A guide for responsible Northern Lights -experience in Rovaniemi
The magnificent Northern Lights are the dream experience for every traveler coming to North. Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle has optimal location for searching the Aurora and seeing the lights dancing magically on the sky from late August until early April.
However, as the popularity of Auroras grows, so does the need for responsible behavior to protect the Arctic environment and local communities. That’s why we have gathered a guide to responsible Northern Lights hunting in Rovaniemi, highlighting specific locations and practices to ensure a sustainable experience. If you’re lucky, you’re up for a show of a lifetime!
1. Book your tour from company with STF-label
1. Book your tour from company with STF-label
If you want to make sure that your Aurora hunting trip is produced responsibly, book your Northern Lights tour from company with Sustainable Travel Finland -label. You can find STF-companies in Rovaniemi here. A good tour provider will not only take you to the best Northern Lights viewing spots but also educate you about the facts behind the phenomena and proudly shares the knowledge of the Arctic environment. This is why you should book your tour from a trusted company, rather than a private person.
To get most out of the experience, visit museum and science center Arktikum for the comprehensive scientific information of Northern Lights. Arktikum welcomes guests all year round.
2. Northern Lights through pictures
2. Northern Lights through pictures
Social media is full of colorful Aurora pictures. However, in real life the Northern lights are rarely full of colors and the most common Auroras are the green ones. Colorful, purple-dominated Northern Lights that are often seen in photographs are quite rare to witness. Sometimes Auroras are so mild that they can only be seen through camera’s lens, which captures the Northern Lights more sensitively than human eyes. Auroras might last anywhere from 30 seconds to dancing in sky for hours. Everyone who sees them is a lucky one.
If you wish to capture the best shots yourself:
- Use a tripod for stabile photos
- For smartphone camera settings: 1. Adjust the ISO (for example 800-1600) 2. Set the shutter speed for several seconds 3. Set the aperture as wide as possible 4. Test out what works best for you!
- Use a timer to avoid camera shake when you press the shutter button
- Bring a power bank with you
- Remember to savour the moment not only with your phone but with your eyes as well. Something you will remember forever!
3. Searching for Northern Lights alone? Do it right:
For the sake of Northern Lights, visitors can not access private lands, roads or yardlands of houses and cabins. Taking the locals and their privacy into notice is an act of responsible and sustainable travelling. Visit Rovaniemi advices traveller to choose spots, where the Northern Lights hunting does not cause harm to locals and where the land is designated for public use.
There are public spots designated for Aurora hunting nearby Rovaniemi:
- The Arctic Garden that surrounds Arktikum is located near the city centre and easily accessible
- Ounasvaara is located within walking distance from Rovaniemi city centre with unobstructed views to the night sky
- Olkkajärvi’s lean-to is 15 min drive from city, easily accessible and generally known as good spot for seeing the Northern Lights
- Arctic Circle Hiking Area is a 20 min drive from the city away from light pollution and city lights
All of these areas are public and offer stunning, unobstructed views of the night sky, making them ideal for Aurora hunting.
While spotting the Northern Lights, please do not enter private properties and military zones, where access is strictly restricted. For example, the area of Norvajärvi (Norvajärvi beach, German soldier cemetery and Norvasalmi P-waypoint) are not recommended public locations for watching Northern Lights. Instead you may go to the public places listed above.
4. What does Everyone’s right mean to a Northern Lights -hunter?
4. What does Everyone’s right mean to a Northern Lights -hunter?
Finland’s Everyone’s Right (Jokaisenoikeus) allows individuals to enjoy nature freely, with certain responsibilities. This right includes access to forests, lakes, and other natural areas, but it’s essential to respect the land and its owners. Everyone’s right does not apply to organized tours.
- Respect nature and locals: Do not disturb people or damage property, cut down or damage trees (not even for fire), light open campfires without permission or drive motor vehicles offroad without the landowner’s permission.
- Leave no trace: When moving in nature, ensure that you leave no litter behind. Carry a small bag for waste and take everything back with you to help preserve nature.
- Respect wildlife: The Arctic region is home to a variety of wildlife. While chasing the Northern Lights, keep noise to a minimum, avoid disturbing animals, and never leave food scraps or toilet waste behind.
- Safety First: The Arctic environment can be unpredictable. Dress warmly, carry a map or GPS, and inform someone of your plans before heading out, especially if you’re venturing to more remote locations.
The Arctic wilderness is a shared treasure, and it’s up to all of us to protect it. That doesn’t mean we couldn’t have fun while exploring, so while being responsible also remember to enjoy the show to the fullest!
Aurora Hunter’s Do’s and Dont’s:
• Only make fire at lean-to’s – Not to nature nor on ice. Have your own firewood with you, which can be bought from local gas stations.
• Let locals sleep their nights – don’t go to private yardlands nor park your car on peoples yards.
• Check from Northern Lights Alert your chances to see the Aurora. During cloudy nights the chances are not as good as during clear nights.
• What you can carry with you, you can carry away – right? Do not leave your garbage or toilet waste in nature.
• Go to the toilet before you start your trip. It’s much easier indoors than outdoors and causes less harm to nature.
• When driving, be considerate of other traffic. It’s dangerous to stop in the middle of the road to watch the Northern Lights. Always remember to have reflector with you during dark nights.
• Enjoy the journey: Even if the Northern Lights don’t appear, the experience of being in the Arctic wilderness is magical. The tranquility of Laplands nature can be just as rewarding as the Auroras themselves.
Find your Northern Lights -activity
Aurora Photography Trip – Autumn
This program focuses on photography with our professional guide to capture magic moments of you with the celebrity, Ms. Aurora….
Snowmobile Safari to Search for Northern Lights
Given extra light by the white snow reflection or the stars and the moon, we follow the snowmobile trails away from city lights and search for a spot to admire the evening sky and expect the magic of the northern lights..
Aurora Borealis Picnic
Northern Light tour with picnic, by riverside. Tour operating from September to the end of April.
Aurora hunting photo tour
Ride around the surroundings of Lapland in a bus to observe the auroras.
Northern Lights Hunting (Photography) Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Northern Lights Hunting is your best chance to find the aurora borealis ! (Photography)
Excursion to Aurora Borealis Camp by Bus 7.1.-31.3., Rovaniemi
Discover the phenomena of the northern sky at our Northern Lights base
Ski Trekking under the Northern Lights
Enjoy an evening Ski Trekking safari through the scenery of Lapland and catch your chance to observe the Northern Lights in the middle of the wilderness!
Northern Lights skiing adventure
On this tour you will go out searching and photographing the Northern Lights by skis!
More information about Northern Lights
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Aurora Borealis are visible from late August until end of March or beginning of April
Northern Lights Season
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Northern Lights Tours
Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.