*Note: This post may include affiliate links, which means I might earn a commission if you use them. Rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I genuinely trust and enjoy.
There’s an old saying, “There’s a time and place for everything”, and it rings especially true when we’re talking about witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Finland.
The Finns have a deep affinity for the Auroras; after all, we know a thing or two about them. As a local, I’m eager to share insights that will help you plan an unforgettable trip for you and your loved ones.
Now, let me share an essential piece of advice: There’s no guarantee you’ll see the Northern Lights. To improve your chances, meticulous travel planning is essential.
But don’t fret—this quest is what makes it exciting, adventurous, and memorable.
Within this post, you’ll discover valuable insights regarding the best locations, likelihood of sightings, helpful forecasting resources, packing tips, and budget-friendly options to experience the Auroras.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute provides reliable scientific data about auroral activity, and I’ve updated this guide as of October 2024.
Feel free to grab a cup of coffee as we embark on this journey to plan your dream visit to witness the magnificent Northern Lights against the breathtaking Nordic landscapes. Let’s dive in!
The Best Places to See Northern Lights in Finland
When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights, Finland stands out as a premier destination, with Lapland being the crown jewel for this magical experience. Here are some top locations to consider:
- Kilpisjärvi: Renowned for having the most aurora nights in Finland, with up to a 75% chance of sightings on clear evenings. Its remote setting is ideal for dedicated aurora enthusiasts.
- Ylläs: A serene haven away from the bustle, Ylläs boasts stunning dark skies and scenic fell views. Named Finland’s best fell destination in 2024, it’s perfect for both aurora viewing and enjoying nature’s tranquility.
- Sodankylä: Famous for its scientific aurora research, this area typically enjoys clear, stable weather conditions.
- Utsjoki: As Finland’s northernmost village, Utsjoki benefits from long, dark winter nights with minimal light pollution.
Stay in a Private Mini Cabin in Ylläs – Designed for Peace and the Northern Lights
If your dream is to watch the auroras in serene solitude—far from tour groups and city lights—I highly recommend my own cabin in Ylläs, managed by the wonderful team at Visit Lapelland. Tucked away in Borealis Village, just minutes from the charming village of Äkäslompolo, this newly built mini cabin offers a refined yet cozy experience, much like that of a boutique hotel suite.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Your own private sauna and fireplace
- Expansive windows showcasing the snowy forest scenery
- A front terrace, perfect for sipping morning coffee or cooling off post-sauna
- Pristine dark skies with no outdoor lighting—ideal for spotting the Northern Lights
- A luxurious resort with a restaurant just 150 meters away, open during the winter season. Accommodating comfortably for two adults, a third guest (like a child) can sleep on the sofa bed if needed. Please note: A vehicle is necessary to reach the cabin, and the last 100 meters requires a peaceful walk through the forest, adding to the sense of tranquility.
How to Get to Ylläs – Easy from Helsinki!
Reaching the cabin is more straightforward than it may seem, even if it feels like venturing into another world.
Option 1: Night Train from Helsinki to Kolari
– Board the comfortable overnight train from Helsinki to Kolari (approximately 12 hours)
– From Kolari, it’s just a 45-minute drive to Äkäslompolo
– Options include taking a bus or renting a car at the station
Option 2: Fly to Kittilä Airport
– Direct flights from Helsinki to Kittilä take only 1.5 hours
– From the airport, it’s just a 50-minute drive to the cabin
– Rental cars are available at the airport for added convenience
Once you arrive in Ylläs, time seems to slow down. The only schedule that matters is that of the skies above.
Borealias Village2 Cabin in Ylläs
How to Get to Finland and the Northern Lights Destinations of Finnish Lapland
For flight searches, I always turn to Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for snagging the best fares.
Many readers have expressed gratitude for using Skyscanner, as it has helped them find fantastic flight deals to Finland. The platform is user-friendly and straightforward.
In general, Finnair, Icelandair, and Norwegian airlines frequently have competitive flight options to and from Finland, with Finnair and Norwegian also offering domestic flights.
If you fly into Helsinki, don’t miss the chance to take the night train to Lapland. It’s a cozy way to explore Finland while heading north.
How to Find Accommodation in Finland
Booking.com is my preferred site for trip planning. It consistently offers great deals.
More than that, it has become “the place to be” for accommodations in Finland. They feature a wide range of properties in Lapland, from rustic log cabins to sleek glass hotels and private apartments scattered across the stunning Arctic wilderness.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for on Booking.com, consider checking out Airbnb for your stay in Finland.
Besides unique cabins and apartments, they offer a concept called “Airbnb Experiences,” showcasing exclusive activities crafted by locals and easily booked through their platform.
For more tips on car rentals, travel insurance, and the best travel literature about Finland, visit my helpful Resources page.
Top 3 Reasons You May Not See Northern Lights in Finland
Problem #1. One major reason you might miss the Auroras is cloud cover. The Northern Lights could very well be dancing, but they’ll be hidden from view.
