Ounasvaaran huippu : Rovaniemi : Seek The Aurora

Rovaniemi

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Located right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is a captivating destination that perfectly merges the enchantment of the northern lights with the charm of winter wonderland experiences. Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers travelers a unique blend of festive spirit, stunning natural beauty, and thrilling activities, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to witness the aurora borealis.

From September to March, Rovaniemi serves as a prime location for experiencing the northern lights. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, your chances of witnessing this celestial display are outstanding.

Credit: Marc Wieland
Credit: Martin Vemödalen
Credit: Fatih Turan
Credit: Fatih Turan
Credit: Marc Linnemann
Credit: Robert Tjalondo
Credit: Sam Williams
Credit: Dylan Shaw
Credit: 66 north

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

Many factors contribute to your likelihood of viewing the aurora in Rovaniemi. Geomagnetic activity, cloud cover and the amount of ambient light all play a big part. Check the forecasts for how good the viewing conditions are today.

6%

There is a 6% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Rovaniemi area (forecast for 13 December 2025 at 3:54pm UTC)

Kp 2.67

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

Bz 4 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced aurora activity.

Density 1.75 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimeter (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 629.3 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Moon

Waning crescent 40%

Sunrise 10:54am

Sunset 1:28pm

Moonrise 1:31am

Moonset 12:23pm

Clouds

-16°C Feels like -23°C

High: -11°C
Low: -24°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 100%
Easterly winds 2 km/h gusts of 7 km/h

Book an amazing adventure in Rovaniemi

Explore this selection of tours and activities to make the most of your visit to Rovaniemi.

Free cancellation

Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage

4.9 (1926)

8 hours From £178.11

Unparalleled Northern Lights Tour: Unlike conventional tours that limit their guests to a single location, we take you on an exhilarating chase to follow the northern lights wherever they may appear. Our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences is deeply rooted in our history, as one of the owners proudly represents the 20th generation of their family in Lapland, Finland, with roots stretching back to the 1600s. Our expert guides employ their extensive experience and up-to-the-minute technology to track and locate the celestial show, maximizing your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring phenomenon. At our tour, we prioritize the true purpose of your visit - to behold the northern lights in all their splendor. We don't distract you with barbecued sausages or unnecessary detours; our sole mission is to provide you with an unforgettable experience of the aurora, ensuring every moment counts.
Free cancellation

Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour with Guaranteed Viewings

4.7 (51)

4 - 6 hours From £115.46

Hunting the Northern Lights in Lapland is unforgettable — and with Arctic GM it becomes a professional Aurora hunt unlike any other. This tour combines expert Aurora Hunter guides & real-time Aurora tracking to give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. As Lapland’s Original Aurora Hunters™, our family has lived here for 20 generations since the 1600s. With international awards and 50,000+ guests, Arctic GM is Lapland’s most trusted operator. Every tour is run in-house with certified guides for safety and authenticity. Your evening begins at our Rovaniemi city centre office. Routes may go up to 2 hours one way, even into Sweden, guided by our 24/7 Back Office Aurora Command Center and 150+ team members. When skies clear, step into snowy wilderness as guides capture professional DSLR photos of you under the Aurora. Thermal overalls, hot drinks, and light snacks are included. With 4–6 hours total, this is Rovaniemi’s most complete Northern Lights hunt by bus.
Free cancellation

Rovaniemi: Drive New 2025 Snowmobiles - Aurora Adventure

3.0 (2)

5 - 6 hours From £142.31

Snowmobiling at night in Lapland is unforgettable — the thrill of riding through snowy forests with the chance to see the Northern Lights above. With Arctic GM, it’s done authentically: small groups, private trails, expert guides, and premium gear. As Lapland’s Original Aurora Hunters™, our family has lived here for 20 generations since the 1600s. With international awards and 50,000+ guests, Arctic GM is Lapland’s most trusted operator. Your evening begins with pickup in a brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 van. At our private base, gear up and get full instructions before setting off on snowmobiles. Each is shared by two guests, with a driver switch halfway. You’ll ride around 2 hours across forest and tundra, far from tourist crowds. Quiet breaks let you enjoy the Arctic night — and if skies are clear, the Aurora Borealis may appear overhead. After the ride, gather by the fire for hot drinks and a barbecue, the perfect ending to an evening of adrenaline, wilderness, and winter magic.
Free cancellation

Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Group Tour - Guaranteed View

4.8 (318)

