Is it safe to go aurora hunting in Rovaniemi by yourself?
I'm planning a visit to Rovaniemi in January with my girlfriend. The main idea is to see the northern lights which we understand is not always possible. Since we want to maximize our possibilities, all the tours we found to go aurora-hunting last up to 3 hours, we were thinking to rent a car and go to the spots that these tours usually take you so we can stay as long as we want.
My main question is, is it really safe for 2 foreigners visiting Finland for the first time to do this on their own?
Edit: By safe I mean, getting lost, easyness to manage yourself in the surroundings due the weather, unforseen events, wildlife, etc.
Best Answer
Finland is quite safe in general. If you are not used to driving in ice, snow and darkness, that might pose some risk. Drive carefully and carry warm clothes in case you get stranded in more remote areas (e.g. the car breaks down or you run out of gas).
People do get lost when hiking, especially during darkness. Make sure you can navigate. Have warm clothes with you and a functioning cell phone. Note that batteries can die quickly if it gets really cold.
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Is Rovaniemi safe?
Crime rates in Rovaniemi, FinlandLevel of crime21.88LowProblem people using or dealing drugs22.22LowProblem property crimes such as vandalism and theft25.00LowProblem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery16.67Very LowProblem corruption and bribery16.67Very Low8 more rowsCan you see aurora in Rovaniemi?
In Rovaniemi, you don't have to walk far from the city center to find a good spot, and really strong Auroras can be seen even with interference from artificial light. A good place within walking distance from Rovaniemi city center is at science center & museum Arktikum's Arctic Garden by the Ounasjoki river.Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
The most popular spot is the Arctic Garden behind Arktikum, but more or less any spot along the river bank is good. If the Auroras are really strong, you can even see them in the city centre despite light pollution from street lights and neon signs.What is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
In fact, the best times for viewing the Aurora Borealis are in the autumn and spring. The Northern Lights season in Finnish Lapland spans from mid-August until early April. Contrary to popular belief, the best times for spotting the Auroras are at the beginning and end of the season.How to See Northern Lights in Finland: Don't make these 5 mistakes
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Images: Laura James, Uriel Mont, Laura James, Laura James