Rovaniemi in 1 Days - Pick up & Drop off from central Rovaniemi hotels
In Collaboration with Wonderlapland. Updated on February 25, 2026.
Float under the Arctic stars—or, if conditions allow, beneath the Northern Lights—while wearing survival thermal wetsuits. This cozy 3-hour evening experience includes pick up & drop off, a safety briefing and wetsuit fitting, warm drinks and cookies, and extended time floating on a frozen lake beneath the Lappish sky.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Wonderlapland, inspired by the tour Ice Floating with Auroras. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Pick up & Drop off from central Rovaniemi hotels
- Drift on a frozen lake in survival thermal wetsuits
- Warm drink and cookies served lakeside
- Float beneath the Arctic stars and (weather permitting) the Northern Lights
More than 36 itineraries in Rovaniemi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening ice-floating experience with pick up from central Rovaniemi, safety briefing and wetsuit fitting, extended floating time with warm drinks and cookies, then return to your hotel.
Meeting & pickup / Transfer to lake
Meet your guide at the agreed hotel (default: Arctic City Hotel) for punctual pickup. Short winter transfer to the frozen lake where the experience takes place.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to keep the group on schedule.
- Have a warm outer layer and a waterproof outer jacket for the short transfer from vehicle to the lakeshore.
- If you prefer a specific pickup hotel from the provided list, confirm it at booking — otherwise the operator will assign the nearest pick-up on the day.
Safety briefing & thermal wetsuit fitting
On arrival at the lakeshore the guide will run a short safety briefing, fit survival thermal wetsuits, and explain floating technique and on-ice safety procedures.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small bag with your phone/camera in a dry pouch — electronics should be protected while changing and on the shore.
- Wear quick-dry base layers under the wetsuit and comfortable shoes that are easy to remove when changing.
- If you wear glasses, bring a secure strap; the guide will advise where to keep belongings during floating.
Ice floating under the Arctic sky
Float in survival thermal wetsuits on the frozen lake. The guide remains nearby; relax, look up at the stars and, if conditions allow, the Northern Lights. Warm drinks and cookies are served lakeside during the session.
Tips from local experts:
- Northern Lights are weather-dependent; plan the evening as a relaxed outdoor experience rather than a guaranteed aurora sighting.
- Keep movements slow and steady while floating; the guide will demonstrate the easiest, safest way to lie back and breathe comfortably.
- If you get cold, signal the guide immediately — there will be a nearby heated area or vehicle for short warm-up breaks.
Warm-up, hot drink and cookies
After floating, warm up on the shore with hot drinks and cookies while changing out of the wetsuit and debriefing with your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow the guide to help with removing the wetsuit to avoid getting clothes wet; there will be towels and assistance provided.
- Have a warm outer layer ready to put on immediately after changing to retain body heat.
- If you need a private changing spot for comfort, request it to the guide before the activity begins.
Return transfer & drop-off
Short transfer back to the central pickup hotels and drop-off at or near your original hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect to arrive back at your central Rovaniemi hotel roughly 3 hours after the listed start time; keep this window free for the evening.
- If you have onward plans that evening, leave a 30–45 minute buffer after the activity to change and travel within town.
- Confirm your preferred drop-off hotel with the guide or driver before leaving the lakeside to ensure the most convenient return.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 3 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Outdoor, Break |
Why this experience
You'll wear an insulated survival suit—buoyant, waterproof, covered in reflective strips—and float on your back in an Arctic lake at midnight, the water beneath you dropping into darkness, the sky above opening into the dance of the Northern Lights. Your body stays warm inside the suit; your mind processes the surreal geography of it all. This is risk-adjacent adventure: safe but primal, exhilarating but guided.
Ice floating sits at the edge of what you thought you'd ever do. Most people never imagine floating in water near the Arctic Circle, let alone under the aurora. But once you've done it, you won't forget the silence, the vulnerability, the lights moving like they're performing just for you.
It's the purest version of Northern Lights viewing—no distractions, no campfire, no warmth except the suit around you. Just you, water, and sky.
Before you go
- Best time: Autumn through spring (September to March) when the aurora is most active and lakes are fully frozen. Winter (December–February) offers the longest nights and darkest skies.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Insulated survival suit, professional guide, safety equipment, and transportation from Rovaniemi are included.
- Difficulty: Moderate. There's no physical exertion, but the psychological challenge of floating in Arctic water is real. You need comfort with water and trust in your equipment.
- What to bring: Swimsuit or thermal undergarments to wear beneath the survival suit. Bring a camera if you want to capture the lights (though floating makes photography difficult). Wear warm layers under your suit for the pre- and post-float periods.
- Getting there: Private pickup from your Rovaniemi accommodation is typically included. Confirm location and timing when booking.
- Accessibility: Floating requires water comfort and reasonable mobility to enter the suit and water. Discuss any concerns with your guide; some individuals with mobility limitations may find challenges with entry and exit.
Frequently asked questions
Will I actually float? Yes. The survival suit is buoyant and supports your weight. The suit's design and fit are critical—your guide will help you into it and ensure a proper seal. Trust the suit.
Is the water temperature dangerous? The survival suit insulates you from Arctic water temperatures (typically 0–4°C). You won't feel cold inside a properly fitted suit. The suit is designed specifically for this use.
What if I panic in the water? Your guide will be present and alert. You can exit immediately if needed. Most people find the floating surprisingly meditative once they relax into it.
Will the lights definitely appear? Aurora activity depends on solar conditions and clear skies. December through February offers the best odds (60–90%), though no night is guaranteed. The guide will monitor forecasts and positioning for the best chances.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable experience includes transportation from Rovaniemi, insulated survival suit, professional guide, safety briefing, ice-floating session (typically 15–30 minutes), and aurora hunting.
Complete your trip in Rovaniemi
Balance your ice floating with grounded Arctic experiences and other aurora-hunting methods.
- Rovaniemi in 1 Day - Campfire at Olkkajärvi Lake with hot drinks — Chase the lights from solid ground with campfire warmth.
- Rovaniemi in 1 Day - Private wood-heated sauna (exclusive use) — Warm your body after water-based adventures in an Arctic sauna.
- Rovaniemi in 1 Day - Private Finnhorse sleigh ride through snowy forest — Experience Lapland's traditional transport and quiet forests.
Browse all Rovaniemi itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
