Taking a trip to witness the Aurora Borealis in Finland is absolutely worthwhile. There are areas of Finland where you can not only observe the northern lights up to 200 times annually but also experience bright, vivid presentations.
I’ve photographed the stunning aurora displays and breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Lights in Finland on multiple occasions, and the gorgeous scenery and magnificent light shows are entirely unique anywhere else.
Naturally, to observe magnificent views of the “Green Lady,” you have to know the ideal time and locations in Finland to detect the Northern Lights. This article provides information – by the time you`ve finished reading, you should be able to plan a Finland trip affording the best chance of experiencing the aurora borealis in all its spectacular magnificence.
Ready to discover where to see the Northern Lights in Finland? Let`s get started!
Table of Contents
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland
The optimum Finland Northern Lights months are September to March. Inside this timeframe, the end of September and mid-March would be the best intervals when solar action increases. It is feasible to see the Northern Lights in Finland on a dim night in August, but there are fewer hours of darkness at that period of the year, which signifies you will have less of an opportunity of seeing an aurora display.
Weather is also an important factor for the best time of year for Northern Lights in Finland. From December to January, Finland often experiences significant snowfall, which can mean cloudy conditions and consequently lower visibility for aurora displays. If you visit Finland during this period, be prepared to plan your aurora chasing around cloudy weather patterns.
From February to March, skies tend to be much clearer, and there aren’t as many tourists as in December to January. If possible, plan your visit to Finland anytime from September to November or from February to March, the optimal time period to see the Northern Lights in Finland.
In regards to the ideal time of day to view the northern lights in Finland, it tends to be from 10 PM to 2 AM, when the sky is darker and the Phenomenon is most active.
What month is best to see Northern Lights in Finland?
In summation, these are the best months to perceive the Northern Lights in Finland:
- September, October, andNovember – The climatic conditions in September and October tend to be more temperate than throughout the winter season, making these months the most suitable time of the year for observing the auroras in an outdoor setting. Additionally, solar movements near the autumnal equinox enhances the likelihood of viewing the Northern Lights.
- Decemberand January – The nights at this time of year extend in length and typically provide exceptional darkness, so provided the sky is not clouded over, magnificent views of the Northern Lights should be attainable. As it is the yuletide season, Finnish Lapland (considered the premier destination in Finland to behold the Northern Aurora and also supposed residence of Santa Claus) may welcome numerous visitors around this timeframe. One certainty is the snow blanketing the terrain will lend a festive atmosphere to both your trip and your photographs from Finland of the northern lights.
- February and March – With fewer crowds and clearer skies, these months offer a splendid chance to witness the Northern Lights in a peaceful environment. Additionally, around the spring equinox in March, solar activity levels increase, creating spectacular auroral displays.
Best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights
Now that you have an understanding of when one should travel to Finland to see the Northern Lights, you’ll likely be wondering where within Finland offers the best opportunities to see the aurora borealis. Happily, locating optimum viewing locations is straightforward: Finnish Lapland is considered the premier region in Finland to observe the magnificent northern lights.
This region of Finland is in the northern part of the country and situated within the so-called “aurora zone.” Within the zone`s boundaries, there is an improved potential to witness a celestial display of the Northern Lights as well as an improved chance such a performance will be more vivid, both of which suit those seeking the natural phenomenon.
To summarize, these are the top places in Finland to view the Northern Lights:
- Rovaniemi – Aurora displays can be viewed here up to 150 times per year.
- Kemi – The ideal location to watch the northern lights dance from the comfort of a glass villa.
- Saariselkä – One of the places most likely to see the Northern Lights, since the aurora borealis can be observed here up to 200 times per year.
- Ivalo – Small village outside Saariselkä that’s a great, quiet location to witness Northern Lights displays.
- Kakslauttanen – A resort located merely thirty minutes from Ivalo’s airport, providing rather convenient access.
- Ylläs – The streetlights in this village are switched off at 10 PM so all can view the aurora borealis without any light pollution.
- Levi – The biggest ski destination in Finland. Ideal if you want to see the Northern Lights while skiing or from the top of a mountain peak.
1. Rovaniemi
If you want one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights in Finland, head to Rovaniemi; there are auroral shows here up to 150 times per year! Typically, the best view is usually from outside the city boundaries because there can be light contamination from the city’s lights, but you can sometimes also see the Northern Lights from within the city.
Rovaniemi is also considered the official hometown of Santa Claus in the Finnish region of Lapland, making it an especially festive place to visit around the Christmas season. Visitors can stay at the Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, one of the premier hotels for viewing the Northern Lights in Finland, if wanting the full Yuletide experience, or book a treehouse suite at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel where the aurora displays can be watched from the bedroom.
You can even enjoy a Northern Lights snowmobile tour with campfire snacks, which is highly advised if you have never seen the Aurora before.
