Rovaniemi: Ice Floating in Forest Lake with Aurora Borealis

Rovaniemi: Ice Floating in Forest Lake with Aurora Borealis

If you’re dreaming of a chilly adventure that combines the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights with a uniquely calming activity, this ice-floating experience in Rovaniemi might just be your cup of hot tea. Think about floating in a warm, dry survival suit on a frozen lake, surrounded by the silent, snow-covered forest, with the chance to see the Aurora shimmer overhead. It’s a far cry from the hustle of city tours—more relaxed, more intimate, and definitely memorable.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it balances adventure and comfort. You get to enjoy the icy waters without the cold biting through because of the high-quality insulated suits provided. Plus, being accompanied by professional guides like Maria, Giselle, or Maura makes all the difference—they ensure safety, share stories, and even help with taking photos of the Northern Lights.

That said, a small consideration is the weather dependency—since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, there’s no guarantee of seeing them. Still, even if the sky stays cloudy, many reviews highlight how the floating experience itself remains a peaceful highlight of a Lapland trip. The only cautious note? The suits are designed for people at least 130cm tall, so children below that height or those with mobility concerns might need to look for other options.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Unique blend of relaxation and adventure in the icy Finnish wilderness.
• High-quality insulated suits keep you warm and dry, making it accessible and comfortable despite freezing temperatures.
• Expert guides like Maria or Giselle provide safety, local insights, and help with memorable photos.
• Weather-dependent Aurora viewing means some nights may be clouded out, but the floating experience remains special.
• Pick-up and drop-off within 10 km of your Rovaniemi hotel adds convenience, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
• Good value for the experience, especially considering the inclusions of hot drinks, gingerbread, and professional photography assistance.

If you’re visiting Lapland, chances are you’re chasing the Northern Lights, but it’s worth considering how you want to experience them. This particular tour elevates it from the typical viewing point by immersing you in the environment—literally. Floating in an ice-cold lake might sound daunting, but with the proper gear and guided expertise, it becomes a magical, almost meditative activity that’s unlike anything on dry land.

What Is the Experience Like?

The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, starting with hotel pickup within Rovaniemi’s city center. Your guides, whether Maria, Giselle, or others, will load you into a vehicle and whisk you to a secluded forest lake. Here, you’ll suit up in high-quality insulated floating suits—designed to keep you warm, dry, and floating effortlessly in the icy water. Many reviewers mention how surprised they were to discover how fully clothed they felt underneath, and how “the inside of my suit a bit wet, but not too bothersome” (Moriah).

Once suited up, you’ll gently drift in the stillness of the lake, with the snow-blanketed forest as your backdrop. The guides are attentive, helping you with your gear, taking photos of the Northern Lights if visible, and sharing local stories. Several reviews highlight how Maria or Giselle made the experience extra special, turning what could be a cold activity into a warm memory.

The Northern Lights: A Natural Bonus

While this tour is mainly about the floating, the chance to see the Aurora Borealis adds a layer of wonder. Many guests, like Lauren and Callie, mention how they floated under a clear, starry sky and caught glimpses of the dancing lights. Others, like Ruby, note that the weather can be unpredictable, so the Aurora may not always be visible. Still, the experience is rewarding regardless—many find the peacefulness of floating under the night sky to be almost meditative.

Comfort and Safety First

The key to enjoying this tour is dressing warmly underneath your suit. Several reviews advise bringing thick gloves and socks and planning to stay in the water for 10+ minutes—be prepared for some cold hands and feet. The suits are designed to keep you almost completely dry, which is a big plus for comfort. And your guides are always available to help with photos or answer questions—making sure you feel safe and cared for.

Post-Experience Warmth and Cozying Up

After your float, the tour concludes with hot drinks and gingerbread, a thoughtful touch that helps warm you up and cements the experience as both relaxing and festive. It’s a chance to chat about what you saw or didn’t see, share photos, and simply enjoy the quiet of Lapland’s winter.

Who Will Love This Activity?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking something relaxed yet extraordinary. If you enjoy being outdoors in winter but prefer activities that don’t involve strenuous hikes or cold hikes, floating might be your ideal choice. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate stunning natural scenery and want to enjoy the Northern Lights in a peaceful setting.

It’s also a good pick for adventure lovers on a budget, as many reviews feel the price is justified by the professional guidance, warm suits, and inclusions like hot drinks. However, it’s best for those who are comfortable in cold environments and can follow simple safety instructions—kids over 130cm are welcome, but younger children might find it less suitable.

Price and Logistics

Pricing for this tour is reasonable considering what’s included—hotel pickup, high-quality suits, hot drinks, gingerbread, and photos. The duration of 2.5 hours is a good balance, allowing enough time for the floating, viewing, and warming up without overextending your day.

Availability depends on weather conditions and group size, with at least 2 people needed to run the tour. For those traveling solo or in small groups, it’s a flexible option, especially with the “reserve now, pay later” system.

The pickup service is a major convenience, especially after a day of exploring Rovaniemi, and being picked up from your accommodation saves the hassle of arranging transportation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This floating experience is best for travelers who thrive on authentic outdoor adventures and are comfortable with the cold. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful, memorable activity to complement their Northern Lights chase. Those with mobility concerns or children under 130cm should look for alternatives, as this activity requires a certain height and physical readiness.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If witnessing the Northern Lights in total comfort and floating in an icy lake sounds appealing, this tour offers a memorable blend of serenity and spectacle. The guides’ warmth and professionalism help turn what might seem an intimidating cold activity into a cozy, almost meditative experience. The inclusion of hot drinks, gingerbread, and professional photos enhances the value, making it a well-rounded outing.

While the weather can be unpredictable, many reviewers find that the overall experience—floating under the starry sky, watching the Aurora dance, and feeling the quiet of Lapland—makes it worth every krona.

For those wanting a relaxed, authentic Arctic adventure that’s a little different from traditional snowmobile rides or husky sledding, this floating tour might just be the highlight of your trip to Rovaniemi.

FAQs

Do I need to know how to swim?
You don’t need to be a swimmer, as the suits are designed to keep you afloat and dry. The guides will ensure your safety and assist if needed.

What should I wear underneath the floating suit?
It’s best to wear thermal layers, including socks and gloves, to stay warm during the float, especially if you plan to stay in the water for more than 10 minutes.

Can children participate?
Children over 130cm tall can join, but those under that height or with mobility issues should consider other options.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, Aurora viewing depends on weather and solar activity. If the sky stays cloudy, the floating experience remains enjoyable, but the Aurora might be missed.

What’s included in the price?
Pickup and drop-off within 10 km, floating suit, hot drinks, gingerbread, and guidance from English-speaking guides.

How long is the activity?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including transportation, floating, and warming up afterward.

Is this activity suitable for people with disabilities?
It is not suitable for wheelchair users and requires a minimum height of 130cm.

In essence, this floating adventure in Lapland offers a peaceful, authentic Arctic experience that combines natural beauty with comfort and expert guidance. It’s ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the Northern Lights in a relaxed setting, with enough support to stay warm and safe.