From Rovaniemi: Night Tour in Search of the Aurora with BBQ

Review of the Rovaniemi Aurora Night Tour with BBQ

If you’re heading to Lapland and want to chase the elusive Northern Lights, this night tour in search of the Aurora with BBQ offers a well-rounded experience. For around $85 per person, you get picked up from your hotel, taken on a scenic hunt across three carefully chosen locations, and treated to a cozy Finnish BBQ around a campfire. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense way to maximize your chances of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.

What I really like about this tour is how it combines practical comfort with the adventure of Arctic exploration. First, the multiple stops—visiting three different spots—are a smart move because the Aurora is unpredictable. It’s not guaranteed to appear where you start, so spreading out your viewing increases the odds. Second, the guides’ friendliness and helpfulness stand out. Many reviews mention guides like Daria, who go above and beyond by taking photos and sharing local insights.

On the flip side, a possible downside is the unpredictability of seeing the Aurora itself. As the tour notes, nature doesn’t guarantee a show, and if the weather is cloudy or the aurora is shy, you may spend a lot of time in the cold with little to show for it. Still, most reviewers say the experience is worth it even without a full aurora display, thanks to the beautiful locations and warm food.

This tour hits the right notes for those looking for an authentic Arctic night out. It’s affordable, well-organized, and offers a good balance of adventure, comfort, and cultural flavor—all set against the stunning backdrop of Lapland’s winter wilderness.

Key points / Takeaways

• Multiple Aurora viewing stops increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights.
• Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often taking photos and sharing local tips.
• Cozy Finnish BBQ by a campfire is included, offering sausages, pastries, cookies, and marshmallows—perfect for warming up in the cold.
• The tour’s unpredictability means there’s no guarantee to see the Aurora, but the experience is still worthwhile.
• Transport and logistics are handled smoothly with hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you hassle in the winter darkness.
• Photography help is available, which is great for capturing memories amid the Arctic scenery.

Entering the Arctic Night: What You Can Expect

When I think about this tour, I imagine a group of eager travelers bundled in warm gear, heading out into the Arctic evening. The journey begins with a pickup from Rovaniemi around 19:30, which is ideal if you want to maximize your night-time chances to see the aurora. The guides, like Daria, earn high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. They’re not just drivers—they’re storytellers and picture takers, ensuring everyone gets a chance to document the moment.

The first stop is often near the city, but it’s mainly for practicality. It’s where you can enjoy a traditional BBQ over a campfire. Here, sausages are grilled, Finnish pies are served, and hot berry juice keeps everyone toasty. Many reviews highlight the warmth of the food and the friendliness of the guides, with some mentioning they even got extra sausages.

The second and third stops take you farther away from city lights into more scenic spots—sometimes beyond the Arctic Circle—where the chance of seeing the aurora is higher. These locations are carefully selected for their natural beauty and dark skies. Expect walks of 40 minutes at the first scenic stop and shorter visits at the other locations, with opportunities to take photos or simply soak in the landscape.

The final stop is often a “secret” location, designed to get the best possible view of the Northern Lights if they’re out. Even when the aurora is shy or the weather is cloudy, many say the landscape alone makes the trip worthwhile. If the aurora appears, guides like Daria or Anna are ready to help you capture images or just enjoy the moment.

After about three hours, the group returns to Rovaniemi, often just before midnight.

The Highlights: Why This Tour Works

Visiting 3 locations is a major plus. This strategy balances the unpredictability of the aurora with the desire to see something spectacular. Some travelers, like Patricia, mention seeing the Aurora vividly in multiple spots, which makes the effort feel worthwhile.

Guides make a difference. According to reviews, guides like Daria are knowledgeable, friendly, and go out of their way to ensure guests have a great experience—taking individual photos, sharing tips, and keeping the mood upbeat despite the cold.

Food and warmth are more than just extras here—they’re a vital part of the experience. Grilling sausages and enjoying Finnish pastries around a campfire is the kind of authentic, cozy touch that turns a chilly hunt into a memorable night.

The logistics are well-handled. Hotel pick-up and drop-off mean you don’t have to navigate in the dark, and the tour’s duration (about 3 hours) fits nicely into a night out in Lapland.

Photo opportunities are built into the trip. Guides are happy to help take pictures, which is essential since capturing the Northern Lights is a challenge for even experienced photographers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a practical and authentic Arctic adventure rather than a luxury or high-end tour. It’s perfect for those who appreciate small-group tours, the chance to visit multiple scenic spots, and the warmth of a campfire after braving the cold.

If you’re visiting Rovaniemi and looking for an affordable way to chase the Northern Lights while enjoying some local food and Arctic scenery, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s great for first-time visitors who want a guided experience and don’t mind the unpredictability of nature.

However, if your primary goal is to guarantee seeing the Aurora, be aware that this is not a “money-back” tour if the lights don’t appear. The focus here is on the journey and the experience, which most reviewers find rewarding regardless.

Price and Value

At $85, this tour offers good value considering the transportation, multiple stops, food, and the personal touches from guides. For many, it’s a fair price for a memorable Arctic night, especially when compared to more exclusive or private options. The included food and warm clothing tips also add to the value, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience without overspending.

Practical Tips for Your Aurora Adventure

• Dress very warmly—think layers, thermal gear, good waterproof shoes. Temperatures in Lapland can plummet to -27°C or colder, especially at night.
• Bring a camera and a tripod if you want to capture the Northern Lights, as guides can often help with photography tips.
• Arrive a few minutes early for pickup, as the guides request travelers to wait near the street house number.
• Be prepared for some walking during stops, but most walks are manageable.
• Focus on enjoying the landscape and the company—sometimes the beauty is in the quiet moments even without a full aurora display.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, starting around 19:30, depending on availability.

What’s included in the price?
Hotel pick-up and drop-off, visits to three locations, and a Lapland-style BBQ around the fire.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
There’s no guarantee since it depends on weather and aurora activity, but visiting multiple locations maximizes your chances. Many travelers do see the Lights, sometimes vividly.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothing, including thermal layers, waterproof shoes, and hats/scarves to stay comfortable in Arctic temperatures.

Can guides take photos?
Yes, guides like Daria are happy to take pictures of you with the aurora or scenery and send them afterward.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the stops and activities are family-friendly, but ensure children are bundled up well.

How is the transportation arranged?
Through hotel pickup and drop-off, with a small group to keep it intimate and manageable.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Cloud cover can obscure the aurora, but the locations and landscape still make this a worthwhile night out.

Do I need to pay in advance?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

In the end, this aurora tour offers a well-rounded, authentic Arctic adventure that balances scenic stops, good food, and the thrill of possibly seeing the Northern Lights. It’s best suited for travelers who want a reliable, guided experience and are okay with the natural unpredictability. The warmth of the campfire, the friendliness of guides, and the stunning winter landscapes make it a memorable night in Lapland—even if the Aurora decides to stay shy.