Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour: A Detailed Review

Chasing the Northern Lights, that amazing and otherworldly dance of light, is very often right there near the very top of many people’s travel lists. And if you’re planning a trip up to Rovaniemi, Finland, well you may just be in luck because this location is really known for providing rather awesome opportunities to witness this breathtaking phenomenon. So, there are plenty of different ways to go about trying to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, yet a popular and what looks to be convenient option is taking a guided tour, such as the “Rovaniemi Northern Lights Hunt and Arctic Circle By Minibus.” Let’s take a closer look, so you can get a better idea of what this tour is basically all about and what you might expect. Then, that way you can decide if it is, very likely, the right pick for your very own Arctic adventure.

Rovaniemi Northern Lights

What the Tour Offers, In a Nutshell

Okay, so this particular tour sells itself as a comprehensive experience. That’s the long and short of it. Basically, it aims to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, so it is hoped you get to do that, all the while taking you to experience the magic of the Arctic Circle. Actually, they provide round-trip transport right from several hotels in Rovaniemi, that sounds so convenient. Now, very conveniently you won’t have to stress about driving on slippery, icy roads yourself, in fact, instead you can sit back and simply enjoy the scenery and, perhaps, even sneak in a little nap. Very often the guides know some prime viewing spots a little way out from the city’s bright lights, where the aurora really does put on a better show. This is arguably worth the cost by itself! That, and you get all of the benefits from their expertise when they tell you about the Northern Lights, Lapland, as well as the local culture. They typically also include warm drinks and, on some tours, they provide snacks or a proper meal to help keep you toasty throughout what can be a long, yet super amazing, night.

Arctic Circle sign
Marking your entry to the Arctic Circle is very much a must!

Firsthand Experiences and What People Are Saying

Reading about a tour and actually knowing what it feels like to be on one are really two totally different things, like very different! So, when figuring out if this tour fits the bill, here are just some very common experiences people share:

The Good Bits: A big, big highlight is that the guides are very knowledgeable. Right? Many past travelers rave about the guides being skilled in both spotting the lights and in providing insight regarding the science behind this fantastic, dazzling display and stories surrounding Laplandic culture. So, tours very frequently go to spots a little further away, distant from the light pollution, and this provides better views; travelers very often appreciate the commitment to actually find the lights. It is said they try hard to provide everyone with some great photos, guides quite frequently offer help to guests with their camera settings, that way they are sure to capture the auroras. The group sizes in these tours are very commonly small, which makes for a way more intimate experience. That, in fact, means the guide gives plenty more care to everybody.

Things to Consider: Naturally, seeing the Northern Lights isn’t actually guaranteed. So, while the guides really do try their best, it’s the awesome power of nature which decides whether or not the aurora comes to play. Remember that! Some folks thought the amount of time spent at the Arctic Circle marker was rather brief; some were quite keen on spending a little more time there. Weather is basically always unpredictable. So, in bad conditions sometimes, it can get a little bit tricky and hard when outside taking photos. I suppose the same thing could happen no matter the tour.

Northern lights tour guide
Guides typically bring plenty of extra knowledge!

Digging Deeper into What Makes this Tour Shine

Alright, so there are things which consistently make the “Rovaniemi Northern Lights Hunt and Arctic Circle By Minibus” something pretty special, something that really does appeal to folks. Why this is so includes:

Small Group Experience: By keeping things small, the tours offer up a super, extremely cozy and personalized adventure. So it goes! With fewer people the guide gives some much more focused attention. I mean, just picture yourself out in the Arctic night, and you won’t have to try to struggle against large crowds for the best view. Is that something you like the sound of? I bet!

Guidance from Experts: The level of knowledge and sheer passion shown from these guides simply makes or breaks the outing. They’re well-versed in telling great stories, are able to point out constellations, very often can actually help in taking awesome photos and really care about telling all of what they know about the area around the Arctic. Basically, by traveling with guides who are so thoroughly into what they’re doing is definitely a real advantage, for sure.

Going the Distance for the Lights: Many tours head out a little bit away from Rovaniemi. What this really means, so far, is better chances, better odds, for spotting the very shimmery lights. The way they hunt for those auroras very often illustrates a true commitment to making your night a great one. So there’s that.

Inside a tour minibus
Small groups ensure a comfy ride.

Maximizing Your Own Aurora Hunting Experience

Okay, so if you book the tour there are several helpful tips to keep in mind that arguably will better the adventure of chasing down auroras:

Dress Warmly (That Sounds So Obvious, Right?): When in the Arctic cold dressing in layers will be very helpful. Very frequently tours tend to supply thermal overalls but bear in mind it might be sensible wearing thermals yourself, plus things like thick socks, warm gloves, a hat, and scarf, obviously.

Know Your Camera Settings (Sort Of): I mean, while your guide can advise you, know a few basics can be greatly helpful in getting awesome shots. Okay? Have a go, just practice at getting long exposure shots on your camera. That way you will probably snap all of the stunning auroras.

Be Ready to Be Patient: Northern Lights hunting might require staying outside quite a lot, with fingers crossed and staying patient is arguably helpful, really. Prepare and embrace the stillness and maybe just enjoy simply being outside in that awesome nature around the Arctic.

Charge Everything Fully: C’mon you didn’t really need telling about this. Really make certain your phone as well as camera are completely juiced before you leave. Cold weather quite often depletes batteries extremely quick, really.

Northern lights photography tips
Photographing the lights might seem tricky, but there’s so much guidance out there!

Is This Tour Suited to Your Needs, Do You Reckon?

Figuring if a tour suits basically relies heavily on exactly what you’re really hoping for out of it. If your very heart is set on witnessing those Northern Lights, and you like having all of the ease which comes along with having specialists guiding your route in warmth, well you very might feel happy taking the “Rovaniemi Northern Lights Hunt and Arctic Circle By Minibus.” In particular, it’s very commonly suited to: Lone travelers wanting some companionship in a group; Couples wishing to have a cozy night out seeing the natural beauty all about Lapland; or Small family/friend groups planning to have someone manage everything for them.

I’m not really able to make the decision on your behalf, still I do know it is always beneficial breaking all of it down that way. Right?

Northern lights reflection