If you dream of seeing the northern lights, Finland is one of the best places to make this dream come true. Unusual colors dancing in the night sky are a view that will remain in memory for a long time. In this article you will learn where and when it is best to hunt for a northern lights, and you will also learn practical information about prices, location and accommodation options. Let's check what places it is worth visiting when you go to search and how to prepare for this extraordinary spectacle.
When to see the northern lights?
The best time to observe the northern lights in Finland is the period from the end of September to the end of March. Winter months are especially recommended, from December to February, when the nights are the longest and darkest. It is also important to find a sunny evening without cloudiness - aurora is best visible in total darkness, away from city lights. If you do not have patience to wait for the right weather, then, unfortunately - the polar aurora is not a phenomenon to order, but it is worth a try!
The best places to observe the northern lights in Finland
Below are four top places that are worth visiting to see the northern lights with your own eyes. Each location has its own unique advantages, and additionally offers a wide selection of attractions and accommodation options to make your hunting aurora even more unforgettable experience.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi - the capital of Lapland, but don't let this title visit you. There is no typical urban hustle and bustle that would spoil the possibility of admiring the northern lights. Here you will find a lot of observation points and trip offers that will give you a chance to be aurora at the best. Aurora Borealis Camp with transparent glass igloo? Sounds like a dream! These igloo is literally tickets in the first place to the performance aurora - you lie in a warm bed and green ribbons dance above you. Price? From around 400 EUR per night, but who would count the euro when you admire something that is practically priceless. And if you don't like it, you can visit Santa's village. You don't have aurora? You have a photo on my lap at Mikołaj.
Saariselkä
Saariselkä - if Rovaniemi is too commercial for you, Saariselkä will be more wild and raw. It is a place in the heart of Lapland, which allows you to escape from city lights. With a guide you go on trips that resemble more survival than a typical trip. Snow scooters, reindeer sleigh or hiking - the choice is yours. Prices of such one -day trips start from EUR 100 to 150, but hey who would count the costs when you are surrounded by reindeer and have a chance to see something that cannot be captured in any film? If you fancy a bit of extreme - we recommend accommodation in a tent in the middle of the tundra. Feel like a real trapper - a bit cold, a bit uncomfortable, but satisfaction guaranteed!
Kilpisjärvi
Kilpisjärvi - this place is perfect for those who like to have order and statistics on their side. The chance to see the aurora for 200 nights a year sounds like something worth considering, right? The town is located at the northwestern end of Finland, and thanks to its location and minimal light pollution it gives the best conditions for hunting for aurora. The prices of accommodation in the houses start from EUR 120 per person, which is simply an opportunity, if you compare it with the possibility of observing aurora, having almost 70-80% of success. Don't you feel like rides? In Kilpisjärvi, aurora can literally come to your window. You don't have to chase her here - she will find you.
Levi
Levi - maybe you know this place as a popular ski resort, but Levi is also a great base for observing the northern lights. Many hotels and guesthouses offer special polar packages, so you don't have to worry about the organization - someone will do it for you. Prices start from EUR 150 per night, but it's worth going crazy, especially since you can also use a sleigh ride with Husky dogs. Imagine this scene - you glide through snowy forests, quiet around and only Husky's breaths, and above your head they dance green, purple and pink streaks. Sounds like something worth surviving? Levi offers this unforgettable mix of adrenaline and delight.
What are the chances of seeing the northern lights?
The chances of seeing the northern lights in Lapland are quite solid and range from 50 to 70% in three nights, provided that the weather is good. But remember, aurora is a bit like a cat - it appears when he wants, and hardly anyone will force her to do so. So let's invest in applications such as "My Aurora Forecast" or "Aurora Alerts", which will signal you when a chance for a spectacle appears. Without preparing, even the best notifications will not help - a thermos with hot tea, a flashlight and a warm blanket is a minimum to survive a long night in anticipation of the aurora. Remember, comfort equals the pleasure of observation.
Practical tips
- Dress up warm : Laponia in winter is not a place for fashion experiments - forget about thin jackets. Layered clothes, thermal underwear and decent shoes are your best friends. If you think you can do it without warm socks, the aurora will quickly lead you out of error.
- Book accommodation earlier : If you think you will find a free igloo at the last minute, you might as well believe that the aurora will come on demand. The best places sell out quickly, and nobody wants to sleep in a car at -30 ° C, right?
- Avoid city lights : city lights are like vampires - they suck magic. Avoid them as much as you can. It's best to go into wild areas, where the only light is aurora and snowmober headlight.
- Try different locations : don't be discouraged if the aurora does not appear immediately. Sometimes you have to go further, change the place, wait. The aurora has its whims, but whoever persists will be awarded.
| Place | Cost of accommodation (EUR) | Chances of aurora (%) | Additional attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rovaniemi | from 400 | 60-70 | Santa's village |
| Saariselkä | from 100 | 65-75 | Overnight in a tent, reindeer |
| Kilpisjärvi | from 120 | 70-80 | 200 nights aurora, trekking |
| Levi | from 150 | 55-65 | Sleigh rides with hooky dogs, skis |
Finland offers many excellent locations for observing the northern lights, and winter evenings in Lapland will provide an unforgettable experience. Go to Rovaniemi, Saariselk, Kilpisjärvi or Levi, to have the best chance of seeing this magical phenomenon. Remember about proper preparation, warm clothes and a little patience - the aurora polar is a capricious lady who rewards the persistent. If you see the aurora, do not forget to upload photos on Instagram - after all, this whole trip cannot take place without the right post, right?
