Rovaniemi: Ice Floating in Forest Lake with Aurora Borealis

Imagine floating peacefully on a chilled, icy lake under a sprawling starry sky, with the shimmering Northern Lights swirling above. That’s essentially what this tour promises — a blend of tranquility, stunning natural beauty, and a touch of adventure. While we haven’t done this exact experience ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture.

What we love about this tour is how it combines relaxation with a touch of magic — floating in a dry, insulated suit makes the experience accessible even in chilly Arctic weather, and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis in such a unique setting is unforgettable. Plus, the guides seem to be genuinely knowledgeable and friendly, which makes all the difference when you’re in a new environment.

A potential drawback? Since the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, their appearance isn’t guaranteed. Weather, cloud cover, and solar activity all influence what you’ll see. This means patience and flexibility are key. If you’re someone who loves serene, picture-perfect moments and doesn’t mind a little unpredictability, this tour will suit you well — especially if you’re eager for a truly different way to experience Lapland’s winter wonderland.

Who is this experience best for?

This tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy relaxed, nature-based activities, are curious about the Arctic environment, and want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure. It’s ideal for those comfortable with cold weather and looking for a peaceful, memorable night under the stars.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique Floating Experience: Float comfortably on a frozen lake in a high-quality insulated suit, combining relaxation with Arctic adventure.
• Northern Lights Viewing: An excellent, peaceful way to witness the Aurora Borealis, with guides who help maximize your chances.
• Comfort and Safety: The use of professional guides, warm suits, and hot drinks ensures a cozy, secure environment despite the cold.
• Weather Dependency: Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity — not a guaranteed show.
• Group Size & Flexibility: Minimum group size is two people; larger groups and special conditions (such as Sundays requiring four people) can influence scheduling.
• Authentic Experience: Interacting with friendly guides and enjoying local treats like gingerbread and hot drinks adds to the experience.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Your Arctic Journey

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or accommodation within 10 km of Rovaniemi. The ease of this door-to-door service means you can relax from the get-go, avoiding the hassle of finding transportation in the snow-covered streets. Expect to wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup — punctuality is advised to keep everything running smoothly.

Once aboard, the drive to the lake is usually brief, giving you a quick preview of Lapland’s winter landscape — tall, snow-laden trees and the occasional reindeer or snowmobile crossing. The guides often share insights on the local environment, culture, and what to expect, making the transfer both informative and anticipatory.

The Floating in a Warm, Dry Suit

Arriving at the lake, you’ll be fitted with a high-quality insulated floating suit designed to keep you dry and warm despite the icy waters beneath. Several reviewers praised the suits’ effectiveness, with some noting that they kept them fairly dry, though a few mentioned slight leaks. Folks also pointed out that they felt surprisingly comfortable and dry in the suits, which is a testament to the gear’s quality.

It’s important to note that you must be at least 130 cm (about 4’3″) to wear the suits comfortably, and guides are available to address sizing concerns beforehand. Many reviewers appreciated the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, often praising them for their helpfulness and local knowledge.

More Great Tours Nearby

Floating and Aurora Watching

Once suited up, it’s time to float! The guides often assist with safety and technique, ensuring you feel confident in the icy waters. Floating for about 10-15 minutes at a time, many travelers describe the sensation as peaceful and surreal — a feeling of weightlessness beneath a vast, star-studded sky.

Several reviews highlight how memorable and “calm” the experience is, with some mentioning how close they’ve felt to nature’s silent grandeur. The guides typically take photos of guests in the lake, making it easy to remember the moment. As one reviewer put it, “Theo was very kind and helped us take beautiful photos when we saw the aurora.”

The Aurora Borealis: A Natural Spectacle

While the Northern Lights are unpredictable, many guests report successful sightings, often under clear, cloudless skies. The guides do their best to maximize your chances, sometimes stopping on the way to the lake to watch the sky or offering tips on photographing the Aurora. Several reviews mention the thrill of seeing the lights dance overhead, with one reviewer describing the sight as “absolutely incredible,” lasting hours in some cases.

