Rovaniemi in 1 Day for Couples - Guaranteed re-try or refund if no aurora

In Collaboration with Highland Lapland. Updated on February 23, 2026.

Rovaniemi in 1 Day for Couples - Guaranteed re-try or refund if no aurora

A guided Northern Lights chase from Rovaniemi. The guide monitors real-time aurora and cloud forecasts, drives away from city lights to handpicked viewing locations (frozen lakes, forest clearings or open fields), provides hot drinks and cookies, and takes professional aurora photos. If no aurora appears, the tour includes a guaranteed re-try or full refund.

Disclaimer

This itinerary was created in collaboration with Highland Lapland, inspired by the tour Rovaniemi Aurora Road trip: Guaranteed Chase. Please check the tour information during your booking process.

Highlights

  • Guaranteed re-try or refund if no aurora
  • Professional aurora photography
  • Pick up and drop off within 15 km of Rovaniemi city
Rovaniemi Travel Guides!

More than 30 itineraries in Rovaniemi.

Itinerary

Day 1

Evening pickup in Rovaniemi, chase to several dark-sky viewing spots chosen by live weather and aurora forecasts, on-site warm drinks and cookies, professional photos taken during sightings, return to Rovaniemi and drop-off.

Pickup & short briefing

20:00 – 20:30 • 30m

Your guide collects you from your accommodation within 15 km of Rovaniemi and gives a short safety and photography briefing including the night's plan, clothing tips, and communication details.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Tips from local experts:

  • Be ready 5–10 minutes before pickup; guides operate a tight schedule for night chases.
  • If staying at Santa Claus Village or a hotel with reception, confirm the exact pickup point with reception in advance.
  • Bring one charged phone with the host/guide contact visible so they can reach you if plans change.

Drive to first viewing area (frozen lake or clearing)

20:30 – 21:15 • 45m

Leave the city lights behind and drive toward a nearby handpicked dark-sky location such as a frozen lake or forest clearing where the guide will monitor clouds and aurora activity.

Ounasjärvi, Rovaniemi, Finland

Tips from local experts:

  • Dress in layers: evenings near frozen lakes can feel significantly colder due to wind chill.
  • Keep footwear dry and accessible — expect a short walk on snow or packed ice to the viewing spot.
  • Store small valuables in an inner pocket; pockets on parkas are less exposed to wind and cold.

Aurora viewing, hot drinks & photography (first stop)

21:15 – 23:00 • 1h 45m

At the first viewing location the guide prepares hot drinks and cookies while scanning the sky. If the aurora appears, the guide captures professional photos and helps you photograph the lights with your camera or phone.

Ounasjärvi, Rovaniemi, Finland

Tips from local experts:

  • Ask the guide for a brief camera setup walkthrough—small adjustments (ISO/shutter) make big differences in aurora photos.
  • Use hand warmers or insulated gloves while handling your camera to keep dexterity without exposing fingers too long.
  • Position yourselves back-to-back for couple portraits: the guide can use the aurora as a backdrop while keeping you warm between shots.

Chase to secondary viewing location (forest clearing)

23:00 – 00:30 • 1h 30m

If cloud cover or aurora activity requires, we drive to a second dark-sky site (forest clearing or open field). This is part of the guaranteed chase to maximize chances of seeing the lights.

Ounasvaara, Rovaniemi, Finland (typical secondary area)

Tips from local experts:

  • Expect short on/off transfers; keep your outer layer and camera ready in the vehicle for quick exits.
  • If you need fresh batteries, tell the guide before leaving the vehicle so you can swap quickly at the next stop.
  • Couples: designate one person to hold helmets or backpacks to avoid juggling gear in the cold.

Continued viewing & professional photos (secondary stop)

00:30 – 03:30 • 3h

At the second location the guide continues to monitor the sky. When the aurora appears we take additional photos and stay as long as needed to allow everyone good viewing and portrait opportunities.

Near Ounasvaara / surrounding countryside, Rovaniemi, Finland

Tips from local experts:

  • If you plan couple portraits under the aurora, pick a simple outer layer for the photos (avoid bulky backpack straps showing).
  • Ask the guide to send raw or edited photos to you the same night — guides typically prepare an online delivery after the tour.
  • Keep a small thermos in your bag for quick hot sips between shots to stay comfortable without removing gloves.

Return to Rovaniemi & drop-off

03:30 – 04:00 • 30m

After the chase (or once the guide has completed the planned chasing window), we drive back to Rovaniemi and drop you off at your accommodation. All photos from the night are shared via an online link later the same night or the following morning.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Tips from local experts:

  • Expect the vehicle to be warm on return; keep a light layer handy for immediate comfort when you exit into cold early-morning air.
  • If you need a written receipt or photo delivery confirmation, ask the guide before leaving the vehicle.
  • Plan a short rest when you return to your accommodation — even a short nap helps after an overnight chase.

Itinerary Attributes

Days1
Highlights3
Season-
Month-
PersonaCouples
Transfers4
Restaurants-
Total Activities2
Total Places6
Activities TypesTransfer, Outdoor, Experience

Cooking experiences in Rovaniemi

Upcoming Events in Rovaniemi

More options in Rovaniemi

Explore more travel plans and guides for Rovaniemi.

1 Day
Private Sleigh Ride with Finnhorse
Private Sleigh Ride with Finnhorse

Private Sleigh Ride with Finnhorse

Perfect for Couples

Rovaniemi, Finland

1 Day
Northern Lights Hunting with a photographer (only small groups)
Northern Lights Hunting with a photographer (only small groups)

Northern Lights Hunting with a photographer (only small groups)

Perfect for Couples

Rovaniemi, Finland

1 Day
Snowshoeing & Ice Fishing on a Forest Lake
Snowshoeing & Ice Fishing on a Forest Lake

Snowshoeing & Ice Fishing on a Forest Lake

Perfect for Families

Rovaniemi, Finland

1 Day
Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi
Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi

Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi

Perfect for Families

Rovaniemi, Finland

Book the tour in advance!

Rovaniemi Aurora Road trip: Guaranteed Chase