Rovaniemi: Search for Northern Lights Snowmobiling Trip

If you’re dreaming of chasing the elusive Northern Lights in winter’s icy embrace, the Rovaniemi snowmobile safari offers a compelling way to do so. While we haven’t personally whipped through the snowy woods, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of wild, exhilarating fun combined with the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

What gets us excited about this tour? First, it combines the thrill of snowmobiling through Lapland’s snowy forests with the possibility of catching the northern lights—a bucket-list experience. Second, the guide-led journey promises safety and local insight, which is especially reassuring for those new to snowmobiles. Lastly, the structured stops and included gear make it practical for travelers looking for a well-organized, immersive Arctic adventure.

A potential drawback? As with all aurora hunts, there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights. The northern lights depend heavily on weather and solar activity, so patience and a bit of luck are needed.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, are comfortable in cold weather, and are eager to combine snowmobiling with the magic of the Arctic night sky. It’s not suited for young children or pregnant women, but for anyone craving a rush in a stunning winter landscape, this is a strong contender.

Good To Know

• Authentic Arctic adventure: Ride through Lapland’s snowy forests with expert guidance.
• Northern lights chance: Best vantage points are chosen to maximize your viewing odds, but no guarantees.
• Inclusive gear: Thermal overalls, boots, gloves, and helmets keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures.
• Small groups: Max of 6 snowmobiles, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later.
• Family friendly: Suitable for travelers over 14 years old with a valid driver’s license.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins with pickup from one of six convenient locations around Rovaniemi, including popular hotels like Arctic TreeHouse and Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, as well as Wild Nordic Safari Center. Pickup times vary but generally occur 30 to 60 minutes before the tour begins. This flexibility helps travelers plan their day without stress.

The transportation is round-trip, so you can relax knowing you’ll be taken to and from the activity without extra hassle. The small group size—limited to six snowmobiles—ensures a more intimate experience and personalized guidance.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The journey includes several stops, each designed to enhance the experience. The first stop involves a safety briefing at Wild Nordic Finland Safari Center, lasting around 20 minutes. This is where guides like Mikko and others share their insights, making sure everyone feels confident on the snowmobile. The review comments highlight that the guides are “extremely helpful” and make participants feel “safe and well looked after,” even if it’s your first time behind the handlebars.

Next, you’ll have a guided snowmobile ride of approximately 45 minutes, with options to ride as a driver or passenger. For the latter, an extra charge applies, but the chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery can be worth it. The routes are set to maximize views of the snowy wilderness, with some reviewers noting that the “route is okay,” but the speed can be adjusted for safety, especially in groups.

The second major stop involves a hot drink, sausage, and campfire midway, giving everyone a warm-up with a cozy break in the cold. Reviewers have appreciated this moment as a chance to relax and share stories. This is also where the possibility of spotting the northern lights comes into focus, though guides clarify that aurora activity is unpredictable.

The tour then continues with another 45-minute snowmobile ride, taking you through Lapland’s beautiful winter landscape, with opportunities to enjoy the tranquility and starry sky. Despite the cloudy sky during some trips, many previous travelers have found the stars themselves mesmerizing, as noted by a reviewer who said, “The stars were spellbinding all the same.”

The Northern Lights: A Natural Wonder

While the tour is designed to optimize your chances of viewing the aurora borealis, it’s important to remember that northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and their activity cannot be guaranteed. Guides will take you to the best vantage points, but clear skies are essential. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you might find yourself chasing the lights without success, but the experience of snowmobiling in Lapland’s pristine wilderness still makes it worthwhile.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Safety and Equipment

Safety is a priority on this tour, especially since riding a snowmobile can be intimidating for first-timers. The guides are experienced and helpful, and the gear provided includes thermal overalls, boots, gloves, woolen socks, balaclava masks, and helmets. These layers are crucial for staying warm during the roughly 1 hour 30 minutes of riding in sub-zero temperatures.

Reviewers recommend bringing hand and foot warmers for extra comfort, especially for passengers, as extremities can get cold quickly. While the shield glass on driver’s snowmobiles blocks the wind, passengers often find their fingers and toes numb, so packing extra warmers is a good idea.

The Guides and Group Size

Guides like Ruben and Mikko receive high praise for their helpfulness and knowledge, making participants feel safe even if they’ve never been on a snowmobile before. The small group setup—max six snowmobiles—means fewer delays and more personal attention. Expect to be in a lively, friendly environment where safety and fun go hand in hand.

Price and Value

At $192 per person, this tour offers a solid balance between cost and experience. The inclusion of all necessary gear, round-trip transportation, and expert guidance enhances the value, especially considering how much you’re getting in terms of adventure, scenery, and potential aurora sightings.

Compared to other Arctic activities, snowmobiling in Lapland delivers a uniquely exhilarating way to explore the winter wilderness. Plus, the stops for warm drinks and campfire keep the experience comfortable and memorable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure appeals most to outdoor lovers, snowmobile enthusiasts, and those eager to combine adrenaline with the chance to witness the Northern Lights. It’s perfect for travelers over 14, especially if you’re comfortable in cold weather and like guided, small-group experiences.

If you’re traveling with family or friends seeking an active Arctic escapade, this tour checks all the boxes. However, if you’re prone to cold sensitivity or looking for a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This snowmobile tour in Rovaniemi provides a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and Arctic magic. The guides’ local knowledge and helpfulness stand out, making even nervous first-timers feel at ease. While the main draw is the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, the actual experience of riding through Lapland’s pristine winter landscape is worth every penny.

The inclusion of thermal gear, flexible booking options, and small group sizes all enhance the experience, making it accessible and enjoyable. For those craving a snowy thrill with the hope of a celestial show overhead, this tour offers a practical and exciting way to spend a winter evening in Lapland.

Overall, it’s an experience that combines adrenaline, awe-inspiring scenery, and the allure of one of the world’s most magical natural phenomena. It’s best suited for those who don’t mind chilly temperatures and want to make the most of their Arctic adventure in a safe, guided environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes all activities mentioned, such as snowmobiling, safety briefing, and transportation. Provided gear includes thermal overalls, boots, gloves, woolen socks, balaclava masks, and helmets.

What is the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts 2 hours, with approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of actual snowmobiling.

Where do I get picked up from?
Pickup is available from six locations around Rovaniemi, including hotels like Arctic TreeHouse and Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, with times varying from 40 to 60 minutes before the start.

Can I ride as a passenger?
Yes, you can choose a single-rider option for an extra charge, or ride as a passenger on a snowmobile with a licensed driver.

Is it suitable for children?
Not for children under 14 years old, as a valid driver’s license is required for participants.

What should I wear?
Wear warm, layered clothing and consider bringing additional hand and foot warmers for comfort, especially as passengers tend to feel colder.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
While guides take you to the best spots, the visibility of the lights depends on weather and solar activity. The tour operates regardless of weather conditions.

Is the tour safe?
Yes, guides prioritize safety, provide all necessary gear, and are experienced. The small group size helps manage safety and personal attention.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan with flexibility.

This snowmobile trip is a combination of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and a chance to experience Lapland’s night sky—perfect for travelers seeking a memorable Arctic adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: