Northern Lights dancing in the sky in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

10 Northern Lights Experiences

The Northern Lights can be seen in Rovaniemi from late August until early April. And you don’t need to wait for a snowy winter landscape to enjoy them – autumn and early winter offer their own wonderful ways to experience the Aurora, often surrounded by colourful forests and crisp evening air.

From peaceful moments in nature to exciting adventures, there are many ways to admire this spectacular phenomenon. Here are 10 ideas to help you find your own favourite way to experience the Northern Lights.

Couple watching from a glass igloo as Northern Lights are dancing in the sky in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

1. Cosy Experience – Enjoy the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own accommodation. A glass igloo or a cosy cottage can offer a wonderful way to watch the night sky while staying warm and comfortable. Settle in, look up and keep an eye out for the Aurora dancing above you.

2. On the Move – Sometimes, you only need to walk a short distance away from the city lights to find a good spot for Northern Lights watching. Take a peaceful evening stroll through the quieter parts of Rovaniemi, or hop on a bike and explore the surrounding area on two wheels. It’s a simple way to enjoy the outdoors while keeping an eye on the sky for the Aurora.

3. Out in the Snow – Put on your skis or snowshoes and head out into the snowy landscape in search of the Northern Lights. Moving through the quiet winter scenery beneath the starry sky makes the Aurora hunt an experience in itself – and you never know when the lights might appear overhead.

4. Speed into the Night – Add a little more adventure to your Northern Lights hunt with a snowmobile tour. Ride through the snowy Lapland landscape under the stars, with the possibility of stopping along the way to look up at the sky. Quad bike tours are another exciting option, particularly earlier in the season when there is less snow.

5. With Arctic Animals – Combine your Aurora adventure with an unforgettable encounter with some of Lapland’s beloved animals. Glide through the snowy landscape on a husky sled, enjoy a peaceful horse-drawn sleigh ride or travel through the winter scenery in a traditional reindeer sleigh as you keep watch for the Northern Lights.

6. Capture the Moment – Want to bring a little piece of the Aurora home with you? Join a Northern Lights photography tour and learn how to capture the colours and movement of the night sky with your camera. With guidance from a local photographer, you can learn useful techniques for photographing the Northern Lights while enjoying the experience itself.

7. In the Arctic Waters – Take your Northern Lights experience to the water with a floating adventure or a traditional Finnish sauna followed by ice swimming. On a clear night, you may even be able to admire the Aurora dancing overhead while enjoying this truly Finnish experience.

8. Over Dinner – Why not combine Northern Lights watching with a delicious meal? Book a dinner experience or join a tour focused on local lifestyle and enjoy an evening surrounded by the peaceful Lapland landscape. With a little luck, the Aurora might even provide the perfect backdrop for your meal.

Lapland’s Food Culture

9. Go Further – Sometimes the best Aurora viewing conditions can be found a little further away from Rovaniemi and its city lights. Jump in a car or join a minibus tour and head out into the surrounding areas in search of clearer skies and darker surroundings. It’s all part of the Northern Lights hunt – you never know where the evening might take you.

10. Make It Your Own – Looking for a more personal Northern Lights experience? Book a private tour with a local company and let them know what you’re hoping for. Whether you have a particular activity in mind, want to spend more time photographing the Aurora or simply prefer a quieter experience, a private tour can be tailored to your wishes.

All Northern Lights Tours