Aurora Borealis and a Picnic in Rovaniemi: A Guide

Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland, is situated directly between the Arctic Circle and the Northern Lights. This spectacular destination is often referred to as the gateway to Lapland and is one of the best places to capture the marvel of the Aurora Borealis. With views of unspoilt nature and plenty of winter activities, it’s not hard to see why Rovaniemi has become Finland’s bustling winter capital.

Of course, with such a unique location, visitors come to Rovaniemi in search of the epic Northern Lights. While the phenomena of the Aurora Borealis can never be guaranteed, chances are far greater here than elsewhere! And what better way to take in this incredible sight than with a picnic? This guide offers an overview on picnics in Rovaniemi, the best time to visit and what to expect from a Rovaniemi Aurora adventure.

Picnics in Rovaniemi

With generous helpings of fresh snow, crisp air and blue skies, Rovaniemi offers many opportunities for an enjoyable outdoor picnic. Whether a large group or an intimate gathering for two, Rovaniemi has a wide range of compelling picnic spots.

When it comes to the perfect picnic spot, there is no shortage of options in Rovaniemi. One of the best places to go is Pilke Science Center, located five kilometers outside Rovaniemi city center. Across 37 acres of land, the park provides many new and exciting experiences related to wilderness and forest life. Visitors can feed reindeer as they gaze over the beautiful pond views, as well as take part in unique educational games.

The Ounasvaara Hill is another fantastic spot for a picnic. With five kilometers of skiing trails and mesmerizing views of the nearby landscape, Ounasvaara Hill is sure to provide a picturesque backdrop for your outdoor meal. For those looking for a picnic in town, there are numerous parks like Keskuspuisto or Rotuaari, both of which are bustling with people and have plenty of green space to explore.

Best time to see the Northern Lights

The exact time you can see the Northern Lights depends entirely on the conditions at the time of your visit. However, we recommend visiting Rovaniemi between September and April for the higher chance of seeing the Aurora both regularly and clearly. Not only are Rovaniemi skies sparkling with stars during this time–even on cloudy nights–the temperatures remain fairly mild and the sun sets early in the afternoon. The perfect combination for Aurora Hunts!

During your Aurora journey, it’s important to remember your surroundings. The landscape in Rovaniemi may appear harsher than what you are used to and caution should always be taken when searching for a picture-perfect view of the Aurora. Be sure you have a reputable tour guide or comprehensive travel plan when heading out of town to avoid any hazards.

Tips for an ideal Aurora adventure

When planning your picnic in Rovaniemi, there are certain precautions that should be taken with particular emphasis on your clothing and equipment. With temperatures reaching as low as -20C (-4F) it’s important that you come prepared with sufficient protection against the extreme cold: hats, scarves, gloves, boots, woolen socks and insulated winter jackets should all be on your packing list.

In addition to adequate attire, you should bring all necessary supplies such as food, thermos, blankets and flashlights to create the perfect outdoor meal. When planning your menu consider light snacks such as sandwiches, cookies and hot chocolate that can easily be packed and require little preparation time. These items are also easy to take along with you as you marvel at the Aurora Borealis.

To book or not to book a tour?

Although there are numerous spots around Rovaniemi offering up gorgeous views to enjoy a picnic or watch the Northern Lights from . . . if you choose to go it alone or make your own sightseeing schedule around this breathtaking area, doing so can be rather challenging when you factor in safety risks and language barriers. For this reason, many visitors book a tour that will leave them feeling more secure while taking part in these activities.

The good news is that there are many companies eager to offer their services when it comes to tours and activities related to seeing the Northern Lights and having a picnic in Rovaniemi. From reindeer safaris, husky rides and snowshoeing–or simply asking locals how best to get around–there is an abundance of options when booking an Aurora tour so choosing can be quite overwhelming!

For more convenience, you can book an educational guided tour that will take you directly under the Aurora Borealis and even provide a gourmet picnic meal ahead of time for you to enjoy–using fresh local ingredients sourced from Lapland. Sites like Get Your Guide make it very convenient to find and book tours based on budget without compromising on quality.

Regardless of whether you plan to tailor-make your own tour or book through an organised guide–the experience of taking in the Northern Lights while on a picnic in Rovaniemi will remain etched in your memory forever!

Aurora Borealis and a Picnic in Rovaniemi: A Guide

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural and mesmerizing light show that occurs in the northern hemisphere. Rovaniemi, the capital of Finland’s region of Lapland, is one of the best places to view this beautiful natural phenomenon. If you’re planning to visit Rovaniemi to witness the Aurora Borealis and enjoy a picnic under the starry skies, this guide will answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

What Causes the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The resulting light show displays various colors, including green, pink, yellow, and blue. A misconception is that the Aurora Borealis only occurs in the winter months, but it’s visible year-round. However, due to the lack of darkness during the summer months, the Northern Lights are best viewed from September to March.

Why is Rovaniemi a Good Place to View the Aurora Borealis?

Rovaniemi is located in the center of the Aurora Zone, which is known for frequent Northern Lights sightings. The town is also sparsely populated, which means there’s minimal light pollution for an unobstructed view of the Aurora Borealis. Additionally, Rovaniemi offers various outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing and ice fishing, which make it an ideal winter vacation spot.

What Should I Wear to View the Aurora Borealis?

The temperature in Rovaniemi during the winter months can range from -10°C to -30°C. With such frigid temperatures, it’s crucial to dress warmly in multiple layers. Start with thermal underwear as a base layer, followed by a fleece or wool mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget to wear a warm hat, gloves, and thick socks, and invest in proper footwear like snow boots to keep your feet dry and warm.

Where’s the Best Spot to View the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi?

The best place to view the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi is away from the city center, where light pollution is minimal. One of the best locations to view the Northern Lights is Ounasvaara hill, which offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the sky. Other ideal locations include the Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos, which offer luxury accommodation and unobstructed views of the Northern Lights.

Can I Enjoy a Picnic Under the Northern Lights?

Yes! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy a picnic under the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi offers various companies that provide Aurora picnic tours, where you can witness the Northern Lights and enjoy traditional Finnish food like reindeer sausage, smoked salmon, and blueberry pie. Make sure to dress warmly and carry a blanket to keep you cozy while gazing at the skies.

What’s the Best Time to View the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis is visible from September to March, and the best time to view it is when the sky is dark. However, the Northern Lights are unpredictable and depend on solar activity, so there’s no guaranteed time to view them. The ideal time to view the Northern Lights is between 9 pm to 2 am when the sky is dark and clear.

Conclusion

Rovaniemi is a winter wonderland, with various activities to enjoy, and viewing the Aurora Borealis is undoubtedly one of the top things to do. To make the most of your Northern Lights experience, ensure you dress warmly in multiple layers, choose the right location to view the skies, book an Aurora picnic tour, and keep an eye on the Aurora forecast. By following these tips, you’re guaranteed a memorable and awe-inspiring Northern Lights experience.