Northern Lights from Finland - Witness Nature’s Most Spectacular Show

Long before science took its turn to explain most of the natural phenomena that occur today, the fluorescent green, yellow and red curtains of light, illuminating the skies in most Nordic countries - were surrounded by several myths and legends. While the Vikings believed them to be the reflections of the armour Valkyries wore when they travelled back to Asgard; the Sámi people feared and revered it at the same time, believing they were the souls of their dead ancestors. Yet, this luminescent show of light never failed to hook its viewers. These myths and ancient lore only serve to display the broad and imaginative nature of the human mind. An aspect, which, despite the scientific reasons often trailing behind it, still feels magical today.

Whatever name you wish to call them, Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, these often perceived as otherworldly marvels, represent both magic and mysticism. And Finland, out of all the places on the Earth is one among those where you can witness this wonder. Hoarding in the best of this magic, Finland, the place where the sky turns green and pink and red and every colour in between. Finland is a land of a thousand lakes. Its untamed beauty, contemporary architecture, gourmet prowess and Northern Lights, all make Finland tantalising. Whether we talk about the frosty winters or bright and warm summers, with each season blending seamlessly into each other, Finland is a fantastic destination. Book from our Finland tour packages to witness for yourself what we talk about.

In this Blog

• A Short Episode - Northern Lights Explained
• Best Places to See Northern Lights from Finland
  • Santa Claus Village
  • Saariselkä village
• Tips for Spotting Northern Lights in Finland
  • Time Your Journey
  • Get Far from the Bright Lights
  • Be Weather Wise
  • Be a Little Patient
  • Sign Up for Guided Tours

A Short Episode - Northern Lights Explained

Before we dive right into the where and what of viewing the Northern Lights from Finland, let us get the basics right. In simple terms, Auroras can be explained as solar winds interacting with our planet’s magnetic fields. Since these solar winds contain charged particles, such as electrons, protons and other alpha and plasma particles, their collision with the atoms and molecules of our planet’s ionosphere results in the release of light what we now call the Northern Lights.

The colours of the Northern Lights are a result of these gas particles' collision with the charged particles. While oxygen produces greens and red hues; nitrogen makes the purples and pinks. A canopy of colours, as if a child took to painting for the first time. What is more interesting is that these lights do not follow a set pattern, but may appear in different shapes and sizes. On some days, they might appear as a grand arc of red stretching through the sky for as far as the eyes can see; other times, it's all green, swirling back and forth like a curtain with fuzzy edges.

No pencil can draw it, no colours can paint it, and no words can describe it in all its magnificence.

• Julius von Payer, an Austrian explorer of the Northern Lights

Best Places to See Northern Lights from Finland

A trip to Finland and gazing at the Northern Lights go hand in hand. Whether you are looking to book purpose-built luxury suites, or cabins in the wilderness or desire to witness the Northern Lights from a glass igloo, Finland will not disappoint in the least.

Lapland is the northernmost region in Finland, renowned for clear skies, and extreme winters, which makes for a best destination for Northern Lights viewing. Cities like Rovaniemi, Levi, and Ivalo serve as the perfect base for your aurora-chasing adventure. What is more amazing about viewing Northern Light in the Lapland region of Finland is that it is dotted with glass igloos and resorts in the wild, providing comfortable accommodations, and allowing travellers to witness the Northern Lights from a cosy space.

Imagine the aurora dancing through the sky, zig-zagging its way in a dazzling display of light. And you, despite the cold, feel a warm glow spreading through your heart, as you sit inside a fire-heated cabin with a warm cup of ginger ale in your glove-covered hands. Its heat gently wafts to your nose, dancing with the soft notes of cello playing in the background.

Santa Claus Village

You heard that right! There is an official Santa Claus village located in the Rovaniemi city of Finland. With the Arctic Circle close by and a year-round Christmas spirit, Santa Claus Village is the perfect winter wonderland for the young at heart. Meet Santa Claus, rejoice in the gift of giving and sharing, dance to the tunes of flutes and banjo, stuff your face with freshly plucked berries and warm buttery bread, and share the good Christmas cheer, no matter the season. But when the night falls, remember to find a cosy spot and gaze upwards as the Northern Lights paint the sky.

