Northern Lights Tour in Rovaniemi: Private Cottage & Campfire

Roast snacks by the fire while waiting for the aurora to appear

A 3-hour Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi picks you up from your hotel, drives 20 minutes to a private lakeside location, and sets you up at a 100-year-old log cottage with a campfire. You'll roast sausages, marshmallows and cinnamon buns, warm yourself indoors, and watch for the aurora if conditions allow. Your guide explains the science and local traditions behind it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Northern Lights tour and campfire evening

• Pick up from accommodation
• Provide warm winter clothing
• Drive 20 minutes to private location
• Set up campfire and roast snacks
• Warm up by cottage fireplace
• Watch Northern Lights display
• Learn about Northern Lights and local stories
• Return to accommodation

The experience

The tour starts with a 20-minute drive from Rovaniemi to a private plot on the lake, away from city lights. You'll arrive in winter clothing provided by the operator (overalls, boots, gloves and a parka sized for adults and children), so you step out ready for the cold. A campfire is already set up, and you'll roast snacks straight away: sausages, marshmallows, cinnamon buns and warm blueberry juice from Finnish forests. The cottage itself is a 100-year-old log house, heated and open when you need to step inside and thaw.

If the Northern Lights appear, your guide will help you understand what you're seeing: the science of the aurora, the stories and traditions the local people hold around it. If the sky stays dark, you'll still have the fire, the food and the quiet of the winter landscape. Your guide speaks English. Spanish, French and Italian are available on request, though availability is limited. The tour ends with a drive back to your hotel.

Pickup and drop-off are included within a 10-kilometer radius of Rovaniemi's city center. The operator will ask you to be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time. If the group falls below two people or extreme weather hits, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled.

What’s included

• Winter clothing, overalls, boots and gloves in adult and child sizes.
• pickup and drop-off within 10 kilometers of Rovaniemi city center.
• snacks and drinks by the campfire (sausages, marshmallows, cinnamon buns and warm blueberry juice).
• access to the heated 100-year-old log cottage.
• a guide in English (Spanish, French and Italian available on request).
• information about the Northern Lights science and local traditions.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 20:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by StayLapland

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a shared group experience with a local guide who handles the setup at a lakeside cottage, rather than organizing your own aurora-watching spot.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What should I wear on a Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi?

Winter clothing is provided: a parka, overalls, boots and gloves in both adult and child sizes. Bring layers underneath and a hat if you have one, but the operator supplies everything needed to stay warm by the campfire and in the cottage.

How far is the tour location from Rovaniemi city center?

The private lakeside cottage is 20 minutes by car from the city center, positioned to avoid light pollution and maximize the chance of seeing the Northern Lights if conditions allow.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear?

You'll still spend the evening at the campfire roasting snacks, warming up in the heated cottage and learning about the aurora from your guide. The tour runs regardless of whether the lights show up.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks and drinks by the campfire are included: sausages, marshmallows, cinnamon buns and warm blueberry juice from Finnish forests. You roast the sausages, marshmallows and buns yourself over the fire.