2. Kemi
Kemi is one of the most intriguing places to view the Northern Lights in Finland. It’s home to the world`s largest snow fortress, Snow Castle, which houses a hotel, restaurant, and chapel. The structure is reconstructed every winter, so you’ll always see something different.
Being remote on the shores of Bothnian Bay means Kemi offers tranquil settings with little light contamination. Kemi’s Seaside Glass Villas, which is one of the premier Aurora hotels in Finland, provide ocean perspectives through the transparent walls of your sleeping area, so if fortunate enough to witness an aurora display, it will shimmer over a wonderful expanse of sea.
3. Saariselkä
You’re practically guaranteed to see the Northern Lights in Saariselkä, where aurora displays are visible up to 200 times per year. It’s highly likely that you’ll see a Finland aurora borealis on any clear night during the winter.
Saariselkä is located near Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest protected natural areas, where visitors can explore lovely, forested landscapes. Saariselkä itself is home to a series of mountains, so there is no shortage of beautiful scenery arising from nature.
A wonderful place to spend time in Saariselkä is the Northern Lights Village, which offers cabins that feature transparent roofs, allowing guests to enjoy aurora displays from inside their accommodations along with temperature controlled windows to easily clear any snow impeding views.
For sightseeing opportunities, I propose this one, which takes you to the most picturesque spots to photograph the Northern Lights.
4. Ivalo
Ivalo is a tiny township situated outside Saariselkä and at the northernmost point on our list of the prime destinations in Finland to view the Northern Lights. As you likely are aware, the farther north one travels, the better the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights, so Ivalo is a fantastic site to take in the Northern Lights over Finland.
The Statue Liberty Museum is one of the top museums in New York City, and all visitors to Liberty Island have access to the exhibits since it’s incorporated with every ticket.
5. Kakslauttanen
One of the most popular locations in Finland to view the Northern Lights is Kakslauttanen. This resort is situated approximately 30 minutes from Ivalo Airport and 10 minutes from Saariselkä, so it’s easier to reach and less remote than numerous other Finnish Northern Lights spots.
If you find accommodations available in one of the following lodgings, I recommend you book it as soon as possible.
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a very famous Finnish Northern Lights hotel and is considered one of the top 10 Northern Lights hotels in the world. There are plenty of choices for accommodation within the resort (glass igloos, wooden chalets, snow igloos, a traditional Finnish house), so your accommodation’s level of comfort and style is entirely up to you.
6. Ylläs
If one wishes to see the aurora borealis in Finland, nowhere will they find more accommodating than Ylläs. In this village, street lighting is shut off at 10 PM so that all may more easily observe the Northern Lights.
Ylläs is near Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, renowned for possessing the world`s cleanest air. Abundant fells and forests within the park create the perfect foreground for images of Northern Lights Finland.
I highly recommend staying at Lodge 67° N in the Ylläs area. It’s a cozy hotel that’s owned by a couple and has numerous saunas that are ideal for relaxing after a long night of pursuing the northern lights.
To boost our chances of experiencing the magical “Lady Aurora”, reserve a spot on this phenomenal tour.
7. Levi
Levi hosts Finland`s largest ski resort along with plenty of bustling activities. Those seeking entertainment beyond aurora watching will find options here such as skiing, snowboarding, bar hopping, horseback riding, ice fishing, and more.
Of course, since Levi is in the “aurora zone,” it is also a superb spot to view the Northern Lights. You may need to venture somewhat outside of town to get the best perspective, but it will undoubtedly be worth it to see the Northern Lights over Finland.
Consider indulging in an evening at one of the highest regarded rooftop bars in New York City, perhaps following a dinner at one of NYC’s top eateries. Alternatively, many of these bars also offer shareable appetizers and small plates, so if you visit just prior to dusk, you can savor some sunset dining.
For excursions, I propose this Northern Lights Hunting Photography Journey; you will experience something you will never forget .
Best Finland aurora borealis tours
There is so much to experience and do in Finland, but numerous visitors visit especially to see the Northern Lights, particularly in the winter months. Thankfully, viewing the phenomenon is not difficult since there are many Finland tours to view the aurora borealis.
You cannot go wrong with any of the one-night tours I’ve listed above, however if you prefer a Finland Northern Lights tour package, these are my favorite options:
- 3-Day Aurora Search in Ivalo
- 5-Day Experience of the Aurora Borealis & Glass Igloo in Rovaniemi
- Aurora & Santa Claus Tour in Arctic Circle Span
- A 10-day winter adventure exploring the wonders of Lapland.
- Hub New Lisbon Hostel, reasonably priced accommodation in Lisbon
Lastly, for acquiring potentially superior photos of the Northern Lights phenomena observed in Finland, checking out our guidance on photographing the Aurora Borealis may prove helpful.
