How to Plan Your Northern Lights Hunt and Arctic Circle Tour in Rovaniemi
Are you looking for an adventure that you will never forget? Plan a tour to Rovaniemi and witness the Northern Lights in their full glory. The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that fills the arctic skies with colors of green and red, among other colors, creating a breathtaking show of lights. In Rovaniemi, a city located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, you can experience this beauty in all its glory, and witness one of the most extraordinary sights on Earth. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to plan your Northern Lights hunt and Arctic Circle tour in Rovaniemi:Booking the Tour
To plan your Northern Lights hunt and Arctic Circle tour, the first step is to book the tour. The easiest way to do this is to go to the official website of GetYourGuide, which offers a variety of tours in Rovaniemi. The tour is a 2-hour experience, and the link to book it is https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t300692?partner_id=UWJ1LS2.What is included in the Tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi, winter clothes like overalls, boots, and gloves, a professional English-speaking guide, and transportation to the Northern Lights spotting locations in Lapland’s countryside away from the city lights of Rovaniemi.What to Expect on the Tour
Once you book the tour and arrive at the designated pickup location on the day of the tour, your guide will meet you and introduce you to the rest of the group. Afterward, you will gather in comfortable transportation and embark on a search for the Northern Lights. Your guide will take you to the best observation spots for the Aurora Borealis, and you will see the Northern Lights dancing upon the arctic skies. As the Northern Lights can be unpredictable and their visibility is dependent on the weather conditions, your guide will take you to the locations that are most likely to offer the clearest view of the Northern Lights on that particular day. You will also get the chance to take pictures of this natural phenomenon, and your guide will give you tips on how to capture the Northern Lights in all their glory. Additionally, you will learn about the history of the Northern Lights and its cultural significance to the Finnish people who have lived with the Aurora Borealis for centuries.What to Wear
The climate in Rovaniemi can be very harsh, so it is important that you dress appropriately for this tour. The tour includes warm winter clothes like overalls, boots, and gloves. However, it is recommended that you wear multiple layers of warm clothing under the winter clothes to ensure that you stay warm throughout the experience.Things to Consider
Planning a Northern Lights hunt and Arctic Circle tour can be an exciting experience. Here are some things that you need to consider while planning your trip to Rovaniemi:Best Time to Visit Rovaniemi
The Northern Lights are visible from late August to April, but the best time to visit Rovaniemi for a chance to see the Aurora Borealis is between September to November and February to March. During this time, the nights are longer, and the weather conditions are ideal for spotting the Northern Lights.Climate in Rovaniemi
The weather in Rovaniemi can be harsh, especially during the winter months. The average temperature in winter can go as low as -20°C or -4°F. It is important that you dress appropriately to avoid catching hypothermia, frostbite, or any other cold-related illnesses.Charge Your Camera Battery
It is recommended that you bring a camera to take pictures of the Northern Lights. However, remember to charge your camera battery beforehand and bring extra batteries or a portable charger as the cold weather can significantly reduce the battery life.Book Your Tour Now
Plan your Northern Lights hunt and Arctic Circle tour in Rovaniemi and witness one of the most stunning natural phenomena on earth. You will experience a memorable 2-hour tour with a professional English-speaking guide, transportation, and winter clothes. The tour is ideal for those who want to experience the Northern Lights in their full glory without having to worry about planning the details. Don’t forget to dress appropriately, charge your camera battery, and check the tour’s availability on GetYourGuide. Book the tour here and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
FAQ about Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of the Lapland region in north Finland. It is a popular tourist destination for its unique winter activities and Northern Lights sightings. Here are some frequently asked questions about Rovaniemi.What is the best time to visit Rovaniemi?
The best time to visit Rovaniemi is during the winter season from December to March. This is the time when you can witness the Northern Lights, experience the magical winter wonderland and participate in various winter activities like husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and skiing.How do I get to Rovaniemi?
You can get to Rovaniemi by plane, train, bus or car. Rovaniemi Airport is the main point of entry with flights from Helsinki and other Finnish cities. There are also direct flights from various European cities during the winter season. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the city center and daily overnight trains operate from Helsinki. Buses run regularly from cities in Finland and Sweden. If you decide to drive, the city is accessible via the E4 highway.What are the things to do in Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is known for its winter activities like:Northern Lights hunting
The best way to see the Northern Lights is to join a guided tour with experienced guides who know the best locations for viewing the lights. Some tours provide warm drinks and snacks during the tour.Husky sledding
Husky sledding is a popular activity in Rovaniemi where you can ride a sled pulled by a team of huskies. You can choose between a short ride of 1-2 hours or a longer ride of 4-5 hours.Reindeer sleigh rides
Reindeer sleigh rides are also a popular winter activity in Rovaniemi where you can cuddle up under blankets as you glide through the snowy Lapland scenery.Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is another fun way to explore Rovaniemi’s winter wonderland. There are guided tours available with experienced guides who will take you to scenic locations.Skiing and snowboarding
There are four ski resorts in Rovaniemi offering slopes of varying difficulty. One of the resorts, Ounasvaara, also has a snow tubing hill.Visit Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is an amusement park and a tourist attraction located on the Arctic Circle. You can visit Santa Claus and his reindeer, enjoy the various attractions, and shop for souvenirs.What is the weather like in Rovaniemi?
In Rovaniemi, winter temperatures range from -35°C to -10°C (-31°F to 14°F), although the average winter temperature is around -15°C (5°F) in January. In the summer, temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 69°F) and the sun does not set from mid-May to mid-July due to the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun.Where should I stay in Rovaniemi?