Problem #2. The second key factor is proximity to artificial lights. Even minimal light pollution can obscure your view of the Auroras.
This one is easily remedied—just venture away from streetlights and decorations. Seek pure darkness around you.
For instance, while I’ve spotted Auroras in the heart of Ylläs village, I made my way to a nearby lake to sidestep the village lights.
Problem #3. Lastly, it’s easy to miss out simply by deciding to stay indoors. However, in Lapland, the weather can change swiftly, and you might discover the Northern Lights appearing while you’re sleeping.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Finland
The prime period for Northern Lights sightings stretches from October to March. Statistically, late winter and autumn offer exemplary conditions for viewing the Auroras in Finland.
With cloud cover and average clear skies in mind, there’s one month that stands out: March.
This month not only offers fantastic aurora-watching opportunities but also boasts some of the best skiing conditions in Lapland, with plenty of sunshine during the day.
That said, it’s certainly possible to see the lights in September or April if luck is on your side—I’ve had my own successful sightings during these months!
Best Time at Night to See Northern Lights in Finland
Statistically speaking, the best time to catch the Northern Lights in Lapland is around midnight, along with a couple of hours before and after.
So make sure to stay awake. After all, you’re likely only visiting Lapland once!
Can Northern Lights be Predicted?
Weather prediction remains somewhat mysterious. That said, we can obtain short-term forecasts and real-time updates. As an engineer and avid enthusiast of the topic, I find this fascinating.
In general, I advise stepping outside rather than overly relying on forecasts—especially pessimistic ones—because the Northern Lights tend to have a mind of their own.
Now for some technical details:
Short-term predictions for Northern Lights are based on the approximately three days it takes for solar winds to reach the Earth from the Sun.
From this, we can gauge potential auroral activity. However, the accuracy isn’t perfect; when solar winds interact with Earth, various factors influence the occurrence of the Northern Lights.
Keep in mind, significant solar wind bursts can affect Earth much sooner, meaning that alerts for major auroral events can only be issued about 24 hours in advance.
Free Northern Lights Forecasts in Finland
I’ve relied on these resources for three years, and they’ve yielded great results for me.
However, I can’t stress enough: venture outside into the dark to double-check for yourself!
#1: The Finnish Meteorological Institute
This user-friendly map shows the likelihood of Auroras in Finland, delivering real-time forecasts that extend down to Southern Finland as well.
#2: The “My Aurora Forecast” App
I’ve been using the free version of the “My Aurora Forecast” app on my iPhone, and it has proven to be incredibly effective!
I highly recommend this tool for Android users as well.
Most Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Lights in Finland
Are Northern Lights Dangerous?
Not at all. Auroras are completely safe for humans; they’re not radioactive and don’t cause power outages in Finland. However, they can pose risks to satellites.
Does the Likelihood of Northern Lights Increase with Cold Weather?
The visibility of the Northern Lights isn’t directly linked to freezing temperatures. Nonetheless, cloud cover tends to be more prevalent in warmer conditions.
Typically, more frigid temperatures correlate with clear night skies, which are essential for spotting any aurora activity.
This explains why it feels like Northern Lights tend to appear when the weather is especially chilly.
Do Northern Lights Make Sounds?
Yes, studies have shown that under certain conditions, there are audible sounds associated with the Northern Lights. Scientific investigations have confirmed these sounds and have been detailed in numerous journals over the past two decades.
What Do Finns Think About the Northern Lights and Lapland?
For many Finns, Lapland serves as a muse.
Artists frequently venture to Lapland in search of inspiration—whether for novels, music, or paintings. It offers solace and an antidote to the stress of daily life. Many Finns from the bustling southern regions visit Lapland to seek tranquility for their restless minds.
Even though we Finns are generally active in our daily lives, we master the art of relaxation once we cross the Arctic Circle.
Lapland embodies the essence of reconnecting with nature. It’s where Finnish men embark on their annual fishing expeditions, and where resilient Finnish women, like the tenacious fell birches, pack their hiking gear to unleash their spirits in the Lappish wilderness.
Families flock to Lapland during winter for both downhill and cross-country skiing. Confirmation camps for teenagers are also quite popular.
How Do Finns React If They Don’t See Northern Lights When They Are in Lapland?
For many Finns, like myself, Lapland represents more than just a physical location; we refer to it as sielunmaisema (translated as “soul’s landscape”).
This term signifies a place where one feels an intrinsic sense of belonging. A space where you experience inner peace, joy, and a connection to the natural world.
For most Finns, the journey to Lapland is about the full embrace of the experience—not solely centered around catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. This is why we remain grateful whenever we do see them, and are not disheartened when we don’t.
How Does It Feel When You See the Northern Lights?
Honestly, conveying the feelings tied to aurora sightings is a challenge. The Northern Lights are simply awe-inspiring.
