REVIEW · ROVANIEMI
Two Full Days in Lapland
Book on Viator →Operated by Wild About Lapland · Bookable on Viator
Two days, and Lapland moves fast. This package trims the usual Arctic chaos by handling transport and timing so you can focus on the big moments, like Northern Lights nights and winter activities with proper gear provided.
I love that you get convenient pickup and drop-off (even outside the city center), and I also like that the tour takes care of layering with included winter clothing and boots, so you pack lighter and spend more time actually outside.
The only real catch is the one Lapland always brings: Aurora Borealis viewing depends on weather, and even with two night excursions, you might not get clear skies every time.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Rovaniemi as your launchpad for two intense Arctic days
- Hotel pickup and transport that actually saves you time
- Day 1: Ranua Wildlife Park and a full dose of Arctic animals
- Evening Aurora Borealis with a pro camera: two nights built-in
- Day 2 starts with reindeer farm tradition (and real contact time)
- Your 3-hour Day 2 choice: ice fishing, survival skills, or snowshoeing
- Option A: Ice fishing for a very local Arctic moment
- Option B: Wilderness survival tour for forest-and-skill time
- Option C: Snowshoe trip for a slower, scenic pace
- Winter clothing and boots: the comfort multiplier that makes the schedule work
- Two Aurora nights plus snacks: what that combination does for your odds
- Price and value: is $902 reasonable for two days in Lapland?
- Who this tour suits best
- Before you book: a quick checklist for a smooth Arctic weekend
- Should you book this two-day Lapland package?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the tour?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What activities are included over the two days?
- Is lunch included?
- Are winter clothes and boots provided?
- Do I get photos of the Northern Lights?
- Do I have two chances to see the Northern Lights?
- What are the three options on Day 2 at 14:00?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Is accommodation included in the price?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key things to know before you go

- Two separate Aurora nights to improve your odds
- Forecast-based departure timing so you are not just guessing
- Professional camera support and you receive Aurora photos the next day
- Ranua Wildlife Park plus a buffet lunch included on Day 1
- Reindeer farm feeding with a chance at a short sleigh ride in winter
- Day 2 choice between ice fishing, wilderness survival, or snowshoeing
Rovaniemi as your launchpad for two intense Arctic days

Rovaniemi is the practical base for Lapland. You get the convenience of town services, while the tour team organizes the long stretches of Arctic time for you. The big win here is that your days are structured around where you want to be: animals, auroras, and iconic winter culture. You are not spending half your trip figuring out buses, driving conditions, or which tour runs when.
You’ll start at Rovakatu 24, 96200 Rovaniemi, and the program loops back to that same meeting point when it ends. Group size is kept to a maximum of 16, which usually means less crowding and more personal attention when the guide needs to wrangle the group in the cold.
Also, you’ll be using a mix of short stops and longer blocks of time outdoors. That matters because in Lapland, your comfort is tied directly to your schedule. The tour does a good job of building in time where you can warm up and reset, especially around the evenings.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rovaniemi.
Hotel pickup and transport that actually saves you time

If you’ve ever tried to plan Arctic excursions on your own, you know the problem: even when you find the right activity, the rest is still messy. Winter roads, the right departure time, and getting back after dark can turn into a second job.
Here, you get convenient transportation between your hotel and each activity. Pickup/drop-off is included for accommodations outside the city center, and the meeting point is also near public transportation. In plain terms, you can arrive, check in, and trust that your day has a backbone.
One practical benefit of this setup: when Aurora timing shifts (which it often does), the tour is already built around moving you. You are not trying to change plans last minute while you stand outside in freezing air with a phone signal that decides to cooperate or not.
Day 1: Ranua Wildlife Park and a full dose of Arctic animals

Your first big block is the trip to Ranua Wildlife Park, running about 5 hours. Ranua is the kind of place where you can see Arctic animals without spending your whole day traveling between remote spots. It’s a good choice for a short visit because it concentrates your wildlife time.
Inside the park, you are looking for Arctic species such as bears, predatory birds, wild boars, musk oxen (often called musk), otters, foxes, wolves, wolverines, and moose. The exact mix can shift with season and conditions, but the overall point stays the same: you get variety, and you get it in a setting designed for winter visiting.
A small detail that matters for value: buffet lunch is included at the restaurant. In Lapland winter days, food timing can otherwise become your stress. With lunch covered, you can keep moving without worrying about where you will stop to eat, or whether that place is open at the right hour.
A possible drawback: because this is a wildlife park rather than a deep wilderness trek, the experience can feel more structured. If you want long off-the-road adventure, this part may feel a bit more like a well-run day outing than a survival-style expedition. Still, for most people, it’s the most efficient way to see real wildlife.
Evening Aurora Borealis with a pro camera: two nights built-in

