Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Picnic: Top Review and Guide
Okay, so you’re thinking about chasing the Northern Lights, right in the center of Finnish Lapland? The Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Picnic is definitely a thing people chat about. It’s this unique idea of mixing the hunt for the Northern Lights – that very special natural light show – with a laid-back picnic. Now, does it genuinely live up to its promise, or is it one of those tourist traps with overly ambitious goals? This, very lengthy review is here to get to the bottom of things and provide what is needed for a memorable, and possibly magical, adventure.
What Exactly *Is* the Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Picnic?
Well, putting it rather plainly, the Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Picnic tends to be a guided trip, taking place after sunset, that combines stargazing with the always exhilarating search for the elusive Aurora Borealis. A bit like combining dinner with a show – except, you know, the “show” might actually happen! Now these picnics usually happen away from the brighter city lights, moving out into the wilderness spots close to Rovaniemi. Usually what they’ll do is set up a cozy picnic spot with warm drinks and snacks and, perhaps, a crackling campfire to keep you warm. A number of tours give you winter gear to wear, to ensure that frostbite doesn’t spoil your fun.
The main idea, obviously, is to hunt for those mesmerizing Northern Lights, which very often means the guides monitor the aurora forecasts quite closely and drive you to spots where your odds of seeing the lights are at their highest. Basically it becomes much more than *just* seeing the lights, and becomes about enjoying a uniquely Finnish experience: being out in that great, very serene, outdoors.
Planning and Booking Your Picnic
Alright, when looking into one of these excursions, the first step should obviously be to find a good tour company. Many outfits are available in Rovaniemi that are, so to speak, Aurora-focused, with the main difference being the sorts of add-ons they bring. For example, it might be that some concentrate a bit more on photography, whilst some others could put extra energy into the picnic element. It’s very vital to check what’s usually included. Will they have warm clothing to put on? What drinks and snacks will there be? How much time will you get outside, very likely in sub-zero conditions?
Then too there is the all important scheduling. The season for viewing Northern Lights basically sits somewhere between late August and early April. Tours typically start late in the afternoon or, maybe, early evening to ensure it’s fully dark, that gives people a long window to, possibly, witness the aurora. Of course, planning in advance is usually helpful because some of these picnics are popular and it’s easy to see that spaces tend to fill up. Oh, and double check on those cancellation policies – aurora hunting really hinges on having fairly clear skies, and so, of course, the tour people have to make on-the-spot judgements.
What to Expect During the Aurora Picnic
Okay, so it’s very dark and, likely, super cold when you set off, and that just helps build that suspense. That trip to the location is frequently a cool trip in itself. In many instances people travel by minivan, or a snowmobile-pulled sled in certain tour versions. When you reach the spot, guides typically busy themselves setting everything up – the campfire, the seating, and so forth – to make it comfy.
And very much a major aspect of the whole experience is that you will get taught things! So the guides may tell you what makes the Northern Lights work, about local stories around them, and about other odd facts to do with the sky. With that, if luck’s really on your side, then as you are chatting the Northern Lights might come to play – weaving around above you in different colors. If you are in need of something hot in your hands, anticipate traditional Finnish snacks, with hot chocolate or, very often, berry juice.
For camera buffs, now, taking photos of the aurora is definitely a thing. Most guides offer photography hints. Now it is not as simple as just pointing and shooting since you very definitely have to mess with shutter speeds and other adjustments on the camera if you’re aiming to record the lights. The important element? Be sure that you stay present too. So it is wonderful to try and capture the Northern Lights in images. However that feeling when one watches them is amazing and in that it’s better if you remember that feeling when it happens.
The Good, the Bad, and the Magical
All right, it’s important to balance the shiny marketing language with some well considered truth about this venture. Seeing the Northern Lights is never a given thing; it involves a dash of fate and a slice of clear skies. Obviously, the tour people simply do their utmost to improve your chances. The picnic section now can be rather welcome: picture sipping something warming when there are several degrees below zero!
That noted, there have been people who may have considered such tours to be kind of overpriced for, well, just a snack outside. What’s more, how much that “wilderness” looks like it definitely hangs on what one is like. So there can sometimes be other tour groups kicking around, which diminishes a little the idea of “escape”. In addition the guides frequently know great spots, they do not regulate the climate or, maybe, space weather! So it’s very worthwhile considering if you can tolerate some variables. If there is one of those people who like an absolutely secure outcome for your leisure dollars, it maybe isn’t right for one of these. If instead, going out even makes it feel unique, under dark skies – well, one might find a lot to savor from such a trip.
Essential Tips for an Amazing Aurora Picnic
- Layer Up: Dressing warmly might seem apparent, however do remember putting layers of stuff on. Thermal underwear can be your friend, coupled with a fleecy top and water resistant parka. It is necessary that hands and feet stay guarded: thick mitts, and winter boots are essential.
- Monitor the Weather: Keep tabs on the aurora forecasts as well as look at general weather models close to the planned tour time. Cloud coverage could really impact what one can observe, very naturally.
- Camera Gear Prep: Ensure batteries on ones cameras are fully juiced and carry spares; cold weather sucks electricity quickly. To take great images one needs a tripod!
- Stay Flexible: Be conscious, viewing the Aurora could be about patience. Do not get frustrated if it might take some time or doesn’t come out, have confidence in that everything near one also makes up what happens around it!
- Listen to Your Guide: Local people give clues. Notice what one hears! They probably may take tourists somewhere, if earlier places do not succeed to show signs!
Making the Most of Your Rovaniemi Trip
So really Rovaniemi has additional experiences beyond looking for the Aurora Borealis if thinking about arranging a visit here. Obviously, see Santa Claus Village; it does not matter if with young ones since the holiday mood can just be catching. A bit similar maybe you may be interested in trying dog sledding with happy huskies going all across Finnish settings – how cool might that be? Consider visiting any of numerous reindeer ranches either: it appears that becoming aware of these tame Northern animal members creates unusual experiences really. Those planning any kind of downtime will also appreciate any art museums throughout Rovaniemi itself presenting displays ranging around culture everywhere! Consider visiting wilderness lodges for quieter minutes – these sorts often supply spas together so you definitely revitalize completely before one eventually moves again!
Is the Aurora Borealis Picnic Worth It?
Right then, is that the million dollar question really? In this analysis, I am saying what an “Aurora Borealis picnic” makes one do when seeking wonder – it takes something more and makes us stop under nature. Now these guides manage much towards letting happen those special instances by doing what humans do best which definitely might be discussing stories either keeping vacationers quite comfy despite chill!
One final response rests over what any tourist loves better now! Keep the focus on unique outdoor experiences; appreciate those things perhaps guides may make one come closer within spectacular wonder; then really yes most of tourist world would cherish most of them!