English
English
Contents
Prime locations in Rovaniemi to see the Northern Lights
Ounasvaara Hill
This little escape is popular among tourists and locals alike for its outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding, surrounding landscapes, and of course, the illuminating lapland lights. Located 200 meters above sea level, it offers views of the Kemijoki River, Lapland’s green pastures, and Rovaniemi’s settlements. Its elevated position and clear skies help you experience the Northern Lights amidst nature.
Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle, one of the five major circles on the map, is located about 8 kilometers north of Rovaniemi. Running through the city, Rovaniemi is recognized as the official capital of the Arctic Circle due to its latitudinal position. As the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi lies directly on the Arctic Circle and is considered one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights, especially between September and March.
Ranua Wildlife Park
This remote location, located about 80 kilometers from Rovaniemi is famous for polar bear, wolf, and reindeer sightings, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Situated within the Arctic Circle and beneath the auroral oval, it offers an excellent chance to witness the Northern Lights owing to its wide open spaces, minimal light pollution, and serene environment.
Keskinen Lappi
Rovaniemi is considered the capital of Keskinen Lappi, which is the central part of Finnish Lapland. Although it isn’t exactly within Rovaniemi, it occupies a large region around Rovaniemi and is easily accessible and provides good accommodations and other necessities to anyone who visits. This location falls in the auroral oval and is characterized by frozen lakes, vast forests, and snow-capped mountains.
Tips for your visit to Rovaniemi
- Best season: To catch this magical display of lights, consider planning your trip from late September to early April where the peak months are between December and February as the nights are longer, darker, and clearer.
- Best hours: The darkest hours in Rovaniemi, during the winter months would have to be between 10pm to 2am so choose your tour keeping this in mind.
- New moon night: The moon also plays an important part in drowning out the effects of the aurora so try and make it on a clear night, like a new moon night. As the moon goes into hiding, there is little ambient light, creating darker and clearer skies.
Note: Northern Lights do not occur on all nights but it is likely to occur within gaps of one night each and this also has a lot to do with reduced light pollution, how dark the night is, and many other factors.
Book your Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi
Know before you go
Tour & timings
Type of tours
- Before winter sets in: The skies turn darker post 10pm.
- During winter: Tours usually start as early as 7pm as there are longer nights during this time.
- Duration: An average tour lasts anywhere from 3 to 3.5 hours unless you’re on an unlimited chase which can take longer.
- Northern Lights tour with campfire & BBQ: To top up your experience of viewing the beautiful lights, add a cozy bonfire and BBQ where you get to savor local flavors accompanied by hot blueberry juice to keep you warm.
- Northern Lights chase with photography: Everyone loves to capture their best moments and with a professional photographer on board, you can only expect the best aurora portraits.
- Northern Lights with Husky Sledding: For a unique experience, view the Northern Lights by sledding on huskies through the Lappish landscapes.
- Northern Lights on a Snowmobile: Chase the lights on a snowmobile and zip through snowy trails, through snow-capped pine trees.
Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Rovaniemi to see the Northern Lights
Can we see the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi’s center?
Yes, you might catch glimpses of the lights but it is always better to go towards areas that have reduced light pollution.
Which is the best way to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
If you’re an adventure-seeker, you can try out the sledding or snowmobile experiences. If you’re with family, a good guided small-group adventure is the one for you.
Do I need to book a tour or can I go on my own?
While it’s possible to see the Northern Lights on your own in Rovaniemi, booking a guided tour can improve your chances of witnessing the aurora. If you’re traveling in the peak winter months, it is advisable to have someone to brave the snowy trails.
Are these Northern Lights tours kid-friendly?
Yes, children are most welcome to accompany their families on these tours. However, please note that these tours do take time so prepare your little ones for the long journey and dress them in layers.
How should I prepare in case of bad weather?
A waterproof jacket and an all-season pair of boots are recommended in case the weather shifts and to stay warm and dry.
What else can I see when I go to Rovaniemi to see the Northern Lights?
You can try spotting wildlife like reindeer, arctic foxes, moose, or bears as you go deep into the Lappish land. To learn more about the Indigenous culture prevalent in Rovaniemi, or to learn more about the region, you can also see the Arktikum Museum & Science Centre.(ten-minute walk from the city’s center)