The evenings are the heart of this tour. On Day 1, you have an Aurora Borealis Wilderness Tour with camera, about 4 hours. The departure is adjusted to forecasts to increase your chance of clear skies. That is huge. Northern Lights viewing isn’t just about being there at night; it’s about being there when conditions are favorable.
What sets this tour apart is the camera workflow. Your guide is equipped with a professional camera to capture images, and the photos are sent to you the next day. Translation: you are not stuck holding your own camera in the cold, guessing settings, and hoping you framed the sky correctly. You can focus on watching, not troubleshooting.
You’ll also likely be taking comfort breaks during the evening. The tour includes campfire snacks (on Day 2 and evenings), and that is more than a treat. A warm pause keeps you from turning your Aurora hunt into endurance sport.
One honest consideration: even with forecast-based departures, auroras are never guaranteed. This is why the tour includes a second attempt the next evening. If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, think of these two nights as a plan to improve odds, not a promise.
Day 2 starts with reindeer farm tradition (and real contact time)

Day 2 begins with an authentic reindeer farm visit at 9:00, lasting about 2 hours. This is one of the most iconic Lapland experiences for a reason: reindeer are central to Arctic life, and seeing them up close makes the whole region feel more grounded.
At the farm, you learn about the reindeer and you’ll get a chance to feed them. That feeding time is the part you’ll remember, because it turns animals from distant silhouettes into living, calm creatures you can interact with safely.
In winter, you can also test yourself with a short sleigh ride. This is often a quick version of a bigger tradition, but it’s usually the right pace for a two-day itinerary. You get the feeling of riding through snow without turning the whole day into one long ride sequence.
A possible drawback: the visit is time-limited by design. It’s built as a key stop, not a half-day retreat. If you want hands-on time for grooming or a deeper cultural program, you might end up wishing for more hours here. Still, as part of a two-day plan, it’s a well-balanced anchor.
Your 3-hour Day 2 choice: ice fishing, survival skills, or snowshoeing

After the farm, the schedule gives you 3 hours to choose what fits your interests and energy level.
Option A: Ice fishing for a very local Arctic moment
“Ice fishing” is not just a title here. It’s a classic winter activity that matches Lapland’s rhythm: patience, stillness, and learning how people use the frozen environment. You’ll experience it firsthand, and it’s a great pick if you want something that feels practical and rooted in local life.
Possible consideration: ice fishing can involve standing around in cold air while you wait. If you’re the sort who runs warm or likes constant action, you might find the timing less intense than a hiking or snowshoe option.
Option B: Wilderness survival tour for forest-and-skill time
If you pick wilderness survival, you’ll hike through the forest and learn about local plants and some basic survival skills. This is a smart option when you want more than sightseeing. You’ll come away understanding how people think in winter: warmth, safety, and how the environment becomes your map.
Possible consideration: this is still an outdoor winter walk, so comfort depends on your clothing and your comfort with moving in snow. The good news is the tour provides winter clothing, boots, and active gear, which helps you stay focused on learning rather than coping.
Option C: Snowshoe trip for a slower, scenic pace
The snowshoe option is for when you want a forest walk without the same emphasis on skills or fishing patience. It’s usually a good balance: you get time outside, movement that feels steady, and a chance to see the winter woods without constantly stopping for demonstrations.
Possible consideration: snowshoe walking is only as good as the snow conditions and the pacing. If you want a fast thrill ride, this might feel more like a calm forest outing. If you want quiet nature time, it’s often the right call.
Winter clothing and boots: the comfort multiplier that makes the schedule work

This tour includes winter clothing, boots, and active gear. That is one of the biggest reasons the itinerary feels doable. Cold in Lapland is not a single moment; it’s something you feel over hours. When you’re properly dressed, you spend your energy on the experience instead of fighting discomfort.
A practical tip: even with gear provided, you’ll still want to think in layers. If you can regulate with an extra mid-layer, you’ll stay comfortable during indoor transitions and outdoor pauses. Also, bring gloves that fit well and keep in mind you will be standing outside at night during the Aurora tours.
The reviews strongly suggest the clothing package is more than token gear. In other words, it’s meant to work, not just look nice in a brochure.
Two Aurora nights plus snacks: what that combination does for your odds

