the Northern Lights, surrounded by silence and the beauty of the Arctic landscape.

Are there any additional activities included?
Post-floating, guests can warm up with hot drinks, and some experiences may include roasting marshmallows or enjoying the night sky, though these are not guaranteed or core parts of the tour.