Each time I witness them, I feel a profound connection to nature, the cosmos, and something transcendent. They truly shake me to my core—in a good way.
Can I See the Northern Lights while Visiting Southern Finland?
You’d be exceptionally fortunate to see them down south, but it’s not entirely impossible. Southern Finland might offer sightings around once a month.
In recent years, we’ve been lucky to observe one auroral display annually in the southern regions. Hence, your chances are limited.
To stay updated, I recommend the “My Aurora Forecast” app I mentioned earlier.
What are Northern Lights Called in Finnish?
In Finnish, the Northern Lights are known as “revontulet,” translating to “fox fires.” Another name you might encounter is “repolaiset.”
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make When Hunting Northern Lights in Finland
The most significant blunder is remaining too close to artificial lights or staying indoors entirely. If you do, the Auroras will evade your sight.
Be bold and step into the darkness; find an open location, perhaps a frozen lake.
If you feel uncertain, consider joining a tour. Many packages are thoughtfully curated and often include campfire snacks, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling adventures.
Ten Local’s Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland
#1 Several hotels provide Aurora alarms for their guests. Nonetheless, I still recommend stepping outside to experience the beauty of the Arctic night.
#2 Don’t overly depend on forecast sites; once again, adventurous spirits should head into the wilderness!
#3 Our human vision isn’t at its best in the dark. Spend around 30 minutes outdoors for your eyes to adjust.
#4 Always ensure your camera and phone batteries are sufficiently charged before heading out in winter; frigid temperatures can sap your battery life. Pro tip: many Finnish women keep their phones inside wool mittens or socks to help preserve their charge. A portable charger is also a wise investment!
#5 If you want to capture those stunning images, make sure you have a tripod.
#6 One-time heat pockets are a must-have for staying warm amid the cold; usually, your hands or feet will feel the chill, regardless of your preparations. They’re lifesavers for when temperatures drop. Check out my winter clothing tips for Lapland!
#7 Ladies, don’t overlook your beauty essentials for cold weather to avoid skin issues and makeup mishaps.
#8 Seek out dark, open spaces, like frozen lakes. The Northern Lights often appear near the horizon.
#9 Be sure of your surroundings. Straying too far into the woods could leave you disoriented.
#10 Don’t miss my YouTube video, which contains detailed advice on Aurora hunting in Finnish Lapland.
Northern Lights in Finland on a Budget
Here are my top tips for seeing the Northern Lights in Finland without breaking the bank:
- Travel to northern Lapland during the off-peak season. October and November are excellent months for cheap flights and affordable accommodations.
- If you fly into Helsinki, always compare prices for domestic flights to the Lapland night train. A bus may also be available for further travel in Lapland.
- Opt for accommodations with kitchenettes, allowing you to prepare your own meals.
- Allocate enough time in Lapland to enhance your chances of seeing the Auroras.
- Make the most of your stay by hiking, walking, and visiting campfire sites. Cross-country skis and snowshoes can be rented at reasonable rates when there’s snow.
- Stop by the local tourist information office. They can recommend plenty of free activities.
- Bookmark the free forecast tools mentioned in this post and head outside every evening. Avoid artificial lighting, but be cautious not to get lost!
Must-Have Gear for Your Northern Lights Trip in Finland
Because cold weather tends to drain phone batteries quickly, I always carry a portable charger on my winter outings.
This chargeable phone ring light has been a lifesaver in dimly lit restaurants and during the often-dark winter days in Finland.
For months, my sister insisted that a ring light would enhance my phone’s photography; I finally got one as a gift, and it has made a world of difference.
A DSLR camera will yield exquisite photos, but a good mobile phone can suffice if equipped with a tripod.
Don’t be like me and forget your tripod—blurry pictures of the Auroras are a disappointment!
This lightweight, flexible tripod is incredibly handy. Its legs can wrap around various surfaces—trees, poles, and fences—and it comes in various sizes.
Essentials For An Aurora Hunting Trip in Lapland
- Warm jacket
- Warm pants
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Appropriate footwear
- Technical and woolen underlayers
- Phone
- Camera
- Phone ring light
- Portable charger
- Tripod
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Hot chocolate in a thermos
- Snacks
- Flask
- Heat pockets
- Tissues
I strongly recommend checking out my detailed winter clothing packing list, which contains all the essentials for staying warm during your time in Finland.
In conclusion, hunting the Northern Lights is a blend of careful planning and a bit of luck.
During your time in Lapland, don’t hesitate to venture outside each night and maximize your vacation. After all, life wouldn’t be quite so exciting if seeing the Auroras were guaranteed. The real reward is the lasting memory you create.
I hope you find this guide helpful. Are the Northern Lights a part of your bucket list? If you have any further questions about the Auroras, feel free to ask in the comments.
For additional insights about Lapland, check out these resources:
Don’t miss my popular video on Northern Lights in Finland—it’s the most-viewed clip on my YouTube channel. See it below.