How many times have you heard about how mesmerizing the Northern Lights are? Finland will help you see with your own eyes that this statement is not an exaggeration. Of course, only if you know where to find this phenomenon.
The Northern Lights are a light display that appears as colorful flashes in the sky. Most people are aware of that. But not everyone knows that it is caused by solar winds hitting the Earth’s magnetosphere. Few have also heard that according to Finnish folklore, the Northern Lights are created when a mythical arctic fox runs through the landscape, brushing its tail against mountains, tree tops, or the surface of the water. This creates sparks that reach the sky, visible as colorful, dancing streaks. Keep reading, and you’ll find out which Finnish destinations this magical fox chooses most often.
What conditions does the Northern Lights favor?
The Northern Lights usually appear near and above the Arctic Circle. While in southern Finland they are visible for only about 15 nights a year, in the north, they appear on average every other night. That’s why the most popular region to observe them in Finland is the northern region of Lapland. If you head there, all you need to do is patiently wait for a clear, cloudless, and starry sky, and the chances of seeing the lights will be quite high. It’s also worth planning your stay in one of the places particularly famous for organizing Northern Lights hunts. Some of them are listed below.
Rovaniemi – The Capital of Magical Lapland
The most popular choice among tourists looking to explore Lapland is Rovaniemi. Not only because it’s the capital of this region of Finland, but primarily because the town is considered the official home of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi will charm you with its relaxed, student-friendly vibe, and thanks to its museums, you’ll be able to learn a lot more about the Arctic climate. In the nearby Santa Claus Village, you can buy unique souvenirs, see how elves work, and even receive a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle. But what about the Northern Lights?
In the lively and brightly lit center of Rovaniemi, it can be difficult to see the Northern Lights. However, by venturing just a little outside the city (check out accommodations), and with good luck and clear skies, you’re likely to witness the dancing lights. Moreover, the city organizes numerous trips to nearby forests and scenic viewpoints, where you can fully indulge in sky-watching. These excursions vary in length depending on your preferences and are often combined with a campfire or guided by professional photographers who help capture the sky’s colors in stunning photographs. You can find many such tours on platforms like GetYourGuide.
Ylläs
One of the best places to watch the Northern Lights in Finland is the mountainous Ylläs region, located between the villages of Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi. You might not need to plan far-off trips here, as with a bit of luck, you could witness the colorful sky from the yard of your own apartment. This is particularly possible because, in consideration of night sky watchers, streetlights are turned off from 10:00 PM between October and March. For those keen on capturing great photos, a night walk to more open areas like nearby hills or lakes is a perfect option.
Ylläs is especially appealing to those who want to combine Northern Lights hunting with skiing, as it boasts one of Finland’s largest ski resorts with the longest downhill slopes. Nearby, you’ll also find Finland’s third-largest national park, Pallas-Yllästunturi, where cross-country skiing is a popular activity. If you’re visiting Lapland in the heart of winter and seeking unique experiences, consider spending a night in an ice room at the Snow Village. You can find these and other interesting accommodations in Ylläs on platforms like Booking.com.
Ivalo, Inari, and Saariselkä
These are the three towns most frequently chosen by tourists arriving at Ivalo Airport. Located hundreds of kilometers beyond the Arctic Circle, this area is an excellent spot to observe Lapland’s famous natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights. But that’s not all. Ivalo will surprise you with its peaceful atmosphere, while Saariselkä offers attractions through Finland’s northernmost ski resort. Inari, located by the large lake of the same name, provides an opportunity to learn more about the culture of the Sami people through the Sajos Cultural Center. It’s also one of the many places in Finland where you can try the popular experience of floating in icy water while wearing a special, comfortable suit.
Check out accommodations in: Ivalo, Inari, and Saariselkä.
Levi
This small tourist town (see accommodations) built around the ski slope of the same name offers something for everyone. Besides skiing and Northern Lights hunting, visitors can enjoy attractions like night snowshoe hikes or snowmobile rides. If you’d like to explore this place further but prefer not to stay in a highly touristic environment, consider looking for accommodations in the nearby village of Sirkka (see accommodations), or the slightly farther town of Kittilä (see accommodations).
Kemi
If you want more surprises during your Lapland trip than just the Northern Lights, try visiting Kemi (see accommodations). While this port town may not be as far north as some other places on this list, a short walk up a small hill offers equally great chances to see the dancing lights in the sky. Additionally, you can explore the Bothnian Bay National Park with its old fishing huts and visit the world’s largest snow castle, rebuilt every year in different architectural styles. A unique attraction in Kemi is the icebreaker cruise and the chance to swim in the Arctic Ocean.