However, it’s worth remembering that cloud cover or poor solar activity can prevent Aurora sightings. Patience is key, and even if the lights don’t appear, the experience of floating quietly under the starry sky remains special.

Warming Up with Local Treats

After your time in the water, you’ll be invited to warm up with hot drinks and gingerbread — a thoughtful touch to relax and reflect on the experience. Many reviewers appreciated this cozy finale, noting that the hot beverages and cookies added a comforting touch after the chilly adventure.

Practical Aspects and Value

The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, balancing enough time for the floating experience, Aurora viewing, and warming up afterward without feeling rushed. The price, which includes transportation, high-quality gear, a guide, and snacks, offers good value considering the memorable nature of the activity.

The small group setting — with a minimum of two participants needed — fosters a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. If traveling alone or with a partner, you’ll find it easy to connect with other travelers, many of whom have praised their guides for being friendly, informative, and patient.

Considerations for Travelers

• Weather and Northern Lights: Since Aurora sightings depend on natural conditions, it’s wise to keep flexible expectations.
• Clothing and Preparation: Though suits keep you dry, it’s advised to wear thermal layers, gloves, and warm socks underneath to stay comfortable.
• Group Size & Scheduling: The tour requires at least 2 people, and on Sundays, 4 people are necessary for it to proceed. Booking early or in a small group can help secure your spot.
• Age restrictions: Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum height for suits is 130 cm.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This experience isn’t just about chasing the Northern Lights — it’s about appreciating the Arctic environment in a peaceful, contemplative way. Floating in a frozen lake, surrounded by snow-covered trees, with the sky alive with auroras, creates a moment of quiet wonder that’s hard to match.

It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic activity that combines gentle adventure with beautiful natural sights. The guided aspect ensures safety and local insights, making it suitable even for those unfamiliar with Arctic conditions.

If you’re after a unique winter memory, something that feels both surreal and serene, this tour offers a rare chance to connect with Lapland’s wilderness in a very personal way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, the Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon, so sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides do their best to maximize your chances but cannot promise a sighting.

What should I wear underneath the suits?
Many reviewers recommend thermal layers, gloves, and warm socks underneath the insulated suits, especially if you plan to float for more than a few minutes.

How long does the floating experience last?
Guests typically float for about 10-15 minutes at a time, with the total activity around 2.5 hours including transportation and warming up.

Can children participate?
Children 11 and under need adult supervision and must be accompanied by paying adults. They also need to meet the minimum height of 130 cm to wear the suits comfortably.

What if there are fewer than 2 participants?
The tour requires at least 2 people to run. On Sundays, 4 are needed. If the group size is too small, the activity might be canceled or rescheduled.

Are the suits safe and reliable?
Guides confirm that the suits are high quality and designed for safety and comfort. Some leakage may occur, but overall guests report feeling secure in the gear.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation (pickup and drop-off), a floating suit, hot drinks, gingerbread, and a guide are included. No hidden costs.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges, as the activity requires getting into and out of floating suits and the icy water.

Final Thoughts

This Arctic floating adventure in Rovaniemi is a genuine treat for those eager to experience Lapland’s winter magic in a relaxed, scenic way. Floating in a warm suit on a quiet lake, under a sky alight with the Northern Lights, offers a surreal sense of peace and awe. The guides’ professionalism and the thoughtful touches like hot drinks and cookies make it feel both authentic and comfortable.

While Aurora sightings can’t be guaranteed, the overall experience — combining natural beauty, gentle adventure, and expert guidance — is well worth considering. It’s especially appealing for travelers who appreciate scenic, slow-paced activities that foster a real connection with the Arctic environment.

If you’re looking for a memorable, tranquil night out in Lapland, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary — a peaceful, breathtaking way to enjoy the polar night.

To sum it up, this experience is a standout choice for travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic, and truly enchanting Arctic adventure. The combination of comfortable gear, expert guides, and the chance to see the Northern Lights in such a unique setting makes it a valuable addition to any Lapland trip. It’s best suited for those who enjoy gentle outdoor activities, are comfortable in cold weather, and want to create a peaceful memory amidst Lapland’s winter splendor.

You can check availability for your dates here: