Aurora Ice Floating in Rovaniemi

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights while floating serenely on a frozen lake, the Aurora Ice Floating tour in Rovaniemi offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Although we haven’t personally braved the icy waters ourselves, reviews suggest it’s a memorable experience that combines nature’s beauty with a taste of Arctic daring.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis from a completely light pollution-free setting, floating in near-freezing water while staying warm in a specially designed dry suit. Plus, the expert guides are often praised for their helpfulness and local knowledge.

On the flip side, some travelers note that weather conditions can impact visibility, which is beyond anyone’s control in the Arctic. Still, for those eager to try something different and embrace the Arctic wilderness, this experience is hard to beat. It suits travelers who appreciate quiet moments, natural beauty, and are willing to brave the cold for a chance at a truly unforgettable sight.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: Floating in a frozen lake under the Northern Lights offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and serenity.
• Expert Guides: Guides are consistently praised for their helpfulness and knowledge, enhancing the experience.
• Light Pollution-Free: The remote location maximizes your chances to see the Aurora Borealis clearly.
• Warm Clothing Provided: Dry suits and hot drinks keep you comfortable despite the near-freezing water.
• Group Size & Duration: Tours are intimate, usually around 6-50 people, lasting about 3 hours, making it a manageable adventure.
• Weather Dependence: Aurora sightings depend on clear skies, so patience and luck are part of the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Aurora Ice Floating Tour

An Introduction to the Experience

Imagine lying back in a dry suit, floating on a silent, icy lake, with the Northern Lights dancing overhead. That’s the core of the Aurora Ice Floating tour in Rovaniemi. It’s an experience that promises more than just a pretty sky; it’s an immersion into Arctic silence and stillness, punctuated only by the flickering Aurora Borealis—if luck and weather cooperate.

What we love about this tour is how it combines adventure and comfort. The dry suit ensures you can enjoy the tranquility of the floating without the chill, and the guides’ friendly demeanor makes the whole experience more personable. Plus, the fact that it takes place far from city lights offers some of the best Aurora viewing conditions you can get.

One potential consideration is the weather, which can be overcast or cloudy, making Aurora sightings less likely. Yet, the journey itself—sitting in a floaty dry suit, surrounded by icy chunks—is a memorable adventure, regardless of the sky’s display.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet, contemplative Arctic moment, or those eager to try something distinctly different from typical Northern Lights safaris.

What to Expect on the Tour

Pickup and Meeting Point

Your adventure begins with convenient pickup at your Rovaniemi hotel or at the centrally-located tour office. The transport takes you out of town into the Finnish wilderness, where the landscape becomes quiet and pristine. The drive itself offers a scenic preview of the Arctic countryside.

Arrival at the Lake and Gear Up

Once at the frozen lake, you’ll be outfitted with a special dry suit designed to insulate and keep you dry in near-freezing water. Guides are attentive here, ensuring everyone is properly dressed before stepping into the icy water. Many reviews highlight the helpfulness and friendliness of the guides, which adds a reassuring touch to the adventure.

Floating Among the Icebergs

The highlight? Lying back in your dry suit, gently floating among ice chunks while gazing up at the sky. The experience emphasizes peace and quiet, allowing you to simply listen to the faint sounds of the Arctic wilderness—unless, of course, the Northern Lights appear. Several guests have described it as “bizarre” yet wonderfully calming, with one reviewer noting that the fire in the Tipi nearby added a cozy element, even if you don’t see the Aurora.

Hot Drinks & Warmth

After floating, you’ll have the chance to warm up with hot drinks—a thoughtful touch that many reviewers appreciate. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that makes the cold Arctic experience more enjoyable.

Return and Reflection

The trip wraps up with transportation back to Rovaniemi, often with plenty of time for guests to reflect on this unusual adventure and perhaps share stories of their Aurora sightings or near-misses.

The Details That Matter

Group Size and Duration

The tour typically accommodates up to 50 travelers, but reviews suggest groups are usually much smaller, around 6-10 people, which helps maintain an intimate and personal atmosphere. The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, balancing enough time to enjoy the floating and to see the sky without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

At roughly $160 per person, the tour offers good value considering the included pickup, transportation, winter clothing, hot drinks, and expert guides. The cost might seem steep, but it reflects the logistical effort of transporting guests into the wilderness and providing all necessary gear. Many reviewers feel the experience is worth the price, especially if Aurora viewing occurs.

Weather and Aurora Visibility

Weather is always a wildcard in the Arctic. Some guests have been thrilled to see the Aurora, while others, like one reviewer, mention overcast skies prevented the sighting. It’s important to approach this tour with patience and a flexible mindset—sometimes the experience of floating and the magnificence of the Arctic night are reward enough, even without the lights.

Accessibility & Child Policy

Children over 120 cm in height are welcome, but younger kids might find the cold challenging. All participants must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate, making this suitable for families, couples, or solo explorers.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

One “Featured” reviewer called it a “phenomenal experience,” praising the guides for their helpfulness and friendliness. Another mentioned that even when the Aurora was shy, the fire in the Tipi added a magical touch. Conversely, some found the ice suit water-proofing could be improved, highlighting how weather and equipment are crucial considerations.

Many guests emphasize the peacefulness of floating on a frozen lake—a unique moment of calm amid Arctic wilderness—and the guides’ attentiveness, which enhances the overall comfort and safety.

The Sum Up

The Aurora Ice Floating tour in Rovaniemi offers a distinctive way to connect with the Arctic landscape and, hopefully, witness the Northern Lights. It’s a well-organized experience that combines adventure, comfort, and expert guidance into a package that appeals to those seeking something truly different.

This tour is especially suited for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those with a sense of curiosity about the Arctic. It’s not just about the potential Aurora sighting but about the peaceful act of floating in a frozen landscape, which can be profoundly moving even without a sky full of lights.

In the end, it’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone and into a quiet, icy world that many find unforgettable. For a reasonable price, you get more than just a spectacle—you gain a story to tell and a memory of Arctic stillness.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at selected Rovaniemi hotels, all necessary transfers, winter clothing (dry suits), guide assistance, hot drinks, and all taxes and fees.

How long does the experience last?
The entire tour lasts about 3 hours, giving enough time for floating, warming up, and traveling to and from the site.

Is this suitable for children?
Children must be at least 120 cm tall and are welcome to join if accompanied by an adult. Most travelers can participate, but very young children might find the cold challenging.

What should I wear?
The tour provides dry suits, so you only need warm layers underneath. Comfortable clothing, thermal wear, and possibly gloves or hats are recommended for after the float.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While many guests hope for Aurora sightings, they depend on clear skies and weather conditions. Some reviews mention overcast nights preventing a sighting, so patience and luck are factors.

What if I don’t see the Aurora?
Even without the lights, floating on a frozen lake in Arctic silence is a special experience. Plus, guided tours often have other small comforts, like warm drinks and cozy fires, to make the night memorable.

How do I book?
You can reserve this experience online through Viator or directly via Safartica, with the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

In short, if you’re after a memorable Arctic adventure that marries nature’s quiet beauty with a dash of daring, the Aurora Ice Floating tour in Rovaniemi is worth considering. Just remember, the Arctic weather is unpredictable, but the experience of floating in this pristine landscape will stay with you long after your trip ends.