Whether you’re hoping to enjoy the sights with your family and create the best memories for your little ones, or going on a romantic getaway, the Northern Lights in Finland is a sight you simply must behold at least once in your life.
Catching the Northern Lights in Finland is something that’s probably on most people’s bucket list. I first discovered them through Disney Channel’s Brother Bear back when I was young. Imagine my delight when I found out that it wasn’t just Disney’s magic but a real-life phenomenon! The Northern Lights feel like nature’s magic and remind me of the wonders the Earth has to offer.
Of course, with all things natural, it can be pretty hard to guarantee that you get to catch the Northern Lights when you want to — so planning ahead and knowing what to expect is pretty important. That’s why we’ve got you covered with this guide on everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Finland, along with some of the other things to see and enjoy on your trip there.
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8 Tips For Seeing The Northern Lights In Finland
As with every natural phenomenon, it’s hard to guarantee that you’ll definitely be able to catch the Northern Lights in Finland, but we’ve got some tips to increase your chances so that you don’t end up making a wasted trip to Finland. Here are eight of our best tips:
1. Choose the right time of the year
The best time to see the Northern Lights is during winter months when the days are short and the nights are longer. Winter is usually between late September to early April, and the height of winter, (December and January) gives you the highest probability of clear skies and the longest nights.
2. Check the Aurora Forecast
There are websites that give you frequent forecasts on the visibility of the Northern Lights and how clear the skies would be each night. It’s almost like planning to catch the sunrise, so be sure to check the forecasts for the days leading up to your visit to increase your chances of catching the lights! With some of the other forecasts, you can also set up alerts and be updated when Northern Light sightings are high in your area.
3. Stay away from light pollution
Just like with catching the stars, the lesser the light pollution, the higher your chances are of catching the Northern Lights. So even if it might be a little bit out of the way, you probably should get out of the city and head into nature to increase your chances of seeing the lights and enjoying them in their full glory.
4. Make plans to stay a few nights
If we’ve not said it enough, sightings are really hard to guarantee so it would be best if you made plans for a few nights away from the city to increase your chances. The last thing you’d want is to make a wasted trip and move on to the next stop in your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do and see in the day too, so pick a town or a countryside stop with other activities for you to look forward to.
5. Choose the right time of the night
The best time to see the lights is between 11 PM and 2 AM, when the nights are darkest and coldest, so be prepared to stay out a little later for the best views. Of course, you should bundle up and brace yourself for the cold. Bring along some hot cocoa or a nice cup of warm tea to enjoy while you wait, making the whole experience all the more fun and enjoyable.
6. Join a guided tour
If you really want to increase your chances of catching the Northern Lights, and aren’t exactly too comfortable and familiar with the terrain in Finland, you might want to consider going on a guided tour. These guides have tons of experience from knowing the best aurora-spotting locations to taking the best photographs to capture the moment, so joining a guided tour might make it hassle-free for you.
Everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Finland: Check out Klook for a great range of tours and enjoy up to 5% cashback when you make your booking with your YouTrip card.
7. Check the weather forecast
Weather forecasts go hand-in-hand with Aurora forecasts. Apart from tracking the activity and visibility of the lights, you should check the weather and how clear the skies would be. The best months are the driest ones since it decreases the chances of a huge rain cloud blocking your view. It also helps you anticipate how cold the night might be, so be sure to pack lots of warm clothing and bundle up before heading out to catch the lights!
From the right thermal underlayers to wind and waterproof outer layers, hats, gloves, scarves, and heat packs, we recommend bringing along everything you’ve got just so that the wait won’t become unbearable.
8. Choose the right location
Whether you’re heading to Finland from Singapore or anywhere else in the world, there are so many other things to enjoy on top of catching the Northern Lights. Depending on the kind of adventure you’re looking for, we’ve found some of the best places to view the Northern Lights, with a whole range of other activities for you to choose from 👇
5 Spots To See The Northern Lights In Finland
1. Rovaniemi
Image credits: Santa Clause Village
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland. The further you head up North, the closer you are to the magnetic poles of the Earth which is where the magnetic activity is the greatest. This means that your chances of catching the Northern Lights would be pretty high.
Besides the Aurora, Rovaniemi is also known as the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus”, and the Santa Claus Village is a year-round attraction for you to meet Santa and visit his post office. And just like the gift that keeps on giving, entrance into Santa Claus Village is free. It’s literally Christmas all year round! Rovaniemi is also surrounded by the Arctic and its natural beauty, so you can try your hand at some of the activities like dog sledding and ice fishing.
If you happen to find yourself in Rovaniemi during the summer months instead, you get to experience the Midnight Sun, which is the few weeks in summer when the sun doesn’t set at all. It sounds like a pretty magical place to be if you ask me.
