Rovaniemi Aurora Tour Review: BBQ Under the Northern Lights

Okay, so you’re thinking about chasing the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi, and perhaps that night tour including a BBQ has caught your eye, right? I mean, who wouldn’t want to witness those captivating lights dance across the sky while enjoying tasty food cooked over an open fire? This review will cover my time on that tour, pointing out the good parts and, perhaps, a few spots that could be just a bit better.

First Impressions: Getting Ready to Chase the Lights

Right, getting started on any tour begins even before you set foot outside, and for this one, keeping expectations realistic is definitely the initial key thing, you know? It’s like, the Northern Lights are completely magical, but they aren’t exactly performing on demand. Also, before stepping out of your toasty warm hotel, remember layering is vitally important here, and then layering a little bit more can’t hurt, really. Rovaniemi gets seriously nippy, especially at night.

I packed thermal underwear (thank goodness!), a bunch of sweaters, warm socks, a beanie, plus seriously solid gloves. Now, my camera gear was prepped too because I wanted to catch those lights in all their wonder. Having extra batteries is extremely advisable, due to cold weather that drains battery life so incredibly fast.

The Adventure Begins: Setting off into the Night

Alright, once bundled up like an arctic explorer, that pickup from my accommodation was actually pretty smooth, so they took me from the front door directly into the unknown, so to speak, for the aurora watch. We drove away from Rovaniemi’s small glow, chasing darker skies, which, as our guide said, significantly boosted our chances of catching a show.

Our guide wasn’t just a driver; he, too, was filled with stories about Lapland, talking about local customs and tales about the Northern Lights. These local myths, blended with some solid scientific insights, set the scene, which turned the drive into more than just transportation, more like a fun introduction.

We stopped at a planned spot – it’s almost like a quiet clearing surrounded by trees covered in snow. That setting was certainly picked for minimizing light, plus it looked magical, even without the aurora making an appearance.

BBQ Under the Stars: A Culinary Warm-Up

As we were waiting for the lights to make their appearance, the guide fired up a BBQ, which ended up offering a bit more than a tasty distraction – the warmth of that fire was completely welcome. Sausages, warm drinks, and, perhaps, a traditional Lapland treat, sat on offer, too, which meant everyone got a little something to warm their soul. Very smart if you want to keep folks cheerful in cold weather.

That BBQ became kind of a social point, also. Guests were chatting, sharing expectations about the aurora, or just exchanging travel stories, right? This, you know, kind of fostered this real sense of community, turning us from just random tourists to almost comrades in this late-night aurora watch.

Chasing the Lights: The Aurora’s Grand Performance

The moment everyone had been patiently waiting for arrived, as it turned out, gradually. A subtle green glow, very faint, appeared on the horizon, so our guide spotted it right away, yet some folks definitely needed it pointed out. However, that intensity grew bit by bit, so then transforming into those famous ribbons of light dancing all over the sky!

Seeing the Aurora Borealis isn’t something easily put into words. It isn’t like looking at a photo; the real display has this living energy, shifting shapes and colors, you know? We were completely overcome by this raw spectacle happening above us.

That guide was very, very ready, and assisted with camera settings so everybody could capture at least something. Though no photo could, too, genuinely capture just how intense that moment actually felt.

Things to Know Before You Go

Alright, before booking, it is, too, extremely advisable to peek at the Aurora forecast. A higher KP index increases the likelihood of spotting something, but never guarantees it, obviously. Pack for severe cold, I am not kidding. Even when the BBQ kept us fairly warm, having layer upon layer is what enabled staying out for long stretches looking at the sky with minimal discomfort.

A DSLR or any camera that offers manual settings ends up being vitally important, arguably, for snapping decent photos, plus knowing a tiny bit about how to use these features improves how your photos turn out. When you would rather just enjoy then tour, many people take some truly wonderful photos using their phone, so you’ll get the memory either way.

Tour guides provide value that might not be right away noticeable, you know? Their insights about local weather conditions and their ability to find dark viewing spots increased our chances greatly, and their stories made that experience way richer.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

So, after having considered everything, does that “From Rovaniemi Night Tour” deliver? Positively! Beyond only the promise of the Northern Lights, you get an intimate experience, too. The BBQ adds this inviting element, and that stories, shared by your guide, give true insight to Lapland. Whilst seeing the aurora might be strike or miss dependent upon nature, that whole arrangement surrounding chasing those lights causes a lasting memory.

This tour provides much more than just an aurora hunt; you receive a memory that can stay with you, you know. Should you get the chance to enjoy it, I’d recommend wrapping up warm and stepping into that dark to make memories of your own!