Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Pro Tour & Unlimited Aurora Chasing

Summary

Rovaniemi nights chasing auroras with no limits or fixed plans

You’ll chase the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi with an expert local guide who’ll drive as far as needed—no mileage limit—to find clear skies. Warm winter gear keeps you comfortable while you wait by frozen lakes or snowy forests. Hot drinks and cookies help pass the time before those first green streaks appear overhead—and your guide captures it all in pro photos sent straight to your inbox.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird to admit I was nervous about not seeing anything? I mean, you read about people coming all the way to Rovaniemi for the Northern Lights and just getting clouds. But our guide, Paavo, had this calm confidence—like he knew every backroad in Lapland. We piled into the van around 7pm (pickup was right at my hotel), bundled up in these thick suits they handed out. The air outside smelled sharp and cold, almost metallic, and my breath felt heavy under the hood.

We drove for what felt like hours—sometimes talking softly, sometimes just listening to the tires crunch over icy roads. At one point we pulled over by a frozen lake somewhere past the Swedish border (I lost track). Paavo kept checking his phone for aurora updates and muttering in Finnish. He poured us hot berry juice that steamed up my glasses, and passed around cookies that tasted a bit like cardamom. There was this odd silence—not awkward, just everyone waiting for something big. Someone cracked a joke about “aurora insurance” and we all laughed too loud.

I didn’t expect how much patience it would take. There’s no fixed route on this tour—Paavo said we’d go as far as needed, even into Norway if that’s where the sky cleared up. At midnight he pointed suddenly: “There.” It started faint—a greenish smudge—and then grew into these slow-moving curtains overhead. He set up his camera and took photos of each of us; honestly, the lights looked brighter on his screen than to my eyes but still… standing there with snow squeaking under my boots and everyone whispering—it felt unreal. I keep thinking about that hush.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aurora Borealis hunting tour

• Meet guide between 18:00 and 20:00
• Travel in premium van with snacks
• Chase Northern Lights up to 400km
• Visit locations in Finland, Sweden, Norway
• Enjoy photo support from professional photographers
• Return between 01:00 and 03:00 or later

Top questions

How long does the Northern Lights tour from Rovaniemi last?

The tour usually lasts between 6–8 hours but can be anywhere from 4 to 12 hours depending on weather conditions each night.

Is there a guarantee to see the Northern Lights?

Yes, there is a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t see the Northern Lights during your tour.

Does this Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour include pickup?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included within 10km of Rovaniemi city center.

Are photos included in this aurora tour?

Professional DSLR photos are included and will be delivered by email within 24–72 hours after your tour.

How far do you travel to find clear skies?

The guide will drive as far as needed—sometimes up to 400km—even crossing into Sweden or Norway if necessary.

What should I wear for this Lapland aurora hunting trip?

Thermal winter clothing is provided for all guests so you stay warm during long waits outdoors.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll get hot drinks (like berry juice) and local cookies while waiting for the lights.

How many people are on each tour group?

The group size is small—maximum 8 guests per night—for personal attention and comfort.

What’s included

Your night includes hotel pickup within central Rovaniemi, unlimited driving distance with an expert guide using real-time aurora forecasts, thermal winter clothing so you’re never cold, plus hot drinks and cookies while you wait under open skies. Professional photography is part of it too—with all your best moments emailed after the trip—and if you don’t see any lights at all, you get your money back before heading home late at night.