Rovaniemi Northern Lights: A Family Adventure Review
Okay, so, you are thinking about taking your family to Rovaniemi in Finland to see the Northern Lights? It is that very special experience that so many families dream of. The prospect of witnessing the Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky is something you’ll never forget. We took the plunge recently with our kids, and, anyway, I’m here to share what we learned to help you plan your trip a bit better.
Why Rovaniemi for a Family Northern Lights Trip?
Rovaniemi is more or less the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, which is just perfect for families, that’s a great start right there! But, anyway, beyond Santa, this town has seriously awesome activities during winter, specifically like reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiling. Another point is that, with the proper planning, the location is reasonably easy to reach. I have discovered that tours geared towards families with young children make experiencing the Northern Lights both stress-free and rather magical. Rovaniemi mixes all of this nicely together; it seems safe, fun, and, as a matter of fact, provides a unique blend of excitement and relaxation for everyone, so it is more or less worth the trip!
Choosing the Right Tour: Things to Look For
You should know that not all Northern Lights tours happen to be created equal. Especially when you have kids with you, it is essential to look at a few essential features. A tour company, it turns out, should have these traits: smaller group sizes so that it creates a better, personalized experience. And a big consideration needs to be the length, right? A shorter excursion is a much better thing, basically to keep little ones engaged and entertained. If that tour throws in some warm clothing, and it offers hot drinks and snacks, it helps to keep everyone toasty and happy. Then find out, really, about what happens if there is a low chance of seeing the Lights, that can be useful.
Our Pick: A Detailed Review of the Tour
We decided on what was called the “Family Friendly Northern Lights Adventure From Rovaniemi,” and frankly, we were not disappointed. It ticked many boxes. I’ll run through what it included, how the guides were and the bits that maybe could be improved. We picked it for several important reasons that suited us. For us, the combination of wilderness and that touch of comfort was just the thing that appealed to our kids.
What the Tour Included
It kicked off, actually, with a convenient pickup from our hotel, which took so much hassle out of the start, it turns out! Transportation to the remote viewing location was in a heated bus, too it’s almost like it’s a comfortable haven against the icy outdoors. During the outing, hot beverages and light snacks were provided, helping to sustain our energy and morale. This was on top of warm, waterproof outerwear! The guides took photos and passed them to us to take home.
The Guides: Knowledgeable and Engaging
What sets this apart from some other tours has to be how good the guides were, just that extra bit of charm goes a long way. They gave a full understanding of the Northern Lights; and more than that, so we weren’t just looking up into the darkness. As a matter of fact, the guides engaged the kids and entertained them throughout. What stood out was they clearly had some background in what a family tour required, too, almost like child-wrangling experience!
What Could Be Better
The one thing that would add a certain something has to be better restroom facilities on site; that is always welcome. As the trip runs for a number of hours out in the remote landscape that will be a great improvement for future participants. Or maybe the hot snacks could include more choices – if I were to be very picky!
Maximizing Your Chances of Seeing the Lights
You do not get a guarantee that you’ll see the Aurora when taking a Northern Lights Tour, and very likely, the key is all down to getting the time of your excursion to match when activity is predicted to be high. You should download one of the many Aurora prediction apps for your phone; these can tell you how the upcoming hours and days are looking, basically helping you to coordinate the activity, as much as one can. Another thing is finding dark spots. Find places far from town. Artificial light spoils it. On your Northern Lights watch you are very thankful when you can view pitch black surroundings! These elements of dark skies far away from any lights will greatly increase your odds. I’d consider packing a camera, too, that is any good at night shots, as memories last longer when you capture these rare shows. It’s almost as if, if the photos don’t work out – then all is forgotten. The tour, incidentally, often have guides who will help you set the best configuration and settings.
Making it a Full Family Experience in Rovaniemi
Seeing the lights will likely just be one activity in what very well could be your packed, memory-filled vacation up North, almost like Santa-tourism! You will find that Lapland is crammed full of memorable things to do for families; just don’t allow the lights to dominate the trip if you can’t manage to glimpse them. Consider scheduling these things too:
- A meeting with Santa Claus in Santa Claus Village, like your kids will remember that for, well, years and years.
- Try a husky or a reindeer sleigh ride, that takes you on a genuine Nordic outing!
- Consider some skiing and snowboarding – this might well tire everyone out enough to guarantee sleeping through the night!
- Then again, build a snowman! So it could just be basic snow fun, just to keep everyone happy.
Packing Essentials for a Family Trip
Rovaniemi in winter calls for some specific preparation when you pack. I want you to consider the extreme temperatures first; pack clothing to layer to trap warmth and to deal with the sweat. As well as this, waterproof clothing needs to be top of the list too – waterproof for all the family! As for smaller points, remember to carry the following:
- Bring some thick socks to help with freezing feet!
- A hat that covers the ears – is that too obvious?
- Don’t leave your gloves at home. Get good warm ones. Mittens are just a little better, generally!
- Get thermal underwear – that’s just the sort of item that helps everyone feel cozy and comfortable.
It’s nearly always more efficient to consider the appropriate equipment, and it would seem the enjoyment is just that much greater.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Accommodations
Accommodation, frankly, can be the bit that gets overlooked in a major holiday event. As a matter of fact, location matters and is so important. If you are traveling to see Father Christmas or for the Christmas spirit, then staying near Santa Claus Village really adds to the authenticity. Otherwise pick hotels in town that have family friendly offerings. And for those on a higher budget there really are some once-in-a-lifetime luxury options – tree houses and the like! Check online travel experts and be certain to look for unbiased travel reviews, such as you find on those impartial consumer advice platforms. Another great option, typically, would be booking direct. A last tip is to confirm and clarify with the property exactly what options and catering they make available.
Essential Tips for Traveling with Children in Lapland
- Pack various snacks; if your little treasures want a nibble, you will save both energy and, indeed, money by having what they like to hand.
- Plan downtime each day, just like you normally do on a week to week basis! You may be on vacation – but still schedule a moment for peace.
- Check equipment. Sledges, kids seats, coats; plan carefully and thoughtfully.
- Have a plan for if your children have had too much. Get help from staff. Just be proactive when there are signs they have had enough.
Making the most of the memory with great photos
There’s no shortage of potential family photos during your trip and if that will not capture the moments then, truly, what will? As for tips, here are a few ideas. Ensure your children, when they pose with Santa, actually know him, at least a little. Secondly when they are mushing dogs in a sledge team that they show great joy. Photos of the lights can need an advanced set-up on your camera, anyway many people make that work. If you are snapping away as part of the sleigh ride, with those reindeer, I have heard they don’t like flash! Lastly never overlook getting one or two fantastic ones of just adults – you will want some too, you see.