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Northern Lights & Arctic nights | Rovaniemi's best nighttime experiences

Rovaniemi blends lively nightlife with unforgettable Arctic experiences. After a day of exploring, you can unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna, try local karaoke (a Finnish favourite), or dive into authentic Lappish cuisine. But the real magic begins when the Aurora Borealis sweeps across the Lapland sky, painting it with shimmering greens, purples, and pinks. With up to 200 Aurora nights a year, Rovaniemi gives you front-row seats to one of Earth’s most mesmerizing natural spectacles, the perfect way to end an Arctic night.

  • Who it’s for: Winter sports enthusiasts, first-time Arctic travelers, nightlife lovers, couples on romantic escapes, and anyone wanting to experience the magic of Lapland after dark.
  • Highlights: Join a guided Northern Lights safari then visit Santa Claus Village and stop by local family-run farms to meet the animals up close.
  • Pro-tip: Plan your trip between late September and late March, when nights are long and skies are clear.

Top things to do in Rovaniemi at night

Night husky safari

Race through frozen forests on a dog sled driven by your own husky team; guides provide headlamps and safety training, and the fast pace plus icy air makes this one of the area’s most thrilling nighttime experiences.

Northern Lights husky tours

Night reindeer sleigh ride

Glide silently through snow-covered forests on a reindeer-pulled sleigh under star-filled skies; the calm ride lets you experience traditional Sámi travel while learning about reindeer herding culture.

Northern Lights reindeer tours

Northern Lights hunting (Aurora Borealis)

Head deep into the Arctic wilderness on a guided aurora chase, where light pollution is nearly zero and bonfire breaks plus photography assistance help you capture vivid green, pink, or purple lights moving across the night sky.

Visit Santa Claus Village

Walk through Santa Village when it’s quieter and beautifully illuminated, cross the Arctic Circle line in soft blue lights, and explore shops or grab hot chocolate in a more atmospheric, less-crowded setting.

Santa Claus Village tours

Arctic ice floating

Float in a frozen lake wearing a thermal survival suit that keeps you warm and dry while you drift under the night sky, an oddly calming experience with a chance to see the Northern Lights reflected on the water.

Lappish dinner experiences in a Kota hut

Enjoy traditional Lapland dishes like sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), salmon cooked on a flaming plank (loimulohi), or Lappish cheese with warm cloudberries (leipäjuusto) inside a fire-lit wooden hut, paired with stories about Arctic life.

Evening sauna + ice plunge

Try a Finnish sauna by the riverside, followed by a cold plunge into ice-cut water; the hot-cold cycle boosts circulation, and many saunas offer quiet outdoor relaxation decks under the stars.

Nighttime city walk along the frozen Kemijoki River

Wander the riverfront where snow glows under streetlights and locals stroll between cafés and bars; expect calm, scenic paths with views of the iconic Jätkänkynttilä 'Lumberjack Candle' bridge illuminated at night.

Visit a local pub or craft beer bar

Spend the evening in Rovaniemi’s cozy pubs like Café & Bar 21, Kauppayhtiö, or Uitto Pub, where you can try Finnish craft beers, local snacks, and occasionally hear live music or mingle with locals.

Guided vs DIY Aurora hunting | Why tours give you the best chance

AspectGuided Northern Lights toursDIY Aurora hunting

Chances of seeing the Lights

Professional guides use live weather data, satellite maps, and years of experience to predict clear-sky zones, sometimes even crossing into Sweden or Norway to improve your chances of a sighting.

Limited by what you can research yourself. Cloud cover, local weather, and terrain can easily reduce visibility, and it’s hard to know where to go for optimal skies.

Comfort & safety

All logistics are handled, with transfers, thermal overalls, and warm drinks included; guides keep you safe and comfortable even in –20°C conditions.

You’ll need to rent your own vehicle, check road and ice conditions, and prepare for freezing temperatures on your own. Getting lost or stuck in the snow is a real risk in rural Lapland.

Unique experiences

Guided tours turn Aurora chasing into full Arctic adventures, combining reindeer sleighs, husky safaris, and snowmobile rides, with some including visits to Santa’s Pets or day-to-night packages.