Many Northern Lights tours are built around a single night and a short window. This one gives you two separate night excursions, each about 4 hours. That alone increases the probability that one night hits better skies or timing.
The second Aurora evening includes pictures and snacks, which is a nice practical touch. Snacks keep you from getting cranky halfway through, and the photography approach means you can watch without turning into an expert in camera settings.
One more detail that helps: the departure timing is adapted to forecasts on the Aurora nights. That means the guide is reacting to conditions rather than offering a fixed schedule that ignores reality. In winter, conditions win.
Price and value: is $902 reasonable for two days in Lapland?
For $902 (for this 2-day experience), the real question is what you are buying besides activities.
Here’s what you’re effectively getting in your total:
- Hotel pickup/drop-off for accommodations outside the city center
- Transport between activities so you are not running around town
- Two Aurora nights with guide and professional camera support
- Ranua Wildlife Park with an included buffet lunch
- Reindeer farm visit with feeding, plus a sleigh ride possibility in winter
- Day 2 choice (ice fishing, survival, or snowshoeing)
- Winter clothing and boots plus active gear
- All fees and taxes, plus campfire snacks in the evenings
What you still need to pay for:
- Accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers
So the value story is strongest if you want everything friction-free: a complete itinerary, gear handled, meals on key days, and guided logistics. If you already live in Rovaniemi and have easy independent transport, your personal savings might shrink. But for most visitors, reducing planning effort is exactly what makes a short trip feel successful.
Who this tour suits best
This experience is a strong match if you want a fast, high-yield Lapland introduction without turning your vacation into transportation homework. You’ll probably love it if:
- you want wildlife, reindeer, and Aurora in just two days
- you prefer a guided structure when it’s dark and cold
- you want to pack lighter because winter clothing and boots are provided
- you like the idea of a choose-your-own-activity afternoon on Day 2
Who might think twice:
- if you hate any uncertainty tied to weather (Auroras are never guaranteed)
- if you want long, free-form wilderness time with minimal structure, this will feel more scheduled
Before you book: a quick checklist for a smooth Arctic weekend
Here’s what you should do to set yourself up for success:
- Plan for cold nights and assume layers will be your best friend, even with provided gear
- Bring your patience for Aurora viewing. Two nights helps, but the sky runs its own schedule
- Decide what you want most on Day 2: skills (survival), patience (ice fishing), or scenic walking (snowshoe)
- Make peace with the fact that wildlife parks are efficient. You’ll see a lot, but you won’t be alone in the wild
If that sounds like your style, you’re in the right place.
Should you book this two-day Lapland package?
I’d book it if you want the best use of limited time. Two days is short for Lapland, and this plan is built around efficiency: wildlife in the daylight, reindeer culture early, then Aurora nights designed to improve odds with forecast-based timing and professional photo support.
I’d hesitate only if your top priority is guaranteed Northern Lights. With weather-dependent viewing, no tour can promise that. Still, with two dedicated Aurora excursions, you’re not relying on luck as hard as a one-night plan.
If you’re chasing a memorable Arctic starter kit—animals, reindeer, and real Aurora attempts—this is a well-put-together option.
FAQ
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour runs for about two days.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Rovakatu 24, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland, and ends back at the same meeting point.
What activities are included over the two days?
Day 1 includes Ranua Wildlife Park and an Aurora Borealis tour with camera. Day 2 includes a reindeer farm visit and an afternoon choice (ice fishing, wilderness survival, or snowshoeing), plus a second Aurora Borealis tour with camera.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A buffet lunch is included on Day 1.
Are winter clothes and boots provided?
Yes. Winter clothing, boots, and active gear are provided.
Do I get photos of the Northern Lights?
Yes. During the Aurora tours, a guide uses a professional camera, and the pictures are sent to you the next day. Snacks are also included on the evening Aurora tour.
Do I have two chances to see the Northern Lights?
Yes. There are two separate Aurora Borealis wilderness tours, one on each day’s evening.
What are the three options on Day 2 at 14:00?
You can choose ice fishing, a wilderness survival tour, or a snowshoe trip.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are offered for accommodations outside the city center, and transportation is provided between your hotel and each activity.
Is accommodation included in the price?
No. Accommodation is not included. Arrival and departure transfers are also not included.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but the Aurora experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
























