Rovaniemi: hunting for the Northern Lights with BBQ

Traveling to Lapland and dreaming of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis? We’ve looked into a popular 3-hour Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi that promises an authentic Arctic experience, with some delicious Finnish food along the way. While it’s not a guaranteed sighting — and the tour’s quick pace might leave you wishing for more time — it offers a taste of Arctic wilderness, cultural charm, and the thrill of chasing one of nature’s most elusive phenomena.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the hotel pickup simplifies logistics in the dark winter months. Second, the multiple scenic stops increase your chances of spotting the lights, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating. And third, the warm BBQ and cozy fires provide comfort and social atmosphere after a long, cold night outside. A potential downside? The limited 3-hour window makes it a fast-paced experience, which might feel rushed for some Aurora hunters wanting longer exposure.

All in all, this tour is best suited for travelers on a budget who want a structured, comfortable Arctic adventure with some good food and scenic photo ops. If you’re after a guaranteed Aurora experience or a longer, more relaxed night out, you might want to consider other options. But if a short, well-organized trip with a friendly guide sounds appealing, this could be just right.

Good To Know

• Convenient pickup and drop-off from your Rovaniemi accommodation simplifies logistics.
• Multiple stops at scenic locations increase the chances of seeing the Aurora.
• Includes Finnish-style BBQ, hot drinks, and marshmallows for a true Arctic snack experience.
• Guided photography support helps you capture the moment, even if the Aurora is faint.
• Tour duration of 3 hours makes it a quick but action-packed adventure.
• Weather and Aurora activity are unpredictable, so sightings are not guaranteed but the experience remains memorable.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Hunting Tour

How the Tour Starts and Ends

The adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup in Rovaniemi, usually around 19:30, meaning you’ll need to be ready and waiting outside your accommodation. The convenience of being collected from your hotel means no late-night wandering or confusing meeting points, which is especially helpful in the cold winter. After being picked up, the driver takes you on a scenic drive out of the city, where light pollution no longer interferes with the night sky.

The return to your hotel is straightforward, wrapping up after roughly three hours. For those on tight schedules or early mornings, this short window makes it easier to fit the Aurora hunt into a busy itinerary.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

The tour visits three scenic locations, including a “secret stop” and viewpoints with scenic views on the way. One review mentioned a “photo stop” lasting about 20 minutes, where you can snap pictures of the starry sky and, hopefully, the Aurora. Another stops at a “secret” spot are designed to maximize your chances of Aurora sightings, though the unpredictability of Nature means no guarantees.

Travelers report that at each stop, guides are attentive and eager to help with photography. They often share tips about how to best capture the Northern Lights, which can be tricky to photograph with phone cameras. Some reviews highlighted how helpful and friendly guides like Daria were, explaining how to spot the Aurora and making the experience more engaging.

The Arctic Forest and Scenery

Expect to venture beyond the city lights, into the Arctic wilderness where you’ll see frozen forests and snow-covered landscapes. The quiet, vast nature of Lapland offers a serene backdrop for Aurora hunting. As one reviewer put it, standing in the snow at night and watching the sky was a “great experience,” despite the fleeting Aurora.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Cozy Fire and Finnish BBQ

A major highlight is the cozy fire, where you can roast marshmallows, sizzle sausages, and warm up with hot berry juice and cookies. The Lapland BBQ included in the tour features Finnish sausages, pie, and sweet treats, providing comfort after braving the cold outdoors. Guests often mention how delicious the food is, with some reviewers noting that guides shared fascinating stories about local traditions and culture during the fire-side break.

The Aurora Borealis Experience

The core of this tour is, of course, the Aurora. It’s a natural phenomenon, so sightings depend heavily on weather conditions, cloud cover, and Aurora activity. Some reviews reflected this: despite good weather and high KP indices, sightings were sometimes faint or only visible in photos. One guest described their Aurora experience as “faint to the naked eye, but very beautiful in photos,” which is common in quick tours.

Guides do their best to help guests spot the lights and often take photos so you can relive the moment later. However, reviews suggest that luck plays a significant role; even the best guides can’t guarantee a sighting.

Group Size and Comfort

The tour is generally operated with a small group, making it intimate and easier to move between stops. The transportation is comfortable, and the driver is usually friendly and knowledgeable, providing information about the Arctic region along the way.

Is the Price Worth It?

At $89 per person, this tour offers good value for those seeking a short Arctic adventure without breaking the bank. For the price, you get hotel pickup, multiple scenic stops, warm food, and the chance to see the Northern Lights — even if it’s only in photos for some. The included photo service adds value, allowing you to leave with professional-looking images of your Arctic night.

That said, some critics point out that the 3-hour duration can feel rushed, especially if you don’t see the Aurora. For travelers with a more flexible budget, longer tours or those with a “guaranteed viewing” might be more satisfying, but at a higher cost.

How the Tour Compares

There are other options available, including more extended tours that promise guaranteed sightings or unlimited mileage. However, many guests appreciate the structured nature of this trip, especially if you’re on a limited schedule or budget. It’s a well-organized experience that balances comfort, scenery, and cultural moments.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi, at just under three hours, offers an accessible way to experience the Arctic wilderness and enjoy some traditional Finnish food under the stars. Its multiple scenic stops and hotel pickup make it convenient, while the cozy fires and BBQ add a warm, social touch.

The unpredictable nature of Aurora sightings means your experience hinges on luck, but the friendly guides, scenic locations, and cultural touches make it a worthwhile adventure regardless of whether the Lights put on a show or not. For those looking for a budget-friendly, short Arctic escape, this tour hits the right notes.

However, if your main goal is a guaranteed Aurora or a more leisurely, longer adventure, you might prefer to spend a bit more for a tour with extended hours or unlimited viewing opportunities.

This tour is best suited for first-timers, budget travelers, or those with limited time who still want a meaningful Arctic experience. If you’re after beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and the thrill of an Aurora hunt, it’s likely to leave you with lasting memories — even if the Lights stay shy.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Pick-up usually begins at 19:30, so be ready outside your hotel a few minutes before.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, including transportation, stops, and the fire-side break.

Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy sausages, pie, marshmallows, hot berry juice, and cookies as part of the Lapland BBQ.

Is photography included?
Guides will help take photos of the Northern Lights, so you can leave with some memorable pictures.

Can I see the Aurora on this tour?
Sightings depend on weather, cloud cover, and Aurora activity. There are no guarantees, but multiple stops are designed to improve your chances.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and a camera are recommended to stay comfortable and capture the moment.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Rovaniemi.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

In summary, this Rovaniemi Aurora hunt provides a cozy, scenic, and culturally rich taste of Lapland. It’s ideal for travelers on a budget or those short on time but wanting to tick off the Northern Lights from their Arctic bucket list. Expect stunning scenery, friendly guides, and a warm fire — even if the Aurora itself decides to play hide and seek.

You can check if your dates are available here: