Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Aurora Tour with Pickup & Refund

Northern lights hunting in lapland with flexible timing and refund

You’ll join a small group in Rovaniemi with a local guide who knows exactly where to hunt for Northern Lights, even if it means driving deep into Lapland for hours. Expect real warmth (hand warmers included), honest stories, and an actual aurora guarantee: no lights means your ticket is refunded. You’ll stand under silent skies waiting for that first green shimmer, and maybe find yourself thinking about it long after you’re home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Aurora hunting tour from Rovaniemi

• Pick up at accommodation
• Drive to Aurora hunting area
• Find best spot and watch Auroras
• Drop off at accommodation

The experience

Gloves on, I fumbled for the van door handle before our guide, his name’s Jari, called out, “Blue van! KRO-802!” like it was a secret code. He grinned at us through the snowflakes. The air was sharp, almost metallic, and honestly I wasn’t sure if I was shivering from excitement or just the cold. We piled into the van with six others, all of us kind of quiet at first, but Jari broke the ice by asking where we were from (I think he’s heard every answer by now). He handed out hand warmers and told us about his thirteen years chasing auroras around Lapland. I didn’t expect to drive so far, sometimes up to 500km one way, but he said that’s just how it goes when you’re hunting the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi.

The road stretched on forever under a sky that looked stubbornly cloudy. Jari kept checking some app and muttering about “clear patches west.” There was this moment when we pulled over for coffee (instant stuff in little cups that steamed up my glasses), and someone asked if we’d get our money back if nothing showed up. He nodded: “Aurora guarantee. No lights, full refund.” That got a laugh from everyone, but it also made me feel like he really meant it. It’s weirdly comforting knowing your guide is just as invested as you are.

We finally stopped somewhere that didn’t look like anywhere. Just snowbanks and trees heavy with frost. The silence was huge out there. Even our footsteps sounded muffled. And then Jari pointed up so suddenly I almost missed it: a faint green ribbon curling above the treetops. Not bright at first, but enough to make everyone gasp at once. It got stronger while we stood there stamping our feet for warmth, nobody saying much except for one guy whispering “wow” over and over (not me, though maybe it was). Jari helped set up tripods for photos. I still think about how patient he was when my gloves kept slipping off.

I’m not sure how long we stayed, time felt strange under those lights, but eventually we packed up and drove back toward Rovaniemi in tired silence. My boots were soaked but my phone was full of shaky photos, and honestly I wouldn’t change a thing about that night.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup and drop-off anywhere in Rovaniemi, hand warmers to keep your fingers working during those long waits outside, help with photography gear if you want better shots of the aurora, fast WiFi in the van (for bragging rights), plus a small group led by an expert local guide who’s been chasing these lights for over a decade, and yes, there’s an actual refund guarantee if you don’t see them before heading home again.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 19:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Finnish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 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 effort

Operated by LaplandScapes Oy

Traveler reviews

4.97★★★★★★★★★★

76 verified traveler reviews

5 ★75

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Finnish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

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.

How long does the Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi last?

The tour can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours depending on conditions and how far you need to drive to find clear skies.

Is hotel pickup included in this aurora tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included anywhere within Rovaniemi.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?

If you don’t see auroras despite best efforts, your ticket price will be fully refunded.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is small, with a maximum of 8 people per tour.

Who leads the tour?

A local wilderness guide with 13 years of experience leads each aurora hunting tour.

What should I wear or bring?

Dress warmly. Hand warmers are provided along with photography help and WiFi in the van.

Can seniors join this Northern Lights tour?

The tour is not recommended for seniors over 80 years old or those with mobility impairments.