Santa Claus Village is the perfect destination to encounter Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland.

Saariselkä Village

For those who seek a tranquil escape, Saariselkä village is the destination for Northern Lights in Finland. Surrounded by wilderness, Tykkylumi trees dotting the landscape, Saariselkä village provides a picturesque backdrop for a Northern Lights extravaganza. The village is covered in snow most of the year (about 7-8 months) which further enhances the tranquillity of the destination. To get a front-row view and an immersive experience of the Northern Lights in Finland, tourists can stay in glass igloos and chalets that are designed to provide an unobstructed view of the skies.

Tips for Spotting Northern Lights in Finland

One of the most exciting things about taking a Northern Lights tour in Finland is that Auroras move around the sky so often, that you need to time your trip and place right to witness this wonder. Finland is a magical country. With its enchanting landscape and light-filled city corridors, witnessing the Northern Lights in Finland requires a lot of patience and planning. But fear not, we have just the right tips for you. Read on to know more.

Time Your Journey

While the Northern Lights grace the Finnish skies throughout the years, the most magical time to witness this celestial spectacle is during the darkest days in winter.

Northern Lights are visible for roughly 200 nights a year during the autumn, winter and early spring nights.

Winter Seasons

The months from November to March are the best time to view the Northern Lights in Finland. This time of the year provides ample darkness for Auroras to paint the sky with their ethereal glow. As the snow blankets the landscape, turning the country into a winter wonderland, winter creates a magical atmosphere that will enhance the Northern Lights experience in Finland.

It is also the time, when other than chasing the Northern Lights, travellers can partake in winter activities in many regions of Lapland. From reindeer safaris to husky sledging and snowmobiling, the crisp winter air and snowy landscape will create an all-round immersive experience for you.

Autumn and Spring

It is a secret not popularly known, but the best aurorae-watching season begins at the end of August and September. Right after the autumn equinox when nights start getting darker and longer, as the Earth’s orientation towards the sun shifts and the interaction between the solar flares and the planet’s magnetic fields increases, is when Northern Lights are more visible than ever.

Get Far from the Bright Lights

To witness the full grandeur of Finland and the Northern Lights head to the Northern regions, with their midnight sun, polar nights, extreme cold winters and Santa Clause Village. Remote locations, open fields, hilltops, and lakeshores, away from light pollution will make for good viewing spots.  Though, make sure to stay warm. Consider booking a cosy wilderness cabin or an igloo to rest as you wait for the lights to appear.

Be Weather Wise

Make sure to keep a close eye on the weather forecast. Dark and cloudless skies are a great opportunity for a sighting. Staying up to date on the space weather will also pay off. You can also visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website to confirm the current Aurora activity in different parts of Finland.

Be a Little Patient

Hunting for Northern Lights requires a lot of patience, but the wait is worth every while. Northern Lights are most active in the late winter nights, so be prepared for late-night excursions. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland is between 21:00 to 02:00.

Sign Up for Guided Tours

Consider opting for a guided tour at the time of booking your Finland tour package. Guided tours are great for those who do not want to miss out on anything in Finland. And that includes the Northern Lights. These tours are led by experienced locals who can take you to the right spot at the right time, providing a better chance of sighting the Northern Lights from Finland. Some of these locations may be hard to find on your own, and guides who know the terrain well will be able to ensure a memorable and immersive experience.

You can also take a look at our group tour packages for great offers and deals.

Auroras are a natural phenomenon. And while geomagnetic disturbances happen unceasingly, there is no guarantee you will see them, but the search in itself is even more exciting.

While the Northern Lights in Finland are the major draw and are counted among the top to-do lists for every traveller, exploring the cities in Finland presents a joy of its own. Ranked top, for six consecutive years as the Happiest Country in the World, a trip to Finland will help you explore the hidden joy within yourself. With its unique culture, festivities, traditions, and friendly people, a trip to Finland is all you need this season.