There are many different types of accommodation available in Rovaniemi ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Santa Claus Village also offers a few options for those who want to stay in the Arctic Circle. Some popular options include:Arctic Light Hotel
The Arctic Light Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the center of Rovaniemi. It has been named Finland’s Best Boutique Hotel and offers stylish rooms with modern amenities.Santasport Resort
Santasport Resort is a modern hotel and sports center located within walking distance from Santa Claus Village. It offers various outdoor activities and indoor sports facilities.Scandic Rovaniemi City
Scandic Rovaniemi City is a modern hotel located in the heart of Rovaniemi. It offers comfortable rooms, a sauna, and a restaurant.Hostel Cafe Koti
Hostel Cafe Koti is a budget-friendly option located in the center of Rovaniemi. It offers comfortable dormitory-style rooms and private rooms.What is the cuisine of Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi cuisine is a mix of traditional Finnish dishes and Lappish cuisine. Some popular local dishes include:Reindeer meat
Reindeer meat is a staple in Lapland cuisine. It can be served as a stew, grilled or smoked.Sautéed reindeer
Sautéed reindeer is a classic dish that is usually served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.Salmiakki
Salmiakki is a Finnish candy that is made from ammonium chloride. It has a sharp, salty taste and is a popular sweet treat in Rovaniemi.Korvapuusti
Korvapuusti are cinnamon buns that are a popular Finnish pastry. They are often served with coffee or tea.What should I pack for a trip to Rovaniemi?
When visiting Rovaniemi during the winter season, it is important to pack warm clothes like:- Thermal underwear
- Insulated winter boots
- Warm hat and gloves
- Heavy winter jacket
- Ski pants or waterproof trousers
- Wool socks
Is Rovaniemi safe for tourists?
Rovaniemi is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, tourists should be aware of their surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be cautious of their belongings. It is also important to dress warmly and be prepared for slippery and icy surfaces during the winter season.Book Your Tour Now
Rovaniemi is a unique winter destination that offers a myriad of activities, from experiencing the Northern Lights, husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, skiing, to visiting Santa Claus Village. With proper planning and preparation, tourists can have an unforgettable trip to this magical winter wonderland.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is a fascinating place in Finnish Lapland, with many attractions to offer tourists. If you’re hoping to maximize your time and see everything that Rovaniemi has to offer, then you’re in luck as we have created a detailed guide to help you plan your trip. Here are some of the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Rovaniemi.1. Santa Claus Village
The Santa Claus Village is a must-visit attraction located around 8 kilometers from Rovaniemi city center. It’s a magical place where you can meet Santa Claus, see his post office, and cross the Arctic Circle. You can take a photo with Santa or buy some souvenirs in the shops around the village.How to get there:
You can take a bus from the Rovaniemi bus station or book a taxi for a more comfortable ride.Opening hours:
The Santa Claus Village is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.2. Northern Lights
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, as they’re commonly referred to, are a natural phenomenon of lights dancing in the night sky. Rovaniemi is one of the best places to see them, especially between September and March when the sky is dark. You can book guided tours that will take you to the best spots to see the Northern Lights.Where to book a tour:
Arctic Adventures, Lapland Safaris, or Nordic Unique Travels are some of the companies that offer Northern Lights excursions in Rovaniemi.When to go:
The best time to see Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is from September to March.3. Ranua Wildlife Park
Ranua Wildlife Park is the northernmost zoo in the world, located about 80 km south of Rovaniemi. The park is home to over 50 animal species native to the Arctic region, including bears, wolves, and wolverines. In the winter, you can take a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through the park.How to get there:
You can take a bus from the Rovaniemi bus station or book a taxi.Opening hours:
The Ranua Wildlife Park is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.4. Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is a popular winter activity in Rovaniemi. You can rent a snowmobile and explore the snowy wilderness around Rovaniemi. There are several guided tours available that will take you to the best snowmobiling spots.Where to rent a snowmobile:
Snowmobile rental is available from companies such as Lapland Safaris, Arctic Lifestyle, and Wild Nordic.When to go:
The best time for snowmobiling in Rovaniemi is from November to April.5. Arktikum Museum and Science Center
Arktikum is a museum and science center that showcases the history and culture of Lapland and the Arctic region. The museum has many interactive exhibits, and you can learn about the indigenous Sami people of Lapland.How to get there:
Arktikum is located in the city center and is within walking distance from most hotels.Opening hours:
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.6. Ice fishing
Ice fishing is a traditional activity in the Arctic region that has been practiced for centuries. You can rent equipment and go ice fishing on any frozen lake or river around Rovaniemi.Where to rent equipment:
Equipment is available at places like Arctic Lifestyle, Lapland Safaris, and Nordic Unique Travels.When to go:
The best time for ice fishing in Rovaniemi is from December to March.7. Husky sledding
Husky sledding is another popular winter activity in Rovaniemi. You can take a ride on a sled pulled by a team of huskies and explore the snowy wilderness. There are also guided tours available that will take you to the best husky sledding spots.Where to book a tour:
Husky tours are available from companies such as Lapland Safaris, Bearhill Husky, and Blueberry Husky.When to go:
The best time for husky sledding in Rovaniemi is from December to April.Book Your Tour Now
Rovaniemi is a beautiful place with many attractions and activities to offer tourists. Whether you’re interested in meeting Santa Claus, seeing the Northern Lights, or exploring the Arctic wilderness, there’s something for everyone in Rovaniemi. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this magical place.Table of Contents