🕜 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
📍 Address of Sant Claus Village: 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
Everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Finland: Check out the Santa Claus Village here
2. Inari
Image credits: Booking.com
For a more cultural holiday, you might want to consider staying in Inari, which is pretty far up north in Finnish Lapland too. Inari is considered the cultural heart of the indigenous Sami people, the original inhabitants of the land. The Siida Sami Museum and Nature Centre are some of the must-see attractions in Inari, giving you the chance to learn more about the culture and history of the Sami and life in the Arctic. Because reindeer herding is a significant part of the Sami culture, there are also places to see the reindeer and even try your hand at reindeer sledding (just like Santa)!
Inari is also known for its nature and exciting activities. As the place is surrounded by the wilderness, you can opt for a more secluded adventure and go camping! There are also hotels and campsites around for you to explore and have a serene time basking in Inari’s natural beauty.
One of the more popular hotels is the Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos where you can opt to stay in a regular hotel room, a log cabin, or an aurora cabin with glass windows and ceilings that allow you to admire the night sky in its full glory from the comfort and warmth of your bed.
📍 Address of Wilderness Hotel Inari: Inarintie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
❗ Tip: Use your YouTrip Card while booking your stay to enjoy up to 10% cashback on Booking.com
Everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Finland: Check out the Wilderness Hotel Inari here
3. Utsjoki
Image credits: Lapland North
Utsjoki is one of the other northernmost municipalities in Finland and is located in the heart of Lapland, close to the borders of Norway and the Arctic Ocean. One of its landmarks is the ‘Three-Country Cairn’ or the Kolmen Valtakunnan Rajapyykki — the meeting point of Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
There are also plenty of hiking and nature trails for the nature-lover in you to explore the Arctic landscapes and unique wildlife like reindeer, birds, and wolverines. That’s right, real-life wolverines. Some sights to visit are the Lemmenjoki National Park and the Teno River, which is one of the best salmon rivers in Europe, attracting anglers from all around the world.
When in Finland, do as the salmons do! Jump into the icy waters of the river after a hot steamy sauna session to experience the full authentic Finnish sauna tradition! It’s becoming one with nature at its finest, I’d say!
📍 Address of Lemmenjoki National Park: Lemmenjoen Kylatie, 99870 Finland
Everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Finland: Check out the Lemmenjoki National Park here
4. Kilpisjärvi
Image credits: Visit Lapland
Kilpisjärvi is located in the northwest of Lapland, near the borders of Sweden and Norway and is known for its nature and outdoor activities all year round. Besides breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and other gorgeous landscapes that look like your Windows screensaver, there are long hiking trails like the Hetta-Pallas and Nordkalottleden (also known as the Arctic Trail) that will take you through different landscapes and sights to behold.
An iconic landmark of Kilpisjärvi is Saana Fell, a beautiful mountain with a breathtaking summit and panoramic views to die for. It’s a popular destination for photographers and for the common hiker who knows how to enjoy a good view.
Besides hiking, there is a whole other range of activities like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and bird-watching. Fun fact: It’s a pretty popular place for birdwatchers especially during the summer months when migratory birds come to the region.
📍 Address of Saana Fell: 99490 Enontekiö, Finland
Everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Finland: Check out Saana Fell here
5. Levi
Image credits: Visit Finland
Levi is slightly different from the other Northern Lights spots in this list. It’s situated near the town of Kittilä and is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in Finland. With a whole range of activities that are sure to keep you occupied during the day and plenty of opportunities to catch the aurora at night, you’ll never get bored.
The resort is best known for its downhill ski slopes with difficulty levels that are great for both the beginner and the pro. Ski season typically lasts between October to May, making it a great place to be during the aurora-chasing months. You can opt to go for skiing or snowboarding lessons if you’re new to the sports, or rent equipment and go on cross-country skiing trails through the Lappish wilderness.
The Levi Village is the centre of activity, with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops for you to check out. They offer Lapland cuisine, also known as Sami cuisine that has influence from neighbouring countries like Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia, that you can try and taste for yourself. There’s no better way than to learn more about culture than through your belly!
Generally, Levi is a great option to catch the Northern Lights if you’re looking for a more hassle-free, one-stop option that’s pretty convenient — especially if you’re travelling with the little ones.
🕜 Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
📍 Address of Oy Levi Ski Resort: Hissitie 8, 99130 Kittilä, Finland
Everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights in Finland: Check out the Oy Levi Ski Resort here
Discover The Magic Of Finland
It’s time to make that dream come true and head to Finland to chase the Northern Lights! The terrain and environment might seem pretty different from the tropical climate we’re used to, but it’s definitely worth the trip and the view. Plus, there are so many other sights and experiences that Finland has to offer, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the daytime too. It’s time to plan for your next holiday now!
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