The best months to visit Rovaniemi are from late September to early April where there is maximum visibility and longer nights follow.
The average duration is about 3 to 4 hours unless you opt for an unlimited chase, which can take up to 10 hours, depending on the weather.
From self-driving to a guided tour, there are many ways to experience the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. Guided tours usually take you to lesser-known yet prime locations and offer you the opportunity to choose from sledding tours, boarding a minivan, snowmobile tours, and more. So, plan your visit from late September to early April to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.
Any location that is secluded and has reduced light pollution accounts for a good location around Rovaniemi. Kätkävaara Hill and Rovaniemi Wildlife Parks are great escapes with fewer visitors and more visibility.
Husky sledding is a unique way to see the lights as you glide past snow-capped pine trees and snow trails into the Lapland wilderness. If you can brave the extra cold, Lapland Lake ice floating is another unique way to enjoy your Northern Lights expedition.
The lights are said to appear every second night, but this also depends largely on solar activity, weather conditions, and other factors. It is always better to check the Northern Lights forecast before planning your trip.
The appearance of the Northern Lights lasts, on average, 30 minutes to an hour during a good display. This duration can be affected by solar activity and weather conditions, during which the lights usually shy away.
While some tours provide thermal suits, it is still advisable to carry thermal wear, windproof jackets, woolen caps, gloves, socks, and boots that can brave the frost.
Yes, these tours operate regularly during the aurora season unless weather conditions impact them and make it difficult or impossible to see the lights.
You can opt for a Northern Lights photography tour where your guide gives you handy tips and assists you with taking the best possible photos that serve as memorable keepsakes.
Rovaniemi has a host of places to choose from depending on your preference. From glass igloos at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel to experiencing wilderness Lapland Hotels Bear's Lodge, there are tons of options to explore.
Typically, you find a variety of stews to keep you warm, and bread, potatoes, and gravy usually accompany them. You can relish desserts like Finnish cinnamon buns or pulla (a cardamom-flavored bread). Select tours offer a campfire and barbecue experience as you wait for the lights to appear, while some provide warm drinks and snacks to keep you snug.
Yes, most of the tours are curated for families as the duration of the tours is anywhere between 3 and 4 hours. If kids are accompanying you, then a guided tour on a minivan is the right choice.