A trip to Lapland is often synonymous with chasing the elusive Northern Lights. However, as much as you dream about witnessing this incredible natural wonder, sometimes the weather has other plans. Whether heavy cloud cover, snowfall, or just a low chance of the auroras showing up, you can find yourself in Rovaniemi with no Northern Lights. But do not worry—your evening must not be a bust! On a Rovaniemi Northern Tour, plenty of exciting alternatives exist to utilize your time, even when the lights refuse to appear.
Why You Might Not See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can be unpredictable and sometimes impossible to view. Weather conditions, such as cloud cover, can block your view, while other factors, like solar activity, can make the lights less intense or visible. But when the skies are overcast and the forecast looks grim, wouldn’t it be better to enjoy some of the other magical experiences Lapland offers? At ToTheNorth, we always keep our guests informed. In the case of low chances, we will provide alternative evening activities so you can experience an unforgettable time in Rovaniemi.
Here are a few ways to enjoy your evening during a Rovaniemi Northern Tour, even without a Northern Lights show.
Option 1: Reschedule Your Northern Lights Tour
Seeing the Northern Lights may be the light of your trip; if this is the case, rescheduling is always an option. The beauty of a Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour is that it does not have to be a one-night affair. If this night’s forecast does not look promising, check to see if you can book a Rovaniemi Northern Tour for another night. Book your tours early in your trip so that you can be flexible. That way, if the weather isn’t cooperating, you’ve got time to try again. The longer you stay in Lapland, the better your chances of catching the elusive auroras.
Option 2: Take a Snowshoe Adventure
Even if the Northern Lights do not appear, the Lapland wilderness is still a fantastic outdoor adventure destination. Another alternative to a Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour is a day of snowshoeing. Snowshoes allow you to penetrate the untouched, snow-covered landscape, sometimes under the silent darkness of night.
This activity is especially suitable for those who love the great outdoors. Snowshoeing takes you out of the city lights into remote dark areas where the Northern Lights would still be visible if the clouds break up. In any case, walking across the snowy wilderness by moonlight or starlight is unforgettable. You might even catch a lucky glimpse of some auroras, too!
Option 3: Cultural Immersion into Lappish Lifestyle
If you are not too worried about the cancellation or delay of your Rovaniemi Northern Lights Tour, you can always spend the evening embracing Lappish culture. Rovaniemi is full of impressive traditions and historical background, and a cultural tour will give you a better insight into their lifestyle. Gather around a crackling fire and enjoy traditional Lappish sausages while your guide shares stories of local folklore, history, and the indigenous people. Learn why Northern Lights are so culturally significant and why Rovaniemi is unique. You can have a quiet, rewarding evening, turning what could be a terrible night into a fulfilling one.
Option 4: End the Night at Santa Claus Village
If the Northern Lights are not to be seen, but you are feeling quite festive, an end to the night should be at Santa Claus Village. Outside of Rovaniemi, this world-famous attraction is open year-round and is the perfect place to experience holiday cheer. It is a particularly great option if you’re traveling with children, but even adults can appreciate the whimsical charm of Santa Claus Village. This place also has local handicraft shops, perfect for souvenirs to remember your Rovaniemi Northern Tour.
Make the Most of Your Rovaniemi Adventure
It’s about something other than whether you see the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi is about so much more than the one aurora-related attraction. But the Northern Lights are just a bonus because snowshoeing under the stars, fireside cultural experiences, and so much more means you’ll never run out of exciting things to do when the auroras aren’t cooperating.
At ToTheNorth, we believe in making every moment of your trip count. That’s why we are transparent about the chances of seeing the Northern Lights during your visit and give you the option to change your plans if you’re not going to see them or to take a shot at one of these experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime. So, when the weather forecast is once again cloudy the next time, do not worry about this: the magic of Lapland goes much further than just Northern Lights.
