Planning a Rovaniemi tour? Located in the middle of the Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is more than just a beautiful town at the Arctic Circle; it is also the gateway to some of the most magical experiences one can ever think of, from the dancing Northern Lights to rich cultural heritage based on the Saami people—a guarantee for an unforgettable adventure during your Rovaniemi Aurora tour. Here are ten important tips to consider when making the most of your journey.
1. Book Your Rovaniemi Northern Tour in Advance
Since Rovaniemi is one of the prime destinations for the Northern Lights, it is always advisable to book the tour in advance. Cultural insights and natural wonders make this guided Aurora Borealis tour often get fully booked. Book your trip as early as possible to not lose this lifetime opportunity. Although bookings can be made at least three hours before the tour, prior planning saves you a lot of unnecessary trouble and disappointments.
2. Dress Warmly: Be Ready for the Arctic Winter
One of the attractions of the Rovaniemi Northern tour is the wintery location, but the place gets very cold. We create a warm atmosphere with a traditional Lappish BBQ at the side of a huge lake, but overall and show shoes are on your own account. To fully enjoy the Rovaniemi Aurora Tour remember to wear enough under layers with an outer layer that is windproof and waterproof, warm gloves, a hat, and sturdy winter boots. The Finnish winter is not very forgiving, so dress warm and let your attention be liberated to the stunning landscapes of Lapland rather than mere freezing.
3. Know All About the Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis is one of the most elusive events in nature. Even when a Rovaniemi aurora tour is specially designed for ensuring that you get a view of the Aurora, it’s always good to have proper expectations. They may vary in color and intensity from a faint greenish glow to a bright multi-colored play across the sky. Besides, so much depends on cloud coverage and other weather conditions. Our guides will drive you to different spots depending on the forecast, though remember that seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed.
4. Bring a Good Camera for Night Photography
Capturing the Northern Lights on camera requires some preparation. If you’re keen on photographing the Aurora Borealis during your Rovaniemi Northern tour, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, together with a sturdy tripod. Set your camera to a low ISO, a wide aperture, and try with long exposure times for the best results. Don’t forget extra batteries, as the cold tends to drain the batteries. If you have never done any night photography or are looking for tips on how to catch the magic of Northern Lights, then maybe our guides might help you with that. ToTheNorth also offer northern light tours with a professional camera.
5. The Lappish BBQ and Local Delicacies
The real highlights of any aurora tour with ToTheNorth must include the traditional Lappish barbecue. In the middle of waiting for the Northern Lights to flare up, you can, of course, feast yourself with succulent sausages and marshmallows, all washed down with drinks like the delightful Finnish beverage of Glögi—warmly spiced. This gastronomic safari will warm you up and plunge you into local culinary culture. If you’ve got dietary restrictions, you won’t miss out on this communal dish: it includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options.
6. Learn about Saami Lifestyle and Lapland Heritage
The Rovaniemi Northern tour does not stop at the pursuit of the Aurora Borealis but lets you dig into the very rich heritage of Lapland. Therefore, our travel guides are ready to share with you some really cool stories and folklore of the aboriginal Saami people. This cultural dimension gives a deep experience in which you will know more about the place and the people. Feel free to ask questions and be active participants—the guides will ensure that the excursion is as enriching as possible.
7. Be Flexible: Let the Weather Determine the Plan
When planning a Rovaniemi aurora tour, staying flexible is of paramount importance since weather conditions at the Arctic Circle are highly unpredictable and can potentially have shadowing from clouds that will obscure the Northern Lights. They are experienced in understanding the weather and often adjust your itinerary so that you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. This mostly means a change in the location, but even a change in itinerary may happen if the forecast is not in your favor. Being flexible will ensure you get the most out of this experience, not necessarily out of what you had planned.
8. You Will Increase the Likelihood of Seeing the Aurora
The key to a successful Rovaniemi Northern tour lies in maximizing the chances of spotting the Northern Lights. This tour will take you far away from the city’s light pollution and deep into the countryside. The itinerary will have three stopping possibilities, toward which the company aims in reference to the updated aurora forecast. Nobody can guarantee an aurora, but the knowledge of the guides and the choice of locations fundamentally increase your chances of seeing this wonder. Stay patient, keep your eyes on the sky, and remember: The Aurora quite often comes when we least expect it.
9. Embrace Darkness and Silence in Lapland
Embracing darkness and silence is a sort of by-product of an aurora tour in Rovaniemi. Completely away from hustle-bustle, you find yourself in an oasis of peace—a spellbound world. Stop and enjoy the silence, the sharp air, or the vast, starry sky above. This is a place where time seems to literally stand still and provides an opportunity to come into unity with nature on the highest level—a true connection to the Lappish masterpieces, making any single Northern Light wait worth the while.
10. Be Prepared for Anything
And last, but not least, witnessing the unexpected through and throughout a Rovaniemi tour. The Arctic environment is full of surprises, from sudden weather changes to the spontaneous appearance of the Aurora Borealis. Nature is surprising, so let your doors be wide open for it with an open heart and a spirit full of curiosity. With or without Northern Lights being visible up in the sky, there will be so much to enjoy on your Rovaniemi Aurora Tour, from cultural insight to memorable landscapes.
Conclusion
By taking a Rovaniemi Northern tour with ToTheNorth, one gets an invitation to embrace the extraordinary. These 10 important tips are sure to prepare you for a good time during this journey. Dress warmly, stay flexible, and immerse yourself in the magic of Lapland—where every moment may be the entrance to the breathless beauty of the Northern Lights.
