A guide for responsible Northern Lights -experience in Rovaniemi

If you want to make sure that your Aurora hunting trip is produced responsibly, book your Northern Lights tour from company with Sustainable Travel Finland -label. You can find STF-companies in Rovaniemi here. A good tour provider will not only take you to the best Northern Lights viewing spots but also educate you about the facts behind the phenomena and proudly shares the knowledge of the Arctic environment. This is why you should book your tour from a trusted company, rather than a private person.

To get most out of the experience, visit museum and science center Arktikum for the comprehensive scientific information of Northern Lights. Arktikum welcomes guests all year round.

Social media is full of colorful Aurora pictures. However, in real life the Northern lights are rarely full of colors and the most common Auroras are the green ones. Colorful, purple-dominated Northern Lights that are often seen in photographs are quite rare to witness. Sometimes Auroras are so mild that they can only be seen through camera’s lens, which captures the Northern Lights more sensitively than human eyes. Auroras might last anywhere from 30 seconds to dancing in sky for hours. Everyone who sees them is a lucky one.

If you wish to capture the best shots yourself:

• Use a tripod for stabile photos
• For smartphone camera settings: 1. Adjust the ISO (for example 800-1600) 2. Set the shutter speed for several seconds 3. Set the aperture as wide as possible 4. Test out what works best for you!
• Use a timer to avoid camera shake when you press the shutter button
• Bring a power bank with you
• Remember to savour the moment not only with your phone but with your eyes as well. Something you will remember forever!

For the sake of Northern Lights, visitors can not access private lands, roads or yardlands of houses and cabins. Taking the locals and their privacy into notice is an act of responsible and sustainable travelling. Visit Rovaniemi advices traveller to choose spots, where the Northern Lights hunting does not cause harm to locals and where the land is designated for public use.

There are public spots designated for Aurora hunting nearby Rovaniemi:

• The Arctic Garden that surrounds Arktikum is located near the city centre and easily accessible
• Ounasvaara is located within walking distance from Rovaniemi city centre with unobstructed views to the night sky
• Olkkajärvi’s lean-to is 15 min drive from city, easily accessible and generally known as good spot for seeing the Northern Lights
• Arctic Circle Hiking Area is a 20 min drive from the city away from light pollution and city lights

All of these areas are public and offer stunning, unobstructed views of the night sky, making them ideal for Aurora hunting.

During the past years, for example Norvajärvi area (lake Norvajärvi) has become a popular destination for Northern Lights. Although it’s a beautiful location, parts of the surrounding area are private, including properties and military zones, where access is restricted. The area of Norvajärvi (Norvajärvi beach, German soldier cemetery and Norvasalmi P-waypoint) is not recommended for watching Northern Lights. Instead you may go to the public places listed above.

Finland’s Everyone’s Right (Jokaisenoikeus) allows individuals to enjoy nature freely, with certain responsibilities. This right includes access to forests, lakes, and other natural areas, but it’s essential to respect the land and its owners. Everyone’s right does not apply to organized tours.

• Respect nature and locals: Do not disturb people or damage property, cut down or damage trees (not even for fire), light open campfires without permission or drive motor vehicles offroad without the landowner’s permission.
• Leave no trace: When moving in nature, ensure that you leave no litter behind. Carry a small bag for waste and take everything back with you to help preserve nature.
• Respect wildlife: The Arctic region is home to a variety of wildlife. While chasing the Northern Lights, keep noise to a minimum, avoid disturbing animals, and never leave food scraps or toilet waste behind.
• Safety First: The Arctic environment can be unpredictable. Dress warmly, carry a map or GPS, and inform someone of your plans before heading out, especially if you’re venturing to more remote locations.