4 - 6 hours From £124.41

Northern Lights Group Tour – Guaranteed View (4–6 hours) Join Rovaniemi’s most reliable aurora tour — with a 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE IF NO NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE SEEN. Unlike standard tours, we don’t follow fixed routes. Our LOCAL EXPERT GUIDES use real-time weather and solar data to find the best skies — even deep in the wilderness. Every tour is unique and based on live conditions. Guided by a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER, you’ll receive AURORA PHOTOS BY EMAIL after the tour — captured with pro-level gear. This experience is for those who want the GROUP ENERGY, but still expect QUALITY, COMFORT AND RESULTS. ✅ 4–6 hour tour, route changes nightly ✅ GUARANTEED AURORA VIEW or full refund/rebooking ✅ PHOTOS INCLUDED ✅ VARIABLE GROUP SIZE ✅ CENTRAL MEETING POINT IN ROVANIEMI Whether it’s your first time or not, this is your best shot at the lights — a real adventure, no fluff.
Free cancellation

Husky and Reindeer Experience With Snowmobiling

4.0 (53)

6 hours From £177.22

Experience an action-packed arctic journey where you get to ride snowmobiles through stunning wilderness, meet enchanting reindeer, and energetic Alaskan Huskies. Our guides will provide winter clothing and snowmobile training before taking off on a 1 hour long snowmobile adventure through Arctic Circle forests. After the snowmobile journey, visit the husky and reindeer farm, where you can enjoy a 500m ride on your own reindeer sledge and receive a reindeer sledge driver’s license. Next, make your way to the Alaskan Huskies and experience them in action on a 800m long sleigh ride. Listen to the local reindeer herders as they tell you more about the herding lifestyle and how it is to be a reindeer herder in the 21st century.
Free cancellation

10km Husky Ride in the Taiga Forest and Visiting the Kennel

4.8 (29)

4 hours 30 minutes From £204.96

Surrounded by the raw and natural beauty of Lapland, Finland. If you long for a thrilling experience, you have to join us for an adventure with the husky team. Have you ever ridden an open husky sled? The kinship is only vague. And you will hold the reins, too. Yes, you will be the musher (the driver) of the husky slеd. The only requirement is to be more than 18 years old. Of course, the youngsters may be passengers in the back seat. Your fairy tale..”dashing through the snow in a husky open sleigh” begins. Instead of bells the dogs’ barking will jingle, while they enthusiastically follow the trail through the crude, white-clad Lapland forests. It’s really fantastic, a dream come true.

Places to check out around Rovaniemi

Discover Restaurants, Bars, Hiking Trails and more…

Angry Birds Activity Park (Angry Birds leikkipuisto)

Playground
Arktikum

Museum
Cafe & Bar 21

Café
Choco Deli

Dessert Shop
Frans & Chérie

Bistro
Gustav Kitchen & Bar Rovaniemi

Gastropub
Kauppayhtiö

Burger Joint
Koivusaaren luontopolku

Hiking Trail
Könkäänvaara

Mountain
Korkalovaaran luontopolku

Hiking Trail
Korundi

Museum
Koskenranta

Waterfront
Monte Rosa

Steakhouse
Nili Ravintola

Scandinavian Restaurant
Ounasvaaran huippu

Mountain
Ounasvaaran luontopolun laavu

Hiking Trail
Paha Kurki Rockhouse

Bar
Pure Pizza

Pizzeria
Rockravintola Grande

Bar
Roka Street Bistro

Scandinavian Restaurant
Rovaniemen Oluthuone

Beer Bar
SaiGon Noodle Bar

Vietnamese Restaurant
Sky Ounasvaara

Scandinavian Restaurant
Uitto Pub

Pub

Explore more nearby Rovaniemi

Credit: VALO Hotel & Work

Ranua

65°55'46"N, 26°30'57"E

Aurora probability in Ranua: 5%

Ranua, a charming town in Finnish Lapland, is renowned for the Ranua Wildlife Park, where visitors can observe Arctic animals in their natural habitats, including polar bears, lynxes and reindeer, making it a must visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Credit: Benjamin Genz

Kemi

65°44'8"N, 24°33'56"E

Aurora probability in Kemi: 5%

Located on the shores of the Bothnian Bay in Finnish Lapland, Kemi is known for its iconic Snow Castle, a magnificent structure built entirely of snow and ice each winter, as well as its rich maritime history and beautiful coastal scenery.
Credit: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen)

Kemijärvi

66°42'48"N, 27°25'45"E

Aurora probability in Kemijärvi: 7%

A picturesque town in the stunning natural surroundings of Finnish Lapland. Nestled amongst pristine lakes and dense forests, that make Kemijärvi a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and skiing.