Ice Floating in Forest Lake with Aurora Borealis

Forget the usual aurora chase. This Rovaniemi outing pairs a strange, memorable activity with a chance to see the Northern Lights: you climb into a floating suit, step into an icy forest lake, and lie back beneath the dark Finnish sky. I like the unusual setting and the fact that the suits, transportation, and warm drink afterward are included.

I also like the small-group limit of 16 people and the guides who have made the experience especially enjoyable, including Gerry, Alaina, Matthias, Tommaso, and others praised for being reassuring and helpful. The main caution is simple: the aurora is never guaranteed, and poor organization or poorly maintained suits can spoil an otherwise remarkable evening.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• You float in an actual icy lake: The activity is not a staged pool experience. You enter cold lake water through a ladder and float on your back in a restricted area.
• The suit is the whole game: A floating suit is included and should keep you dry and warm when it fits properly, but sizing and condition matter.
• Aurora viewing is uncertain: Clouds, solar activity, and timing all affect your chance of seeing the lights.
• Warm-up treats are included: Gingerbread and hot blueberry tea or berry juice follow the float.
• Transport is included, but timing can shift: Pickup and departure times may vary by season and availability.
• The experience suits adventurous adults best: You must be at least 130 centimeters tall, and children under 12 need an adult paying the full price.

What the Rovaniemi Ice Floating Experience Is Really Like

This is a two-and-a-half-hour evening outing from Rovaniemi, usually beginning around 7:30 p.m. The advertised meeting point is Maakuntakatu 29, with the activity ending back there after the return transfer. Hotel pickup is included, and you should wait in your lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

The setting is part of the appeal. Rather than standing beside a road with a camera pointed upward, you head toward a forest lake away from much of Rovaniemi’s city light. On a clear night, you may see a remarkable spread of stars, and some people have seen the Milky Way as well as the aurora.

I like that the lake activity gives you something to do even if the sky stays quiet. Still, you should be honest with yourself about what matters most. If you are booking mainly for the Northern Lights, this is a gamble. If you want an unusual Arctic activity with aurora potential, it offers better value.

The Transfer From Rovaniemi to the Forest Lake

The drive to the lake is often described as roughly 20 to 30 minutes, though the total transfer can take longer when several hotel pickups are involved. One reported journey lasted more than an hour because of the pickup order, even though the lake itself was nearby.

That is useful to know before you book. Round-trip transportation is convenient, but not always direct. Pickup times can also change, sometimes more than once, so check the provider’s email carefully and confirm the final time with the local operator.

The quality of the ride depends heavily on the guide. Some guides have been warm, entertaining, and informative. Matthias was praised for his stories, while Tommaso was appreciated for handling both driving and guiding. Other outings included long stretches of silence or little explanation about where the group was going.

You can help yourself by arriving ready, keeping your phone charged, and allowing extra time around the scheduled departure. The published start time is not always the final pickup time.

Putting On the Floating Suit

At the lake, you change into the special floating suit. The clothing is designed to keep you buoyant and dry while you lie in the water. Several people have found the suits surprisingly warm, even during temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius.

That said, the suit must fit correctly and be in good condition. The minimum stated height is 130 centimeters. If you have concerns about sizing, contact the provider before booking rather than discovering the problem beside the lake.

The feedback on suit quality is mixed. Some people found the suits clean, dry, and comfortable. Others reported musty smells, leaking seams, duct tape repairs, or cold water entering through holes. In practical terms, I would wear a warm base layer and bring dry clothes for afterward. The provided information advises you to share dietary needs at booking, but it is just as sensible to raise any suit concerns in advance.

Gloves deserve special attention. One guide suggested going without them, while another person found gloves useful for keeping their hands comfortable. The safest approach is to ask your guide what is best for that evening and bring a pair suitable for wet conditions if allowed.

Entering the Lake and Learning to Float

The lake entry is done through a ladder, much like entering a swimming pool. The water reaches around waist level before the suit supports you. Once you lean back, the suit carries your body and you float on the surface.

This sounds effortless, but it can feel awkward at first. You need to relax, keep your balance, and work out how to move your arms and legs. Several people found the first attempt mildly challenging, especially when trying to stay on their backs.

The physical sensation is the main attraction. You are not swimming laps or racing across the water. You are floating almost motionless in the cold darkness, with the forest around you and the sky above. Some people find that peaceful and strangely funny. Others find it too passive, especially when clouds hide the aurora.

You can leave the water if you feel cold or uncomfortable. One especially positive account described being able to warm up and return to the lake as often as needed. The exact procedure may depend on the guide and conditions, so listen carefully before entering.

The Aurora Question: Treat It as a Bonus

The Northern Lights are the headline attraction, but they are not promised. The display depends on solar wind, cloud cover, darkness, and local conditions. Even with a clear sky, the aurora may be weak or may appear later in the evening.

This timing matters. One group had a clear night with countless stars but no aurora during the float. The lights appeared later that evening. Another group saw only faint, wispy activity, while others enjoyed a strong display during or just after the activity.

A helpful guide can make a difference. One guide extended the outing so the group would not miss an impressive display. Another took time to explain the lights when they appeared after the group had finished the float. These moments show why this activity works best when the guide is attentive rather than simply managing equipment.

Do not judge the value of the tour solely by the aurora. You might get clouds, weak activity, or a show outside the scheduled period. If the lights are your top priority, you may prefer a tour focused specifically on aurora hunting, or an outing that combines the search with huskies, reindeer, or snowmobiles. This experience gives you a memorable activity first and an aurora opportunity second.

Warming Up With Tea and Gingerbread

After the float, you return to a warm area for gingerbread and hot blueberry tea or berry juice. This is a small part of the tour, but it matters. After changing out of a wet-feeling suit and standing in the Arctic night, a sweet snack and warm drink help bring the evening back into balance.

The treat also gives you time to look at the sky, talk with the group, and wait briefly for changing conditions. Some people enjoyed this part almost as much as the float, especially when the aurora appeared while they were packing up.

If you have dietary requirements, state them at the time of booking. The included food is simple, not a meal, so you should not arrive expecting dinner.

Group Size, Guides, and the Mood of the Evening

The stated maximum is 16 people, which is a reasonable size for a guided outdoor activity. A small group should make it easier to receive help with zippers, entry, and positioning in the water.

In practice, the feel can vary. Some outings have been calm and reassuring, with guides who helped guests feel safe and even took photographs using their own cameras. Other accounts describe a noisier group, little personal attention, or a guide who spent too much time on a phone or talking with another group.

One particularly poor experience involved around 25 people floating at once, despite the stated maximum of 16. That created noise and reduced the quiet atmosphere. A flashlight used to monitor the group also made the setting less dark and peaceful.

I would ask at the start how long the float will last, where to place personal items, and how to get help if water enters the suit. Clear instructions are especially important because the activity is unfamiliar to most people.

Is $82.87 a Fair Price?

At $82.87 per person, the price is not cheap, but it includes several practical items: transportation from your hotel, the floating suit, the guided lake activity, and hot refreshments. Compared with paying separately for transport and an unusual Arctic experience, the package can be fair value.

The value rises when the guide is attentive, the suits are clean and dry, and the group stays within the advertised size. It falls quickly if the transfer is badly managed, the suit leaks, or the aurora does not appear and you had booked only for that reason.

Pricing can also change. One person found that the price dropped by about $50 when booking closer to the date. That may happen, but it is not guaranteed, and waiting brings its own risk if the activity fills. This outing is commonly booked well in advance, with an average lead time of 53 days, so busy winter dates deserve early attention.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted unless the operator cancels because of poor weather or insufficient numbers. If the minimum is not met, you may be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who Should Book This Activity?

I would recommend it to you if you want something unusual, enjoy trying new physical activities, and can appreciate a beautiful night even without an aurora. Couples, friends, and adults looking for a lighthearted Arctic memory are likely to enjoy the strange sight of everyone waddling toward the water in oversized suits.

It is also a good choice if you have already seen the standard Rovaniemi attractions and want an evening that feels different. The floating itself is memorable, and several people considered it a favorite part of their stay.

You may want to skip it if you dislike cold-weather gear, expect constant movement, or need a guaranteed Northern Lights display. The activity can involve long quiet stretches, and some people found it boring without the aurora. It is also not suitable for people with certain disabilities, and the provider should be contacted directly if you have mobility or suit-fitting concerns.

Should You Book Ice Floating in Forest Lake?

Book it if you see the aurora as a welcome bonus rather than a promise. The best version of this experience gives you a clear starry sky, a well-fitting suit, a kind guide, and a peaceful float in the darkness. That combination can feel genuinely special.

Before paying, confirm the pickup time, ask about suit sizing if needed, and plan to bring warm dry clothing. I would also choose this tour over a standard aurora outing only if the floating itself sounds fun. If it does, the $82.87 price can buy a very unusual evening. If it does not, no amount of northern light optimism will make lying still in an icy lake your kind of holiday.

FAQ

Where does the ice floating tour start?

The listed meeting point is Maakuntakatu 29 in Rovaniemi, Finland. Round-trip hotel transportation is included, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 7:30 p.m., but departure times can change with the season and availability. Check the local provider’s email for the exact pickup time.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Is the floating suit included?

Yes. A floating suit is included in the experience. You should contact the provider before booking if you have concerns about the suit’s size or fit.

How tall must I be to use the suit?

You must be at least 130 centimeters tall to fit the floating suit.

Are children allowed to participate?

Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults paying the full price. Most participants can take part, but the activity may not suit people with disabilities.

Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The aurora depends on weather and solar wind activity, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.