The Arctic Circle sky is an incredibly beautiful and pure experience for everyone visiting or living in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to witness the dance of the Northern Lights. The city is located right on the Arctic Circle, in the optimal Northern Lights viewing area. This means that if the sky is clear and the solar wind is blowing, the Northern Lights can appear almost anywhere.

However, many travelers wonder: do you have to travel for hours into the wilderness to see the Northern Lights, or can you see them even from your hotel window? The answer is simple: both are possible. In this guide, I will go through the best places to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi and tell you how to maximize your chances of success.

If you are traveling without a car and staying in downtown Rovaniemi, Arktikum (also known as Arktikum Park) is your best friend. Even though the streetlights shine brightly around you, the Ounasjoki River flowing next to the park offers a wide and open view of the northern sky.

Walk past the glass tube-shaped Arktikum museum to the riverbank. Here, there is less light pollution and you can watch the sky directly above the river. It is a popular spot, so you probably won’t be alone, but the atmosphere is often electric when the sky starts to turn green.

Tip: If you want to make sure you get professional-quality photos to remember this moment, I recommend checking out Rovaniemi’s photo safaris, where a guide will help you with your camera settings on site.

Ounasvaara is Rovaniemi’s own “home fell.” Climbing to its summit is rewarding, as the difference in altitude helps you see further into the horizon. This is crucial, especially when the northern lights are less active and only visible low in the northern sky.

You can either drive to the Sky Hotel Ounasvaara parking lot and walk from there to the observation tower, or head towards the darker forest paths and lean-tos. The forests of Ounasvaara effectively block out the city lights behind you. However, remember to bring a headlamp, as the paths can be slippery and pitch-dark in winter.

Tip: You can get to Ounasvaara on foot, by bus, or by taxi. There’s also places to stay in the area, so you can see the Northern Lights right from your window.

If you want to escape the city lights completely, head to Norvajärvi, about a 20-minute drive away. Although Norvajärvi is not in the immediate vicinity of the city, the lake shore offers a perfect, unobstructed view to the north. Here, the silence and darkness are palpable.

The ice on the lake (always check the strength of the ice!) or open areas on the shore are great places to set up your camera tripod. Lake Norvajärvi is also a favorite destination for many local professional guides, as it offers stunning reflections on the lake surface in the fall before the ice sets in.

Don’t have your own car? No worries. Several local northern lights companies provide transportation and serve hot drinks by the campfire in these stunning lake landscapes.

Although the above-mentioned locations are great, seeing the Northern Lights is always a bit of a gamble with nature. Many people ask: is it worth paying for a tour? In our opinion, it is definitely worth considering.

Here are a few reasons why professional help is often worth the cost:

1. Weather control and chasing cloudless skies: It may be completely cloudy in the center of Rovaniemi, but 50 kilometers away the sky is clear. Professional guides monitor satellite images and drive to where the sky is clear. They have networks and information that visitors to the city cannot access on a single trip.

2. Warmth and safety: Winter nights in Lapland can be brutal, with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees Celsius. Safari companies provide high-quality thermal suits, boots, and a warm campfire. This makes waiting enjoyable rather than a chore.

3. Professional photos: Photographing the Northern Lights is an art form. The guides will not only take photos of you, but also teach you how to get the best results with your own phone or camera.

Before heading out into the night, check at least these things to give yourself the best chance of enjoying the northern lights show:

• Weather forecast: Check the cloud situation on the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website. You can also find a weekly forecast for the Northern Lights in the Rovaniemi area, updated from August to April, on our website.
• Activity: Track the KP index with apps (e.g., My Aurora Forecast).
• Clothing: Layering is the key.
• Patience: The Northern Lights don’t watch the clock. Be prepared to spend time at your viewing spot.

Rovaniemi offers a magnificent setting for the experience of a lifetime. Whether you are an independent adventurer or a fan of organized tours, the most important thing is to look up.

Find the service provider that suits your needs and discover an unforgettable experience on our Northern Lights Companies Rovaniemi page.

Is is possible to see Aurora Borealis by myself?

Yes. In Rovaniemi, it is possible to see the Northern Lights on up to 150 nights a year, and they can often be seen even in the city. However, the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights are on organized Northern Lights safaris.

Is it sure that I will see Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi?

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee this. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that requires certain conditions. If, for example, it is cloudy throughout your vacation, you will unfortunately not be able to see the Northern Lights. However, some companies offering Aurora Borealis tours will take you on a guaranteed Northern Lights safari, which may involve traveling as far as northern Norway to see the Northern Lights. If you still don’t see them there, you usually don’t have to pay for your trip. However, always check the terms and conditions with the service provider.

I have rented a car. Where should I go to see the Northern Lights?

Our recommendation is that you go to Norvajärvi. There is very little light pollution, the nature around the lake is beautiful, and it is not far from the city center. However, please remember that many locals live in Norvajärvi, so please respect everyone’s yards and privacy.