You might have seen it on the internet, you might have heard of it and it is probably on your bucket list … Seeing the Northern lights in Rovaniemi!

While the nights are long and full of darkness, it is to be expected that Mrs Aurora would brighten it up! However, this phenomenon depends on several factors, the most important of them being the weather forecast! Believe it or not, aurora hunters don’t like snowfalls! With a clear sky or partly clear sky, and a dry climate, the weather conditions are indeed more favorable for northern lights observation. The weather also changes very fast in Lapland, so be ready to drive away from Rovaniemi to end up in the most promising locations! 

With more than 90% of success on our Northern Lights Photography tours (actually 100% in season 2024-25 so far!), you can trust our experts to do whatever is possible to make this hunt memorable, even if it means driving far into Sweden to escape the cloudy sky covering the Finnish Lapland!

We recommend our private tours for intimate and comfortable experience of the Northern Lights. This autumn we have three private tour options: Our Private tour (3h30); Our Family Tour (3h) for children under 8 years old and our Premium Experience (6h) with our dinner option. 

If you wish to join a small group (max. 8 persons) we have our  best northern lights hunting tour available until the 16th of November in Rovaniemi where you will get guided by one of our professional Aurora experts, enjoy some snacks and explanations around the fire and, of course, get memorable photos!

Hiking is an all year long activity in Finland and especially in Lapland regions! You can visit the same nature reserve during different seasons and observe the changes of scenery. In the Rovaniemi region, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails with viewpoints and beautiful nature features, that are perfect for a half-day trip. Your outdoor expert guide will lead you through arctic nature, teach you about your surroundings and survival tips and will prepare a Finnish barbecue lunch on an open fire.

For a long nature hike you can adventure yourself to the famous Korouoma Canyon and Auttikongäs waterfalls  departing from Rovaniemi, located in an area with a colder climate. Despite the lack or small amount of snow you may find there, you will still enjoy the breathtaking rock canyon with their waterfall starting their freezing process! You do not need to have the physical condition of an athlete but be prepared to walk a 5km trail during approximately 2 hours, concluded by a lunch break around an open fire. 

This is then the opportunity to discover different landscapes, with fells (tunturi) or some gorge. By the end of October – early November, we recommend our early snow adventure departing from Rovaniemi for a full day adventure! Even if the first snowfalls are late in Rovaniemi, this tour will take you to another part of Lapland, higher in altitude or in latitude, in order to allow you to experience the first snowfalls and the white landscapes! In these conditions, snowshoeing is the ideal way to test out the fresh snow.

With an estimate of three million saunas for a population of five and a half million, it is fair to say that saunas are an important component of Finnish culture. It is also said that most important decisions in Finland are taken in saunas. So, how about starting your holidays in Rovaniemi by a sauna, to think about the next activities you can book? 

Finns go to sauna regularly to relax their body and mind! The whole process of sauna and cooling has been known for its various health benefits and that is why, you should have at least one sauna stop in your journey! 

We have two options for you to try this very  local activity : either by night to (maybe) spot the Northern Lights, or during the day coupled with a visit to a long-established reindeer farm. Both offer an authentic experience in a log sauna lost in the middle of nowhere! Don’t worry if you are not familiar with the sauna process : our guide will be there to assist you, light the wood-burner in the sauna and give you more instructions on how to use it in the very Finnish way. There is also a pontoon that leads directly to the lake if you are brave enough to go in the cold water!

Our sauna experiences are always private for intimacy reasons. We have two saunas available, one offering a traditional atmosphere in the middle of the forest and another one with a panoramic view by the river. Please contact us if you would like to organise it for yourself or your group, at info@nordicodyssey.net.

Please contact us if you would like to organise the panoramic sauna session for yourself or your group, at info@nordicodyssey.net.

Huskies are another animal you can get close to in Finnish Lapland. While they need cold temperatures to feel comfortable, their favorite activity is running : they don’t just love running and pulling sleighs, they need it for their well-being! Mushers then have to prepare their dog teams before the busy snow season starts. As soon as lower temperatures allow it in Autumn, sled dogs practice on wheel carts to build their muscles and cohesion. So even without snow, you get the opportunity to enjoy a nice ride and take part in husky training!

If the wheel cart ride is not something for you, but you still want to enjoy nice moments with the dogs, a simple visit to the ethical kennel is still possible. 

Our recommendation : make it a combo! Visit a reindeer farm in the morning and enjoy a husky ride (or simple visit) in the afternoon!

You feel like getting some speed and exploring around Rovaniemi? Unfortunately, snowmobile tours usually start at the very end of November, when the snow amount is enough to offer a good layer on the ground. As an alternative, you may opt for a not less adventurous fatbike ride to discover Rovaniemi area and the surroundings of our lovely little town. 

Equipped with big tires, fat bikes are an easy way to move around in October and November as they adapt to most types of terrain (including snowy roads!). So don’t be afraid of slippery tracks, the tyres are made for Arctic conditions and will offer you a safe ride!

Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced biker, you can enjoy an experience adapted to your level. For example, we offer cultural guided tours around the city and Santa Claus Village to discover Rovaniemi and its history, as well as more physical rides into Arctic forests to reach viewpoints! Independent travelers may also rent the bikes at a very affordable price.

Have a look at our recommended tracks around Rovaniemi here!

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of local cultures with our unique Finnish legends evening around the fire. Around a crackling fire, ancient tales will transport you back in time, revealing the essence of Nordic cultures, traditions and life. Enjoy pancakes cooked on the open fire while listening to your guide’s captivating tales.

This evening cultural tour is designed to offer a special moment of peace in the company of your knowledgeable guide, who will take his time to share information about the cultures of the Far North, local customs, important historical events in Rovaniemi, Finnish art and literature, the indigenous communities, and a few other delightful anecdotes…