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What makes Rovaniemi one of the best places to see the Northern Lights?
Geo-location
The closer you are to the magnetic poles, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Areas like Rovaniemi, within the auroral oval (the ring-like region around the magnetic pole), see auroras more often.
Solar activity
The intensity and frequency of auroras are linked to the 11-year solar cycle. During solar maximum, there are more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, leading to more vibrant auroras and Rovaniemi is an ideal place to capture that.
Weather conditions
Clear skies are essential for aurora viewing, so regions like Rovaniemi with dry, stable weather during winter are ideal for sightings. It’s always good to check weather forecasts before your trip to get a clearer and more accurate idea of clear skies.
Varied viewing options
Catch the Rovaniemi Northern Lights by riding on a snowmobile, a husky sledding adventure, an ice-floating escapade, and many such exciting options. You can indulge in an unlimited chase with BBQ, campfire and other cozy experiences to complete your adventure.
Book your Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi
Decoding the Northern Lights myths
- In Finnish folklore, they call the Aurora Borealis ‘Revontulet’ which translates to fox fires. They believed that a fox ran over and across the snow-clad mountains with its bushy tail touching the ground, causing sparks that resulted in the Northern Lights.
- The Inuit culture believed that ancestral spirits had a role to play in the display of these lights. If this myth is anything to go by then their belief states that it is the spirits of ancestors playing a game of ball with a walrus skull. Imagine what that would look like in reality.
- Taking a different spin on things, the Norwegian and Swedish cultures believed that the Northern Lights were reflections of shields or armor worn by Valkyries.
Frequently asked questions about the Rovaniemi Northern Lights
Is it necessary to book a tour to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
No, it is not necessary to book a tour but it is always recommended as you can experience it in different ways with a local guide who will also take you to prime viewing locations.
How likely is it to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
If statistics are to go by, you can see them every second night. It’s always recommended to check the weather forecast before you plan this escape.
How long do the Northern Lights last?
The Northern Lights are said to last a good 20-30 minutes before disappearing. So be ready with your camera!
What else can I do in Rovaniemi other than seeing the Northern Lights?
You can try out activities like sleigh rides, snowmobiling, husky rides, barbecues, and sauna/jacuzzi.
Are the Northern Lights only visible in December?
No, they are visible all year round but you will see them more during winter months as the nights are longer.
Which time of the night is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The probability of seeing the auroras increases after 11pm due to reduced light pollution.
Are the Northern Lights visible every night in Rovaniemi?
While the lights start appearing from late September to early April, they do not appear every night. The chances of seeing them depend on factors such as light pollution, and weather conditions.