Rovaniemi: Search for Northern Lights Snowmobiling Trip

If you’re dreaming of a snow-dusted wilderness with the chance to catch the elusive Northern Lights, this snowmobiling safari from Rovaniemi offers a compelling mix of adventure and scenery. Designed for those who want to tick off a quintessential Arctic experience, this tour takes you into Lapland’s snowy forests after dark with a good chance of spotting the aurora borealis.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the guides’ knowledge and helpfulness, which ensure safety and enjoyment, and the stunning views of starry skies and natural beauty that make every moment memorable. However, a potential consideration is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights—even in the best conditions, there’s no 100% guarantee of seeing them.

This tour is best suited for adventure lovers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers keen on authentic Arctic immersion. It’s also ideal if you want a guided experience with safety and comfort in mind, but if you’re traveling with little ones or pregnant women, the activity’s age and health restrictions are important to note.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic adventure with snowmobiling through Lapland’s snowy forests
• Potential for Northern Lights sightings in a natural, unspoiled setting
• Guides’ expertise enhance safety and add local knowledge
• All necessary gear included to stay warm in extreme cold
• Small group experience offers a more personal and flexible outing
• Price at $192 provides good value considering the equipment, guides, and transportation

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This snowmobile safari is a chance to travel through some of the most scenic and tranquil landscapes outside Rovaniemi, with the added thrill of riding a snowmobile. It’s a balanced experience for those seeking outdoor adventure without sacrificing comfort or safety. You’ll be driven through the snowy forests, guided by knowledgeable staff, and given all the gear needed to keep warm.

The possibility of seeing the Northern Lights adds a magical touch, but the tour also offers plenty of awe-inspiring star views even if the aurora plays shy. As the reviews highlight, the guides’ assistance and local tips make a big difference, especially for first-timers or those unfamiliar with snowmobiling.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from convenient locations around Rovaniemi, including major hotels and the Safari Center, ensuring easy access without the hassle of navigating. The first stop, about 50 minutes away, takes you into Lapland’s wilderness where the real adventure begins.

Once at the Wild Nordic Finland Safari Center, there’s a 20-minute safety briefing—a vital step since handling a snowmobile requires some basic knowledge, even if you’ve never done it before. The guides are there to help everyone feel confident, which reviews confirm — “We felt safe and well looked after throughout the trip,” as one traveler put it.

After the briefing, the tour splits into two guided rides, each lasting about 45 minutes, with a stop in between. The ride itself is an open, exhilarating experience. You’ll be strapped into thermal overalls, gloves, woolen socks, and helmets—gear that’s included in the price. The guides are experienced and often multilingual (English spoken), providing local insights and making sure everyone stays safe.

The route takes you through Lapland’s snow-covered forests, where the silence is broken only by the hum of snowmobiles and the occasional distant call of an Arctic bird. The scenery is spectacular—crystalline snow, towering pines, and open vistas that stretch into the dark sky.

Midway, many tours include a campfire break with hot drinks, sausages, and the chance to relax while taking in the starry sky. Some reviews mention this as a highlight, adding a cozy, communal feel to the adventure. It’s a perfect moment to warm up and maybe catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if conditions are right.

The return journey is equally scenic, with the guides ensuring everyone is comfortable and confident. After the ride, you’ll be transported back to Rovaniemi, ending the tour with plenty of time to reflect on your Arctic adventure.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Pick-up points are well-located, making it easy to join the tour without long travel times. The early pickups—ranging from 30 to 60 minutes before the activity—mean you’ll want to be punctual.

The Safari Center is the hub for safety instructions, gear fitting, and briefings. Here, you get equipped with thermal overalls, boots, gloves, wool socks, mask, and helmet. Proper clothing is crucial, as reviews advise layering more than four layers and adding hand or foot warmers for extra comfort.

The snowmobile rides are the core of the experience. Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes of riding time over two segments. The guides typically follow the group, ensuring safety and helping with any issues. Speed can be adjusted based on conditions and group comfort, with some reviews noting the possibility for faster rides if desired.

Midway stop offers a chance to warm up, take photos, and soak in the natural beauty. Many reviewers mention how helpful and friendly the guides are, with some noting they felt safe even as beginners.

Return to Rovaniemi happens after the scenic ride, with drop-offs at the original pick-up locations. All transfers are included, which adds convenience and peace of mind.

Authenticity and Value

Considering the tour costs $192 per person, it provides solid value for the included gear, guides, transportation, and the chance to experience snowmobiling in a pristine environment. The equipment alone—thermal overalls, helmets, gloves—could cost a traveler quite a bit if rented separately, so inclusion is a big plus.

The small group size, capped at six snowmobiles plus guide, allows for a more personalized experience. This means better safety, more interaction, and the flexibility to adapt if weather conditions or group preferences change.

The guides’ local knowledge and helpful attitude are often praised, making the experience not just about riding but also about learning. Even if you don’t see the Northern Lights, many reviews mention the star-filled skies and the overall ambiance as unforgettable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour

This experience suits adventure-minded travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable in cold weather. It appeals to those wanting a genuine Arctic experience — snowmobiling through untouched snow, with the potential for a Northern Lights display overhead.

It’s also great for photographers looking for dramatic landscapes and night sky shots. The safety guidance and gear help make it accessible for beginners, but a good sense of adventure is a must.

If you’re traveling with children under 14 or pregnant women, this tour may not be suitable. The physical and safety considerations are important, and the activity’s nature requires a certain level of mobility and health.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare chance to ride across Lapland’s snowy wilderness, enjoy expert guidance, and maybe catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It’s a well-organized outing, with good reviews highlighting the professionalism of the guides and the stunning scenery.

If you’re looking for an adventurous, authentic Arctic experience that’s more than just sightseeing, this snowmobiling trip is a worthwhile choice. The combination of excitement, natural beauty, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena makes it a must-do for many visitors to Rovaniemi.

Of course, the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, but the journey itself—filled with crisp, cold air, star-lit skies, and the thrill of snowmobiling—will leave you with stories to tell long after your trip ends.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to join this tour?
Yes. The driver must be at least 18 years old and present a valid driver’s license (B category), which you need to bring physically with you.

Can I ride alone on a snowmobile?
Yes, there is a single-rider option available for an extra charge. Otherwise, two adults share a snowmobile, which can be more comfortable and easier to handle.

What should I wear for the trip?
Bring more than four layers of clothing, including thermal underwear, warm outer layers, and accessories like hand warmers and foot warmers. The gear provided includes thermal overalls, boots, gloves, and masks, but extra warmth can enhance comfort.

Is the activity suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 14 years old. It’s designed for adults and older teens who meet the age and safety requirements.

What happens if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sighting cannot be guaranteed. The tour will go ahead regardless of the weather, and even if you miss the lights, the experience of riding through Lapland’s wild landscape remains memorable.

How long is the snowmobile ride?
The guided rides are about 45 minutes each, with approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of riding time in total.

What’s included in the price?
All gear (thermal clothing, helmet, gloves, socks), safety briefing, guidance, and round-trip transportation from the designated pick-up points are included.

Are there any weather considerations?
Yes. The tour proceeds regardless of weather, but snow and wind might affect visibility and comfort. The activity provider reserves the right to modify or cancel parts of the program if necessary.

In the end, this snowmobiling trip in Lapland balances adventure, natural beauty, and safety, making it one of the more authentic ways to experience the Arctic’s magic.

You can check availability for your dates here: