Finland’s Northern Lights: Your Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Arctic Adventure
Experiencing the Northern Lights in Finland is a bucket-list journey for many travelers. With its pristine landscapes and dark, pollution-free skies, Finland offers some of the best locations in the world to witness this stunning natural phenomenon. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, here’s your ultimate guide to the top spots for Northern Lights viewing in Finland, along with practical tips to make your experience unforgettable.
For more Finnish adventures, check out Finnish Saunas or Adventures in Lapland.
Top Northern Lights Viewing Spots in Finland
1. Rovaniemi (Lapland)
Rovaniemi, the charming capital of Lapland, sits just below the Arctic Circle and is one of the most popular destinations for spotting the Aurora Borealis. Surrounded by vast wilderness, it offers an incredible setting for both aurora hunting and winter activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and visiting Santa Claus Village.
Best Time to Visit: September to March.
Local Tip: Stay in a cozy glass igloo for a unique Northern Lights experience! For added adventure, try a husky safari or visit the Arktikum Museum to learn more about the region’s Arctic wildlife.
2. Levi (Lapland)
Levi is a renowned ski resort known for its vast, open skies and minimal light pollution. This makes it one of the top destinations for Northern Lights seekers. In addition to chasing the aurora, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and reindeer safaris, and it’s an excellent location for families or adventurous couples.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Pro Tip: If you’re skiing, keep an eye on the skies—Levi’s slopes offer some of the best Northern Lights views! Be sure to explore the local Levi Village for cozy restaurants and unique shops.
Check out Aurora Reach for updates specific to Levi’s northern light sightings.
3. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä)
Kakslauttanen’s famous glass igloos offer an unforgettable way to watch the Northern Lights while staying warm. Located in Finland’s far north, this resort is an ideal destination for those seeking luxury and comfort in the midst of the wilderness. You can also experience a reindeer sleigh ride or snowmobile excursions.
Best Time to Visit: September to March.
Insider Tip: Book early for a glass igloo to avoid disappointment during the peak Northern Lights season. For an immersive experience, consider booking a traditional Finnish sauna session followed by a snow bath under the auroras.
4. Inari (Lapland)
Inari, in northern Finland, offers a more tranquil and remote experience for Northern Lights enthusiasts. It’s far less crowded than other tourist hotspots, allowing you to enjoy the aurora in peace, surrounded by the vast wilderness of Finnish Lapland. The region is also home to the indigenous Sámi people, providing a deeper cultural experience.
Best Time to Visit: September to March.
Tip: Visit the Inari Sami Museum for a deeper cultural understanding of the region. Take a boat tour of Lake Inari during the summer for a complete Lapland experience.
5. Utsjoki (Lapland)
Utsjoki is Finland’s northernmost village, making it an excellent location for Northern Lights viewing. Here, you’ll find stunning, uninterrupted vistas of the sky, and because of its remote location, there’s very little light pollution. It’s also a great spot for cross-country skiing and wildlife watching.
Best Time to Visit: September to March.
Local Tip: The surrounding nature reserves provide a quiet, serene backdrop for aurora chasing. In winter, you can try snowshoeing through the untouched wilderness for a peaceful experience.
6. Muonio (Lapland)
On the border between Finland and Sweden, Muonio offers a remote escape for avid aurora hunters. Its location, free from city lights, makes it one of the best spots in Finland to view the Northern Lights in all their glory. It’s also a popular destination for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: September to March.
Pro Tip: Enjoy husky sledding under the Northern Lights for an experience like no other. Muonio is known for its minimal crowds, offering you a more intimate aurora experience.
7. Saariselkä (Lapland)
Saariselkä, nestled in Finnish Lapland, provides a stunning location to experience the Northern Lights. The region is also rich in winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, making it a perfect base for a full Arctic adventure. It’s located in a vast wilderness area, which ensures excellent aurora visibility.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the chance to take a snowmobile tour through the wilderness under the auroras. If you’re interested in local culture, check out the Sámi cultural events and festivals held in the area.
Essential Tips for Chasing the Northern Lights in Finland
1. Check the Aurora Forecast
The Northern Lights are elusive, and you’ll have the best chance of seeing them by keeping an eye on real-time aurora forecasts. Apps like Aurora Service and websites like the Finnish Meteorological Institute offer detailed predictions to help you plan your outings. Many of these forecasts provide specific KP indices and cloud cover information.
Pro Tip: Sign up for aurora alerts to get notified when the auroras are visible in your area, especially if you’re staying in a remote location.
Check out space weather in Finland for live updates.
2. Seek Out Dark Locations
To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, escape the city lights and head to remote areas. Finnish national parks, wilderness resorts, and Arctic villages offer the darkest skies for an optimal viewing experience. Areas like the Urho Kekkonen National Park are famous for their pristine wilderness and clear skies.
Local Insight: If you’re near a city like Rovaniemi or Levi, consider taking a short trip to a more remote area to escape light pollution. Even a short drive can make a big difference in your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
3. Time Your Visit Right
The Northern Lights season in Finland spans from September to March, with the highest likelihood of sightings between December and February. The lights are most visible between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. The best conditions for aurora hunting are cold, clear nights with little to no cloud cover.
Local Insight: For the best chances, aim for clear, crisp nights with minimal cloud cover. Also, avoid full moon periods as they can make the Northern Lights less visible due to the bright moonlight.
4. Stay Warm
The Arctic chill can be intense, especially during winter, so layering is essential. Wear thermal undergarments, waterproof outerwear, insulated gloves, hats, and sturdy boots to stay comfortable while waiting for the lights to appear.
Personal Tip: Bring a thermos with a warm drink to keep cozy while you wait in the cold. Hand and toe warmers can also be a lifesaver during long waits in freezing temperatures.
5. Be Patient
The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and sightings can take time. Prepare to spend several hours outside, and always remember that the aurora’s unpredictability only makes the experience more magical when they finally appear. It’s important to bring entertainment or snacks if you’re in a remote area with no distractions.
Pro Tip: If you don’t see the lights right away, stay positive—sometimes they take hours to appear, but when they do, it’s a truly magical sight.
6. Capture the Moment
Photographing the Northern Lights requires special equipment and settings. Use a camera with manual settings, set a long exposure (10-20 seconds), a low ISO (around 800), and a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower). A sturdy tripod is essential to avoid blurry images.
Pro Tip: Use a remote shutter release or set your camera’s timer to avoid shaking the camera when you press the shutter.
7. Book a Northern Lights Tour
For first-time aurora hunters, booking a guided tour can greatly increase your chances of a successful sighting. Experienced guides know the best local spots and can offer tips on photography, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the magic. Many tours also provide a cozy place to wait for the auroras, such as heated tents or cabins.
Tip: Some tours also include additional activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, or a visit to a traditional Sámi village, making the experience even more immersive.
Conclusion:
By visiting these remarkable spots in Finland and following these expert tips, you’ll maximize your chances of witnessing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Whether you’re seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or simply a serene, magical experience, Finland offers one of the most breathtaking displays of nature on Earth.
Are you ready to chase the aurora? Pack your warmest clothes, check the forecast, and prepare for a journey that will leave you in awe.