The Best Way to See the Northern Lights when visiting Rovaniemi, Finland

Welcome to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland that combines wild nature and modern city comforts. Also known as Santa Claus’s official hometown, Rovaniemi is a year-round hub for Arctic experiences.

By day, you might sample local cuisine, join husky or snowmobile ride, go hiking, skiing or snowshoeing, or enjoy the festive atmosphere in Santa Claus Village.

By night, you are standing out in the dark, tracing your breath in the frosty air as the first flickers of red and green begin to appear on the horizon. For many visitors, this is the real draw: the chance to witness—and capture photos of—the Aurora Borealis!

But before you pack your bags and point your tripod northward, there are a few things you need to know about the Northern Lights.

Can you actually guarantee seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?

The short answer is no—the Aurora Borealis is like a living, breathing phenomenon, driven by solar winds and geomagnetic currents that shift without warning and must collide just right to ignite the lights in the sky. Claiming a 100% Northern Lights guarantee would be like claiming control over this complex natural phenomenon.  

Even during Lapland’s peak Aurora season from early September through March, the Aurora Borealis remains delightfully unpredictable. Sudden cloud cover or an unexpected drop in geomagnetic activity can still leave the sky empty from activity.

What we can guarantee, however, is expert guidance, real-time data-driven decision and adjustments to our nightly routes, and a commitment to chase every possible clearing in the clouds.  

For us, the unpredictability is actually part of the thrill: the hunt for a clear and dark sky, the hours spent scanning the sky, and shared laughs around a campfire are all a part of the Northern Lights experience in Rovaniemi

Capturing Northern Lights in photos

What transforms a cold, starry night into a real photographic adventure is having a professional photographer by your side.

At Beyond Arctic, every tour is led by a professional photographer whose passion matches their Arctic expertise.  Our small-group tours are limited at 8 participants, which means we can change our route at a moment’s notice: maybe a nearby clearing promises a clear sky, or an uptick in solar activity means a stronger display is still to come. Our experienced team monitors multiple data sources, cross-reference cloud-cover maps, and can adjust routes on the fly. What’s more, we usually have multiple teams out at the same time, so we can cover a large area with first-hand observations!

While nature remains ultimately beyond anyone’s control, booking a Northern Lights photography tour with Beyond Arctic is about more than increasing your chances of seeing the Aurora. It’s also an opportunity to explore Lapland safely and responsibly, learn from our knowledgeable guides, and capture striking images you’ll be proud to share, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned shutterbug!

Of course, experience and equipment only matter when you know where to look.  We believe you do not need to drive all night on dark icy roads, and we do not promise something we can’t deliver. That’s why we rely on years of local knowledge, research and experience to guarantee you the best possible chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. We have been refining our approach since 2016, making Beyond Arctic the first and original Northern Lights photography experts in Rovaniemi.

For us, welcoming our guests to our Discover the Northern Lights photography tours isn’t just about ticking a bucket-list item. It should be about immersing yourself in the Arctic night, learning insider tips on local culture and hidden gems from our passionate guide team, and returning safely with memories – and photos – that will last long after you have returned home.

Everything is included in our tours

On a Beyond Arctic Northern Lights tour, your comfort and safety are carefully managed. We provide high-quality winter suits, insulated boots, and gloves suitable for even the coldest winter nights, so you can focus on the sky instead of the cold. The collection of edited photos will be available for downloading in high-quality, printable files a few days after your tour.

Are you ready to plan your Arctic adventure?

You can explore the available dates, tour options and adventures on the Beyond Arctic website, find early-bird specials or ask our experts for tailored experiences for families, solo travellers, and photography enthusiasts alike.

Don’t forget to browse our latest Northern Lights captures on social media —follow us on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for inspiration and a glimpse of what awaits you under the Arctic sky!