Hunting the northern lights is a true adventure and Rovaniemi is a great base for it. Because Rovaniemi is located right on the Arctic Circle, it’s a good place for an aurora tour. You can book a variety of different northern lights tours to do from simple photography tours to tours on snowshoes and snowmobiles or hunting them during a reindeer safari.
What are the Northern Lights?
Before embarking on your Northern Lights adventure in Rovaniemi, it’s essential to understand the phenomenon that draws travelers from around the world. The Northern Lights, scientifically known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions. These captivating displays are caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. When these particles collide with gasses in the Earth’s atmosphere, they emit light, creating a mesmerizing dance of colors across the night sky.
The science behind the Northern Lights is both complex and fascinating. The sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. When this solar wind reaches Earth, it interacts with the planet’s magnetic field. Most of the charged particles are deflected by the magnetic field, but some become trapped and spiral down along the magnetic field lines towards the polar regions. When these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere, they excite these gas molecules, causing them to emit light. The color of the aurora depends on the type of gas involved and the altitude at which the collisions occur. Oxygen emissions produce green and red auroras, while nitrogen emissions result in blue and purple hues.
When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?
The optimal time to witness the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi largely depends on various factors, including solar activity, weather conditions, and the length of darkness. The northern lights hunting season in Finnish Lapland is from mid-August until early April and they are the most active at the beginning and end of the season. The spring and autumn equinoxes (around 20th March and 22nd September, respectively) are especially favorable.
December through January can be a beautiful time to see the lights with everything covered in snow and many winter activities to do but during that time the clouds bring snow, which means less clear nights for aurora spotting. January can be quite good already as the nights are cold and crisp which generally means clear skies, which is deal for aurora hunting. February and March are great because everything is still covered in snow that fell down during the previous months but the skies tend to be clearer so your chances of seeing the lights are higher. Besides that the prices are cheaper compared to Christmas time and there are less crowds as well.
Although aurora activity is high during the autumn equinox, the longer days result in fewer hours of darkness. Consequently, there are fewer chances of seeing the Northern Lights or very late nights. However, fall is a beautiful time to visit Finland, with all the vibrant autumn colors. If you want to avoid crowds and high prices, this is an excellent time to visit Rovaniemi.
To maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, it’s essential to understand the influence of solar activity. The sun goes through an 11-year solar cycle, characterized by periods of high and low solar activity. During periods of high solar activity, known as solar maximum, the Northern Lights are more frequent and intense. Conversely, during solar minimum, auroral activity is less frequent. Planning your trip around the solar cycle can increase your chances of experiencing a spectacular auroral display.
Why Should You Hunt for the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
Choose a destination that offers other activities for you to do as well. Don’t only rely on travelling to a destination to just see the northern lights. As the aurora is very unpredictable you might end up being disappointed if you travelled somewhere just to see the northern lights and nothing else.
That’s why we think Rovaniemi is a perfect place for northern lights touring. Besides the location being great, there are also plenty of other activities for you to do, in case the weather is bad and you won’t be able to see the lights. From visiting Santa Claus Village and crossing the Arctic Circle to experiencing traditional Finnish saunas and indulging in Lappish cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures or cultural immersion, Rovaniemi has it all.
Booking our Lapland Northern Lights Tour gives you a good chance to hunt for the northern lights for multiple days and also do different activities while searching for them. So if for some reason you can’t see the lights, at least you can do other interesting activities. Of course our guides do their best to take you to the spots where the aurora viewing is the highest and giving you 6 different evenings to hunt them, puts your chances up there.
Where to Stay for Your Aurora Adventure?
Finding the right accommodation is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Rovaniemi. The city offers a wide range of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets, from cozy cabins and boutique hotels to luxurious resorts and unique igloo accommodations.
For those seeking a truly unique experience, staying in a glass igloo or an ice hotel is a must. These accommodations provide a front-row seat to the Northern Lights, allowing guests to watch the auroras dance across the sky from the comfort of their beds. Glass igloos are equipped with modern amenities, including heating and private bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay while offering unobstructed views of the night sky. Ice hotels, on the other hand, are sculpted entirely from ice and snow, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping in an artfully crafted ice room.
For a more traditional experience, Rovaniemi offers a variety of cozy cabins and cottages nestled in the forest or by the lakeside. These accommodations provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, with the added charm of a wood-burning fireplace or sauna. Staying in a cabin allows guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Arctic wilderness while enjoying modern comforts and conveniences.
Boutique hotels and resorts in Rovaniemi offer a blend of luxury and local charm, with stylish interiors and personalized service. Many of these establishments feature on-site restaurants serving Lappish cuisine, as well as wellness facilities such as saunas and hot tubs.
Why Should You Book a Northern Lights Tour?
Of course it’s possible to hunt for the lights independently but your chances of actually seeing them are higher with a northern lights tour, unless you’re a professional hunter of course. With an aurora tour you can just relax and let the professionals take care of you. They have been doing this for years and know which apps to use to analyse the latest weather maps, forecasts and charts.
Besides that, having to drive yourself and especially if you’re in a foreign country and you’re not used to driving in dark narrow off the beaten path roads, it might be safer to let the locals do it. Someone who knows the roads and driving conditions well.
Additionally, tour operators provide essential amenities such as warm clothing, hot drinks, and sometimes even shelters, ensuring your comfort during the excursion. Booking a Northern Lights tour is preferable to going on your own to avoid the risk of trespassing on private lands, which can frustrate locals.
Usually the northern lights are best seen through a good camera lens and that is the reason why our guides have professional cameras with them on the Northern Lights Photography Tour. And of course, these photos could end up being one of the best souvenirs from your trip. All pictures that your guide takes during the tour will be sent to you by email in high quality!
Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime experience and book your Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour with MonMon Travel. We suggest booking well in advance to guarantee hotel and tour availability.
Finland Holiday Packages
Lapland Winter Holiday
5 Days / 4 Nights
Helsinki & Rovaniemi Holiday
6 Days / 5 Nights
Northern Lights Tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
