Rovaniemi: Night Snowmobile Safari with Aurora & Pickup

Summary

Chase auroras by snowmobile through Lapland’s silent forests

You’ll ride snowmobiles deep into Lapland’s snowy forests from Rovaniemi, guided by locals who know every turn. Warm up by a bonfire with hot berry juice while watching for Northern Lights overhead. Listen to old myths and share laughs around the fire before heading back through silent woods—an adventure that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely zipped up our thermal suits when our guide, Sanni, grinned and handed me a helmet. She asked if I’d ever driven a snowmobile before—honestly, I hadn’t even sat on one. The group laughed when I admitted it (someone else confessed too), and Sanni promised we’d start slow. The engine rumbled under me, and the air smelled sharp and cold—like metal and pine needles. I remember my gloves felt clumsy on the handles at first.

The forest outside Rovaniemi was so quiet, except for the hum of our snowmobiles and the crunch of fresh snow. Sometimes you could hear your own breath inside the helmet. We stopped after maybe half an hour—hard to tell time in that blue-black night—and Sanni pointed out faint green streaks above the trees. “That’s it,” she said, almost whispering. The Northern Lights weren’t as bright as in photos but seeing them move was… strange, kind of private. Someone tried to take a picture but just got a blur.

We gathered around a fire Sanni built right there in the snow. She poured us hot berry juice (tart and sweet at once) and passed around some cookies—I think they were Finnish gingerbread? My toes thawed out slowly while she told us old stories about the aurora—something about foxes sweeping sparks into the sky. I tried repeating the Finnish word for Northern Lights (“revontulet”), but Li laughed at my accent—can’t blame her.

On the way back, I kept glancing up through the trees hoping for another glimpse. The ride felt faster now that I wasn’t so nervous. When we finally peeled off all those layers back at Apukka Resort, my hair was full of static and my cheeks hurt from grinning so much. I still think about that hush in the woods—the kind you only get out here, far from city lights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile and Northern Lights chase

• Drive to snowmobile location
• Gather around bonfire
• Enjoy hot berry juice and snacks
• Learn myths and science of Northern Lights
• Snowmobile chase for Northern Lights

Top questions

Do I need a driver’s license to join this night snowmobile safari?

Yes, drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid EU/Finland driver’s license.

Is hotel pickup included for this Rovaniemi tour?

Transfers are included from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back.

How far do we ride on the snowmobiles during this safari?

The route covers between 20-40 km, with two adults sharing each snowmobile.

What should I wear for this Lapland night tour?

You’ll be provided with winter clothing: thermal overall, boots, woolen socks, mittens, balaclava.

Are snacks or drinks included during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get hot berry juice and snacks around a bonfire during the stop.

Is this night safari suitable for all fitness levels?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions.

Will we definitely see the Northern Lights on this trip?

Sightings can’t be guaranteed since they depend on weather and solar activity.

What’s included

Your evening includes transfers from Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back again, full winter clothing (thermal suit, boots, socks, mittens), all driving instructions plus guiding throughout your night snowmobile safari in Lapland’s forests—with a break for hot berry juice and snacks by a bonfire before returning to town.