You can choose your own spots, but you’ll miss out on curated experiences; no huskies, reindeer, or storytelling around the fire. DIY options are mostly about waiting and watching.

Local culture & insights

Guides share stories about Lapland life, reindeer herding, and Sámi legends like how the Aurora was once believed to be sparks from a fox’s tail.

You can read about the myths online, but the magic of hearing them under the Aurora, told by locals, is something no self-drive can replicate.

Convenience & value

Pickups from hotels or Santa Claus Village, warm gear, snacks, and even hot blueberry juice are part of the package, allowing you to enjoy the experience worry-free.

You’ll need to plan routes, rent gear, check Aurora forecasts, and buy or borrow winter clothing; costs and effort quickly add up.

Flexibility & guarantees

Premium tours promise to go wherever the skies are clearest, even offering money-back guarantees if the Aurora doesn’t appear.

No guarantees; if clouds roll in or visibility drops, the night’s lost. You’ll have to wait for the next clear window.

Photography support

Many tours include professional photography or teach you how to capture the lights yourself. Expert guides adjust your settings, provide tripods, and share edited photos afterward.

Without guidance, capturing the Aurora is challenging; improper camera settings or frozen fingers can mean missing the moment entirely.

Top guided Aurora tours

Husky-powered Aurora chase

Embark on a thrilling evening adventure with a 5km husky sled ride through snowy wilderness, followed by a guided car chase to the best Aurora viewpoints.

  • Best for: Adventurers who want action and atmosphere, a mix of adrenaline and awe beneath the Arctic sky.
  • Pro-tip: Choose early evening departures for better visibility and a longer window to catch the lights.

Recommended tour: Rovaniemi: Northern Lights hunting with husky

Reindeer sleigh Aurora ride

Glide silently through snow-covered forests on a traditional reindeer sleigh, pausing under starry skies for a chance to witness the Aurora in perfect stillness.

  • Best for: Those seeking a tranquil, storybook-style Northern Lights experience steeped in Sámi culture and tradition.
  • Pro-tip: Keep your camera ready during stops; the contrast of reindeer silhouettes against the shimmering sky makes for breathtaking photos.

Recommended tour: Rovaniemi: Northern Lights with reindeer sledding

Day-to-night Arctic adventure

A full 7-hour experience that blends daytime Arctic charm with nighttime magic; meet huskies and reindeer, feed Santa’s Pets, and end with an aurora hunt over frozen lakes.

  • Best for: Travelers short on time who want to combine classic Lapland activities with a Northern Lights chase in one seamless tour.
  • Pro-tip: Dress in layers; most of the day is outdoors, and warmth makes all the difference for comfort during the aurora hunt.

Recommended tour: Day & evening tour – Santa's pets, sledding & Aurora hunt

Everything Arctic; All-in-one day

Why juggle transfers, tickets, and timing when you can experience it all in a single, seamless tour? The all-in-one Rovaniemi day tours combine husky and reindeer rides, Santa Claus Village visits, and Northern Lights chasing into one unforgettable Lapland adventure.

Husky under Northern Lights in snowy landscape.
Browse curated tours

Plan your Rovaniemi visit

Couple watching Northern Lights in Levi, Finland.

The most reliable viewing conditions fall between September and March, when clear, cold nights create the perfect stage for the aurora.

