A Guide to Northern Lights Hunt and Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland
Visiting the far-north city of Rovaniemi, Finland is an experience like no other. Spectacularly situated at the heart of the Arctic circle, Rovaniemi is a destination of dreams for those who want to marvel at the northern lights. If you or someone you know is planning a visit to Rovaniemi, there is no better way to experience this magical place than by taking a guided tour for a northern lights hunt and an exploration of the Arctic Circle. Here is a guide of all the essentials anyone should know before embarking on their journey to Rovaniemi.
What is the Northern Lights?
The northern lights (also known as Aurora Borealis), is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomenon. Sometimes seen in many countries far and wide, they are most commonly viewable around the Arctic circle during dark night skies. It is described as colorful undulating curtains that vary often in color and shape. In the right conditions and season, it can be a sight to behold.
What to Expect on a Northern Lights Tour
Tours that target the Northern Lights event generally last between 3-4 hours, but can last longer depending on the operator’s schedule. These can include trips that explore the arctic circle and central Lapland as well as witnessing the northern lights (weather permitting) itself. The important thing to bear in mind with this type of tour is there is no guarantee the Northern lights will appear. Depending on the weather, season, and other variables, your operator may not be able to see them or you may experience conditions that are not favorable for them. Experienced guides can advise on the best times and areas where they are more likely to be viewed. Regardless of whether you witness the phenomenon or not – these trips often include additional features such as stops along the tour with warm drinks, visits to nearby villages, beautiful locations and stops with reindeer.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Tour
Finding a quality tour shouldn’t take too much time or effort. However, there are a few tips that can help you along the way. 1. Be flexible with your travel dates The most important factor in determining whether you will witness the Northern Lights or not, is the weather! Watching the forecasts and being flexible with your travel dates can help ensure you are able to go when there is better likelihood of seeing them. 2. Pick an experienced guide tour guides who have plenty of experience in finding and leading these tours have much better chances in helping you onto good sightings. Inquire into their credentials and ask as many questions you need to get comfortable with your decision.3. Choose your activities Some packages include additional activities such as Reindeer sledge rides, snowmobile tours and husky rides. You should get comfortable with the nearby stops that are included in your package and decide if you want any additional activities when booking them. 4. Check your budget These tours can be quite expensive – however, many operators do offer discounts for seasonal or early-bird bookings. If you can be relatively flexible with your dates, it makes sense to shop around for discounts on offer.
Northern Lights Hunt in Rovaniemi
Using Rovaniemi as your base – there are a tonne of quality operators who offer Northern Lights hunting experiences and Arctic Circle exploration trips all year round. Here are some of the best quality ones worth looking out for!
- Arctic Life
Established in 2013 and operated by second-generation Huskies – Arctic Life offers both private and public tours centered around Northern Lights viewing expeditions. - Arctic Tours
One of Finland’s premier providers of Northern Lights hunts and arctic circle exploring tours. - Frozen Light Photo
A specialist photographer-focused tour built around capturing great photos of the Northern Lights. - Safarinorth
Offers premium private tours for those who want bespoke service and plenty of variety on their night time adventures. - Into the Wild Arctic Circle
With exclusive access to varying locations within the Arctic Circle – allowing groups to seek out lesser-known areas with expert tour guidance.
Exploring the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi
Outside of natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights – Rovaniemi boasts some remarkable places to explore which fall within its Arctic Circle remit – including a few smaller stops which are often overlooked for more mainstream area attractions:
- Nyymit Tours
Based just outside Rovaniemi itself, Nyymi Tours offers great experiences exploring the national park, learning about nearby ancient Sámi culture, fishing expeditions and more! - Laponian National Park Region
Home to one of the few remaining unspoilt cedar forests found throughout Lapland – a testament to Laponian National Park’s custodianship – visits here offer great insight into traditional culture and shipbuilding crafts. - Rovaniemi Sled Dog Park
Home to a recognized sled dog park – Rovaniemi offers an idyllic setting for dog sledding experiences usually not found within national parks and heavily regulated areas. - European Route of Santa Claus
Hilariously described as “Santas Route’– this is a cultural heritage route spanning ten different countries – with many stopping points organised between cities along the way, including in Rovaniemi! - Powder Snowmobile Explorer Tours
If you’re after a bit more thrill-seeking action – Rovaniemi also offers some great snowmobile tours that take place amidst stunning off-piste routes throughout local attractions that can often be hard to find without an experienced guide. - The Ice Hole Swimming Club (Roska)
A remarkable club found near Ounasjärvi lake just outside Rovaniemi – Roska offers unique experiences with ice swimming activities taking place throughout winter. - Bear Hill Lodge
Further North away from Rovaniemi and deep inside Finlands renowned boreal forest – Bearl Hill lodges luxurious glamping site offers some amazing opportunities to witness nature close up!
As you can see – there is plenty to explore within and around Rovaniemi that falls within its Arctic Circle surroundings – making it an ideal destination for those looking for great experiences within Lapland! For something bigger, why not try book a combination package where you take on a tour full of Arctic exploration as well as being treated to a thrilling glimpse of aurora hunting? visiting Rovaniemi is definitely worth your time and effort if you’re up for some great adventures boasting stunning northern lights displays! If you’re serious about seeking out this remarkable natural beauty, why not book a trip ahead of time with GetYourGuide, where you’ll be able to find great activities and get yourself booked in quickly and securely? Now that you know everything there is to know about experiencing northern lights hunts and arctic exploration trips within Rovaniemi’s extraordinary Arctic Circle setting – it’s time to start planning – and don’t forget to look out for any amazing offers along the way!
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