You may have seen them online, heard about them, and they’re probably one of the things you’ve always dreamed of witnessing… The Northern Lights in Rovaniemi!

As the nights grow long and dark, the aurora borealis brings a magical touch of light to the Arctic skies. However, this phenomenon depends on several factors — and the most important one is the weather! Believe it or not, aurora hunters aren’t fans of snowfall. Clear or partly clear skies and dry conditions are much more favorable for spotting the Northern Lights. Weather in Lapland also changes quickly, so be ready to venture beyond Rovaniemi to reach the most promising spots.

With a 97% success rate on our Northern Lights photography tours during the 2024–25 season, you can trust our expert guides to do everything possible to make your experience unforgettable — even if that means driving all the way to Sweden to escape cloudy skies over Finnish Lapland!

Discover our different Northern Lights tours in Rovaniemi:

• Aurora Pass – Book 3 nights or more at a discounted price and increase your chances. Retry if needed, explore new locations each evening, and benefit from the best weather windows.
• Family Tour (3h) – A gentle, kid-friendly experience
• Private Tour (3h30) – Your own vehicle and guide
• Premium Tour (6h) – A private experience with an optional salmon soup dinner by the fire

Hiking is a must-do activity in Lapland, no matter the season! Each time of year offers its own charm — with ever-changing natural scenery and unique lighting. In the Rovaniemi area, you’ll find plenty of picturesque trails with beautiful viewpoints and rich, diverse landscapes, perfect for a half-day or full-day outing. Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore the Arctic wilderness safely while learning how to identify animal tracks, native plants, and even some basic survival skills. To top it off, your guide will prepare a traditional Finnish snack over an open fire, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a longer adventure, head out from Rovaniemi to the famous Korouoma Canyon, located in a colder region of Lapland. Even if snow is scarce, the frozen waterfalls and dramatic canyon views are still breathtaking. You don’t need to be an athlete — just ready for a 5 km trail (about 2 hours of hiking), ending with a lunch break by the fire.

Alternatively, opt for a hike to the Amethyst Mine, nestled in the hills of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. This guided excursion from Rovaniemi combines nature with culture: you’ll hike through boreal forest, visit one of Europe’s only active amethyst mines, learn about this semi-precious stone, and even dig your own amethyst. From the top of Lampivaara Hill, enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding Lapland wilderness.

You simply can’t visit Finland without trying the sauna! A true cornerstone of Finnish culture — with nearly three million saunas for just over five million people — the sauna is more than just a way to relax; it’s a way of life. Finns go to the sauna to unwind, reflect, recharge… and sometimes even make important decisions. So why not start your holiday in Rovaniemi with a sauna session to clear your mind and plan your adventures?

The traditional Finnish sauna, heated with wood, combines intense warmth with a refreshing plunge into cold air or water — a contrast known for its many health benefits, both physical and mental. And don’t worry if you’re new to the experience: your guide will walk you through every step and help you enjoy it the Finnish way.

From Rovaniemi, we offer two intimate sauna experiences in stunning natural settings:

• Wilderness sauna session – Enjoy the magical atmosphere of a traditional sauna deep in the forest. If the weather is clear in the evening, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing above the lake.

• Reindeer & sauna excursion – Spend half a day meeting reindeer at an authentic family-run farm, then relax in a rustic lakeside sauna. A perfect blend of local culture, nature, and wellness.

In both cases, the experience takes place in a genuine wood-heated sauna by a lake, complete with a private pier for the brave souls who want to take a dip in the icy water. A true escape into the heart of Lapland.

Sled dogs are an essential part of the Lapland experience in Finland. These hardy animals, well adapted to cold climates, don’t just love to run — they need it to stay balanced and happy! To ensure their well-being and maintain their physical condition, mushers regularly train their dogs, especially as winter approaches. As early as autumn — even before the snow covers the landscape — the dogs begin their training sessions by pulling wheeled carts. These outings help keep them fit and strengthen the team spirit within the pack.

And the good news? You can experience this for yourself! Even without snow, you can join a training ride, pulled by enthusiastic huskies, and get a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic Lapland activity.

If the husky cart ride isn’t your thing but you’d still love to spend time with the dogs, visiting an ethical kennel is a great alternative.

Our tip: Combine reindeer and huskies in a single excursion! Visit a reindeer farm in the morning, then enjoy a husky ride (or kennel visit) in the afternoon!

Looking to pick up the pace and explore the surroundings of Rovaniemi? Unfortunately, snowmobile tours usually don’t start until late November, when there’s enough snow to cover the ground properly. As a great alternative, you can opt for a fatbike ride — just as adventurous — to discover the Rovaniemi area and the peaceful landscapes around our charming town.

With their oversized tires, fatbikes are ideal for getting around in October and November, as they can handle all kinds of terrain — even icy or snowy trails! Don’t worry about slippery paths: these bikes are designed for Arctic conditions and will keep you safe and steady on the ride.

Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced cyclist, there’s an experience to suit your level. We offer guided cultural tours around the city and Santa Claus Village, where you’ll learn about Rovaniemi’s history, as well as more active rides through the Arctic forests to reach scenic viewpoints. Independent travelers can also rent bikes at a very affordable price.

Take a look at our recommended cycling routes around Rovaniemi here!