  • September to October: Autumn marks the start of aurora season, with milder temperatures and dramatic color contrasts as forests turn golden. The ground may be damp, so wear waterproof boots if you’re planning a DIY chase.
  • November to February: The polar night period brings the longest hours of darkness, up to 20 hours a day, making this prime time for Northern Lights tours. This is the busiest travel window, so book your tours early to avoid sold-out nights.
  • March to April: Daylight starts returning, but nights remain long enough for frequent auroras. Clearer weather and milder temperatures (often above –10°C) make it perfect for photographers and families.
Friends watching Northern Lights in a night sky, Northern Hemisphere.
  • Autumn (September to October): Temperatures hover between 0°C and +10°C, with colorful forests and unfrozen rivers that reflect the aurora. Light snow may arrive by late October.
  • Winter (November to February): Expect –5°C to –25°C, long nights, and heavy snow cover, ideal for aurora viewing but demanding warm layers and thermal gear.
  • Spring (March to April): Days lengthen and temperatures rise to –10°C to +5°C, bringing clearer skies and more comfortable conditions for outdoor photography.
  • Summer (May to August): The Midnight Sun replaces the Northern Lights as daylight lasts nearly 24 hours. Warm days reach +15°C to +25°C, perfect for hiking but not aurora spotting.
Person browsing red winter jackets in a store aisle.
  • Thermal base layers for warmth and moisture control
  • Fleece or down mid-layer for added insulation
  • Windproof, waterproof parka for snow and Arctic winds
  • Insulated, waterproof boots with solid traction
  • Thermal socks, gloves, scarf, and beanie, plus dry spares
  • Hand warmers, lip balm, and a thermos for long outdoor nights
  • Power bank for recharging devices in sub-zero temperatures
  • Tripod and extra camera batteries for aurora photography
  • Snacks and a reusable water bottle for energy on extended tours
No wheelchair access symbol with red diagonal line.
  • Most Northern Lights viewing spots in Rovaniemi are outdoors on uneven, snowy terrain, which can be challenging for wheelchairs, especially in winter.
  • Hilltop and forest locations like Ounasvaara or remote lakes often require walking or snow transport, making them less accessible without assistance.
  • Guided minivan aurora tours may accommodate limited mobility, but always check in advance, as vehicles and ground surfaces vary.
  • City-edge viewpoints like the Arktikum shoreline provide a relatively accessible option, with paved paths and clear sightlines over the river.

Pro-tip: If accessibility is a concern, choose accommodations with large windows or glass-roof cabins; you’ll have a good chance of spotting the aurora without leaving your room.

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Northern Lights are most active between 9pm and 1am, and the Aurora Alert Realtime app gives live updates specific to Rovaniemi.
  • Step outside every 20 to 30 minutes, even if the sky looks quiet, as auroras can appear suddenly and disappear within minutes.
  • Colder nights often bring clearer skies, so don’t be discouraged by freezing temperatures.
  • Check moon phases before you go, as darker skies without a full moon make auroras more vivid.
  • Avoid bright phone screens while waiting since they reduce your night vision and make the aurora look dimmer. Carry a small flashlight or headlamp with a red filter to move around safely without losing night vision.
  • Keep camera batteries inside your jacket until you’re ready to shoot since the cold drains power quickly. Use a tripod and set your exposure between three and ten seconds with ISO 800 to 1600 for sharper aurora photos.
  • Bring snacks and a thermos with something warm to drink since aurora hunting often involves long waits in the cold.

Aurora hotspots beyond Rovaniemi

Levi

One of Finland’s most reliable aurora destinations, with wide open tundra and flexible chase tours that go wherever the skies are clearest.

  • Pro-tip: Join the unlimited mileage Aurora chase for guaranteed sightings, expert local insights, and real-time route changes based on weather.
Northern Lights tours in Levi

Ylläs & Pallas

Set inside Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, these twin fell areas combine pristine wilderness with crystal-clear, pollution-free skies.

  • Pro tip: Spend a night in Pallas’ wilderness hotel to see the lights directly from your window with no artificial glow nearby.

Luosto & Pyhä

Less crowded than Rovaniemi, these high-altitude fells offer excellent odds for aurora viewing and easy access to winter hiking trails.

  • Pro tip: Visit the Luosto Aurora Alert Center, which tracks real-time activity and notifies guests when lights appear overhead.

Saariselkä

A photographer’s dream, surrounded by vast Arctic plains and minimal light pollution, perfect for multi-night aurora hunts.

  • Pro tip: Stay in a glass igloo or panorama cabin in the hills above Saariselkä to capture wide-sky aurora shots without leaving your bed.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Rovaniemi at night

Yes, Rovaniemi is known for being very safe, even late at night. Paths around the city, riverfront, and Santa Claus Village are well-lit and commonly used by locals.