Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora and aurora borealis, polar lights, or southern lights, are a natural light display visible in high-latitude regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic. The name “Aurora Borealis” comes from Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, and Borealis, the Greek name for the north wind. The Northern Lights have an enchanting aura, featuring breathtaking displays of dancing colours and shapes, often referenced in ancient myths and folktales. These lights have fascinated people for centuries, and you can experience this mesmerizing natural phenomenon by joining one of our Northern Lights tours in Finland.

Things to Know About the Northern Lights Tour

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon that illuminates the night sky with a dramatic and magical display of colours. Auroras occur when the sun’s surface temperature fluctuates, causing solar particles to escape from sunspot areas. These particles create solar winds, which interact with Earth’s atmosphere, producing the stunning displays known as the Northern Lights. Auroras are not exclusive to Earth; they also occur on other planets in our solar system.

Every winter, Finland attracts thousands of tourists hoping to witness this mesmerizing light show. While the colours, shapes, and intensity of the auroras vary, they often appear as swaying green curtains across the sky. At times, the Northern Lights may appear as a slow-moving, diffuse glow, giving the sky a greenish hue. Other times, they form stripes or serpentine patterns stretching across the sky. On some occasions, they become intense, moving rapidly and changing shape within seconds. Regardless of the form they take, witnessing the Northern Lights is always a breathtaking experience.

The Northern Lights are an unpredictable natural phenomenon. The safaris are designed to give you the best chance to observe them, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that they will appear.

The Mythical Explanation of the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights have inspired many myths and legends throughout history. In ancient Greek mythology, Aurora was a goddess and the sister of Helios (the Sun) and Selene (the Moon). It was believed that she rode across the sky in her chariot to signal the arrival of dawn.

According to Viking legends, the shimmering lights were reflections from the shields of the Valkyries—female warrior spirits who served the god Odin. The Valkyries would ride across the sky before battles, choosing which warriors would win or lose. Fallen warriors were believed to travel to Valhalla, guided by the light reflecting from the Valkyries’ armor.

The Best Places in Finland to See the Northern Lights

Finland offers many excellent locations to view the Northern Lights. Due to its northern location, auroras can be seen throughout the country under the right conditions.
Rovaniemi is one of the best places in Finland to witness this magnificent phenomenon, with approximately 150 sightings per year. For the best views, it is recommended to venture outside the city, though the lights can sometimes be visible even from within Rovaniemi.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights

Since the Northern Lights are a naturally occurring phenomenon, predicting their exact appearance is challenging. The best time to see them in Finland is from late autumn through winter and early spring. The colder and darker months, typically from November to March, provide the most favourable conditions for aurora viewing due to the long, dark nights.

The Best Way to Hunt for the Northern Lights

Searching for the Northern Lights on your own can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. Winter driving conditions in Finland can be hazardous, with snow, ice, and fog creating challenges for those unaccustomed to such conditions.

Booking a guided tour with our professional team is the best way to maximize your chances of witnessing this breathtaking spectacle. Our guides know the best locations for Northern Lights viewing, and these spots change daily depending on weather conditions.
Most tours last between three to five hours, and the destination varies each night to increase the likelihood of seeing the auroras. Be sure to dress in warm layers including warm gloves and hat, this even if the safari agency will provide thermal suits and boots.

Experiencing the Northern Lights is often the highlight of a winter trip to Finland. If you are an adventure seeker, photographer, or nature enthusiast, witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon should be at the top of your list