Northern Lights hunt in Rovaniemi: Campfire BBQ & transfer

The barbecue happens while you wait for the lights, not before or after.

A 3-hour Northern Lights hunt from Rovaniemi with hotel pickup and transport to dark skies outside the city, where you watch for aurora while warming by a campfire and eating traditional Lappish food. A guide in English leads the search, and winter gear is provided. Sightings depend on weather and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights hunt with barbecue

• Transfer from Rovaniemi
• Hunt Northern Lights in nature
• Taste traditional Lappish barbecue
• Warm by the campfire

The experience

The tour departs between 18:00 and 22:00 depending on the season and conditions. The local provider emails the exact pickup time. You're collected from your Rovaniemi hotel or the office, then driven roughly 20–25 km away from city lights to reach the dark skies where the Northern Lights are visible. The guide speaks English, and other languages are available on request.

While you wait for the aurora, a campfire burns and the Lappish barbecue begins: pork sausage, Lappish bread, salmon soup, marshmallow and hot blueberry juice warm you through the night. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available if you request them at booking. Winter clothes (an overall and boots) are provided so you can stay outside comfortably. The whole experience runs about 3 hours, and you're dropped back at your hotel or the office afterward.

Northern Lights sightings cannot be guaranteed. They depend on weather conditions and solar activity. The tour requires at least 2 people on weekdays and Saturdays, or at least 4 on Sundays and public holidays. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. During high season, the tour may depart by bus instead of a smaller vehicle.

What’s included

• Winter overall and boots.
• English-speaking guide (German, French, Italian, Spanish and Chinese available on request).
• hotel pickup and drop-off within Rovaniemi city center.
• transport to dark skies outside the city.
• campfire and Lappish barbecue with pork sausage, Lappish bread, salmon soup, marshmallow and hot blueberry juice (vegetarian and vegan options upon request).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 19:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 18 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Nordic Unique Travels

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hunt the Northern Lights from genuinely dark skies outside the city. The 20–25 km distance is what puts you in range of the aurora while the campfire keeps you warm through the wait.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What if the Northern Lights don't appear on the night I book?

Sightings cannot be guaranteed because they depend on weather conditions and solar activity. The tour operates regardless, and you'll spend the evening by the campfire with the guide watching the sky.

What food is served during the wait for the lights?

The Lappish barbecue includes pork sausage, Lappish bread, salmon soup, marshmallow and hot blueberry juice. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available if you request them when you book.

How far outside Rovaniemi does the tour go?

Transport takes you roughly 20–25 km away from the city to escape light pollution and reach the dark skies where the Northern Lights are visible.

What time does the tour start?

Departure is anytime between 18:00 and 22:00, depending on the season and availability. The local provider sends an email with your exact pickup time before the tour.