ROVANIEMI (Finland): For many travelers, the pursuit of the northern lights in the Arctic Circle is a cherished dream. I am thrilled to say that for me, this dream has been fulfilled.
Thanks to an official invitation to Helsinki for the “Climate Solutions from Finland” program held from October 5 to 10, I seized the chance to journey to Rovaniemi, where I hoped to catch a glimpse of the stunning Aurora borealis.
Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in northern Finland, lies prominently along the Arctic Circle. It has become one of the country’s most sought-after tourist destinations, second only to Helsinki. Famously known as the “home of Santa Claus,” Rovaniemi boasts optimal viewing conditions for the northern lights, typically seen between late August and early April.
The region of Lapland is characterized by its serene, snow-covered landscapes, diverse wildlife, exciting winter activities, and the deeply rooted culture of the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants who have thrived in this part of the world for centuries.
Though my visit occurred in late autumn, Rovaniemi’s charm was palpable, with trees adorned in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown, painting a picturesque backdrop.
I traveled from Helsinki to Rovaniemi aboard the Santa Claus Express, embarking on a 12-hour journey that covered over 800 kilometers. Once in Rovaniemi, I opted for the convenience of a rental car, as public transportation options were infrequent and limited.
My explorations took me to Santa Claus Village, just 8 kilometers from the city center, and to the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre, a mere 850 meters away. I also visited Ounasvaara Hill, a fantastic vantage point for panoramic views of the city and its surrounding forests, particularly stunning at sunset.
Integral to my experience was witnessing the northern lights at the Apukka Resort, located 16.3 kilometers from downtown Rovaniemi.
Santa Claus Village, a significant landmark at the Arctic Circle, serves as a symbolic gateway to the northernmost reaches of our world. During my autumn visit, the village was pleasantly uncrowded, allowing me to explore its charming surroundings without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season.
While there, I received a certificate marking my crossing of the iconic Arctic Circle and had the delightful experience of meeting “Santa Claus” himself, a nostalgic encounter that transported me back to my childhood days filled with Christmas cartoons featuring the jolly figure in red.
The adventure continued at Santa’s Main Post Office, where I selected postcards to send to friends back home, requesting that they arrive in December to evoke the holiday spirit.
I also visited a reindeer farm, where I enjoyed a thrilling ride through the pine forests—sitting in a wheeled cart pulled by a seven-year-old male reindeer for about 400 meters, a journey that lasted six to seven minutes. Though snow was absent, the experience was exhilarating nonetheless.
At the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre, I delved into the rich history and culture of the Arctic region, especially the story of Lapland and its indigenous Sami people.
The museum also provides a fascinating explanation of the Aurora borealis, shedding light on why Rovaniemi is hailed as one of the best spots in the world to witness this breathtaking phenomenon.
Dancing lights
Finally, Apukka Resort stands out as one of the premier locations to observe the northern lights, featuring unobstructed skies perfect for an unforgettable viewing experience.
The northern lights, or Aurora borealis, are a stunning natural spectacle that illuminates the night skies of high-latitude regions close to the Arctic. This phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.
As these particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, they create bursts of energy that manifest as vibrant lights, dancing across the sky in a mesmerizing array of green, pink, purple, and blue.
I began my vigil at around 11 PM, and just after midnight, the first whispers of green lights danced on the horizon. Initially fleeting, these lights soon expanded into a breathtaking 360-degree display that filled the sky for about 20 minutes.
The highlight of the night came when a shimmering curtain of lights cascaded directly overhead, swirling between hues of green and soft pink, flowing gracefully across the sky.
Although my only chance to see the northern lights unfolded over a single night—my second night marred by clouds and rain—I emerged from the experience profoundly grateful for the spectacle I had witnessed.
Rovaniemi offered not just the memory of the aurora but an authentic taste of Arctic life. The biting cold permeated my layers of clothing, leaving my hands feeling like ice. On the night of my Aurora hunt, a light snowfall dusted the chairs outside my accommodation, though it melted by morning.
Yet, as I stood beneath the expansive northern sky, captivated by nature’s most spectacular light show, I realized that this was a moment etched in my memory forever.