Roka Street Bistro : 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.

77%

There is a 77% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Rovaniemi area (forecast for 11 January 2026 at 8:29pm UTC)

Kp 5.00

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.

HPI 76 GW

The Hemispheric Power Index (HPI) is a vital measure used to assess the strength of auroral activity at the poles. It estimates the total auroral energy input, with values above 20 GW indicating an aurora-active state. When the HPI reaches levels of 100 GW or more, it signifies a very significant geomagnetic storm, which can lead to spectacular auroral displays.

Bz -3 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.

Bt 5 nT

Bt measures the overall power of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) from the Sun; higher numbers (e.g., above 20 nT) mean more energy available for aurora.

Density 2.54 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 centimetre (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 550.7 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 46%

Sunrise 10:32am

Sunset 2:17pm

Moonrise 2:30am

Moonset 10:06am

Clouds

-26°C Feels like -33°C

High: -23°C
Low: -28°C

Chance of precipitation 0%
Cloud cover 100%
Northerly winds 2 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 Likely to sell out

Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi

4.5 (173)

3 hours From £193.75

This combined husky and reindeer package is specially designed for those who would like to get the most of Lapland in a short period of time. You will be taken to a reindeer farm and for a short visit and safari. After visiting the reindeer, you will meet huskies and enjoy of a husky ride before heading back to Rovaniemi.
Free cancellation

Family Snowmobile Safari in Rovaniemi

5.0 (45)

3 hours From £92.89

We are Snowride Lapland, offering high-quality snowmobile activities in both English and Spanish. What sets us apart is our exceptional heated sledges for children under 1.35 meters tall. These sledges are equipped with seat belts and are pulled by our experienced guide, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. This attention to detail provides a unique experience for families and makes our offerings stand out from other companies in Rovaniemi. Our focus on small group activities further allows us to deliver personalized and unforgettable experiences for all our guests.
Free cancellation

The Husky Forest Escape - 10KM Husky Safari

No reviews

2 hours From £154.82

Join our small, family-run company for a unique husky sledding experience in the heart of nature! Drive your own sled with guidance from professional mushers, enjoy friendly dogs, and warm up with hot drinks and cookies after the ride. Our family-friendly tours are perfect for all experience levels, letting you navigate the stunning Arctic landscape on an unforgettable adventure
Free cancellation

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

4.8 (34)

4 hours 30 minutes From £202.60

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.
Free cancellation

ROVANIEMI Unlimited Range Northern Lights Hunt with VIP Van

4.9 (370)

8 hours From £158.36

AURORA HUNT – REAL NORTHERN LIGHTS EXPERIENCE Join Lapin Taivas for an authentic Northern Lights adventure! We can travel up to 300+ KM in our comfortable Mercedes Pegabus Vans, chasing clear skies or heading deep into the wilderness — this tour is made for true Aurora Hunters. Our professional guides and photographers use the best weather data, cameras, and lenses to find the lights and capture unforgettable shots. All photos are delivered to your email within 8–72 hours after the tour. Unlike standard tours, we follow no fixed route. We drive wherever the sky is clear, often 100+ KM away from city lights, to give you the best possible viewing conditions. With an impressive 93% success rate during the 2024–25 season, this is one of the most reliable and exciting Aurora experiences in Lapland. ✨ Lapin Taivas – Your Way to the Lights ✨ ⚠️ Not recommended if you have another early morning activity the next day.
Free cancellation

7km Self Driven Husky Sled Adventure in Rovaniemi

4.6 (12)

3 hours 30 minutes From £194.64

A small group experience with the huskies. Enjoy the stunning landscapes through the lappish lakes and forests and feel the adrenaline on your Husky sled being the musher. This is a unique tour far from the crowded tours so you get the most of this once in a lifetime adventure

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: 69%

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: 69%

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: 77%

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.