Kilpisjärvi
It’s easy to fall in love with Kilpisjärvi, not only at night when the sky often glows with colorful lights. This town is beloved by trekking enthusiasts and outdoor activity lovers in general. The landscape—a stunning blend of lakes and arctic highlands—will take your breath away. It’s one of Finland’s most popular vacation spots for good reason. You can easily spot wild reindeer herds and even reach the unique point where the borders of three countries—Finland, Sweden, and Norway—meet. Moreover, Kilpisjärvi offers the chance to witness not only the Northern Lights but also the exceptional phenomenon of the polar night. See accommodations in Kilpisjärvi
Enontekiö
This small village in the northwestern part of Finland is one of the best places in the world to watch the Northern Lights. Not only is it far from larger cities and free from unnecessary light pollution, but it also offers various types of accommodation perfect for aurora hunters. You can rent private, glass-roofed cabins designed for sky watching or apartments where hotel staff will wake you up if colorful lights appear on the horizon. Enontekiö is also a great spot for photography, not only for the auroras but also for its diverse landscape, with valleys, plains, mountains, and forests surrounding the area.
Utsjoki
If you’re ready to experience Lapland in its most authentic form, choose Utsjoki, one of the northernmost towns in the region. Located on the border with Norway, this town is not only an ideal spot for capturing the Northern Lights through your camera lens, but it’s also a must-see for those wanting to explore the wild nature of northern Finland, experience the polar night, or easily spot wild reindeer grazing on nearby fields. Utsjoki is also the only town where the majority of the population is still Saami, the indigenous people of Lapland. See accommodations in Utsjoki
Reindeer – Permanent Residents of Lapland
Many tourist towns offer visitors the chance to observe the Northern Lights while taking a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer. While this exotic attraction may sound tempting, it’s important to prioritize the welfare of the animals. In Lapland, it’s very easy to spot wild reindeer grazing freely in the fields, so you don’t necessarily need to take a sleigh ride to see them. Opting for snowmobiles instead is a better, more responsible choice.
And if Finland’s wildlife is your main point of interest, you can visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, located north of Rovaniemi. This park is home to nearly 50 arctic species that live in their natural environment while being protected from the harmful effects of global warming.
The best time to see the northern lights
Just as important as choosing the location is picking the right time. While it’s clear that the best hours to plan night trips are between 10 PM and 2 AM, deciding on the right season is a bit trickier. Hunting for the Northern Lights will be challenging if you head to the far north during the summer months. This is not because the lights aren’t there, but due to the presence of the Midnight Sun near the Arctic Circle, which makes it impossible to see the colors in the sky. The best chance of seeing the auroras is between the autumn and spring equinoxes, from September 21 to March 21.
While the harsh winter is the most popular time for Northern Lights tours and is often associated with this natural phenomenon, late September and early March are statistically the most active periods for aurora displays. At that time, colorful skies can be seen almost every other night. The nights are darkest, the lack of heavy snowfall means less cloud cover, and the cold isn’t as intense, making hours spent sky-watching more comfortable.
But is a winter trip in search of the Northern Lights a bad idea? Not at all. While more cloud cover and freezing temperatures may test your patience, long winter nights offer extended observation opportunities, and the cold often enhances the brightness and vividness of the light displays. Additionally, winter is the perfect time to enjoy snow-related activities like skiing or snowshoeing expeditions.
A Few Additional Tips
How do you start your journey in search of the Northern Lights? First, choose your destination and check the nearest airports. In Lapland, you’ll find several airports, including those in Kittilä, Ivalo, and Enontekiö, with the largest being in Rovaniemi. From the capital of Lapland, you can easily reach other parts of the region using public transport. However, if you’re dreaming of truly exploring the north, consider renting a car (e.g. via this website), which will grant you the freedom to travel independently.
Even if you visit Finland during the peak Northern Lights season, there’s no guarantee you’ll witness them. However, there are a few tricks to help you better assess the situation and improve your chances of a successful hunt. Keeping an eye on the weather in the exact location you plan to observe is key, as clouds or precipitation can unfortunately block the view of the light show.
It’s also useful to monitor the so-called “space weather,” which can be found on sites like the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website. Additionally, there are apps and alerts specifically designed to notify you when the auroras are visible.
Once you’ve arrived, you can either organize outings on your own or rely on the expertise of professionals who know when and where the best conditions for viewing the sky occur. Moreover, organized tours often include transportation and allow you to combine the spectacle with activities like snowmobiling, Arctic lake swimming, or photography lessons. If this type of guided experience suits your needs, check out GetYourGuide, where you can book many of these activities in most of the locations mentioned in this article.
Practical information
- It is worth booking tickets for stargazing tours in advance. There are many tours available with experienced guides who will show you the most interesting spots, answer questions, and share fascinating facts about the areas being visited.
- Buy a guided tour on GetYourGuide
