Northern Lights Trip Mistakes to Avoid in Rovaniemi

Overview

A little know-how goes a long way. Here are the most common mistakes visitors make chasing the aurora in Rovaniemi — and how to avoid them.

Staying too few nights

Booking just one aurora night is the biggest mistake. The lights are weather-dependent, so stay 3+ nights and hunt on every clear one.

Under-dressing

Standing still at -20°C in the wrong clothes is miserable. Layer properly — see our what to wear guide (tours provide the heavy gear).

Relying on the city / a fixed spot

City light and a fixed viewpoint hide fainter auroras. Choose a mobile guided tour that chases clear skies.

Over-scheduling

Exhausting daytime plans leave you too tired to hunt at night. Balance active days with aurora evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the biggest mistake on a Rovaniemi aurora trip?

Staying too few nights. Because the aurora depends on the weather, booking only one night is a gamble — stay at least three and hunt on every clear night.

Do I need to leave the city to see the aurora?

It helps a lot. City light hides faint auroras, so a mobile guided tour that drives to dark, clear skies gives a much better chance than a fixed city viewpoint.

How do I avoid being cold on an aurora tour?

Dress in proper layers and wear the thermal overalls and boots tours provide. Standing still is colder than being active, so over-prepare with hats, mittens and hand warmers.

Aurora Trip Mistakes to Avoid